What I’ve Been Up To:
Just got back from our seminary retreat with Brian McLaren. As I regard his work as an important influence in my life, I had expectations that I could not ignore. I also hoped that my fellow seminarians would appreciate Brian as well. Sort of like when you bring your girlfriend home to meet your family, you want them to like her but but since she’s special, you’re not going to care that they don’t. Turns out they liked Brian. Anyway, he shared a lot about prayer and in doing so, I think revealed a great deal about the character of God, the human heart contained in Scripture and quite a bit about our human souls deal with pain and wonder. Still processing through.
What I’ve Been Reading:
Just finished the audiobook of Outliers by Malcom Galdwell. Very interesting in the very good way. Leaves you with the thought, “That’s great, wow, what should I do I now though?” Very good book, highly recommend it.
Still reading The Justice Project. It’s not one to breeze through because I am really hoping to absorb enough to live out and communicate effectively.
Rereading some assigned Karl Barth (I am so ridiculously behind for my independent study paper.)
Generate Magazine (loving it, you should subscribe), the new Relevant with Jon Foreman on the cover.
What Music I’ve Been Listening to:
Jenny Lewis’ Acid Tongue at the moment (crazy album).
Sufjan – BQE, (even some of his Christmas)
Welcome Wagon – yep, Thomas Turner’s article in Generate has compelled me once again. I like his idea of church and the importance of the spiritual body but also the importance of a physical space where community can be enjoyed.
Bob Dylan – Blonde on Blonde
and the usual podcasts.
What’s Going on in our Student Ministry:
I’ve been so grateful for our youth leaders leading the teaching in my absence. We certainly have a good thing going here and they are a big part of that. While there are areas that we need to work on, I don’t see how anyone can say that they come in to our space and not be cared for.
A lot of Invisible Children things going on. Our students have started a couple clubs in their schools, started some fundraising and one group was able to host a screening in a school assembly for grades 10-12.
We are beginning to work on a benefit concert for late January.
I’m working on our Winter Retreat and looking forward to teaching again after Thanksgiving.
What I’m Looking Forward To:
Thanksgiving Day with the family.
Our next Second Mile service on December 19th
The time of Advent
From everything I understand, everybody loves McLaren. He’s one of those guys who you can totally disagree with, then you talk to him and you’re like “Man, what a nice guy. I really like him.” Doesn’t surprise me that everyone (esp. at Biblical) had a great time with him.
Unfortunately not everyone likes McLaren. Although the emerging church conversation is marked by deep friendships that draw people closer in disagreement, McLaren has made some big enemies who have questioned his Christian faith.
But you’re right, you could disagree with him, and he with you, and still be friends. While this isn’t what makes you a Christian, it certainly affirms it.
Thanks for commenting, hope you and the family are well.