G's Rants

This Blog Is Dead!!

2005-12-24T11:19:00.000-06:00

I did it. I pulled the trigger, been working like a mad-man the last three days and we are ready to go PUBLIC!!!

www.grantenglish.com

That's the location of the new blog starting at the end of this post.

Here is the link for the new feed as well but I hope all my subscribers will at least take a gander at the new site.

And yes - I got all of my old post into Wordpress....quite a little trick, not to hard actually. If this pastor thing doesn't work out, I'll go into business setting up blogs for pastors and ministers.

And so after 13 months and 560 posts - we're moving. See ya' on the G sides.

The Stallion is concerned about the Lion

2005-12-21T10:23:00.000-06:00

The Italian Stallion asked me this:

I’m not 100% of the fact that the phrase “lion of the tribe of Judah” is used for the first time in Rev. 5:5 (well, OK, yeah, explicitly it is); however, could the blessing spoken by Jacob to his sons in Genesis 49 be the deeper magic? Especially 49:9 “Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up he couches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion, who dares rouse him up?” (NASB). Namely, is there any support of this as some sort of quasi messianic prophecy?

Well, here's my answer - Revelation IS the first time (only time) that Jesus is specifically referred to as a Lion.

Could Genesis 49:9 be a Messianic prophecy? Sure, it COULD be and some scholars do interpret it as such. I think they are fine and okey dokey to do that but I don't think it is the MAIN thrust of the passage.

The main thrust of the passage is that Judah was the second son, not the first YET it would receive the first-son blessing and position. Judah would be the dominant tribe and Israel's leaders will come out of Judah.

What is more concerning to me is the Stallion's use of the NASB. I know Heath is into that kind of thing, but shortwavers aren't known for their Biblical prowess.

Forgiveness for Youth Pastors

2005-12-19T12:19:00.000-06:00

She loves me and my family. She's a huge voice of encouragment (on most days! he he) for us. And I think she's been lied to. She said this to me...

Sometimes we have to tone down who we are, especially after we meet Jesus. Take me for example - I was a hippie, crazy, funny, Jim Carrey like person. But if I acted who I really am in church, people here would just wig out.

This is how I responded:

I can't think of words strong enough to disagree with that statement. Somebody somewhere lied to you. What if God made you that way and by stuffing it and putting on a mask, you're hindering the work of God through you? What if by stuffing - that was more of a sin than the 'proper behavior?' You are funny and crazy and FUN. You should worship and serve in an environment that explodes and accentuates the God-placed DNA inside you. Not stuffed. What if we are taking the biggest weapon God has in advancing his kingdom out of his hand by "toning down" our true selves so that we all look the same?

But here is the truth of that interaction. She didn't always think that way. Somewhere in her life, it was communicated to her that belonging to Christ equated with belonging to the particular values and ideals of that group.

Instead of walking with her in her quest to figure out who she was/is supposed to be in Christ, somebody gave her a template of what 'works' or 'fit' in their small world. A way to dress, to speak, to interact, to dream, and to worship.

And in the process, the church was robbed of a uniquely gifted piece of the Body functioning the way He designed her to function.

May we who work with the moldable teens and leaders of today, not make the same mistake. And may God and others forgive us for our past mistakes.

Coop's B-day

2005-12-18T17:19:00.000-06:00

Today is the day that 8 years ago that punk kid named Cooper was born.

Here's to On the Border, bowling, Bronco football, Nintendo DS, and NBA Street Vol. 3.

The Ultimate Weekend for an 8 year-old.

It will end with chocolate chip cookies and more Xbox tonight.

One More Thing To The List

2005-12-16T10:53:00.000-06:00

After the huge generalizations of this post, I'd like to add two thoughts.

First, not all of the differences are age-based. For example, Row - my good friend, worship pastor, and partner-in-crime is WELL INTO THE BOOMER AGE GROUP (ha ha ha) but philosophically and behaviorally he's an X'er. (I've granted him an honorary membership to our generation.)

I also have a lot of guys I went to seminary with that were the exact opposite. Boomers in X'ers clothing.

Which brings up the second thought as illustrated with a story.

Last year, I ran into a pastor who went to the same seminary I did. He asked me if I was a backpacker or a briefcaser.

Allow me to unpack what that means. There is a pecking order on most seminary campuses.

The "real pastors" go to the school of theology, not religious education.
The "real pastors" get a MDIV with Biblical Languages degree, not JUST a MDIV, MRE or MA.
The "real pastors" carried their books in a briefcase and wore kakhis and collars.

I'm not sure what is more indicting - that I knew he meant all of this or that I actually continued the conversation with him.

I just smiled. "Yep, I was a backpacker. Complete with jeans, t-shirt, and baseball cap on bad hair days."

He smiled.

I continued. Why? Because I was arrogant and I had to have the last word. I'm so glad I'm grown up now. (insert sarcasm alarm here.)

"I kept my MDIV with Biblical Languages books in my backpack. Did you?"

"Uh, no."

"Then shut your face, you ignorant, non-Greek and Hebrew reading fake. How dare you insult my honor and your God by preaching out of anything but the original languages!"

Okay ..... I really didn't say that. (Nor do I feel that way.) But the exchange illustrates another big difference in how the two mindsets understand calling.

GENERALLY SPEAKING...

Boomers equate being equipped and trained (the sheepskins) with being called.

X'ers are going to have a more mystical understanding of calling that includes an individual's desire and the community's confirmation (or lack thereof).

All of this to say...I think in spite of (or BECAUSE OF) the two worlds can (and OUGHT TO) co-exist with each other. The harder question is how - especially for the smaller sized churches?

More thoughts coming...

A Blessing From Cynthia

2005-12-15T16:00:00.000-06:00

For Grant...2 Samuel 23:8-23 (David's Mighty Men)

Grant, you are blessed to be a warrior. Though you may want to curse the battle, your heart is willing -- not because you lust for war, but because you love your King.

May you cease to look at the size of the enemy, and may you fix your eyes on Him. Your prize is not in the spoils, but in the victory -- and it will come.

Now may the Lord bless you, may He keep ou, and may He fight beside you all your days.

Amen.

Domain Update

2005-12-15T11:02:00.000-06:00

Update on names...I realize at some point a decision must be made and quite honestly - ya'll aren't helping a whole lot.

I did find out today that my name literally means "large sneaky thief." (More on that in a minute...) Which, by the way is available as a domain. (Email me: Grant AT largesneakythief.com!)

gsrants.com
grantenglish.com
grantsdelusions.com
grantioch.com

The more I think about it, I'm going to go one of two ways. Either the quite boring but memorable grantenglish.com OR the completely outrageous largesneakythief.com OR largesneakypirate.com. I've got 7 days.

UPDATE: Epiphany???? what about thegsides.com?

The 4th Place, Part 3

2005-12-14T15:48:00.000-06:00

Part 1, Part 2, Part 2a

Marko said to grab the book The Search To Belong by Joseph R. Myers. Fortunately - Jim had it and that was exactly where all the ideas came from. He's let me borrow his until I get my own copy.

First - HOLY COW...what a great book. How the heck did I miss this one?

These are my ramblings about the 1st chapter. The stuff in italics are Joseph Myers. Blame me for the rest of it.

Common Myths About Belonging
More Time = More Belonging
The premise is that the more time you spend with someone, the more you belong. I always knew this was a myth. Otherwise I would still have such a great relationship with my high school basketball team.

A buddy of mine (Brian Briley) has a phrase - "The 212 Guys." These are the guys (or gals) you have instant rapport and trust, can get to boiling quick. Myers call the idea of keeping a bunch of people together who don’t connect for long periods of time – “forced relational hell.”

More Commitment = More Belonging
When we search to belong, we aren’t really looking for commitment. We simply want to connect.

See Marriage. Ouch! How true is this, though? 15-20 years of committed marriage but are they connected?

More Purpose = More Belonging
If this were true, every committee in America would be awesome and they’d all be friends.

More Personality = More Belonging
Of all the myths – this one indicts student ministry the most. (At least the way I use to do student ministry.) We elevate/celebrate/fake personality for the purpose of getting people involved and connected. If a student is outgoing, gregarious – that’s a student leader. If a small group is struggling and dieing it’s because the leader doesn’t have enough of a personality.

Ironic that most extroverts feel alone. When asked how they like having all those friends, most extroverts would answer the way 'Dave' did.

Dave said – “I have people who are comfortable around me. I am not comfortable around them. I’m scared they do not like me.” I am painfully aware of that statement.

Introversion and extroversion are learned forms of social behavior that help us navigate our day-to-day lives. They are categories for helping us understand and interpret our relational experiences. But introversion and extroversion neither block nor enhance our experience of belonging.

More Proximity = More Belonging
After seeing how teens from the US interact with teens in Brazil…this myth is being busted open. A teen has more in common and ‘belongs’ more with a teen in South America than his Baby Boomer next door neighbor. The digital age has made the neighborhood of the world…well, a neighborhood.

More Small Groups = More Belonging
This myth gets its own post tomorrow. This myth crawled up in my lap and slapped upside the head.

I have no idea how this is going to turn out, but I'm loving the journey.

Young Adults & Boomers = Love/Hate

2005-12-14T13:37:00.000-06:00

This is a great article and definitely worth the read if you are in a setting where X's, Y's, and Boomers collide.

Implications for church/ministry? Hmm, how do I tiptoe through this minefield? ha ha ha.

First, let's recognize I'm an X'er. So all of the generalizations of my generation - I probably represent that but I wouldn't admit it.

Second, while there is a whole truckload of implications for these differences in the family arena or even the career arena, I'm not going down that road. I'll let one of my fellow X'ers pick up that baton.

I'm going to try to focus on the church/ministry setting. Which leads me to say this...

Third, any resemblance to my current situation is purely coincendental and I hold no responsibility for that. Taking responsibility is a characteristic of the boomers, not the X'ers. :)

These are GENERALIZATIONS...so take 'em for what they are worth.

BOOMERS (Pull the pin)
1. I think Boomers have a tremendous amount of experience and insight to give to ministries and leaders.

2. I think Boomers TEND TO leverage their resources (money, influence) to perserve these experiences at the expense of a 'new song', new vision or new way of doing something.

3. I think Boomers are slower in giving away authority and releasing leaders...(Could it be because of a "we built it, we should run it" mentality?)

4. I think Boomers CAN BE incredibly self-focused in their programming and 'vision for ministry.' Example? The children's ministry was awesome and well-funded when they had children, the student ministry was incredible and well-funded when they had teenagers (thank you, by the way), the service now needs to meet the 45-60 age group now because we are empty nesters.

5. I think Boomers are great at throwing opinions/ideas at 'opportunities' but are reluctant to lend 'sweat equity.' In other words - great at giving money, not-so-great at time.

X'ers & Younger
1. I think (because every institution has failed us?) we are too easily jaded and quick to quit to do our own thing when we things don't go the way we want them.

2. I think we tend to see Boomers as 'deep pockets' instead of people who are also on the journey with Jesus.

3. I think we TEND to handle conflict with passive aggressiveness (just quit, not engage anymore, do what we want anyway, deal with consequences later) rather than biblical confrontation (face to face disagreement without trashing the other person).

4. I think we error on the side of jumping before thinking. Technology and movies immediately come to mind.

5. If Boomers are stingy with their time (see 5 above), we are stingy with our money.

So What?
Glad you asked. The process of implementing change in a church is hard enough, through these dynamics in the mix and you might have outright war. That might explain both the explosion of church closings AND church plantings.

Churches that have critical mass and funding - 'mega-churches' - answer the dilemna by 'divide and conquer.' Set up ministries for every age group with their own style of service, style of small group, style of communicator.

That's great if you are a church of 1,000 or more. But what if you aren't? What if you are a church of 500 or 150?

Is this just an American phenomenon or is this international? Europe? Africa?

Hmmm...still chewing.

In Search of the Ultimate Domain

2005-12-12T16:25:00.000-06:00

Okay - I'm seriously going to go after my own domain and host my blog there. I'm likin' the idea. I'm liking the toolin' around on Wordpress I'm doing....

Now the hard part...finding a domain name. So I hereby open up the "Name G's New Domain Contest." I'll put a permalink in the sidebar so that you can vote early and often.

But first - nominations. Add a comment, put your idea. It has to be AVAILABLE to be valid. You can check availability at register.com.

possible domain ideas....

g-splace.com
thegsplace.com
gluvsplace.com
cupofg.com
cupofg.us

strongcupofgrant.com
strongcupofgluv.com
strongcupofg.com
thegluv.com
gsjava.com
ventig.com

gsventi.com
ventifaith.com

Does thegluv.com sound too dorky? As I write this - I realize that I made it my email address - so if I had/have an issue with it...it's probably a little late. Carrying on...

I've also toyed with the idea of using the word "strata" - it's a geological term for layers. earthy faith with multiple layers. (might be too much of a stretch....but...)

grants-strata.com
strataofgrant.com
yamammaplayedastrata.com
yourfaceisastrata.com
yourmomthinksimhotwheniplaymystratacaster.com

Of course, that last one opens up a whole new set of ideas I would run with if I was single...

yourgirlfriendsayshi.com
dontbothergoinghome.com

None of those are really helpful for long term employment, but funny.

Another cool idea is to play with the .us tag instead of .com

theenemyis.us
myzitsarefullofp.us
gorideab.us
getofftheb.us
gotrunoverbyabigb.us

Alright...time to hear from the masses.

Repenting To My 6 Year Old

2005-12-12T15:16:00.000-06:00

We interrupt the English dinner last night to bring you this...

"This is crap."
Camber English, 6

Nobody said anything for a second. The first thought through my mind was "What is crap?" I think the first thought through Amy's was..."THIS IS MY 6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SAYING THIS!! GRANT ENGLISH, THIS IS YOUR FAULT!!!!!!"

Fortunately for both us, we neither one said what we were thinking. We just sat there.

Then I blew it. I really messed up.

"Honey - I don't want to hear that word from your mouth."

"Yes, sir. Why?"

"Because it's an ugly word, not a nice word and you're not ugly."

"Yes, sir."

Great job. I got my compliant answer of "Yes, sir," I affirmed her worth, but missed an opportunity to reach her heart. Why is it easier to look past the junk of others to their heart than my own kids? What was she talking about? The food? The situation that she was the last one at the table and was in danger of missing desert? The war in Iraq? What was going on in her mind?

So I parented the outside and missed the inside. I made sure the exterior looked (sounded) right and good and acceptable. In the process, I further confirmed that I'm more concerned in what she says than who she is and what she thinks.

I'm going to right a book - "How To Raise A Pharisee" and I'll sell bumper stickers with it - 2b1 ask1. I'll ask Rowland to write the musical that includes a big solo to the tune of "If I Were I Rich Man..." titled "If I Had A Clue Phone...(As To What I Was Doing, yada, yada, yada)."

Then I read this - it's Paul. "I consider them (all of his exterior 'merit badges') rubbish, that I may gain Christ."

The unfortunate thing about going to seminary and having all those Greek classes is that I actually remember some of it. Like the meaning of the word 'rubbish.' It's slang Greek for trash. I wonder what our English equivalent is?

For me, it's easier to listen to a man rant and cuss about his wife or kids - ignore the surface stuff and dive in for the heart issues. It's easier listening to a teen ramble along all of his (or her) issues in language I wouldn't use and then back door on the heart.

Why? Because that is how Jesus did stuff all the time. The most obvious "issues" and "sin" are never the real, heart issues. And you can correct it and miss the heart completely. And Jesus wanted the heart...all of it. And to do that - you need grace, patience, love, and vision for transformation.

I just wish I could parent that way.

I'm sorry, Camber. I'll be better.

Cliches I Want To Die

2005-12-12T13:51:00.000-06:00

In an effort to not throw up over the holidays, I would like to see the following sappy cliche sayings executed immediately...

"Wise Men Still Seek Him." (So why only this time of the year?)

"Don't take the Christ out of Christmas." (It's okay to take Him out of schools, homes, businesses, Easter, decision making for the family - but not okay concerning Christmas.)

"To some it's a holiday, to others it's a Holy Day." (I don't even want to comment on this one.)

"He's the Reason for the Season." (Just for the record - Biblical scholars think Jesus' real birthday was in April. It could be that the real reason we have Christmas when we have it is to redeem and reclaim a once pagan holiday. Which, I'm okay with.)

"Season's Greetings" (I never got this one. It's always a season and NOBODY uses the word greeting anymore except GREETING CARD companies. So technically this saying is appropriate all year long. Instead of Happy 4th of July - start saying "Season's Greetings.")

What are your's?

The Switch and The White Witch

2005-12-11T17:18:00.000-06:00

Well, I think the switch is going to be on. Right now, I'm going to wait for some Christmas money - then I am going to pony up, buy a domain, get my own site and run Wordpress.

I do like Blogsome though...been fun tweaking the blog over there....not quite ready for public yet.

This morning - preached on the White Witch for our Narnia series. We had a guest worship leader. He did a fine job. So don't take what I'm going to say next wrong...

But I missed Rowland. We spend so much time with each other - it's like we can read each other's mind. Plus, we kinda just 'know' what kind of mood or pace should be going on.

So, I just needed to say that.

A Blogging Change?

2005-12-09T10:18:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking of moving away from Blogger as my main blog tool. I love it, it's easy, fast, fairly reliable but there are a couple of features that the more I blog, the more I want.

Comment RSS/Subscription
Categories
Search This Blog feature - yes, google has one but it doesn't work with archived pages. At least I haven't gotten it to work.

I'm flirting with Blogsome. But the thought of starting a blog over from scratch is just...well, it's work.

It isn't safe, but it's good...

2005-12-08T22:49:00.000-06:00

Just got out of a screening of Narnia. WOW. Very well done. I'll go see it again.

SPOILER ALERT...STOP READING...

Couple of favorite parts of the movie - they completely got the White Witch right.

The Beavers were perfect.

And Aslan's roar when she questions his honor .... it rattled the theater. AWESOME!!!

There was a 1st grader sitting behind. She completely lost it when Aslan was killed. She just cried and cried and cried.

Great movie!

The 4th Place, Part 2A

2005-12-08T08:25:00.000-06:00

Part 1
Part 2

I'd like to backtrack and change my mind about something I wrote yesterday.

I said this:

I'd argue it's still about intimacy with Christ and others that is the bullseye, but the starting point is different.

I'd like to challenge that. Having an "intimate" relationship with Jesus that never penetrates a larger circle - public and social - is monasticism.

There's nothing wrong with monasticism. I just don't think it's complete. It's not incorrect, it's incomplete. Not whole.

So I think I'd like to reframe what I said to this:

I'd argue that the bullseye is to have a WHOLE, complete relationship with Jesus that covers all the places.

There...I think that's better.

The 4th Place, Part 2

2005-12-07T21:09:00.000-06:00

So we've got these 4 places: public, social, personal, and intimate. The modern mind wants to see these as phases to be worked through. There is some validity/truth to that as long as you are not picky as to which one is the starting point and which direction that process goes.

Here's what I'm 'supposing' (at least in Little Rock.) You've got a segment of folks whose entry point to meeting Jesus is going to be the public place. It's large, they can get lost, they can test and taste with major exposure. It's also a part of the culture of the South - you go to church.

(Although I'd quickly add that this is changing. In the next 5 to 10 years, Little Rock will be decidedly less churched...that's another post, another day.)

For this type of folk - their growth challenge will be to move toward community/intimacy.

However, there are people who just hate the public space and will immediately gravitate towards the personal place. They are wired that way, they want that kind of friendship...lots of reasons why. The point is that personal space becomes their entry point.

I'd argue it's still about intimacy with Christ and others that is the bullseye, but the starting point is different.

At Grace - our public space is good. Sure, we've got some places to grow and stretch but overall the public place is a great first taste of God and Grace.

The wheels fall off the wagon for us in the next two places...which I'll unpack tomorrow.

Email Convo with Harry Anderson

2005-12-07T15:05:00.000-06:00

Harry:

Heard a rumor today that Houston Nutt will replace Barnett at Colorado. HUH?

Grant:

Is Colorado that desperate?

What New Youth Pastors Really Need To Know

2005-12-07T14:23:00.000-06:00

1. There is no such thing as "cool clipart." It all looks ridiculous and cheesy. Let's just call it what it is and go on with life.

2. No. We really don't NEED one more lock-in, car wash, fundraiser, or t-shirt.

3. Okay, I got carried away with that last one - we do need lots of t-shirts.

4. Dress does matter. Don't ever show up to a youth event in a suit or business casual for that matter.

5. Students are loud, immature, and random. Don't confuse that with stupidity.

6. It is completely acceptable to name an event - 5.36, Fastbreak, Amped, Unplugged, My Dear Aunt Sally's Rose Garden.

7. It is completely uncool and ridiculous to name the entire youth ministry. They are drawn by relationship, not fluff. Plus the guy/girl behind you is going to change it anyway.

8. Your volunteers are your greatest assett and lifelines. They are not obstacles. Trust them implicitly.

9. Get some rubber chickens.

10. Take your calling seriously but not yourself.

11. The stupider the game - the more popular. Conversely, the more complicated the game, the lamer it ends up being.

12. All games are better in the dark.

13. And with loud music.

14. The best conversations happen on the way home and after curfew.

Jeremy's Plan

2005-12-07T12:24:00.000-06:00

Jeremy noted here that he would love to have his picture on my blog. Well, here you go, Jer.

Now to steal a page from marko, put your favorite caption for here in the comments. The winner gets to free lodging and meals if they decide to ever go see Jeremy.

The 4th Place

2005-12-06T19:44:00.000-06:00

I had lunch the other day with Jim Wilson, the small group/teaching pastor at Fellowship Bible Church, Conway. In the ongoing attempt to move folks from congregation/large group to small group/community, he's given up on the guilt trip.

In other words - to say and communicate from up front that you don't belong if you aren't in worship and a small group doesn't really endear or encourage people to get involved. If anything, it insults them and could be a huge discouragement as to where they are on their own spiritual journey.

As Jim was saying this, I was reminded of marko leaving his own church because of a similiar thing - insulting those who are on the journey. Unfortunately, I was also reminded of my own words in the not so distant past.

Jim brought the need for 4 places - just from a sociological point of view.

A public place - celebration/crowd arena.
A social place - a place to hang and get to know
A personal place - a place to let the guard down and be real
An intimate place - a place to be completely undone and vulnerable.

I was already racing ahead in my convo with Jim. If those are the 4 places that people live - as a church (Grace particularly) we are just aiming at 2, hoping that one of them leads to a 3rd.

Furthermore - we don't see those things as a journey - we see them as slots to fill. I'm not sure that's healthy either.

Now here are my first thoughts about all of this....

1. I think Life Groups can be a personal place in which our intimate place exists. (You find your lifewalking crew inside your Life Group.)

2. We (Grace) are doing a pretty cruddy job of social places. I do think they are needed - times to hang and laugh and play and eat and celebrate.

3. I think the key is have places for folks to plug in at whatever level they feel comfortable in - but the goal is to move towards an intimate place (transformational living).

Over the next week, i'm going to try to unpack each of these places in our church setting.

The real hard part will come after that - implementing those ideas!!

Kristi, Kristy, Kristie, Kristey

2005-12-05T15:10:00.000-06:00

Most people would have considered it an honor to even be mentioned on my blog, let alone a photo. But now we are getting all --- catty about it. For the back story....look here.

Other Acceptable Names for Kristi/Kristy/Kristie/Kristey:

Rich's Rib
The K-Meister
The Smirnoff Killer
The 5k'er. (Could be kilometers...could be kegs...you never know.)
The Alto
Captain Obvious ...(Where's Moe's? Where's the start? Where's BB Kings?)

Make your vote count...

Beale Street and Jesus

2005-12-05T12:37:00.000-06:00

BB's was standing room only Saturday night. So the 6 of us fought our way to the back corner, found a small table and were waiting for another to open up. The table next to ours was occupied by a partially drunk man, his date (I think), and another woman who smoked like a chimney. They were all over 50.

They offered us their table when they were done - they were waiting to check out. In that short 5 minutes we talked about the Rolling Stones, Little Rock, the Fed-Ex Forum, The Pyramid, and London, England.

I liked him. He was friendly, engaging, and fun. I think he liked me too.

And that got me thinking - 8 years ago I would not have liked him. I would have judged him. I would have told you that the biggest problem in his life was alcohol...maybe smoking...maybe listening to the Rolling Stones. Now, only 1 of those 3 really bother me.

(Sorry, just not a big Stones fan. I don't get 'em. Plus the fact that one of them is going to die on national television during the Super Bowl Halftime show is really disturbing me.)

In fact, 8 years ago, I wouldn't have even been in a position to talk to him. Last week I went to the Bridge and met some other guys (and girl) that I like. I would not elevate my life as the model of transformation...far from it. I take to long to allow God to work.

But He is working. I'm getting a taste of what it means to minister out of compassion and calling as opposed to guilt and duty. I'm getting a taste of what it means to taste and see that God is good.

As Jesus has demanded a re-evalution of my previously held values over the last few years, He painfully pointed out a shocking absence from them.

People.

And that 5 minute conversation with a half-drunk man on Beale Street reminded me that God's not through with anybody...even me.

Spelling Correction

2005-12-05T08:57:00.000-06:00

Amy just informed me that Kristy spells here name Kristy, not Christy. Which is a perfectly fine way to spell Christy - with a K.

Personally, I'm favorable to C names...but K is fine.

I also have a history with spelling the right name the wrong way.

Peg This

2005-12-04T21:30:00.000-06:00

You know those little peg games at Cracker Barrel? Well...here is your winner. Unbelievable...first time, Angela drilled it.

2005-12-04T21:18:00.000-06:00

Here are the 3 runners...they did so well, they wrapped them in gift wrap after the race.

Okay - not really. It's some kind of foil that is supposed to keep you warm. Just imagine 6,000 of them, all catching reflections of something. The race ended inside Auto Zone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds.

They Are In There...

2005-12-04T21:17:00.000-06:00

Somewhere in there, Amy and Angela are ready to roll. 6,000 runners in downtown Memphis...quite a sight.

2005-12-04T21:14:00.000-06:00

Memphis Weekend

2005-12-04T21:03:00.000-06:00

Amy and I went with some good friends to Memphis. Kristy and Angela workout with Amy so when one runs in a race - we all end up going. Angela and Amy ran the half-marathon, Kristy up and signed up for the 5k...impressive.

This weekend - the St. Jude Memphis Marathon & Half Marathon. We also spent some time at BB Kings place. Wow - food was awesome, music was better.

Homemade Pizza Night

2005-12-01T22:15:00.000-06:00

If you got some Grands biscuits (cheese are best), Italian dressing, pepperoni, cheese - you can have a homemade pizza night!

Slap 'em in the oven for 10 minutes...viola -- pizza!

The kids loved it...

I'm feeling a little violent...

2005-12-01T16:17:00.000-06:00

Okay - tonight for the first time in weeks...months...I have absolutelty nothing to do.

Do you know how awesome that is???

I'm feeling that the universe needs defending...

On X-box live...

say, around...9 ish....

anybody else wanna play?

A New Naked Blog

2005-11-30T16:24:00.000-06:00

Got your attention? I wonder how many filters are going to let this post through??

I've been reading a couple of blogs religiously - pun intended - that I have to pass on. I'll update my blog roll later tonight.

The first one - nakedreligion.com

Today's topic - church membership. I love IT!!!!! He argues that membership implies participation, financial committment, and a buy in on mission and vision of church (not a need to change it and complain about it.) Otherwise - it's meaningless and might as well not have it.

Can I get a freakin' amen to that?

The second one is Mark Batterson's blog of the Theatre Church in DC. I also subscribe to his podcast.

I'm seriously resonating here....can you hear it?

Cranky Uniform Czar Emerges

2005-11-30T02:32:00.000-06:00

I will now put on my uniform czar title and hat. Mainly because the update on the NFL uniform ranks is coming...it is a playoff tradition on G's Rants.

But first - a litte warm up for us all.

This junk here on the right. This photo shows 2 of the most hideous football uniform mistakes of the 2005 season.

First, Virginia Tech. Don't jack with a different color on the sleeve. What is that all about? Then to only do it on ONE sleeve? What drugs are you taking from Marcus Vick? Looks like something Paula Abdul would wear.

Miami - do they have a decent uniform other than the classice orange jersey they used to wear? The green uni with the green helmets? Major suckage there. Then there are these unis. They are bearable...but they are not good.

What is with the green stripe that wraps around the ENTIRE jersey...for no apparent reason. Kinda like evacuation plans in Miami...why do we have them?

The Detriot Lions...specifically Matt Millen. Fire Marriucci on Thanksgiving weekend because of your draft picks. That makes complete sense. Plus your uniforms are quite honestly just as offensive as the product on the field.

Then to elevate Jauron - who could not win in Chicago? You are telling me that Jauron is a better option than Marriucci? My only hesitation in telling Matt Millen to resign is that then I would have to listen to him even more because he'd go back to the TV Booth.

Which would be bad for us all...not just Detriot.

It is over!

2005-11-30T01:58:00.000-06:00

One week of blog fasting...didn't know if it was Grantly possible.

It is. Now I don't have to prove that again.

What I got out of the time ----

Spent more time reading and writing in journal. Never a bad investment there.
Spent more time in thin places/God moments.

I also got a yearning for a 'return' if you will to the point of this endeavor in blogdom.

Have some laughs, be vulnerable, challenge other leaders, dare to try/risk getting the crazy stuff inside my brain outside of it.

Here we go...again!

Sweet Home Alabama?

2005-11-23T13:33:00.000-06:00

We're in Grove Hill - here's a link to a satellite picture of where we are. It's a little blurry...I guess south Alabama doesn't deserve a sharp picture.

Couple of housekeeping comments...

Nixon - man, you honor me. Thanks for the nomination. I won't win but it's a honor to even be nominated...right? hahaha...

And - next week, me and you, coffee. when and where?

Clay - I find it humorous that you come crawling out of the woodwork AFTER football season is over. Hat tip to Arkansas for beating a young Kansas team. Stan Heath should have a great team this year, make the tournament, scare the bejesus out of a higher rank team in the first round, but lose in the second.

Blogging will be lighter/less than usual...happy thanksgiving.

Preaching Narnia

2005-11-22T10:37:00.000-06:00

We (Grace Church) will be "journeying" through Narnia this December - coinciding with the motion picture release on December 9th. I love the idea. I love the books. There are some major theological issues that we get to unpack with this series.

The rub is - the movie has to be good. If it is average - it might as well suck. It has to be good from a production standpoint, a sound standpoint, special effects, acting, script, and directing standpoint. In short - it can't be like most of the junk that is coming out of Hollywood.

So...I'm a little nervous but the more trailers I see, the more I like it. I want the White Witch to be seductive and terrible. I want Aslan to scare the pants off of me the first time I see him in the movie, but I want to irresistably trust him.

Mainly because I think that is exactly how evil and God are in real life.

2005-11-21T16:39:00.000-06:00

In an article that I don't think could have been better written, the man-ability of handwarmers are discussed.

I emailed Paul Lukas - as it appears that we have a kindred spirit.

Other questions that I feel need to be addressed:

1. towels for anyone other than the center.
2. hand whistles for the refs...what the heck? it's like they are covering a burp or a yawn every play.
3. red flags for coaches - where should they be stored? hanging out of the pocket looks complete ridiculous, stuffed in pants...well, that looks ridiculous as well.
4. big collars on linebackers.

My opinion on the handwarmers...

First of all - I prefer the in-line pockets on the jersey.

Second of all - if a quarterback is going to wear a gay handwarmer...
1. It should be the same color as the jersey.
2. It should NEVER be turned around to look like a fanny pack.

I think that's all I got on this one.

Low Tide

2005-11-20T14:30:00.000-06:00

Well, I think I've seen about the 3 ugliest quarters of football in Alabama history.

The last two of the LSU game and the first one of the Auburn game.

Is it a coincidence that those are the same quarters that Mike Shula forgot how to run the ball? I think not.

Good night - the Alabama offensive line looked like a colander.

Agggggh. To be that close to a BCS bowl and possible undefeated season....

Could be worse. Could be a Razorback fan.

Congrats to the Tigers. Both of them.

I'm About To See Goblet of Fire

2005-11-18T14:26:00.000-06:00

I'd just thought I would tell you all that. Inquiring minds wanted to know, I'm sure.

Other thoughts I am having...

I'm finally recovered from Alabama's loss to LSU. Ready to destroy Auburn.

The only real metric measurement I'd like to see the US switch to is temperature.

Okay - maybe kilometers as well. I'd just like to be able to say - "I drove 120 to get here on time!"

I miss the snow and the mountains.

It's not even Thanksgiving and Santa was at the mall today. Christmas music is playing. Decorations are going up. These are all PARTY FOULS. Whatever happened to waiting after Thanksgiving?

Time to go to Hogwarts.

Crash and Not-so-closet Racism

2005-11-17T08:10:00.000-06:00

Watched the movie Crash last night, with Don Cheadle - who I think is the best actor you've never heard of.

It's rated R for a reason - language, violence, brief nudity - but the themes it deals with and the twists in the story are incredible. If they had removed the brief nudity and softened the language a bit, I would have made it required watching for students.

It exposes racism by everyone and just when you think you've found a character that's pure and will lead you out of it...a twist.

All have fallen short...

Potter on trial

2005-11-16T23:48:00.000-06:00

Here we go again...

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire opens this weekend...just in case you've been in a lockdown unit. And the "Ban the Potter" messages are coming. It's too bad about that really.

The books are incredibly written and the movies are decent. Great stories - and it's impossible to keep the Gospel out of great stories. Personally - I'm going to see the movie.

Serenity Prayer

2005-11-16T10:04:00.000-06:00

Had a good friend email this to me yesterday. It's been a long time since I read the whole prayer. Here it is.

God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace.

Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it.
Trusting that You will make all things right
If I surrender to Your will.

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr

No Metric Zone

2005-11-16T09:53:00.000-06:00

Here's the deal Jeremy - we like Canada. We really do. See here for confirmation.

It's just that the rest of world is just wrong using metric instead of inches, feet, pounds, and miles.

And that's all I got to say about that.

My Dear Friend Wayne

2005-11-15T10:38:00.000-06:00

A few months ago - I learned that I am cooler than 92% of the world. Proof is here.

Then Wayne responded with this.

Then of course - I had to respond with this.

Do any of you remember this?

At any rate - Wayne's final comment here might just have me beat.

I mean, who can argue with the The Italian Stallion? Who can compete with an Italian heritage? He's probably got mob ties as well.

2005-11-14T23:38:00.000-06:00

Wayne and I are having a little...well, a little discussion over my use of 2k5 to give the year instead of 2005.

Wayne wrote:

Just so you know – the 2k5 stuff drives me nuts – technically you should be typing 2.005k at which point it’s just easier to type 2005.

Grant wrote:

wait a minute.....why wouldn't it be 2k5? a k is a thousand....so is 2 thousand 5...which makes sense.

what the heck is 2.005k....that's 2 and 5 thousandths....that makes no sense. and the point isn't what is EASIER - that is so thinking like an engineer...

The point is what is COOLER...more RIGHT BRAINED, if you will...a subject in which you struggle mightily with.

Wayne wrote:

Yes, if you are writing checks you would write two thousand five for 2005, but you would not write 2 thousand 5.

“k” or “kilo” is a prefix multiplier meaning 10 raised to the third power (which equals 1000). So, when you say 2.005k you are saying 2.005 x 1000 = 2005. Just like 2.5 kB is 2500 Bytes or 2.5x1000.

Got it?

I have no problem with being right brained – as long as you are technically accurate.

Grant wrote:

Listen, we are not talking about bytes or writing checks. I'm willing to accept a check from you if wish for 2 thousand 5, but we are talking about dates.

Which of course might be another foreign concept for you...(How exactly did you woo Amy G anyway...I mean, she's really pretty.)

Plus the fact that 2k5 looks better, sounds better, and writes better should override the engineer's desire to be technically accurate.

Sun AM @ Grace

2005-11-13T17:15:00.000-06:00

We had a missionary from Frontiers talk this morning at Grace. He had some pretty challenging statements. He said that the terrorist attacks against the United States are not over. There will be more.

Then he asked would the Christians of the US still love them? How do you respond to that?

He noted that Islam is a religion that deceives and Muslims are people that Jesus died for.

Good words.

In The E-Hallway of Grace....

2005-11-11T14:15:00.000-06:00

G: Hey, C - can you email me the updated Life Group Leader list with phone numbers, emails, and addresses?

C: I put a hard copy in your box. Our database is unable to email out that information.

G: I'm sure there is a perfectly logical explanation as to why we have a database program that we can't email out of.....right?

C: I'm just the messenger.

My Boy Z

2005-11-11T13:14:00.000-06:00

It's dangerous to brag on students. The line between incredible faith and incredible stupidity is such a fine one. But it's one I love to walk myself.

I wanna brag on Z. He's a junior in high school. He's also a high school boys life group leader. He's starting a clothes drive for the BBP. That would be the Broadway Bridge Project. They feed the homeless every Tuesday night under the Broadway Bridge in downtown Little Rock.

He sends me this email....

The Broadway Bridge Project (BBP) is a small group of people who go down under the broadway bridge and feed and hangout with the homeless. With the weather changing and getting into colder temperatures the homeless are going to need some heavier clothes and blankets.

Things needed for the BBP:
* Jackets
* Blankets
* Shoes and Boots (Boots help some of the men find jobs on construction sites)
*All types of clothing ( as long as they are in good shape)

There will be a drop place at grace which will be marked "BBP"

If you have any questions please call Z.

Who said that teenagers can't change the world?

Heath & Ann - my heroes

2005-11-10T22:23:00.000-06:00

Here is the full story from Heath's perspective. Here it is from Ann's.

Bottom line - Little One's future, from a human perspective is not good.

But Heath has said it best - this circumstance has increased our faith, proven our community, and demanded our dependence.

Glory to God.

Leading Worship

2005-11-10T15:32:00.000-06:00

I lead worship this weekend at Grace. I like leading worship. It's fun - especially with the musicians we have at Grace...gosh, we've got some talented ones.

But it does come with some ....'problems.'

Should I rock out on my Gretsch hollow body then shift to the acoustic or vice versa?
Chorus pedal - with or without distortion?
When to turn off the chorus effect - when it's in a lull and just finger pick the song OR at a verse/chorus break?

Secondly - practice. I love it but I hate having one more night away from the house. Sunday night, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday were/are all taken up this week.

But, I still like it.

Cuba Gooding Jr....What happened?

2005-11-09T21:31:00.000-06:00

I think Cuba Gooding, Jr. is one of the most talented actors on the planet. Ever.

Look at his resume'!

But where the heck has he been?? Just flippin' channels and ran across As Good As It Gets, saw his performance there and was just wondering....

The Downs of Pastoring

2005-11-08T13:42:00.000-06:00

I hate hospitals. Hate 'em. Had a mentor/pastor used to say that hospitals were where Christ does His best work.

I hate to disagree with a mentor...but it's also the site of some of the most intense pain. It's in the hospital that the 15 second sound-bite theology that says "God is in control" or "It will all work out" is exposed for what they really are...trite.

In Emporia, the hospital was the site of my best friend's wife delivering a still-born child. I was allowed back with the family - he was a pastor of another church in town. I just lost it. Cooper was just a few months old, this was their first child...I was just worthless.

Today I get to go to Baptist with some more friends as they try to find out if their baby is going to make it. Little One didn't have kidneys or maturing lungs at the last sonagram. Today is the follow test to make sure.

I just feel completely worthless and useless in these situations.

I want to see a miracle today.

I want to see God show off.

I want to see speechless doctors.

Sheryl Crow Quote

2005-11-07T10:32:00.000-06:00

"I can promise you at this game there will be no wardrobe malfunction.''

Sheryl Crow, the singer, upon being introduced as the halftime entertainment for the Dallas-Denver Thanksgiving Day game to benefit the Salvation Army.

Well, I don't know if that is good news or not. :)

Blogging Fast Over

2005-11-07T09:48:00.000-06:00

Thank you Zack for your comment but someone who updates their blog yearly should NOT critique one that is off for a weekend...ha hah...

I took the weekend - went to Memphis on Thursday and Friday to see the in-laws who were working a conference.

Watched Alabama stay undefeated, Miami dismantle Virginia Tech, took the wife to PF Changs (thanks Nathan and Lisa!!), and overall just unplugged from the computer.

But I'm back....multiple posts coming today.

Classic SBC

2005-11-03T09:34:00.000-06:00

This is just classic SBC in the states...

The short of it is this:

The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention has unanimously passed a resolution encouraging Christian parents to look into whether their local public schools are involved in homosexual activism and, where this is the case, to pursue alternative choices for their children's education.

The measure submitted to the convention by messenger Mark Cole urges Texas Southern Baptists to investigate whether the public schools in their area are promoting homosexuality and, if so, to seek more suitable options for their kids -- options such as private Christian schools or home education. Dr. Gary Ledbetter, a spokesman for the Texas Convention, says the public school resolution is similar to one passed last summer at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.

The response of the religious in Jesus' day to the 'unclean' and 'unrighteous' was guilt, isolationism, withdrawal, judgement, and emotive, accusatory language. And Jesus hated that more than he did the 'unclean' and the 'unrighteous.'

Dr. Ledbetter, I urge you to re-read Jesus and re-think your position. Is withdrawal, judgement, isolation, and emotive, accusatory language going to introduce the 'unclean' and the 'unrighteous' to Jesus? Their biggest problem isn't their sexual orientation, it's that they don't know how crazy in love Jesus is with them.

Will this really help?

The Baby and the Bath Water

2005-11-02T17:15:00.000-06:00

Great discussion here about the nobility of ministry versus the reality of it.

I resonate with Mile20 on many points - the attrition rate for other professions may be just as high, at least what we do matters.

I also think that some churches just don't get how to treat people in general, let alone their pastors. That makes everyone tense. Another thing - while I'm ranting - it humors me that if I walk into a doctors office or a lawyers office and try to tell them how to do their job - I'm seen as an arrogant, immature, pain in the rear.

Yet - if a lawyer or doctor walks up to me and trys to tell me how to do my job, he's seen as a leader and man/woman of insight.

On the flip side - it takes a level of maturity to see through the crap to see God working. A level that most young ministers - me included - don't have when the temperature is the hottest.

My Favorite Podcasts

2005-11-02T08:09:00.000-06:00

If you have an iPod, you already know the coolness that is called Podcasting.

Below are my favorite Podcasts (links are to iTunes subscription site)...what are yours?

Mosaic, Erwin McManus...Philippians series right now
Legacy Church, Gene Wilkes - The Barbarian Way series now
Danube International Tom & Jerry's church in Budapest.

Mike Shula Press Conference - Alabama football, 'nuf said
Ebert & Roeper @ the movies - their weekly show on the iPod

Grace Church - a little self-pimping here...forgive me.

2005-11-01T23:43:00.000-06:00

G Luv

Young Pastors Leaving the church in droves

2005-11-01T10:23:00.000-06:00

Here is the full post complete with comments if you want to read it. The premise is that a whole generation of leaders are leaving the church for these reasons.

1. The discontinuity between what they imagined ministry to be and what it actually is is too great.

2. A life without weekends sucks.

3. The pay is too low (most pastors in my denomination make less money than a school teacher with five years experience).

4. They are tired of driving ten year old cars while their congregations trade in their cars every two years.

5. Many young pastors are called into difficult congregations that chew pastors up and spit them out because experienced pastors know better.

6. Even though the search committee told them they wanted to reach young people, they didn’t really mean it.

7. When the pastor asked the search committee if they were an “emergent church”, the members of the search committee thought he said “divergent church” and agreed.

8. Nobody told the young pastor that cleaning the toilets was part of the job description.

9. The young pastor’s student loans came due and the amount of money he/she owes on a monthly basis exceeds his/her income.

10. Working at McDonalds has alot less stress.

Fortunately for me - I've avoided a lot of those reasons but a couple of them hit a nerve...primarly #1, #5, and #6.

I don't want to absolve my generation of all blame. Many of us got into church work without first wrestling with whether we were called. We then drug our wives into it before wrestling with whether she was called as well. And some of us are a lot more in love with the idea of being in ministry than actually following Jesus.

I think it was Spurgeon that said if you can do anything else besides pastoring, do it.

Maturity and stories

2005-10-31T11:03:00.000-06:00

Concerning the spiritual discipline of encouragement...

This is a hard discipline for most of for two reasons.

1. Our personal stories - it's full of disappointment, hurt, anger, abuse, and shame. How does one overcome that to BE an encourager for someone else?

2. Our immaturity - it takes someone with some level of maturity to see past the obvious failures and rough edges to what God is doing inside someone else. It's easy to critique the shell, harder to see through it to where God works. Easier to question someone elses motives and intentions than to lifewalk with them through issues to get a glimpse of the working of the Holy.

Which obstacle is/has been harder for you to overcome?

500th Post and a month off

2005-10-30T17:09:00.000-06:00

What an anti-climatic 500th post...A Sunday afternoon with a splitting sinus headache.

I'm watching the Broncos completely destroy the Eagles.

And I'm realizing that the next time I preach is December 11th. Kinda weird, huh? The good news is that I'll now have some opportunities to grab some face time with our LIFE Group leaders and coaches.

Saturday Goals and other musings

2005-10-29T09:38:00.000-05:00

1. Clean out garage...to use it actually for the cars.

2. Driving Range with Cooper.

3. Find movie that Amy and I both want to watch tonight.

FFL Update...

CBS League - tied for first place in my division. I like my team against the others in my division but don't know if that will translate into a league title.

Yahoo League - 2nd place, most points in league, but 2 games behind. I'm 5-2, the leader is 7-0. Long season.

While we are at it

2005-10-28T16:29:00.000-05:00

At first I thought it was a joke...but apparently - we're dead serious.

A lanyard for the iPod shuffle. Are we freakin' serious?

If we are going to do stupid stuff like this - how about something useful...

a Christian X-box controller...

a LIVESTRONG band of many colors that shows the way to heaven...

downloadable hymn ringtones...

LIVING water waterbottles...

for the edgy - dangling cross earring...

for the redneck - "my truck is dirty but my soul is as white as snow" bumper sticker...

also for redneck - Get Right, or Get Left mudflaps...

The "Real" Andy Stanley??

2005-10-27T16:19:00.000-05:00

This might be the greatest prank in my blogdom world, but it's worth it if it is...

Remember Catalyst Conference I went to? And my 10 minutes with Andy Stanley?

"Andy" commented - and honestly - it sounds exactly like him. Inviting, funny, self-effacing, and disarmingly humble. And I think I'm going to take him up on the offer!

If it was you, Andy, thanks for the comment and the risks you take leading.

If it wasn't...well...it's still a pretty good comment.

Speaking at ABA

2005-10-27T07:35:00.000-05:00

I’m speaking in an hour at Arkansas Baptist Academy all-school assembly. Middle schoolers and high schoolers…going to be fun. Below is what I’ll say.

What are your top 5 goals of your life?

Got your answers to those? Turn the person next to you and tell ‘em what they are.
Here were mine in high school:

Get a degree….or two. However many would get my parents off my back.
Decide on a career that I could make a living but have a lot of fun doing it.
Find a hot wife.
Travel the world.
Have a kickin’ family that likes being around each other.

How many of you had a similar list? Now here is the kicker – I’m 36 and I’ve accomplished every one of my life goals. Pretty pathetic, huh?

Barna asked over 2000 Christian students – students who said they had a personal relationship with Jesus - in 2004 the same question. Here are the answers, raise your hand if one of your top 5 is mentioned.

having a college degree (88%)
having a comfortable lifestyle (83%)
having one marriage partner for life (82%)
having close personal friendships (84%)
having good physical health (87%)
having a clear purpose for living (77%)
living with a high degree of integrity (71%)

That’s a pretty good list, isn’t it? There is nothing inherently evil on that list, is there? I don’t think so. But here is the rub…there is nothing exactly world changing about that list either. In Barna’s survey – maintaining a close personal relationship with Jesus didn’t even crack the top 7. So much for the God first, family second, church third paradigm, huh?

So, that’s the reason I’m here this morning. To warn you and to apologize to those of you who call Jesus the boss and leader of your life and ask forgiveness. I bought the lies that my leaders told me, then I repeated them as a youth pastor and as a friend. I have failed you. Miserably. I’ve sold you a lie and it’s time to come clean and repent.

I was lied to about the world out there. I was told it was evil and mean and it would hurt me and wound me. So I get into church work and guess what? It is evil, mean, it hurt me, and wounded me.

That isn’t the whole truth about the world...or the church for that matter.

It’s also full of people created in the image of a God they have never met and they don’t know how crazy He is about them. It’s full of people who care about poor people, homeless people, hurting people, and outsiders and the environment. Because they see value in those things – maybe more than those of us that follow Jesus. It’s full of wonder and amazement and glimpses of the Holy.

It’s also a hostage in a prison they can’t see, taste, touch, or smell.

I was lied to about how to deal with the world. I was told to isolate yourself, make yourself a fortress. Garbage in, garbage out, keep away from the unclean. I was told to be cautious and detached and serious. Because people who love Jesus are serious with people who don’t know Jesus.

If the world is in a prison – I know the only way out. It’s Jesus and my mission is to do jailbreaks all the time. And the only way they are going to know how crazy Jesus is about them is if I’m crazy about them. And love them. And dare to risk for their sakes.

I was lied to about the personality of Jesus. I was told he was safe, kind, and nice. And he played with lambs and had blonde hair and blue eyes. He’s not any of those things. He’s the guy that walked up in a room full of religious zealots and said – you guys are a bunch of sons of Satans. You look good on the outside, but the insides of you are dead, you stupid bunch of two faced liars.

Read the stories of him healing people – the blind man in John. Spits on the dirt enough to make two mud pies to cover the guys eyes – remember – he’s blind, not deaf. Then he says – go wash yourself off.

The woman at the well – Hey bring me your husband. I don’t have a husband. You’re right – and the man you are sleeping with now isn’t your husband either.

The man stood toe to toe with the most powerful army in the world and didn’t flinch. He was a monster leader, not a nice guy.

He was the most passionate (compassionate) person to ever walk the earth. Jesus said he looked at the city of Jerusalem and he was moved to tears – saying how he wanted to cover them as a mother hen covers her chicks. He’d see a wedding and join it. He’d enjoy long walks in the woods and wilderness. He was a homeless man, himself. Jesus would meet these people and love them. He would have long talks at night, at parties and dinners. He would speak truthfully and plainly and lovingly. He would break barriers of race and religion and traditions because he loved people.

I was lied to about how important I am. I was told I was precious in his sight. I was told that I mattered and I was the center of it all.

I caught myself repeating the phrases I heard all my life…“What is God’s will for MY life?” “What does God want ME to do?” with the emphasis on the ME and not a lot on GOD.

Here is the truth – my significance is in Christ and what He’s doing and the story he is writing. I'm significant in that I have an opportunity to join a revolution. I'm significant in that I've been invited to be a son of the King. I'm significant in that Jesus will use me to change the world….

but the story isn't about me...or my goals or my dreams of a hot wife, multiple college degrees, cool job, or world travel.

It’s not about me being a consumer, but rather about me being consumed by Him. I'm not even a main character…I'm a bit actor and expendable. Significant – yes. Expendable – yes. Guess what? So are you.

Finally, I was lied to about how effective I could be…or not be. I was called the church of the future, young people, young adults, and youth. I’ve belittled my mind and focus with fog machines, lights, videos, loud music and pizza instead a mainline of Jesus in a dangerous place.

I’ve been insulted and did the insulting by saying that “you’re just kids, what possible impact could you have.” We were sold the “dream” of Evangelical America that has a house in the suburbs, 2.5 kids, a SUV and a mini-van, flat screen, home theatre, and a dog.

Instead of being a part of stories like Rachel Scott of Columbine high school, I was getting bored hearing the same testimony from every Christian professional athlete.

Instead of filling my mind with stories of revolutionaries who died telling others about Jesus in China, Iraq, and Tibet – I watched American Idol, the Christian version.

We’ve been lied to. And it’s time to come clean and deal with the truth.

Jesus took 11 teenagers and rocked the world. He put them in harm’s way, rebelled against the religious establishment, and did it with uneducated teenagers. He stood toe to toe with the most powerful army in the world – and overthrew a dictatorship without ever lifting a weapon.

He’s still leading a revolution, you know? He’s still about breaking down barriers and transforming people from the inside out. And I’m inviting you to join a revolution. Here in Little Rock.

Little Rock was named the nation’s most Evangelical City – a whopping 22% of our population claims to have a personal relationship with Jesus – by Barna. The same week the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Mayors Office named Little Rock the nation's meanest city to homeless people.

Our city also has the most racially divided school situation in the nation. 48% of white students in Little Rock attend a private school. Among blacks that number is 4%. 80% of the student population in Little Rock private schools are white. In 16 of the 50 public schools, only 10% are white. 75% of all private school attendees live west of Interstate 430.

What if we – right here – choose to be different? What if we were going to be like Jesus – by instead of withdrawing, we engaged and penetrated the culture? What if we choose to be the Church moveable, instead of the building?

What if we – the Church – began to see and engage the world differently – redemptively? What would happen? What if the body of Christ became a place where the spiritual misfit and seeker could fit in and get a taste of how crazy Jesus is? What if we – the body of Christ – were a place of refuge and grace, instead of judgment and blame finding?

What if? What if we became healers, instead of wounders? What if we – the body of Christ – brought healing and health to the country of Africa in our lifetime? What if we – the body of Christ – were a part of healing racism and homelessness in our city?

Living his love out is the God-given mission of the church. What if we – the body of Christ – actually tried it? What if?

I think there are a couple things we are going to have to do in order to join the revolution instead of staying in our comfortable religion.

Love God. Really love him. Not verbally or when grown-ups are watching. I mean love him. Hang out with him. I think we are going to have to stop seeing Jesus as an article of clothing that we put on and put off at our convenience and start seeing him as a belly button. In the middle of it all.

Recognize that other people exist. Sometimes it kills me to watch a new teenager show up at my church. Because the students at my church act just like most you…who? What? When? How? Clueless. It's not mean-spirited. It's just they honestly aren't sure if anyone else exists in this world. We are pretty myopic with ourselves. We think that we are the main attraction in this movie called My Life.

Recognize that they are better than you. That’s the key. The whole point of servant leadership and the Good Samaritan and all of the law. Love God, love others.

It’s Jesus’ job to save people, the Spirit’s job to convict, and our job to love each other. I think our culture here in WLR, we like to take over the Spirit’s job to convict.

People will not listen or care about you until they know they are valued.
We are really quick to talk aren’t we? Everyone functions this way - lost or ...found people. If I think you are out to get me or I'm a product that you are working - I'm blowing you off. If I know you love me and you value me, I listen to most anything.

Take some crazy risks for the Glory of God.
I hope you have some massive failures for God before you graduate from high school. Just to show you that God can recover and make cool stuff happen out your mistake.

(Brazil story)

Thank you for your attention this morning.

Heard in the Hallways of Grace Church

2005-10-26T10:48:00.000-05:00

Certain Financial Guru who keeps the ship fluid: "Grant, where are your receipts?"

G: (With a stack of receipts, folded, matted, stained, stapled, and mangled.) "Here they are."

CFG: "Are these all of them?"

G: "All that I could find."

CFG: "Why can't you keep track of your receipts? Just drop them in a folder and do them once a month."

G: "Yeah - that's what I thought to but those folders are hard to keep track of. Besides, it's Renee's fault. (My former youth pastor admin guru who left me for the high paying field of children's ministry.) I haven't been the same since she left, plus the plants are dieing."

CFG: "Grant - you are losing money by not turning stuff in."

G: "Yeah, don't tell Amy. I'll start turning them in one at a time. That'll be better, right?"

CFG: "Just starting giving me your receipts. I'll keep track of them!"

Well...that went well, don't you think? It's a wonder I'm employed at all, isn't it?

Space for healing

2005-10-26T09:35:00.000-05:00

A blogging friend wrote this last week and I'm just now getting to read it...

Parable of the 10 Virgins. How appropriate for me.

When it is dark, that is not the time to 'do your own thing.' Stay put and wait for the Bridegroom.

And that is where I am at. After a pretty good wounding last week, the best thing to do is stay put and wait for the Bridegroom to show up.

"Time heals all wounds" is a joke. It may anesthatize the wound for a season - but it doesn't heal it.

So now comes the hard discipline of waiting...creating space and time for the Bridegroom to heal. Without any real preconcieved ideas as to what that healing might look like.

Thanks for the prayers and please continue to do so. Time to make some space.

Some much needed humor

2005-10-24T15:24:00.000-05:00

This was found at ysmarko's blog...a favorite read of mine...

I read somewhere that the average size youth group in the US is 21. The more places I go, and the more students that I meet, the more I am convinced that there are really only 21 different teenagers in the whole world. They just keep moving around from city to city. Here’s my breakdown.

1. Weird Home school Kid. I’m sorry, but I’ve been a youth pastor for 13+ years, and most home school kids are kind of strange.

2. Star Wars Freak Boy. This is the kid that dresses up and buys lightsabers off eBay.

3. Christian Band Groupie. They have lots of t-shirts, CD’s and autographed paraphernalia and strangely refer to members of the Newsboys by their first name.

4. Facial Hair Guy. This guy could be 12 or 18, but he’s got that scruffy patch of something occupying space on his chin. It doesn’t look very good.

5. Super spiritual girl. Sometimes known as “I’m dating Jesus” girl. She likes to read books like lady in waiting and usually closes meetings in prayer.

6. The IT specialist. He will have a promising corporate career or become an underground hacker. He illegally downloads things from the Internet for his youth pastor so his youth pastor doesn’t have to break the law.

7. The “I refuse to leave” individual. This person graduated from your ministry at least one year ago, but tricks himself into thinking of himself or herself as a chaperone so they can stick around. The will be in your youth service for some time.

8. Overdeveloped Middle School girl. That’s all I need to say about that one. This group of students did not exist when I was in middle school.

9. The Bible Scholar. This person likes talking about Calvinism and other topics. They are the first to look up verses when called for and like to share their deep thoughts.

10. The Christian School Only Person. Closely related to weird home school kid (see #1), this person will go to Christian elementary school, a private Christian high school and when it comes time to go to college, he will only consider Christian colleges. This person can make it through life without ever talking to a lost person.

11. Little Drummer Boy. AKA Rock Star. Very proud of their $150 acoustic guitar, they are experts at leading worship and being part of a youth praise band.

12. The Event Addict. This person keeps their youth group event t-shirts color coded in their closet. They show up at camps, ski trips, weekends, conferences and every other event known to man.

13. The hoochie. If unchecked, overdeveloped middle school girl may develop into hoochie. This girl rarely wears enough clothing.

14. Smothered by Mother. No matter where this person goes, they can’t do anything without checking in with their parents every few minutes. Their parents require extra information on every event and activity.

15. Middle School Cheerleader. Usually traveling in packs of three, these are very small girls, typically wearing braces. They show up to any event wearing cheerleading shorts.

16. The forwarder. This person will forward you at least four or five e-mails every week. Thanks to him or her, you’ll know about all the companies supported by Mormons. This person might be associated with the IT specialist (see #6)

17. The EO. EO’s only show up to your fun events. They don’t care about anything you have to say, but will surface several times a year. Due to the massive amount of events attended, they have amassed a large quantity of t-shirts, which they use as rags or to mow grass.

18. FBI Parent Agent. While this is not technically a student, this parent is always there watching your every move. They probably have a “Smothered by Mother” (see #14). They want to know who will be driving and will question your word choice in your messages. Even though they are not a teenager, go ahead and include them and count them, because they will always be around.

19. The Drama Queen. This girl is usually the center of attention and needs lots of counseling. They are always involved in a major event or scandal.

20. The Questioner. The questioner will ask you if they can read their poem at your next youth service. They may have a painting or a song that will really encourage everyone else. They want to lead worship even though they can’t really sing and lead a bible study, even though they don’t own a Bible.

21. The all American. These are your regular, everyday teenagers. They don’t fall into any particular category.

On Marko's website - there are some really funny additions....you wanna add anymore?

Perspective

2005-10-24T10:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks for the comments and emails. They mean a lot.

One of my favorites:

Jlo: Remember, "we are a paratroopers, we are supposed to be surrounded."

So what gives? Obviously, I'm NOT going to unpack all the details here.

I'll just process a little of what I think God is doing in me. Is He purifying me? Honing me? Giving me a taste of what it means to completely trust Him instead of just saying I completely trust Him? Possibly.

I do know - in the words of my brilliant brother-in-law - this didn't surprise God. Which is both comforting and angering at the same time. (Another long post, huh?)

When will there be resolution? Philosophically speaking - never. Our moments of comfort and ease might just be the breathing space between the next adventure with Jesus. That's not to say to feel guilty in the comfort times...enjoy them. Just can't run the race, climb the mountain (or whatever metaphor you want to use) staying there.

Practically - not sure on that either. What is for certain is that the values I say I hold dear to - authenticity, trust, messiness, questions more than answers - are going to be tested to the fullest.

Pray for me

2005-10-23T20:34:00.000-05:00

Long time no post in G' land. Mainly because I've been in Dallas with my brother-in-law....Tom - you can get the jist of what we did on his blog.

But for all (both) my readers - I really need alot of prayer. Just really struggling right now.

In Dallas with Tom

2005-10-19T22:00:00.000-05:00

Tom's well chronicled back problems landed him in Dallas on short notice. So, we hurriedly packed up the kids and headed to D-town to help out with the recovery.

Funny thing happened on the way to the Doctor - he said there was another doctor who Tom should have the surgery from...in Vienna...125 miles from Budapest.

Errr, well...since we are here...might as well enjoy the time.

So today - we went all out...

Visited Tom and Amy's high school alma mater...Trinity Christian Academy. (I save my snide academy remarks for another time...although they have a sweet new football field. That same artificial turf that the Colts have.)

Went to the mall and ate while we watched people ice skate.

Ate great mexican food.

Watched the NLCS...watching the NLCS.

Good to be with my bro.

Drug Dealers and Pastors

2005-10-19T21:55:00.000-05:00

Drug Dealers & Pastors…

I got to thinking about how in the world could I relate to a drug dealer. (Don’t ask why)

At first blush – you’d think these two…er, professions would be worlds apart. I’m not sure about that anymore…consider…

Both often find themselves lieing to impress their clients…

Both are selling something that could kill you…

Eventually you are going to be shot at by someone that one time you called friend…

You’re only as good as your last ‘product’…

It’s addicting…

Hours are terrible…

Both are illegal – depending on your location…

What started out as wanting to provide a service often ends up being a search for more power and significance…

Mike Shula Bonehead Coaching Move of the Week

2005-10-15T23:35:00.000-05:00

In the ongoing mystery as to how the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks is Alabama 6-0, yet another chapter of "What the heck was Mike Shula thinking?"

First the Arkansas game...

Then the Florida game...

Today - I give you the Ole Miss game...

It's one of the cardinal rules of SEC Football - if you take the opening drive down the field (75 yards) on a tough defense on the road - you get points. Bottom line. You don't give the home team a chance to get fired up.

4th and 1 on the 5 at Ole Miss. You take the points...kick it off...put your defense on the field and force the other team to play catch up all day.

Not Shula. "Let's go for it."

Now - to give him some credit - Alabama does have the number 6 defense in the nation. But, Mike...on the road? After a bye? Early game? He's the nicest guy in America...eventually it's gonna cost 'Bama a game.

His mistake was overshadowed by Ole Miss's coaching staff. I'll never understand how an offense that has a 3rd and 1 on the 3 gets 2 DELAY OF GAME PENALTIES IN A ROW!!!

Thanks, Ole Miss.

Spike Lee...not so altruistic...

2005-10-14T08:13:00.000-05:00

Here is the story that Spike Lee is going to make a movie about Katrina and the government's failure in that disaster.

First of all, Spike. Glad you felt sorry for the victims of Katrina while you were in ITALY AT A FILM FESTIVAL!!! Are you back in the country yet?

Second of all, retire the "The US Government hates black people" sermon. I honestly believe it's just code for "Come see my movie because I need the money." Plus, it's not a black thing. It's a poor thing. Poverty and apathy.

Third of all, drop the freakin' camera and pick up a shovel or chainsaw or box of food.

Fourth, you 'finding out who to blame' doesn't help anything...except your pocketbook.

Lastly, if you are going to tell the story - be sure you tell the story of churches - black and white, rich and poor - doing what they can to bring hope and healing to this mess.

Bono, the Theologian

2005-10-13T14:22:00.000-05:00

The provocative Bono:

...if only we could be a bit more like Him, the world would be transformed. When I look at the Cross of Christ, what I see up there is all my s--- and everybody else's. So I ask myself a question a lot of people have asked: Who is this man? And was He who He said He was, or was He just a religious nut? And there it is, and that's the question.

Another one of my favorite Bono quotes:

A third of the Earth's population is incarcerated by poverty. It is, as they say, the drive of the Scriptures. Why isn't it the drive of the churches?

And last but not least:

I think our age will be remembered for three things - the digital revolution, the war against terror, and what we did, or did not do to put out the fires in Africa. Some say we can't afford to, I say we can't afford not to.

Here is a commencement speech he gave to the University of Pennsylvania. Priceless.

Why the post on this? God's stirring something in me...with this...about poverty...about how rich I am and how little I give. I want to move out of compassion, not out of duty.

Ms. Bobbi

2005-10-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

I met with Ms. Bobbi today. She is, well, just in case she reads this - I'm not telling you her age. She - is in my mind - what the perfect grandmother to someone my age should be. She used to drive a BMW with 104,000 miles on it. Then she got a speeding ticket and a 'little fender bender.' She's now sporting a Honda Accord. She's adjusting to it.

She needed to talk about her Life Group. The "Leader" moved away and she wanted me to help her find the new leader.

"But before we talk about that, you know you we have someone in our group that is struggling with a sharp tongue? How can I help her work through that and still let her know that I love her? And someone else - we just prayed for her as her husband's health is deteriorating. We are also praying for you Grant."

For the next 10 minutes she talks about the people in her LIFE group like family. She loves them. And even at their age - she's convinced that God is not through with them. "He's still changing me."

I must of lost all sense of self-awareness in those minutes. I catch myself with my mouth wide open.

GE: "I think I've found the perfect leader for your life group, Ms. Bobbi."

"You have? This is great!"

G: "It's you."

"What? Oh no, no, no, no. You've completely misunderstood me, I can't teach."

G: "Great. Don't teach."

"Well, somebody has to bring a lesson."

G: "How many lessons do ya'll really get through?"

"We do pray alot. Maryann is really good at bringing a discussion."

G: "Looks like we've got a team!"

"Well - then you can be our coach. I know you're busy but we won't be much trouble."

G: "I'd love to be your coach. We'll hook up once a month to check on each other and pray."

I am so going to get so much more out of this than they are.

Mid-Week Blahs

2005-10-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

I'm in the blahs....but never fear....here are the things that make me smile...

Batman Begins on DVD next Tuesday....

I'm in 3rd place in both my fantasy football leagues...

my daughter thinks I'm the coolest dad in the world...

my brother-in-law is famous (sort of)...

The Tide is 5-0...

The Broncos are 4-1....

Coop and Cam are loving school and loving their teachers...

Plus - the elders of Grace this week decided to send $10,000 to Life Church in Mandeville, LA.

So tomorrow will be better.

The Catalyst Blogs

2005-10-10T16:14:00.000-05:00

Catalyst 2005 Posts - official Catalyst Site

Catalyst - Erwin McManus
Catalyst - Donald Miller
Catalyst - Louie Giglio
Catalyst - Lenoard Sweet
Catalyst - Andy Stanley
If I Had 10 Minutes With Andy Stanley
The Braves Tickets, Part 2
The Braves and Catalyst
In Atlanta....stumbled on some tickets

Catalyst - Erwin McManus

2005-10-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

The very first sermon I ever heard of Erwin McManus was “A Barbarians Way Out of Civilization.”  It ended up being the basis of his book.  It also ended up being a flag on the hill for me – no more sissification of Jesus.  The felt-board Jesus might not have died that day – but the sermon delivered a fatal wound.

And if you are clueless as to what I’m talking about…read the book.  Spend some time with Erwin.  And join the revolution.

My heartbeat is be a part of building authentic communities of faith where real people with real problems can meet the real Jesus.

To do this in this context, here are some value battles that we’ll have to fight and shifts we’ll have to make.

Uniqueness from standardization

People are created uniquely and the cookie cutter approach to discipleship and all the classes and books that we’ve created to jump through might not really be discipleship in the first place. But a unique person, God will deal with uniqueness – the importance of small communities of authentic faith.

Creativity vs. Utility

It is part of God’s DNA to be nauseous at mediocrity.  He is creative and unique.  Status quo is revolting.  Joel 2 – a movement of dreamers and visionaries.  The Spirit prompted Peter to use that metaphor to describe the revolution of the followers of Jesus.

3.  Diversity vs. Homogeneity
Reach people different than you by having friends that are different than you.  Like people that are different than you.  If you don’t like them – you aren’t going to “reach” them.

Mysticism vs. Pragmatism

The church has become the biggest self-help organization on the planet. Where is God in all of that? Do you know God? Do you listen to him?

Passion vs. Conviction

We minister and move out of compassion, placed by God. Not out of ‘ought’ or conviction or guilt.

Catalyst - Don Miller

2005-10-10T15:48:00.000-05:00

Donald Miller speaks as he writes – he’s humble, funny, pointed, insightful, and authentic. Somehow he was able to make me feel like I was sitting across a table from him drinking a coffee as opposed to in arena of 8,000 others.

1925 – Scopes Monkey Trial, church lost and our response was and still is “We are taking our ball and going home since you won’t validate our beliefs.”

Since then a growing subculture of Christianity. It is now possible to be born in a Christian family, go to Christian school, then a Christian college, then a Christian Doctorate, then go back to teach in a Christian college.

We have Christian movies, music, publishing companies. We even have Christian fast food – Chick-fil-A (and that is good). It’s possible to live your entire life and never meet anyone any different than you are, and never interact with a non-believer.

And we’ll be fooled into thinking that the culture exists to validate our beliefs…

Moving to Oregon where there are 3 believers, Reed College culture – incredibly anti-Christ. It required some paradigm shifts for me – a believer.

So…. 13 Paradigm shifts that had to happen before I was ready to introduce someone to Jesus. Only going to get to a couple of them.

Other people exist.
AND they are more important than you.

Somehow I think we’ve forgotten that the story is about God, He’s writing it and we are in it – but we aren’t the point of it.

I used to think that life and the world existed because they were filming a movie about my life and I needed the bit actors and oxygen for it to work.

3. Nobody will listen to you unless they know you like them.

I find it interesting that Jesus came to save, not condemn left his disciples to love on people, and part of the Spirit’s gig was to convict. You know how freeing that is? I don’t have to convict the world of sin.

4. Unless they understand that God loves them, they aren’t going to listen.

No other religious system brings hope and healing or relationship other than Jesus. It’s the only system that is about redeeming.

Donald Miller told the story of an interview he had. He was asked to defend Christianity. His answer was nothing short of remarkeable…

“No. I’m not going to defend that word. It was originally a derogatory word and it has no meaning. Some taxi driver listening to this was abused by a “Christian” and Muslim see all of America as Christian and immoral. Christian means one thing to one person and something completely different to another.

So no – I’m not going to defend the word or even define it. BUT I’d love to talk with you about Jesus and my relationship with him. AND I can tell this – Jesus wants me to tell you that he loves you.”

The radio interviewer was stunned…grabbed Donald for dinner that night.

Our job is to bring Jesus to the wound. Quit the us vs. them language and just get Jesus to the wound.

a life that rocks: Confession

2005-10-09T23:06:00.000-05:00

Preached today on confession. (By the way, let me know how the podcast thing is coming along. I just submitted our stuff to iTunes so that might be coming as well.)

If you never reach a high risk place of confession, your walk with Christ will stagnate.

To focus on the inner disciplines and neglect community sets us up for being judgmental. We call them legalists and Pharisees.

To focus on communal disciplines and not the inner sets us up for the crash. We call them fakes and posers.

Turbo Group was good as well. I'm tired. Will go to sleep with my new iPod blaring in my ears.

Catalyst - Louie Giglio

2005-10-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

I first met Louie Giglio as a freshman in college.  He was at Baylor starting this ‘renegade’ movement that used electric guitars and was borderline charismatic.  It was called Passion.

My biggest fear is that we have complicated worship instead of making it simpler.

Worship is placing our life in His hands for His plans.  A great big response.  That’s it.  It’s not classical, traditional, neo-orthodoxy, emergent, contemporary, or post-modern.

Have we become consumer worshippers as opposed to consumed/consume worshippers?  Our purpose is to be poured out like a drink offering…to be consumed – not preserved and not look for the next big hit or emotional worship experience.

Do we really need another worship event?  We need individual ‘worshippers’ who will be consumed by God.  Who will place their life in the hands of God and with reckless abandon allow God to work his plan in them, through them, and out of them.

Catalyst - Len Sweet

2005-10-08T10:42:00.000-05:00

Catalyst – Len Sweet

“It is the height of spiritual arrogance is to ‘take Jesus’ somewhere.  Like we got there before Jesus did.  Like we brought to Jesus’ attention this people.  Like we cared for them before Jesus did.”

“Ironic that I’ve been asked to speak at a ‘leadership’ conference – me, being the anti-leader guy.  I still go back to the fundamental job for us is to understand followership.  Jesus used the term disciple, He is our leader and we just follow him. “

Even our evangelism has failed in this area.  The chief cry of the church today is to sign off on this list of intellectual, spiritual truths/teachings.  We define Christian as one who follows these teachings.

Jesus defined a believer/follower as one who followed HIM.

What is needed are semiotics – those who have the ability to read the signs and know what to do about them.

Why do civilizations crash?  The failure to read the signs around them – contextual ignorance.

Our current culture is NOT mission driven but EPIC driven.  Double meaning of the word – timeless as well as timely.

Major cultural shifts this past century:

Industrial Revolution to Technology to Information to Service to Experiential

We no longer buy cups of coffee OR the image but the EXPERIENCE.

The EPIC culture we live in seeks for, values, desires…

Experiential
Participatory
Image Rich
Connectional

It is time to reframe the conversation in church culture.  We are not abandoning the rational, we are expanding it to include these elements.  No half-measures and will require more than just commitment but rather emotional investment.

The refusal to change or to ‘half-measure change’ is resulting in 75 churches closing a week in the US.

Catalyst - Andy Stanley

2005-10-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

These are my notes from Andy Stanley’s 1st Session at Catalyst.  This session may end up having a more profound effect on us (Grace Church) than we could ever imagine.

Your leadership ability has the potential to take you further than your character can sustain you.

Leaders get into trouble when their integrity doesn’t keep pace with the momentum created by their giftedness.  (There is no correlation between giftedness and maturity.)

Our commitment to integrity can be easily eroded by our love of progress.

The excuses we are most tempted to use are:
     God promised it.
     I deserve it.

David’s Opportunity: 1 Samuel 24:1-4a

This had all the makings of a ‘God thing.’  God had promised David to be King.  David deserved to be King.  Saul was a jerkweed.  There is not one circumstance that could be added to this story to make it any more of a “God Story.”

When opportunities line up with our prayers and our passions, it is difficult to exercise restraint.

Opportunities must be weighed against something other than the uniqueness of the circumstances surrounding them.  Emotional environments are like fog.  An open door is NOT necessarily an invitation.

David’s Response:
David weighed his opportunity against 3 things.

The Law of God – Thou shall not kill (especially the King)

The Principles of God – Saul was God’s anointed, placed in authority over him

The Wisdom of God – every king who takes the throne via assassination gets assassinated, story of killing King in cave, disrobed had no honor in it. Do not replace what God has put in place. He was not going to compromise his mission for the sake of a shortcut.

1 Samuel 24:4b-12

Everything that looks like a God thing and feels like a God thing and is suggested by others as a God thing isn’t necessarily a God thing.

The most direct route to what you want is rarely the BEST route.

Application
Weigh every opportunity against the law, principles, and wisdom of God.
Decide every day that you will not sacrifice integrity for progress.
Give the right people an all access pass to EVERY major leadership decision.

Being the leader does not exempt you from the need of wise counsel.  It necessitates it.

We are only one decision away from sacrificing our integrity…
     Which leads to a loss of credibility
     Which undermines our influence.

We never accomplish the will of God by violating the law of God, ignoring the principles of God, or refusing the wisdom of God.

If I Had 10 Minutes with Andy Stanley

2005-10-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

If I had 10 minutes with Andy Stanley, I'd ask for 20...but that's a whole other story.

Andy,

Your Catalyst Conference this year - in terms of content from the speakers, was by far the most challenging and paradigm shifting I've ever experienced.

That's quite a compliment from me - if I do say so my dang self! ha ha.

Since I only have 10 minutes with you and I want to hear your response - here's my beef.

Ya'll have it planned like an event, not a dialogue.

There is no space in the schedule to debrief or unwind. There are no breakout times with teams to unpack this great content over coffee (or a beer). There is very little opportunity to dialogue with other leaders around the country who are there to hear their stories. Heck, this year there was no space to even walk around.

It felt rushed. The worship could have helped with this - but until the last couple of sessions - it didn't. It felt just as programmed and rushed.

My biggest plea - just by creating some space - Catalyst could go from being just another conference that has a limited shelf life - to a dialogue to propel a movement.

What are your thoughts?

If I had 10 minutes with Andy Stanley.

Grace Church Podcast

2005-10-06T19:36:00.000-05:00

A huge tip of the hat to Rob Terrell and Jerry Hertzler for the encouragment and help. ("I'd like to thank all the little people for making this possible...")

Here is the RSS feed to subscribe to Grace Church Podcast. Quit downloading the sermons every week - subscribe!!!

The Braves Tickets...part 2

2005-10-06T19:14:00.000-05:00

Okay -I forgot to tell you the most incredible story about our tickets.

We had pretty good tickets to start with if you remember. I get a call from Shane.

Shane is the President of Frontline Tickets.com. Shane tells me that Will Call is not allowing him to drop off my ticket so I can pick it up, but to call Thomas. He will have them.

"For the trouble, I gave you a little gift in your ticket envelope."

Thomas, I find out, is a parking attendant at the Holiday Inn Select. Which is up by the Olympic Torch which is about a mile walk from the stadium....uphill....against traffic. We felt like salmon.

We get our tickets (finally), rip open the envelope to see a different section.

We are now in 113, row 12. Section 113 is right at first base, behind the Braves dugout. Row 12 is 5 rows from the dugout.

Which just proves...it was God's will that we went to that game.

The Braves and Catalyst....

2005-10-06T18:05:00.000-05:00

Jeremy so eloquantly pointed out that Atlanta's regular season dominance (14 straight Division titles!!!!) is only matched by their post-season ineptitude (1 Championship).

Unfortunately, I too think the Braves will be done this series. I think it will go 4 games because after Clemons, the Astros are hurting....but so are the Braves.

Catalyst...

Heard Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, and Donald Miller today. My brain is about to explode.

What is good about Catalyst so far:

Content - top notch, challenging, lot's to unpack when I get home.

Worship - quality is great, although with 8,000 other people...it's a bit different.

Resources - if you think you need it, it's here. Small group stuff, large group stuff, worship stuff...lot's of stuff.

What is NOT good about Catalyst so far:

Resources - It's a Christian sub-culture ghetto of sorts. One booth had a sign that said "Website designs the way God wants them to be." Another vendor had a cool looking book called "The Story of God." I'm thinking - finally, somebody has written a short book that speaks to the post-modern mindset that tells God's story.

Wrong - it was the NIV New Testament in a cool looking cover. Which about sums up most of the products - same stuff, different packaging.

Space - There is no space to unpack what happens in the session. NONE. There is no physical space to sit around with folks and talk. There is no scheduling space. The whole thing feels crammed and packed.

Row and I skipped the last session tonight just to unpack what we had in our heads so far. 3 hours later - we're still chewing.

I realize this is short...but more is coming...

In Atlanta...stumbled on some tickets

2005-10-04T21:35:00.000-05:00

I'm here with Rowland at Catalyst (pretty cool website).

Goal: Release, Refresh, Renew, Recharge

And the NLDS between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros starts tomorrow....at 4.09 pm....at Turner Field....in section 119, row 16.

I think we will have plenty of opportunities to release, refresh, renew, and recharge.

JLo's Getting Married!

2005-10-03T08:32:00.000-05:00

The greatest cooking doctor in NWA decides to hang up the single life....

Row's One Upped Me...

2005-10-02T17:36:00.000-05:00

Ever been "pissed off at God?" Row asked that question this morning...in church. Brought back images of my pornography and masturbation sermon. (Which can be downloaded here...Acts 19 passage...he he he.)

I thought this morning was awesome. The Journal Devo fed into where Rowland was going so well, the space and time to encounter God this morning...it was just good.

By the way - I'm going to try to set up a podcast of our sermons from now on...any readers out there doing that with blogger already and can give me some helpful hints?

High Tide!!!

2005-10-01T21:16:00.000-05:00

I might have to recant what I wrote here because after the beating The Tide put on the Gators.....

I was beginning to believe.... until.....

But Mike Shula once again proved that he is one of the dumbest smart people on the planet.

Explain to me what in the world was Tyrone Protho doing on the field in a 31-3 rout on 4 and 5 with less than 5 minutes left in the game?

Shula did this last year with Brodie Croyle - in a rout, he left Croyle in to bust up his ACL.

What happened to Protho? Broke his leg in two places, gone for the season. The one guy on the team that could go HOME RUN every time he touches the ball is now gone.

The good news? Bama football is back. So is Penn State. So is Notre Dame. I hate Notre Dame, but it's good to see them playing well.

Good thing the defense is as good as it is.

The Joys of Downsizing

2005-09-29T15:10:00.000-05:00

Our current mini-van has 104,000 miles on it. It's survived 8 years of kids and moving from Kansas to Little Rock. It's a slow, painful sucking sound on our pocket book in the form of gas mileage and repairs.

So this week - with the help of the mini-van needing another visit to the shop - we decided to complete the humilation of Grant. We are going to downsize to one of those Hyundai or Toyota gas mileage monsters that get 134 miles to the gallon. I'm going to drive it, while Amy drives the Sequioa (carpool).

So - In the short span of a year - I've gone from driving a Toyota Tundra 4WD tricked out truck to a mini-van to - a Hyundai. They are going to start checking my man-card at church now.

In order to salve the pain and humilition of such a fall, I told Amy - I'm going to have a sound system in the new car that kicks...subs, CD, DVD, MP3, and neon trim lights. Think a Pastoral PIMP my ride!

My bride, who is beyond measure the best woman on the planet - says this to me...

"Instead of doing all that, why don't you get an IPod?"

She's a freakin' genius. It shipped today - my U2 IPod complete with a coupon to download the Complete U2 collection from ITunes.

So, by next week, I'll be driving a little puny gas camel...but I'll be singing with my IPod.

Duh...Faith key Ingredient in Marriage

2005-09-28T09:34:00.000-05:00

The brilliant minds of MSN bring us this story....

wait.....it's profound.....

Common spiritual bond is critical to marital health and happiness.

No kidding? Actually, the article is quite good.

Here's the best quote -

The greatest predictor of marital stability, however, isn't whether a couple is of the same faith but how much they agree on the role religion will play in their lives.

That would explain the 60% divorce rate among CHRISTIANS as well.

Linkage

2005-09-28T08:25:00.000-05:00

Couple of new links I'd like to throw at you.

'Reverand' Bill Hayes - he is the uncle of Orangejack Rob, and owner of the Rev Bills in my CBS Fantasy Football League. Good thinker.

Noel Kurtz - former student, blogged about him a while back. A sophomore at UCA wrestling with what it means to really follow Jesus.

Nixon Casablanca - forgive his OUness, another sojourner and the Number 1 blog in Little Rock...guess who's number 2?

I Have Found My Equal!!!

2005-09-27T21:12:00.000-05:00

I've had my share of slips in sermons....

but not like this....

oh my.......

Biblical Curse Generator

2005-09-27T20:59:00.000-05:00

Man, I am going to wear this thing out!!

A sample:

Woe unto thee, O thou who art a byword for idiocy, for you will see your pomegranates wither!

Not to be Reactionary...but

2005-09-25T17:23:00.000-05:00

From Anonymous on Wounded:

Just another consideration for you to think about...Could dress be a stumbling block on either side, the rich and the poor? Is the target area anyone who needs Jesus? Did Jesus want the people to see Him or see God?

Keep looking to Jesus. He will steer you to what is right.

Could dress be a stumbling block? I think the obvious answer is yes it is.

Is the target area ANYONE who needs Jesus? Yes. But I feel like the western church, particularly West Little Rock, is guilty of exactly what the Temple was in the day of Jeremiah and in Jesus - the people who need God most are shunned the most from church. They can't to "God" (the Temple) because they can't afford to dress right and they are shamed when they get there.

Plus the complete avoidance of dealing with the poor on a large scale by MOST churches is appalling. And when confronted about it, we will break out in double speak saying "Rich people need Jesus too. Who is called to reach the rich people?"

Well, who is 'called' to reach the poor people? According to Jesus' words - we all are.

And here is the selfish thing about all of this - I didn't ask for this battle or issue. It's not like I'm on this crusade to crush all of those who wear dockers...hey, some of my best friends wear dockers!!! (he heh...)

It's just in the process of being real and trying to do the 'right' thing, I got a shot from someone who I thought was 'on my team.'

Welcome to ministry in the Bible Belt....he heh.

I think Rita Ate My Computer

2005-09-25T17:20:00.000-05:00

Did a bonehead thing last night...left my laptop plugged in. Normally, that isn't a problem but if a tropical storm is coming through your city, well...maybe you ought to unplug it.

So this morning at church, I'm firing it up getting it ready for service when the "blue screen" pops up and tells me some kind of power failure has caused windows not to load and it won't load until Bill Gates gets even more money.

A guy from our church is looking at it...hopefully he can fix it.

Roll Tide...sort of.

2005-09-24T16:27:00.000-05:00

After this, I took this morning to just veg out with my Tide...and I've just watched two of the most clueless coaches in the SEC go against each other.

Houston Nutt and Mike Shula.

'Bama won...but two illustrations alone will suffice my claims.

Shula, up by 4 with 5 minutes left on the Arkansas side of the field, PASSING the football. His refusal to run Darby in the 4th quarter is mindblowing. Fortunately, 'Bama scored.

Nutt refusing to stick with McFadden even after he had torched the Tide defense with a 70 yard run. Then him refusing to air it out at the end of the game when they needed 2 scores. Screens and draw plays with 3 minutes left is not going to close the 11 point lead.

Alabama will THINK that they are better than their #20 ranking. Their defense is. Good night, they are fast. Their offense...well...I'm not quite convinced yet.

The bad news for my Razorback friends - Alabama played poorly, dropped lots of passes and INTs and still won. Could be a long season for the Hogs.