Wednesday, February 23, 2005
"I Saw You On TV"
The first time you hear those words from a stranger is kinda, well, both uplifting and creepy.
Tonight it happened to me in a Mexican Restaurant. A wonderfully nice lady came up to Sally and my table to say that she had seen my message on television a few Sunday morning's ago. "It was about the wedding," she recalled. She also said that she'd told all of her friends about it and just thought that it was a wonderful message and, since she'd recognized me, wanted to be sure that she stopped and told me so.
I smiled, nodded, and said thank you. It was a neat experience... though also a reminder that God's lifted me to a position in ministry where it is now more difficult to 'hide'. My life is always a testimony (and example) of His work. I must always be on guard.
I wondered how she remembered my face from one message that aired on NBC a month and a half ago. Sally said that I have pretty unique features and that most people don't look like me. I was afraid to ask whether or not that was a compliment so I just kept my mouth shut. :)
posted by Kevin at 2/23/2005 09:37:00 PM
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Tuesday, February 22, 2005
An Hour on Sunday
So right now I am in the midst of reading one of those "I'll get around it eventually" books.
Eventually is NOW, and the book is written by Nancy Beach, Director of Programming and Teaching Pastor, at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. Her church has probably had a greater impact on the 20th/21st Century Church than any other.
Here are some quotes that I've enjoyed (and resonated with) thus far:
"Certain subjects and [sermon] series rarely fail to draw a crowd. When John and Nancy Ortberg were both on our staff, John liked to tease his wife, who led Axis (our Next-Gen Minsitry), that they consistently focused on only three subjects: Sex, the End Times, and will there be sex in the end times?" p.57
"Music is the language by which we process our deepest thoughts and feelings." p.60
posted by Kevin at 2/22/2005 09:50:00 PM
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Saturday, February 19, 2005
Letters from Habaneros
Down the road a ways from my apartment is a Mexican restaurant. A quaint little place the likes of which you might drive by every day and not see. Named after the chili pepper from Havana, Habaneros is dimly lit, rarely crowded, and has great service... my glass of sweet tea never bottoming out...
I've found God there.
Rather, there He's found me, on Tuesday evenings.
I'm sure that I'm not alone in this: It's not always easy to find the right combination of elements necessary to allow God's still, small voice to rise above the dull roar that is my life... let alone squelch the noise enough to allow His voice to actually be heard.
But I've found a way Found a place. And it's Tuesdays at Habaneros.
This Tuesday I used the time to write a letter to God.
"Dear God," it began. I started by confessing the juxtaposition I feel between the gifts God has given me and my willingness to be set apart for their usage. I spoke of my past unease at fulfilling God's call on my life and promised increased willingness to step out on faith and readiness to follow the path He has set me on, whatever it might be.
You see, I've sensed for some time that God had great things just around the corner for me. If only I could hit my stride I knew that the blessings of God would follow. I sensed that whether I was ready or not they were about to arrive... so I figured it would be best to be prepared before they got here, whatever they might be.
So I wrote a letter to God... admitting my fear, confessing my occasional unwillingness, promising my best - no matter the call.
And it was catharctic.
So if you need me on Tuesday evenings, you'll probably do best to search for me down the road in a corner booth at the local Habaneros. I won't answering the cell or surfing the 'net. I won't be socializing or reading the newspaper. I probably won't even notice you if you walk by.
I'll be there, alone, with God.
posted by Kevin at 2/19/2005 02:36:00 PM
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Sunday, February 06, 2005
The future of the church
When this becomes the accepted job description for a Pastor/Teacher rather than the exception, then I will say "I told you so":
"You probably connect with today's culture if your iPod is part of your wardrobe, if your play lists include U2, Black-Eyed Peas, Moby, and Coldplay, if your library shelf contains N.T. Wright, Leonard Sweet, Bill Easum, Jim Collins, John Grisham and John Steinbeck, if your DVD collection goes beyond Disney to Cohen brothers, Oliver Stone, and Mel Gibson; and if you can successfully order at Starbucks without tripping over your tongue or holding up the line. Westwinds Community Church is seeking a subversive teacher/communicator and team player who can connect with the inquirer, as well as the seasoned Christ-follower and who accurately and passionately exegetes Scripture and culture. This catalytic leader must guide the ongoing theological and cultural dialogue while exploring different approaches to ministry. Five years experience in an emergent church would be ideal as well as a master's degree and/or seminary training. Please send resume accompanied with DVD of a RECENT speaking engagement to:..."
posted by Kevin at 2/06/2005 11:11:52 PM
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