Category Archives: Books

Books, Church Planting, Discipleship, Ethos, Ministry, Popular Culture, Religion, Review

Beginings

2 Comments

..all God’s people carry within themselves the same potencies that energized the early Christian movement… Apostolic Genius (the primal missional potencies of the gospel and of God’s people) lies dormant in you, me, and every local church that seeks to follow jesus faithfully in any time. We have quite simply forgotten how to access and trigger it. This book is written to help us identify its constituent elements and to help us (re)activate it so that we might once again truly be a truly transformative Jesus movement in the West.

The first book I decided to tackle in 2007 is The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch. Although it looks like a regular book it is dense and thick and that makes me all excited inside.

In the introduction Hirsch asks the $64,000 Question:

How did the early church grow from being a relatively small movement to the “most significant religious force in the Roman Empire in (just) two centuries?”

Hirsch explains that by most estimates the early church had grown to about 25,000 people at the close of the first century. Two hundred years later, conservative estimates put the church at 20 million strong. That is incredible growth. Hirsch throws a wrench in your answering of that question by reminding you that this growth happened in spite of the follow:

  • Christianity was an illegal religion at this time
  • No church buildings like we know them
  • The cannon was being put together during this period
  • No institutional or professional forms of leadership
  • No seeker-sensitive, youth groups, worship bands, seminaries, commentaries, etc.
  • It was actually hard to join a church

Ok, can you answer the question? How did they do it? 25 thousand to 20 million in 200 years?

Before you answer Hirsch adds this:

But before the example of the early Christian movement can be dismissed as a freak of history, there is another, even more astounding manifestation of Apostolic Genius, that unique and explosive power inherent in all of God’s people, in our own time- namely, the underground church in China.

When Mao took power 1949 the Chinese church was estimated at 2 million. Mao set out to wipe China clean of all religion focusing explicitly on Christianity. Those in senior leadership were executed, church property was nationalized, missionaries and foreign ministers were deported out of China, and public meetings were banned by threat of imprisonment and death. This still occurs even today.

When foreign missionaries were finally able to return in the early eighties they expected to find a severely diminished church. The found that the church in China had grown to 60 million.

Hirsch says that by looking at the growth of the early church and the Chinese church we find that elements such as “the strange mixture of the passionate love of God, prayer, incarnational practice, appropriate modes of leadership, relevant organization and structures, and the conditions that allow these to catalyze” allow something remarkable to take place.

I am very much looking forward to reading this book. If the inrtoduction is any indication than I am in for a wild ride through these pages. One can only hope.

TheForgottenWays.org
Discreet and Dynamic: Why, with no apparent resources, Chinese churches thrive.

Books

Looking Ahead to 2007

3 Comments

I have been compiling a list of new books that I want to read in 2007. this isn’t an exhaustive list by any means just a jumping off point.

I want to know what you think.
Any suggestions?
Anyone wanna read with me?
Anything I should avoid?

Best of 2006, Book Review, Books

The Best of 2006: The Books

3 Comments

One of my resolutions for this coming year is to keep better track of the books that I read. So, to the best of my memory, here a just a few of the best books that I read in 2006.

Ministry
Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones

Best. Preaching. Book. Ever. Just as in other Northpoint Ministry Resources, Communicating for a Change is divided into two parts. The first is a fictional tale about a burnt out pastor who desperately needs help in connecting his sermons with his congregation. He finds just what he’s looking for when he takes a road trip with a truck driver who helps him map out and prepare his messages for maximum impact. Section 2 takes the nuts and bolts from the story and turns them into highly practical tools for any communicator. This is a highly practical book not only for ministers but for teachers, businessman, and coaches as well. This is a quick read that will change the way you prepare for and deliver the important messages in your life.

Confessions of a Reformission Rev. by Mark Driscoll

A lot of ink (both real and digital) has been spilt over Driscoll, the pastor of Mars Hill Church Seattle. Whether it is his headbutting with Emergent or his recent comments about Ted Haggard that landed him in hot water with many bloggers Driscoll seems to draw a lot of attention. Regardless of what you think of him this is an interesting little book. Part how-to and part tell-all Driscoll takes you through the planting of Mars Hill and his own growth and development through the years. He isn’t afraid to say “Hey this didn’t work” and he is quick to give credit to the Almighty when something works like gangbusters. Driscoll might seem a bit rough around the edges but I relished in his honesty and was amazed at how different his voice sounded. Great read for church planters and manly men.

Notable: Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeshel, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World Chap Clark & Kara Powell, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson

Business
Small Is the New Big Seth Godin

Small Is the New Big is a collection of business guru Seth Godin’s greatest blog posts culled from his personal blog and others like Fast Company. Each post is listed in alphabetical order and is full of great wit and wisdom. Godin has an incredible knack for writing the simplest yet most profound statements. Small is a great primer to introduce you to Godin’s best ideas. Everything from free prizes to purple cows gets plenty of play here. Keep this book by the bedside table for quick inspirations before bed or for the first thing in the morning.

Pop Culture
The Perfect Thing: How the iPod Shuffles Commerce, Culture, and Coolness by Steven Levy

My favorite part about this book: The chapters are shuffled! How cool is that? Levy takes us through the development of the iPod and its impact on the culture at large is this punchy little book. Each chapter is crafted with great care. Levy’s writing is real and relevant as he carries us through topics such as podcasting, business models, Microsoft, iPod fights. One of my favorite books of the year.

One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those seeking God Christian Scharen

Just as Get Up Off Your Knees, a collection of sermons featuring U2 references, was a completely new look at the gospel in culture genre this too is not your typical U2 and the Gospel book either. One Step Closer wants to challenge the reader to “think about how U2 fits within a larger tradition of Christian voices” pointing us toward the cross. Scharen is able to accomplish two things in this work. First, he does the work of U2 justice by letting the statements and lyrics speak for themselves. Secondly, and most importantly, he doesn’t twist the Gospel to fit into the U2 box. What comes out is a reflective, prayerful tome that introduces people to a band made up of Irish friends whose music is flavored by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Masterful work.

Books, Faith in Action, Theology

Judge a Book by the Cover


Synopsis:

A tongue-in-cheek look at contemporary culture through the eyes of a screenwriter who pens a hit about the last unbeliever on Earth navigating a thoroughly Christian world.
An unwary “pagan” discovers he’s one of the last remaining unbelievers in a world populated by Christians. Or so imagines Larry Hutch, a screenwriter with hopes of writing a hit movie. While struggling in his faith and dealing with personal crises, he imagines a strange new world where song lyrics are altered to conform to “Christian” standards (the Beatles belt out “I Wanna Hold Your Tithe”) and French fries, newly labeled “McScriptures,” are tools for evangelism. Larry’s screenplay is a big hit with his agent, Ned, but Ned’s Southern Baptist wife is less than amused. Both men’s futures will be on the line when the world witnesses A PAGAN’S NIGHTMARE.

From the author Ray Blackston:

Some will call this new novel a comic spoof of legalism. Others may call it controversial and insensitive. I hope at least a few will call it humorous and daring!

I can testify that I felt obedient in writing this book. I wrote it for this reason: Over the past couple of decades the Christian community in America has created (for better or worse) its own subculture, complete with videos, audios, non-fiction, fiction (I’m a tiny part of that!), trinkets, clothing, billboards, bumper stickers, and buzzwords. In some instances, originality is sacrificed on the altar of profit as we, the Christians, “sanitize” secular products for our own benefit. Now, whether all this is healthy or not is a topic that can be debated for days upon days. (And I am not volunteering to moderate such a discussion!) But consider this: if the only thing the lost world ever observed was our products and buzzwords instead of our authenticity and grace, if they were only exposed to the commercialization of religion but never introduced to the person of Jesus, the result might well be . . . a pagan’s nightmare.

May God grant us the grace to laugh at ourselves.

Looks interesting. Not my genre but thought-provoking nonetheless.

Books, General, Music, Popular Culture

Something to Blog About

2 Comments

1) Fall Is On the Way
I went for an evening workout on Tuesday and was greeted by a nice, cool night. You could almost smell Fall in the air. The same could be said for the morning drives to work. I have also noticed that I haven’t been getting sunstroke as I drive around with my sunroof open and my windows down. It is actually comfortable. This summer’s heat was, in a word, oppressive. The cooler temperatures have been a welcomed change.

2) In Cold Blood
Every year I try and squeeze a classic into my reading schedule. This year I chose Capote’s In Cold Blood. I don’t know which is more fascinating: The story of a family that was brutally killed by two sociopaths and how the were brought to justice or the story of an effeminate homosexual with a weird voice from Ny by way of Alabama that travels to Kansas to document the murders and becomes the toast of the town yet allows himself to get too close to the story and never writes another book after this one?

3) Continuum
John Mayer’s newest makes the leap from frat/sorority pop-lite fluff to great, mellow rythm and blues. Well done.

4) Water Cups
What is the deal with fast food chains offering 44oz. sodas for 89 cents and yet they can only afford to give away 6oz. water cups? They ought to just have a dixie cup dispenser on the counter right next to the register. At Quizzno’s a large drink (32oz) is $1.59. A bottle of Aquafina water (20oz) is $1.69. for those of us who like to drink big, we might as well get a large drink and fill it with water. It’s messed up.

5) Dunder-Mifflin and Lego Star Wars 2
0910ba11a001p1_st6o3_17ajpg.jpgChristmas came early this year. My wife picked me up The Office Duder-Mifflin Severance Package from Best Buy. It came with both seasons of the funniest show on TV, DM post-its, a DM note pad, and a magnet replica of Dwight K. Schrute’s buissnes card.

b000g7x0ao01_ss500_sclzzzzzzz_v61203868_.jpgI returned the favor by picking up her a copy of Lego Star Wars 2. That’s right. We play video games together. We spent many hours together bonding during the first one. I used to think that canoeing with your significant other was the best way for you to learn a lot about your relationship with your spouse. I was way off. Video-gaming with your spouse will open your eyes to unseen issues that were never present before. You think you love each other until you try to jump over a pit of molten lava and fail. Character is built during these moments. We love it!!! We have a date with episode IV tonight.

That’s all I’ve got right now. Have a gret Thursday!!!

Books, Leadership, Ministry, Music

Stand Up

2 Comments

I’ve been awfully music heavy the last few days so I wanted to shake it up a little and catch everyone up on what’s been going on in my busy life.

I updated the links page with some of my favorite blogs.

I just finished my first summer at my new church. By the gace of God, I believe that it was a success. I have about 30 awesome teens who enjoying being together and who have a great habit of inviting their friends. The summer went by very, very quickly. I actually started on May 30th and before I knew it – August had arrived. I am currently trying to put together the fall calendar and I have a lock-in and a big cookout on the horizon. This week I’m visiting my students at school and getting achance to meet more of their friends. Today’s visit was a lot of fun. I love being a Youth Minister.

This coming Sunday I’m going to “the Dance.” That’s right, I’m stepping into the pulpit for Sunday morning worship assembly. It’s the big game! We have been going through Exodus 20 taking a fresh look at the Ten Commandments. I’ll be covering v. 15:

Thou shalt not steal.

I know a little bit about stealing. When I was a little elementary kid, I used to put gum on the end of wire hangers and steal quarters, nickels, and dimes out of the high school student’s lockers at my school for sodas. I might mention that this Sunday. Maybe.

Btw, I think the Ten Commandments sound a lot better in the King’s English but that’s just me.

Some books that you need to read right now:

Some albums that you need to hear right now:

I’ll leave you with this:

On your journey as a believer, questions automatically arise. Who am I and what is my calling? Am I called to be a deacon? Am I called to be a pastor? Am I called to be an evangelist, a fireman, or a retail salesperson? Am I called into counseling, sports medicine, or intercession? Paul let’s us know that those questions are good starting points for a young believer, but as you mature in your faith, the callings that once consumed you begin to diminish, and the sumreme calling to one thing becomes ever clearer. Whether you are annointed or not is no longer the motivaing drive of a mature individual. The motivating thing becomes: Am I tender toward the Lord? Am I moved when he comes near me? Instead of being consumed with numbers and results, ask yourself: Do I hunger for Him like I used to? Is my gaze still focused and my eyes still pure? Is my heart expanding in the understanding of this Man, Jesus? Paul’s exhortation is clear. As you mature in your faith, your pursuit of Jesus becomes more and more consuming.

Dwaye Roberts, One Thing

May you begin to ask yourself the deeper questions.

Peace,
Micheal

Books, Leadership

Jeremiah 20:9

From the Introduction to Reggie McNeal’s Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extrordinary Spiritual Leaders:

Humility derives from the leader’s awareness of where his or her source of strength lies.

Jesus’ idea of greatness revolves around humility and service- a far cry from our typical associations with this concept.

Great leaders bless people. They inspire and encourage, The help people become more than what they have been, maybe even more than they thought that they could be. Great leaders help people be part of something bigger than themselves. In short, great leaders leave people better off than they were before the leader entered their lives.

Leaders who have an appropriate view of self (humility), combined with the capacity to help others (service), don’t just show up in the nick of time. They are crafted over time. They practice being great. Extraordinary character and exceptional competence develop over time. Leaders must make countless good choices and right calls to fasion greatness.

In the spiritual realm, greatness is not pursued for greatness’ sake. Perhaps this statement should go without saying, but to do so would run an unwarranted risk of a colossal misunderstanding about the pursuit of greatness for spiritual leaders. Genuinely great spiritual leaders do not do what they do for themselves or even as a way to become recognized as great leaders. The end game for spiritual leaders is about expanding the kingdom of God. They pursue greatness because they are passionate about God and helping other people experience the life God intends for them to enjoy. In the end, great spiritual leaders are not interested in calling attention to themselves. They point people to a great God. This is the sort of greatness we are desperate for.

Greatness is earned. It is not a gift; it is a reward. It is not accidental; it is cultivated. It is not bestowed by others; it is self-determined. You do not need to hope it happens. You can plot a course to make it happen. “Am I a great leader?” or “Do I want to be a great leader?” are questions only you can answer. You will answer them one way or another. The kingdom of God is at stake.

You are free to practice greatness.

If that doesn’t stir your soul about becoming a great leader, I don’t know what will.

Dare to be great.

Books, Ministry, Religion, Resources, Review, The Word, Theology

New Testament and the People of God 1

Even though we haven’t We have now officially kicked off the group read. I have completed the first chapter of Wright’s The New Testament and the People of God and, as expected, was blown away. Just a hint of the gold that I have been busy mining:

The New Testament has not been around as long as the land of Israel, but in other ways there are remarkable parallels. It is a small book, smaller than anybody else’s holy book, small enough to be read through in a day or two. But it has had an importance belied by its slim appearance. It has again and again been a battleground for warring armies. Sometimes they have come to plunder its treasures for their own use, or to annex bits of its territory as part of a larger empire in need of a few extra strategic mountains, especially holy ones. Sometimes they have come to fight their private battles of neutral territory, finding in the debates about a book or a passage a convenient place to stage a war which is really between two world views or philosophies, themselves comparatively unrelated to the New Testament and its concerns. There are many places whose fragile beauty has been trampled by heavy-footed exegetes in search of a Greek root, a quick sermon, or a political slogan. And yet it has remained a powerful and evocative book, full of delicacy and majesty, tears and laughter. This book is a book of wisdom for all peoples, but we have made it a den of scholarship, or of a narrow, hard and exclusive piety. (3-4)
What ought to be done with this strange and powerful little book? A volume of Shakespeare may be used to prop up a table leg, or it may be used as the basis for a philosophical theory. It is not difficult, though, to see that using it as the foundation for dramatic productions of the plays themselves carries more authenticity than either of these. There is a general appropriateness about using Shakespeare as a basis of plays, which justifies itself without much more argument. (5-6)

The New Testament, I suggest, must be read so as to be understood, read within appropriate contexts, within an acoustic which will allow its full overtones to be heard. It must be read with as little distortion as possible, and with as much sensitivity as possible to its different levels of meaning. It must be read so that the stories, and the Story, which it tells can be heard as stories, not as rambling ways of declaring unstoried ‘ideas.’ It must not be read with the assumption that we already know what it is going to say, and without the arrogance that assumes ‘we’- whichever group that might be- already have ancestral rights over this or that passage, book, or writer. And for full appropriateness, it must be read in such a way as to set in motion the drama which it suggests. (6)

I felt that the first quote was escpecially pionant due to the recent turmoil that has erupted in and around the country of Israel over the recent weeks. Too often our arguing and debates over scripture turns to war almost as quickly as the real thing. Casualties take their toll on both sides of such conflict and leave those still left in the battle with a bitter taste in our mouths. We were not born to kill, it is something that we learn.

Again, I have been amazed at Wright’s ability to write ith both lofty, eloquant, doctarial prose and then everyday, run of the mill conversation. Brilliant.

I can’t wait to acctually begin sharing with the group. hear what others have to say. We have to have the first five chapters read by the end of the month so keep looking for my thoughts and reactions. Great stuff!!!

Books, General, Music

I’m In Missouri Until Sunday

The temp has cooled a little this week so I’m sorry that I am leaving town and won’t get to enjoy it for much longer.

I leave this morning with 7 teenagers for our mission trip to Brookline Station, MO. I will be out of pocket until then but I wanted to wish everyone a great week. Please, we covet your prayers during our trip. This will be the first mission trip that many of these kids will have been on. I am excited to see what God has in store for us.

I have a few posts lined up and in the que for the week. I also updated the On My Desk section with the books that I am currently digging into and I updated the On My iPod section so you can check out what I’ll be listening to on the trip. American V is tragically beautiful where as Corinne Bailey Rae is just plain beautiful. Great stuff!

Anyways, I hope everyone has a great week. Peace and love.

Books, Leadership, Ministry, Resources

Reading Group

I am so stoked about being a part of a group reading The New Testament and the People of God by NT Wright. The group was started by Justin over at Radical Congruency and right now there are 16 people in our group.

When I look back over my short life I see that I have been shaped by a number of conversations big and small and I am hoping that this conversation will be added to that list.

We will be discussing the book over at Urban Monastery and I am planning to discuss it here as well. Please be praying for us that this time will be beneficial. I’m am so excited.

As Iron Sharpens Iron.