man.of.depravity

Easily the most difficult part of my job is trying to bridge the gap between stage and congregation. Having a large sanctuary (holds 2,500 when it’s finished) makes this more difficult. Anytime you have that many seats it immediately makes you feel disengaged from what is happening on stage. So I struggle constantly with how to break down that barrier.

This past weekend was conscience effort to break the barrier. We went with keys, acoustic guitar, drums, and a vocalist. Luckily I (acoustic guitar) and Jill (keys) can sing. So we had 3 instruments and 3 vocalists. Very scaled back from a usual weekend. Beyond that, we took some time in the service for each of us to share. No longer were we just musicians who sing and play. We were real people with real struggles. I hope our goal was reached. The theme of the day was finding peace in conflict. Each of us shared from our lives.

My part begins at about 4:10.

(video embedded RSS readers)

I know many worship pastors and church attenders read this blog…

How does your church try to break down the barrier between stage and congregation?

(please don’t say authenticity…i’m tired of hearing that word in relation to this subject)

Creative Chaos @ the Soul. Watercooler Wednesdays @ Ethos.

You read the title…probably thinking: “what the?” or “where is he going with this…” or “do I really want to read this…?”

Porn Nation is a book I read by Michael Leahy. It was a book of his personal story (which is a tough one), and his thoughts on our porn nation. Great book. Leahy is so real when he shares his story, but does a great job of translating it in how it happened and how to avoid/change it.

I totally understand this is beyond a sensitive subject and as I dive into some of the things Leahy brings up, I will do my best to keep that in mind. I’ll be doing a few posts on the book and its surrounding issues.

Reading a Christian book about porn has always felt a little weird to me. Here is why: I do not struggle with porn. I know, I know…every guy reading this just questioned whether I am telling the truth. I haven’t looked at porn for over 3 years (my wife is doing math in her head reading this, I’m prepared for a nice talk about this tonight). This isn’t to say it hasn’t been an issue before, because it totally has, but it is not something that I even moderately struggle with right now.

So for someone who isn’t struggling with this issue to read a book on the issue is weird to me. I wonder how it can be helpful. And for those who do struggle with this, I wonder if it can hurt as much as it helps. The book forces you to think about porn and your use or non use of it.

Now obviously the book’s goal is for the reader to recognize the danger that porn presents, and to FLEE from it. But, I wonder…can it cause as much harm as good? Your thoughts?

Now and then I like to take Rose to places that she really enjoys. Usually we don’t have the time or the money to do so. Today I thought I would let those last two things go and take her to her favorite places in Portland: 23rd Street and the International Rose Test Garden.

Crazy to think that both of these incredible spots are only 10 to 15 minutes from our place. Not to make any of you jealous, but today it was 74, partly cloudy, and 45% humidity (which is high for here) After record heat last weekend this was a nice change. I love Oregon summers!

Positive Post Tuesday and Watercooler Wednesdays at Ethos.

My wife and I were talking this morning about doing a “blogalogue” (my new favorite word) sometime soon. It is basically our discussion on how good we have it in America, how badly others have it, and what we can do about it. More to come. Today’s post flows right out of our discussion.

There have been 3 posts this week that stand above the rest. 3 posts that broke my heart. 3 posts that deserve their own post above anything I do on the usual Saturday morning post.

Everyone knows India has a caste system that still somewhat remains. It is not embraced by the government, but little is being done to stop the system that remains. To be honest I know next to nothing about it. This is what I do know: There are 4 social classes and then there is one group that doesn’t even has a place in those classes. They the Dalits. You could consider them lower than the social outcasts. There are as many Dalits in India as there are citizens of the USA.

Over on the God’s Politics blog, Adam Taylor has written 3 posts on his experience of living with the Dalits. Every one of them is worth a read.

Part One- Introduction

Part Two- Breaking the Barrier

Part Three- Dalits Turn to Christianity and Face More Persecution

“Hindu religion casts a protective shadow over the plight of the Dalits. The Western world is reluctant to fully engage in the Dalit struggle due to fears of being accused of religious intolerance, cultural insensitivity, and sheer ignorance.”

“Despite signs of economic mobility, Dalits are often the victims of dehumanizing acts of violence and humiliation designed to keep them in their place.”

“The public school system has become a dismal refuge for the children of the lower and middle castes, where Dalit students face daily abuse by teachers and students. According to a government report, 73 percent of Dalit students drop out in secondary school.”

We have it so good.

Happy 4th everyone!

I was looking at some of the headlines today and something caught my eye.

“Rush Limbaugh renews radio contract“

First off, I’ll be honest. I don’t listen to him. I find it odd that he “speaks” for conservative America and yet has been divorced 3 times.

Anyway, enough about my thoughts on him. That isn’t why I’m writing this.

Today it was announced that he renewed his contract.

His signing bonus was $100 million.

His new contract pays him $38 million every year, for 8 years.

This is essentially a $400 million deal.

Let those numbers sink in.

(and people complain about how much sports figures make)