Worth reading

Matt’s friend Devin, who we link to on this blog, has an excellent post that is quite lengthy but full of great thoughts on ministry, church planting, and theological education. Read it here.

(Devin is on the far left…the picture is taken at a Grace Point Baptism ceremony)

Here is one part I found especially interesting.

It is common among young church planters today to shun seminary. I understand this temptation had have chuckled along with others as some mega-church pastors took shots at “cemetery” trained pastors. I agree that it usually takes a few years to get the seminary out of guys before they are really ready to make an impact. Yet I am not sure it is a wise move to completely write off seminary as unnecessary. I think we live in a culture where theological preparation and knowledge is a must. A young church planter needs to be grounded in the gospel. You have to deal with a hodgepodge of spiritual thought today and it is vital for a church planter to know what they believe and why they believe it. The “I just believe the Bible” paradigm of yesteryear will not cut it in our culture of religious mayhem.

 

But I am bias since I am going to seminary right now, and have often wondered if seminary was an experience that was becoming out-dated. As I am getting closer to the end of my time I would answer with a resounding no, and argue that the time spent in seminary pays dividends that can not otherwise be had. Yet I would agree completely with Devin, that it is not a must for all to pastor. But those who can thrive in ministry without seminary, are more often the exception than the rule.

ryan

ADDENDUM BY MATT

Neither Ryan or I have ever invaded each others posts to respond. Normally I would write this in a separate post, but I didn’t want my response to leapfrog Ryan’s.

For some reason I have managed to be one of the guys Devin emails when he has an article of interest. Most of the time he sends out a heads up when he has a article up on Monday Morning Insight. He sent one out for the article Ryan links to. Below is my response that I emailed Devin:

I would think that he was speaking to guys like me, not guys like you. Guys like me, who chose to plant with their own vision and purpose becuase they were too prideful to come under another seasoned man’s vision. Guys like me, who chose to plant becuase they were to prideful to realize they were too young to gain the respect that comes from caring for the church the way you did in seminary. Guys like me, who think they are the next Mark Driscoll and don’t give credence to the value of seminary, even though we really need it. Guys like me, who haven’t learned how to love and care for the flock, and yet think they could do it better than the next guy. Almost all of these come from carrying for the church that exists, and that through that God might prepare me to reach thousands of lost people. Lost people turn into church people, and they need the gospel daily just as the lost do. I think I sorely neglected this due to the hubris of young zeal.

I add this only to show the multiple sides to this issue. I strongly believe in Devin’s wisdom, and feel ever pressing conviction in Dr. Mohler’s words, at least at this point in my life.

matt

Challies on Brian McLaren’s new book

We just got Brian McLaren’s new book in at the book store I work at. I have a copy and will probably be reading it in the next few weeks. I think that McLaren is usually at his strongest when he talks about social issues and how Christians should engage the world around them. His writings are often frustrating and irritating because he purposely wades in ambiguity just to ruffle feathers.  And since Brian functions as the elder statesman of sorts, for the Emergent Church I think it is important to be aware of his writings and ideas, regardless if we might find some of them difficult to swallow.

But since I can not read at the same rate as Tim Challies I would point you toward his review of the book. His review is well written and very thorough. Tim is more conservative than I am but he is also a good thinker and able to give a good summarization of a book, especially considering he is a professional book reviewer (my dream job).

The Cross and Marriage

I finished reading an excellent book this morning that will probably require me to go back through it and mine for more of its treasures. Its entitled “Grace in Practice” by Paul F. Zahl.

Here is a passage on Marriage that was especially compelling;

The feelings leading to marriage are aroused by the physical and romantic ecstasy resulting from being discovered, in one’s true hidden existence, by another person. This is the thesis concerning grace in relation to marriage: Being known in weakness is the origin of marriage. Marriage, in other words, depends on a theology of the cross rather than a theology of glory.

If you are married or were married, remember the origin of your marriage. The root and foundation of the relationship was the discovery by another of your true but hidden self. You disclosed yourself. The disclosure lit a fire that gave off a lot of heat. A “purely” sexual relationship did not have this fire. But the sexual relationship that accompanied the disclosure did. It led to your desire to be married.

 

Sometimes when asked about marriage I say the one thing that I was truly not ready for, or could not have understood beforehand, is the exposure. In marriage there is just a light shown into every corner of your life, and the faults that you gloss over as a single person are suddenly brought out into the open like never before. I think in fact before marriage I thought I was somewhat kind, generous, patient, humble, and considerate. I guess I did not listen to closely to my four roommates from college! But when you get married your spouse truly sees you for who you are good and bad. I could not imagine going through this experience without endless amounts of grace. My wife has been ever so gracious to me over our years of marriage and I am a better man for it. But it is in this intimate relationship of giving and receiving grace that I have understood the Cross more, and also been truly known by another person.

The Women at Mars Hill Church really know how to blog!!

I Came across this post at the Mars Hill website written by Nadia, it is hilarious and is to often the way blogs work. Especially if you are talking about Mark Driscoll, Emergent Village, Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Homosexuality, or the New England Patriots. Yet at the same time this is exactly the way Matt and I have built this blog into a juggernaut!  I hope you can tell I am full of it.  Seriously though, I really liked this post because on our old blog I had a post I had written about blogging etiquette that shared many of these ideas. Anyway I pasted the whole thing below so read it and enjoy.

A Concise Guide to Sensational Blogging

OK let’s get edumacated!

1. Google someone or something you know little or nothing about. Or go to Technorati and click on the first blog that pops up as popular, but you still know nothing about.

2. Cut and paste 2-3 sentences from one large paragraph of their writing to kick off your entry. Make sure not to read the whole paragraph – just select and copy at random and as quickly as possible so that you don’t accidentally pick up the context of the article.

3. Froth yourself into a vehement misinterpretation of what was said.

4. Begin writing, keeping in mind points 5-11.

5. Question your new object of fury’s credentials at every possible turn, but make sure to glibly ignore your own lack of experience. This can be done with a classic Emperor’s-New-Clothes maneuver: emphasize that your readers and the general public obviously will think the way you do.

6. Keep focused: you don’t actually want to be involved in a solution, or learning something yourself, or create good relationships. Your job is to just to shout loudly and use the original 2-3 sentences as a springboard for whatever it is that has been irritating you lately.

7. Cite other peoples’ blogs for solid reinforcement. After all, if the hearsay is published, even if it’s entirely in lower case and written by a sixteen-year-old dropout on myspace, it must be credible.

8. By no means indicate that you may not have the whole perspective.

9. If you can find a dot-com blog or newsreel that has one to two keywords that matches your subject, reference it as a link within your text, and people will be impressed that you read the Big Journalists and Bloggers AND that they fully support your opinion. They won’t have time to notice that the article is pretty much unrelated altogether.

10. Remember people want a human connection – transparency. However, sarcasm is the only medium for this transparency. Say things like “Apparently I’ve been terribly mistaken, but” or “Obviously my opinion is completely invalid, but” to preface your inflammatory paragraphs. This is the best way to grab your reader’s heart without actually having to be vulnerable or teachable.

11. Hand out LOTS of advice to the person you are trashing – remember, no regard as to whether that person is well-read or may have more experience than you on the debated topic.

12. After giving your entry a once-over, feel the power surge through your fingertips as your mouse lingers over the smite button. Oh did I say smite? I meant submit.

13. Wait for your 3 back-up singers to sign in with “word!” and more yes-man comments.

Wait… So “Bro” is the new “Dude”

Gotta love the YouTube revolution. And you really gotta love the “Don’t Tase Me Bro” crazy John Kerry supporter/conspiracry theorist.

Let’s be honest. This video would not be funny if the guy did not add the word “Bro” to the end of each of his sentences.

This has got me thinking, have U.S. Americans replaced “Dude” with “Bro”. This blogger portrays “Bros” in a less than favorable light. I still say “Dude”, am I out of touch with culture? I feel like the guy at the office that was still using “Man” when everyone switched to “Dude” 15 years ago. And I feel like I’m getting old and out of touch because every time I hear someone say “Bro” I think they sound stupid. Undoubtably, this is how many U.S. Americans felt 15 years ago when punks like me said things like, “Don’t tase me, Dude” when being silenced at a political rally.

I am officially torn. I want to connect with todays culture, but I don’t want to sound like an idiot. What should I do?

matt

Has Bill Hybels been reading Charles Spurgeon?

What do these two guys have in common? I mean besides the killer tans? Well maybe more than one would think.

If you have any exposure to Bill Hybels and the Willow Creek Association I am sure you have heard one of Bill’s classic sayings, “the local church is the hope of the world.” I have heard him speak on the topic quite a few times from Leadership Summits to interviews, to sermons. Bill’s talk that goes along with the point is inspirational and moving, not to mention I think dead on. The local church is the hope of the world. Nothing else can bring redemption and the gospel to a hurt and broken world. So what does this have to do with Charles Spurgeon? I mean Hybels is a classic Arminian and Spurgeon was well, quite Reformed.

As I sat down tonight to do some studying I cracked open a Charles Spurgeon sermon as I do on occasion. The sermon I was reading was on the topic of the feeding of the 5000. Spurgeon draws the illustration that like Jesus’ disciples then, we often think the Great Commission is too much, and how can the Church ever meet the needs of the entire world, well here is what Charles Spurgeon says.

And let the entire body of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ–instead of looking to societies for evangelization, or to commerce, or to governments– remember that she is the sole saviour of the world.”

Wait it gets better.

As Christ was the world’s hope, so is the Church the world’s hope, and she must take up the charge as if there were not another.

 

So maybe Bill Hybels reads a little Spurgeon for his quiet times? Or maybe the Holy Spirit works sovereignly to reveal this immense and life changing truth to Godly men throughout the generations. Either way I say Amen the local church is the hope of the world, and it is not us who will build it, but Jesus. We are simply called to obedience and faith. That is it. Doesn’t that sound simple? I’m just kidding I know its not, but if Jesus can feed 5000 with a few stale loaves and some minnows imagine what he can do with a new creation in Christ like you and I?

 

 

Chicago Cubs why?

Most people who are reading this (all three of you) do not care about the Cubs. So I will not make this post a long one. I just want to say that after their horrible start, I basically wrote them off.

C’mon don’t you want this guy running your team?

I thought they were incapable of coming together and Lou was a horrible fit as manager. Then they had a an amazing comeback to take first place. Now they are in the worst division in baseball and they just refuse to close the deal. It is like they just want to screw with me. All of this to say that I am not sure why I am a Cubs fan, until I remember the name of this blog. I am an eternal optimist, you could feed me nasty meat everyday for a year and I would be convinced that the next day you would serve me a medium rare Porterhouse. So as long as the Cubs keep playing, I will keep cheering, because by nature I am that dog that loves his owner even if he beats me, or makes me fight other dogs, or… Well you get the point. Sorry I just can’t stop with the Michael Vick references.

ryan

Shelf Fridge Ipod

These posts are pretty fun to write, except for the times you discover that you have not listened to any new music and that your beer tastes have stayed pretty much the same for as long as you can remember.  Anyway, here is my list.

Shelf

Spiritual Direction by Henri Nouwen.  Here is a quote from the book; “Once pain or confusion is framed or articulated by a question, it must be lived rather than solved.”  Or try this one on for size, “Our lives are not problems to be solved but journeys to be taken with Jesus as our friend and finest guide.”  Hey Brian McLaren Nouwen called and he wants he material back!  I’m kidding but this has been an excellent book for me to read, it is books like this (from a dead Catholic priest) that round out my Christian life, they allow me to be challenged and understand God from different avenues and streams than I am used to and particularly comfortable with.  Everyone should read this book, especially if you are reformed.

It All Goes Back in the Box by John Ortberg. This is typical Ortberg, good writing, incredible illustrations and simply profound at times.  Guy is just a born communicator.  He does have a high “cheese” factor and can be quite “boomerific” at times but the book is quite enjoyable to read and is excellent for all.

PNTC Gospel of John by D.A. Carson.  Considering that I a huge fan of both D.A. Carson and the Pillar New Testament Commentary Series I knew that I would love this book.  This is the second beefy commentary I have read on John this year and I have to say Carson’s is second to none.  What I find remarkable about it is that whether you are a Greek guru or just a Christian wanting to dig deeper into the Gospel of John, there is something for you in this commentary.  Now that to me is the definition of great writing.  One who can write to all levels, even at the same time.

Fridge

I have cut back on the beer drinking this summer, and lost over ten pounds this summer, maybe the two are related.  But a few good beers I have had are the Breckenridge Seasonal brew a few weekends ago, and anything by New Belgium they are the Patriots of the beer making world.

I have cooked a lot of steak this summer as I continue my secret mission to become the next Bobby Flay.  Yes I have gone to great lengths to learn how to cook the perfect steak, even watching hours and hours of the Food Network.  And I think I am getting close.  Won’t share all my insights right now because maybe a cookbook is my best shot at getting published in the future.

Ipod

Kayne West Graduation. Honestly I was stunned when I saw that Matt had not included this new CD on his list.  If you are into hip-hop, which I am, then you will love this CD.  Kayne West has an ego the size of Barry Bond’s head but he also is incredibly talented.  Even if you do not like rap download the track “stronger” could be the best song of the year, it is easily the best workout song of the year.

ESPN Radio.  I have become and addict.  Crystal got me a subscription to ESPN the magazine and with it comes a membership to be an ESPN insider.  I would not give something like this a second thought usually but as an insider you get to download all their sports talk shows without the commercials, for free!  So everyday now I download it onto my Ipod and listen to it on the way to work.  Colin Cowherd is my favorite, the guy says some crazy stuff, but is hugely entertaining.  Plus with football season being back in full effect, sports talk radio is at its finest.

ryan

Bill Belichick and the Patriots update

Whoa!

Read this ESPN story. Roger Goodell put the UFC smack down on one smarmy Bill Belichick.  This punishment is severe and harsh.

Yes I might have a small man crush on Roger Goodell

A first round pick is like a first born in  the NFL world.  Plus by personally fining Bill Belichick 500,000 dollars sends a big message to him and the rest of the NFL.  Overall I would say justice served, but we are all still left with lingering doubts about big moments over the last few years and how legit they really were.  We all know that you reap what you sow and I hope the Patriots get a big bounce in the first round of the playoffs this year.  And yes I am bitter.

Shelf/Ipod/Fridge

For those of you who don’t know, Shelf/Ipod/Fridge is a chance to share what you are reading, listening to, and drinking. I would encourage all loyal readers (and even marginal for that matter) to write a shelf/ipod/fridge post as well and link to it in the comment section of this post (Jake, since you have a iphone you have no excuse not to participate). If enough people participate we could make this a monthly endeavor, sharing our different tastes, and turning our voyeuristic online endeavors to somewhat of an actual community.

Shelf

The Legacy of Sovereign Joy by John Piper

- Just finished this phenomenal mini-biography of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin. Simply to hear the stories of conversion, the struggles (Luther’s bad mouth), and love for God that these great reformers was such a great encourage to continue to “contend for the faith.”

Getting Things Done by David Allen

- I am rereading this wonderful book on organizational principles. It has revolutionized how I view organizing my life. I am rereading it becuase I am having a hard time sticking to the implementation of these principles. This is a book I will probably read two or three times a year until I am able to master these great tools for productivity.

JPS Commentary on Ecclesiastes by Michael Fox

- Other than having to read this book backwards (with the JPS you literally read from the right to left, except for the page itself) I love this commentary. I have relied primarily on the WBC series, but was pleased with what I read about this in the two reference surveys I have (Commentary and Reference survey are basically entire books that serve as annotated bibliographies for Bible commentaries). It is great to be as honest with hermeneutics as Solomon was in addressing life under the sun. What a splendid battle it is to study Ecclesiastes.

Ipod

Black Holes and Revelations by MUSE

- Progressive rock at its best. I always say that I like my emo with a lot of rock, but I’m not even sure MUSE is emo. Just check out the link, they’re wonderful.

Under the Iron Sea by Keane

- Keane lands somewhere between MUSE and Coldplay. Note: I cannot stand Coldplay, so Keane is my limit for piano led whiny Brittish pop/alternative rock. That being said, Under the Iron Sea, is one of 3 albums I have gotten in the past few years that I can listen from beginning to end. Listening to them simply makes me happy, and in a good move. Plus, its one of 5 cd’s I own that I can listen to with my wife.

Greatest Hitz by Limp Bizkit

- Yes I am serious, and yes this is proof positive that I graduated high school in 1999. But, after picking this up recently I was amazed at how many songs were still really good. I mean, if you had asked me in 2000 whether I thought Korn or Limp Bizkit would still be on my player in 10 years, I would have not hesitated to say Korn. Yet Counterfeit, Nookie, Re-Arranged, N 2 Gether Now, and Rollin’ all blared out of my window yesterday. Note: yes I did turn it down when at stop lights, I don’t want people to know how much of a loser I really am.

Fridge

Only had one beer in my fridge over the last month, so I’ll modify this one a bit.

Fat Tire by New Belgium

- Sometimes you just have to go back to old trusted beers. Fat Tire never disapoints as a amber, slightly bitter Ale. And, I am eagerly anticipating their fall seasonal to be consumed shortly.

Cabernet Sauvignon  by Chateau Ste. Michelle

- Probably the best deep red you’re getting for around 10 bucks. And for my money, this dry-red is great with a juicy red steak, or kicking back on your porch smoking a…

Tobacco Pipe by Romeo and Juliet

- Yup, I have taken up pipe smoking. While it is working and making me feel smarter, I have not quite gotten used to how to correctly keep the tobacco lit. It is quite fun learning though. If anyone has any suggestions on what kind of tobacco to smoke please comment. I am most interested in a very aromatic blend