Megachurches Add Local Economy to Their Mission - New York Times

Very interesting article. I think it raises all sort of questions--in a good way. Should this be the mission of the church? Are these endeavors effective or though well intentioned, do they create further lines of demarcation between culture and church culture? I don't offer these questions to imply that I know the answers. I really have these questions. I am admittedly very intrigued by these type of church expressions, but wonder about the implications.

Link: Megachurches Add Local Economy to Their Mission - New York Times.

Stand in Awe :: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Well yesterday I had the privilege of preaching at CrossPointe.  We are currently going through the book of Ecclesiastes and I was assigned Ecclesiastes 5:1-7.  I will post the audio recording when it becomes available, but in the meantime I have uploaded the slides I used during the teaching. 

It was a really good experience and exercise for me.  I am definitely not used to giving the same teaching twice in one morning.  That will probably be a non-issue for quite some time, as I don't anticipate multiple services in the early days of the church plant.  I somewhat struggle with feeling like the second hour does not go as well as the first.  I think I believe it's not fresh and authentic because I have heard it before--I tend to forget that no one else has heard it.  Not sure if that makes sense to anyone else.  All in all though I am really thankful for the experience.  It was fun to teach in a new environment.  I think the biggest challenge and growth area for me was being given a passage.  I didn't get to just teach on whatever was on my heart (as in previous sermons), but rather had to wrestle through the passage I was assigned.  This was a good discipline for me as it forced me to dig a bit deeper, particularly as it pertained to the overall cohesiveness of the message. 

I was definitely worn out yesterday.  I had forgotten how much preaching takes out of you.  I have great appreciation for those who do it every week.  I can't imagine those who do 3 + live services every weekend!  I would be drinking way too much Red Bull to make it through.

In the paper

Well on Friday, the family ventured over to Jefferson Pointe mall in Ft. Wayne, IN.  While there, some folks from the local newspaper were interviewing people about their shopping plans, etc.  They took this picture of Heather's mom with Sydnie and Mackinley.  They also interviewed her.  You can check the article out by clicking here. 

Sydnie thought it was really cool when she saw herself in the paper on Saturday.  We're hoping it doesn't go to her head.

Preaching & Triads

As someone who doesn't yet preach every week, it's always a challenging (albeit enjoyable) process.  I'm sure it will always be that way.  It's been helpful to try and think through the sermon from 3 perspectives or areas of emphasis...

Orthodoxy :: This concerns the area of right doctrine and right teaching.  This is getting at what the text is actually saying.

Orthopathos :: This concerns the area of right emotions.  The sermon needs to connect with the hearts of people. 

Orthopraxis :: This concerns the area of right actions or application.  The sermon needs to have some practical implications for living as a Christ follower in the 21st century.

Obviously, it's easy to lean heavily on one part, but the best preachers seem to incorporate all three.  For more on this topic check out this helpful download here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A brief recap/update

Well I have definitely been a blog slacker as of late. Ever since we returned from assessment things have gotten much busier. All good things. In somewhat random order...

--started a Wednesday night community group through CrossPointe. Really enjoying thus far as God has brought a good group together.

--Started our Explore group at our house on Sunday nights. Really enjoying that time both on a relational level and challenging topics to discuss level. You can read more details at http://reneworlando.org

--I am preaching this Sunday for the first time at CrossPointe. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. I will let you know how it goes. Looking forward to it.

--I am on iPhone number two as of last Thursday. First one died and they swapped it out.

--Home addition is moving along. Will be uploading some new pics soon. We are really excited about the space. Trying to figure out what kind of shower fixture defines us :)

--We are up in Ohio as of tonight for Thanksgiving. Good Midwest weather. Possible snow tonight. Sort of as it should be.

--I will no longer have Lloyd Carr to grumble about. Interesting to see who Michigan hires next.

--Have watched Rob Bell's "Everything is Spiritual" DVD and attended his latest speaking tour last night entitled "The gods aren't angry anymore." Recommend the former, not so sure about the latter. Still processing.

I know that's not everything but at least I'm back blogging. Peace.

I can't believe the Lions are 6-2

Interesting article on the Lion's quarterback, John Kitna.

Link: ESPN Page 2 - Hill: Believing in God's quarterback.

Neighborhood meeting

Small town America at work. I'm sitting in the cafeteria of our local elementary school for a "conversation" about building plans. Crazy how heated these things get. Kind of brings out the worst at times. Kind of fun though.

Updated observation :: The presenters underestimated the passion of people for our neighborhood. It was clear that people picked the neighborhood far more than the actual house when they chose to move in. This will be incredibly important for me to keep in mind as we try and contextualize the Gospel in our area. Last night helped solidify in my mind the values of our community. These things have to be on the forefront of my mind and those who will join this mission.

Maybe Halloween should happen more often?

I realize I'm a few days slow in getting this post together, but Halloween strikes me as something that should happen more frequently.  Not really the dressing up part.  Definitely not the kids hyped up on candy part either.  More the getting to know your neighbors part.  I think we have definitely lost something when some bizarre, quasi-pagan holiday is what gets us talking and visiting with neighbors.  Don't get me wrong...I don't want people knocking on my door every few minutes, but I was reminded of the blessing of community this past week.  We are very grateful for our neighborhood and are quite thankful that we all do talk more than once per year.  However, it isn't surprising that God would use something "childish" to point towards community.  Kids just love mixing it up with people.  Somehow that gets lost and fades over time.  That really is too bad. 

So here's to more neighborhood involvement, minus the costumes and rotting teeth!

October Pics

October pictures have been added.  Click here to view.

Brian & Kirsten...having a girl!

Congrats!  We are so happy for you!  Girl cousins abound.