Illuminate 2007

This past weekend the Rochester Church hosted the first Illuminate. Illuminate is a youth conference designed for today's youth. We offered sessions that included a drama workshop, a song writing workshop, beat poetry, a prayer labyrinth, and classes with Patrick Mead and Sean Algaier. Pat Pugh, a minister from inner-city Cincinnati, brought some powerful messages. Friday night included performances and worship by Minor Measure (a band consisting of Rochester youth group members) and Ekklesia (a praise band from Rochester College). Ambassadors communicated effectively through drama and Jason Tomlinson shared God's message in a unique way through Spoken Word Praise. Almost 200 students and dozens of adults came together for an uplifting weekend of spiritual growth. And we had the joy of witnessing the baptism of a young lady on Saturday night. (For more about Illuminate and to see videos from the weekend, visit www.shoutlife.com/illuminate.)

I am grateful to the dozens of people who sacrificed hours and hours of their time to make this event a success. Hearts were touched and lives were changed because of the efforts of these tremendous servants. Many of them make my ministry a joy not just for one weekend, but all year long. The hearts of the people at the Rochester church are huge and their desire to serve is incredible. God has blessed me with a great body of followers of Jesus to serve beside.

As I reflect on the weekend, one thing continues to come to mind. It is amazing what God can do when we get out of the way and let Him work. People were free to express themselves in worship. Teenagers were able to explore different ways to live out their faith. God's word was preached without restraint. The Holy Spirit was unleashed and people were impacted.

Today's generation of young people often does not understand the constraints that previous generations have placed on God. This is not to condemn or criticize previous generations. Each generation experiences God in a unique way. But when the church tries to force every generation to experience God in the same way - their way - there will be struggle. This has been the story of the church for centuries. Whether it is Martin Luther questioning indulgences or Martin Luther King, Jr. attacking the racism of the church in the 20th century, there have been innovators in every generation that cause us to reconsider where we are and where God wants us to go.

Today's youth have an important voice that must be heard in the church. They will cause us to examine life-long beliefs and consider new ways of expressing our faith. They will challenge our presuppositions and question our reasoning. And in the process - as iron sharpens iron - we can all grow in our relationship with God.

The new ways of the younger generation do not have all the right answers. But neither do we. Every generation must be willing to work alongside those with different views and different ways of doing things. Only then can we become the body of Christ working together in unity. Unity is not the presence of conformity, it is the absence of division. Jesus did not want cookie-cutter churches and Christians. He wanted a chosen people, a holy nation, His very own possession. We are called to be Christ-shaped followers of Jesus who don't find our identity in our style of worship or list of doctrines. Rather, we are called to seek our identity in the One who gave us life, Jesus Christ.

shine!
Jason

The neuterization of our youth

At the outset, this might see to directly contradict what I just wrote in the last two entries, but stick with me...

I think we have neutered our youth. Many of them have become uninterested in church because it isn't really relevant to their lives. And they might be right. We want them to do church our way, live out their faith our way, and understand God and the Bible our way. But what if our way is wrong? Or maybe the better thought is that maybe our way is wrong for their time.

But you might argue that we do Christianity the right way. Really? Many in my particular tribe believe that we are the "First Century Church" or the "New Testament Church" or a variety of other phrases that basically state that we do church the way it was originally intended. Really? Do you really think they sang all those songs written in the 1700's and 1800's? (Oops, that was a few years earlier.) Do we forget the fact that the first church building was probably built in the 3rd century? What about those passages in Acts chapter two that talk about followers of Jesus meeting daily and sharing all they had? I think you get the point.

What if what we call Christianity isn't best for the next generation? Before you panic, I am not talking about the core beliefs of Christianity. God is still God. Jesus is still His Son. The Holy Spirit is alive and well. I think we need to stick with the seven "ones" in Ephesians 4.

I think the fact that we have missed the boat on this thought is what is driving many children from the faith. We want them to continue doing church our way. A way that may not connect with their generation or the culture they are in the midst of. So they leave because we have constructed a God that doesn't fit in their construct. Our "God" doesn't make sense based on what life looks like to them.

It is so cliche , I hate to say it. But the youth are not the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today. Look over the history of God's people and you will see those who accomplished great things at a young age. Josiah was a mere 26 when he called the entire nation of Israel to renew their covenant with God. Joan of Arc was never made it past her teen years and is still remembered to this day. Martin Luther King, Jr was in his mid-20's when he began developing as a leader in the civil rights movement. Cassie Bernall was seventeen when she was killed in the Columbine massacre for voicing her faith in God.

I will readily admit that I get uncomfortable at times when young people want to express their faith in new ways. Whether it's new music, a new way to share the Good News, or a new approach to ministry, every generation has a way of irritating the last generation.

We like church the way we have grown used to. We like the songs we sing. We feel like we have figured out what it means to be a Christian. And just as we get comfortable with what have, along comes the next generation to stir the pot for us. And how we react will make all the difference.

For those of us who are unwilling to engage in conversation with the next generation because "we have it right," their children will react in a number of ways. Some will accept a faith that never really becomes their own faith. Others will leave God. Some will find a church that is more relevant to their life.

Others just say to let them go and do their own thing. This can often lead to a church that follows the "Friends" model. (I am talking about the TV show, not the religious group.) In this scenario, there is little wisdom gained from previous generations and many of these Christians fail to respect or reflect on the tradition and history of the church. This type of movement seems to be more popular in recent years as churches are buying into the "marketing" concept of church.

I think a healthy balance is what we really need. Young people need room to explore their faith knowing that they are supported by a loving family that covers multiple generations. This is hard! Hard for everyone.

For teenagers it can be hard because they don't want to listen to the "old people."

For adults it can be a challenge because they want teenagers to be safe and not repeat the mistakes of the past.

For youth ministers it can be a challenge because we want to make teenagers and parents happy. And the truth is that when we are being most effective, we will frustrate people on both sides. Teenagers will be angry with us because we challenge their sinful behavior and seem to take the side of their parents in some situations. Parents will be upset with us because we seem to undermine their authority as we help students to sort out their own faith.

If we want to help families with youth engage the faith journey both individually and collectively, it will require patience, love, prayer, and a lot of work. It is not for the faint at heart. And we have to acknowledge that we might make more mistakes than we want to along the way. This is a difficult calling we have answered.

One of our chief goals should be to help teenagers see the wisdom of adults, as misguided - although often sincere - as it may be, while helping parents see the passion of teenagers, as misguided - although often sincere - as it may be. There will be plenty of sin and struggles to deal with for everyone involved. We must continually encourage each other to look more and more like Jesus. But we must be careful that we discern the difference between sinful behavior and behavior that just looks different than what we are comfortable with.

This is not easy. It is easy to jump to conclusions and make rash judgments. It requires much more effort to look at each situation and willingly engage in conversation. But when we are willing to make the extra effort, we can free our teenagers to develop their own faith, a faith that will last. And when they do that, there is no limit to how God can use them to expand the borders of His Kingdom.

shine!
Jason

The ghettoization of our youth, Part 2

I'm assuming most of you have seen at least one episode of the TV show Friends. These six young adults all sharing life in a variety of ways. In some ways that show reminds me of a phenomena that is happening in the youth culture today. Just like the lives of those six friends, our youth often exclusively turn to one another for advice and guidance as they face difficult decisions and struggles in life.

Don't get me wrong; I believe that our youth need to share with each other, encourage each other, and hold each other accountable. But should this take place in a realm void of more mature and experienced voices?

I will admit that this is a difficult balancing act that I still don't feel like I often handle the right way. I struggle to give students enough freedom to process information and make decisions while still trying to offer a different perspective. Sometimes I say too little. Other times, too much. But I would rather fail trying than not try at all. That would be real failure.

Adolescence is a challenging time for everyone involved. Students want freedom and security. Parents want control and distance. Other adults want growth and obedience. We all dance the dance of "growing up." We want our teenagers to develop and grow into mature, responsible adults. We also want them to listen to us and do what we ask. Like a cold front and a warm front coming together on a Spring afternoon, this often results in a storm. And unfortunately, we adults often react with one of two extremes. We either shut off conversation or we fight back.

I'm not sure why this happens. Let me offer some suggestions. We adults are too busy and don't have time for this. We are already incredibly stressed and this brings us to a boiling point. We have our own issues of insecurity. We don't feel like dealing with it. And sometimes, I think we realize that our kids are right and we don't want to admit we are wrong.

No, this is not an exhaustive list, but it is something to think about.

So many people want to blame MTV and other aspects of the culture for what is happening to our children. The last time I checked the TV in my house has an on/off switch and the ability to change channels. Do we have a right to be concerned about the garbage that our teenagers are surrounded by in culture? Absolutely. But if all we do is complain without involving ourselves in the situation, we have no right to object.

I'm not talking about protesting MTV or railing about the decline in moral values. Sure, we can talk about those things. But if we are not engaging our young people directly and getting involved intimately in their lives it's not just irresponsible; it is sinful.

God calls us to be involved in the lives of our young people. Not in a overbearing way. Not like a dictator giving orders. By the time our kids are teenagers it's too late for that. We tell our six-year-olds what to do, not our sixteen-year-olds. Sure, parents still have parental authority and children still need to obey their parents. But the teenage years are a time of letting go and getting ready to leave. And this requires a fundamental shift in how we engage adolescents. We are no longer giving orders. We transition to a role that looks more like a coach or mentor. We give direction and send them out to "play the game."

Ok, so what does all of this have to do with ministering to families with youth? Everything.

(Let me interject this all-important statement. We youth ministers must realize we don't know everything. We must show humility as we interact with parents. Most of us are not yet parents of a teenager. Parents have a lot of wisdom that we will not gain for years. But, we have something to offer to the conversation. We have a perspective as someone not in the midst of their battle. But let's be sure we don't come across as know-it-alls, because we aren't.)

Having said that, we need to help parents as much as we help our students. Sure, the way we engage parents will be different, but we must do it. We should look at ourselves as a translator who can help bridge a gap between parents and teenagers. Will we mess it up sometimes? Sure. But God's grace will carry us through.

Our role with parents and their teenagers is both the same and different. In both situations we are more moderator and facilitator than we are imparter of knowledge. We don't have all the answers, but we have something to offer to the discussion. We are a third party that can see both sides.

(Sidebar here: We as youth ministers have to be willing to be seen as "uncool" sometimes by our students. This can be hard, because we want to be liked by our "kids." But if we are truly going to be agents of transformation and reconciliation, there will be times our students simply won't like us. Now, I am not talking about the whole youth group hating us. But there will be times that we need to stand up for the parents, and teenagers won't appreciate that. But if we are honest and a person of integrity, students will learn to trust us and respect us. As a matter of fact, in my experience, most of the times I have challenged a student in a situation like this, they have ended up respecting me more in the long run. But to be honest, in the short-term I am sure I have sometimes been called words that I couldn't say in front of the church.)

Anyway, if we want to overcome the ghettoization of our youth we must encourage our parents to get involved in their children's lives and help them transition as their role changes in the teen years. This is both a programmatic and thematic endeavor. We must develop programs that encourage dialogue between students and their parents. We should offer opportunities for families to engage. We should find tools for parents to help them be the best parents they can be. At the same time, we need to be a champion for parents and teenagers. We need to remind students that their parents are not the stupidist (is that a word?) people in the world. We need to remind parents that these are still the children that love them (in spite of how they might act).

What happens in the teenage years is fundamental to the rest of a student's life and how we deal with those years will shape the kind of man or woman a teenager becomes. Our role is not to coddle students and reinforce their self-image of having all the answers. But neither is our role to constantly put them in their place and tell them everything wrong that they are doing. Our role is to join with parents and other adults in engaging them in an ongoing dialogue as they develop into adults. We must be their guides, their mentors, and their voices of reason in a world full of bad advice. When we can strive for that goal and help them make better decisions, we will equip them for the years ahead. And to me, that is real success in ministry. It's the kind of success that is not measured by how many kids show up on a Wednesday night. It is measured by how many students are faithful followers of the Christ five years down the road.

shine!
Steck

The ghettoization of our youth

Before you run to www.dictionary.com, yes "ghettoization" is a real world. The definition is the noun form of ghettoize, "to place or collect in a ghetto." In other words, a group of people that gathers in one area to live.

Anyway, my question is this... Are we in youth ministry guilty of ghettoizing our youth? I would venture to argue that this is not a malicious or intentional action. Rather, I believe it is an extension of what we believe or are led to believe is best for our students. Most youth ministry conferences I go to invest a good chunk of time discussing how to make teen-friendly ministry. We talk about teen culture and how to bring the gospel into it. How we can be relevant.

I believe these are important questions that must be answered. They are valid considerations. But I think we often take the shortcut of stopping there. We build ministries around a mini-church of youth. Whether it's a basement, a room upstairs, a separate building, or just one classroom, we create this "place" for our students to belong. Their safe haven from the "old people." The place where they can be kids. And in the process we often rob them of the vital cross-generational influence that God intends for them to have.

Some of the most mature Christian teenagers I have met never had a youth minister. They grew up in a small church where their parents and other adults were the youth ministers. They didn't have a "professional" creating flashy classes, coming up with trendy events, and spending time taking them to various youth events. They were shaped and molded by mature Christians who provided the wisdom and experience of years of following Jesus, making mistakes, and growing in faith.

I am not putting the full-time youth minister down at all. We play a valuable role in the faith development of teens. We just shouldn't take ourselves too seriously. Our goal is not to be THE adult for our students. We should simply be one person on a team of adults who seeks to transform students into the image of Jesus. If we full-time youth ministers would invest as much time in adults as we do in students, our efforts would be multiplied exponentially. If there is one thing we need to learn, it's this one truth..."It's not about us!"

I firmly believe that one of the factors that often leads to the ghettoization of Christian youth is the youth minister's feeling that he has to be the savior of the students. Again, I don't think that the vast majority of youth ministers do this intentionally; it is result of our calling. We care about students. We want them to know Jesus. We pray for them. We minister to them. The problem is that we need to learn to let go and find our true role.

When students go off to college, I would venture to guess that most of them don't call their youth minister a few times a week to update them on the happenings at college. These young adults call their parents. (Or at least most of them do.) Sure, they will talk to us when they visit home. They might chat with us online or send us a message over Facebook or MySpace. But for the vast majority of students, their main contact back home will be mom and dad.

We MUST tap into parents and other adults if we really want to make the biggest impact on our students. To some youth ministers this may sound strange, but the truth is that we need to spend less time with our students to have a greater impact. Why? Because we need to invest some of that time in other adults. I realize that what this looks like will vary for every church. I serve a church of over 1200 members with a youth group close to 100 in number. Just a few years ago I was serving a church of 150 people with a youth group just over a dozen. These two situations call for vastly different models. The principle is the same, but the praxis will be different.

I could go on and on about this, but let me finish with a few questions for you to ponder...

How much time do you spend with students?

How much time do you spend equipping other adults?

How much time do you spend with parents?

If those three areas are not fairly balanced, you may need to reconsider your approach.

And here is one more "gut check" question...

How do you feel when a student tells you how much another adult (besides their parents) impacted them or when they want one of your volunteers to baptize them instead of you?

I have been there. I know how that can sometimes feel like a punch in the gut. It was just a little under two years ago when God really convicted me of my "savior complex." And I can tell you that the more I learn to let go and let other adults get the credit and spotlight, the more I am able to accomplish for the Kingdom. Here is an example in closing...

Yesterday, one of our teenage boys who is a senior in high school came forward to be baptized. He wanted his dad to baptize him. Ok, fair enough. But then he asked Ed, one of his small group leaders, to take his confession in front of the church. The old me would have almost been more upset about who was taking his confession than celebrating the fact that he was making one. And add to that the fact that this young man called his small group leader two days earlier to tell him about his decision, but he never called me.

I am so glad God has softened my heart in this area. Does he need to do the same for you or your youth minister? There are so many other topics I wanted to address in this general topic that I have not even gotten to and will have to tackle another time. Until then, keep on working to help families with youth transform into the image of Jesus.

shine!
Steck

Mid-course correction

This blog will continue to be a place for me to simply discuss life and the experience of being a follower of Jesus. However, I have a new blog at www.jasonsteckel.net.
My new blog at www.jasonsteckel.net will be a place for my thoughts on ministry to families with teenagers. Here at the Rochester church I am a part of an exciting and innovative approach to ministry. While I am sure we are not the first to consider a different way of doing ministry, I feel like there is something special happening here at Rochester. It is much bigger than any one person. It is a movement. A gathering of people seeking to transform lives in ways that are sometimes outside the box.
Thanks for stopping by.

shine!
Jason

Mid-course correction

My blog is changing its content. Up to this point, my blog has been a place for me to simply discuss life and the experience of being a follower of Jesus. Those posts will continue to appear on my other blog at www.jasonsteckel.blogspot.com.
This blog will now be a place for my thoughts on ministry to families with teenagers. Here at the Rochester church I am a part of an exciting and innovative approach to ministry. While I am sure we are not the first to consider a different way of doing ministry, I feel like there is something special happening here at Rochester. It is much bigger than any one person. It is a movement. A gathering of people seeking to transform lives in ways that are sometimes outside the box. Thanks for stopping by.

shine!
Jason

The best thing in the world

In the UK recently, 1500 children under 10 were asked "What's the very best thing in the world?" Here are the top ten answers, starting with the most common answer:

1. Being a celebrity
2. Good looks
3. Being rich
4. Being healthy
5. Pop music
6. Families
7. Friends
8. Nice food
9. Watching films
10. Heaven/God

As I look at those results, I wonder about several things.
First, I wonder what our future holds in store for us. Although these are children from the UK, I can't imagine American children's answers would be much different. When being famous, looking good, and having money are the best things in the world, what does that do to our culture? Should celebrities have special treatment simply for being famous? What other values will be compromised to achieve fame? Are those who are less attractive, less wealthy, and unknown to be pushed aside for our personal gain?
I also wonder where the church is in the midst of this craziness. Have we become so self-absorbed in building our church buildings (which are often monuments to us as much or more than they are to God), creating flashy programs (which seem an awful lot like pop culture activities), and showing how "good" we are (by hiding our sins or being so "tolerant" that we ignore God's word), that we have missed out on being salt and light?
One last thing I wonder is if we realize the battle we are in. Now, I am not naive or myopic enough to say that this is the only "culture war" in the history of the church. Frankly, I am getting weary of the "End Times" folks who think this is all a sign that the end is near. Have you ever studied the history of the Roman Empire? I am not a expert in history, but I know enough to know that the church was in a culture war while Peter, Paul, and the other apostles still walked the earth.
While the end of time as we know it may be around the corner, that isn't the point. The point is that God has called us to be faithful regardless of the calendar. We are in a battle. It is a fight; and it's not just a fight to get people into heaven. It is a battle to take back the ground that was lost in the Garden of Eden.
Sin has brought self-centered and prideful darkness to this creation that was pure. And contrary to many Evangelicals, we are not called to board a ship to be taken away from this evil world. We are called to disembark in this world for a battle to bring God's grace and mercy. The call of Christ is a rescue mission, but our self-centered, individualistic society has trained us that the rescue is for the sole purpose of getting us out of this sin-filled, evil world. The real rescue mission is one that followers of the Christ are called to join in. We must go into the world and rescue those who are suffering.
We must rescue those who seek relief by intoxicating their bodies to dull the pain and hurt.
We must rescue those who seek relief by surrendering their bodies sexually to receive love and acceptance.
We must rescue those who seek relief in a few minutes of fame to mask their insecurities.
We must rescue those who seek relief in social status to hide their fears of inadequacy.
We must rescue those who seek relief in getting attention because they feel unloved
We must rescue those who seek relief in material wealth because they are poor in spirit.
We are surrounded by people in need of rescue. And if the truth be told, we are all still in a state of needing rescued. Not the kind of rescue that comes from shallow religion, strict doctrine, and pew-sitting Christianity. This is only the kind of rescue that comes from engaging in the work of the Kingdom of God and living out the mission of Jesus in each one of our lives. Now that's the best thing in the world to me.

shine!
Jason

The best thing in the world

In the UK recently, 1500 children under 10 were asked "What's the very best thing in the world?" Here are the top ten answers, starting with the most common answer:

1. Being a celebrity
2. Good looks
3. Being rich
4. Being healthy
5. Pop music
6. Families
7. Friends
8. Nice food
9. Watching films
10. Heaven/God

As I look at those results, I wonder about several things.
First, I wonder what our future holds in store for us. Although these are children from the UK, I can't imagine American children's answers would be much different. When being famous, looking good, and having money are the best things in the world, what does that do to our culture? Should celebrities have special treatment simply for being famous? What other values will be compromised to achieve fame? Are those who are less attractive, less wealthy, and unknown to be pushed aside for our personal gain?
I also wonder where the church is in the midst of this craziness. Have we become so self-absorbed in building our church buildings (which are often monuments to us as much or more than they are to God), creating flashy programs (which seem an awful lot like pop culture activities), and showing how "good" we are (by hiding our sins or being so "tolerant" that we ignore God's word), that we have missed out on being salt and light?
One last thing I wonder is if we realize the battle we are in. Now, I am not naive or myopic enough to say that this is the only "culture war" in the history of the church. Frankly, I am getting weary of the "End Times" folks who think this is all a sign that the end is near. Have you ever studied the history of the Roman Empire? I am not a expert in history, but I know enough to know that the church was in a culture war while Peter, Paul, and the other apostles still walked the earth.
While the end of time as we know it may be around the corner, that isn't the point. The point is that God has called us to be faithful regardless of the calendar. We are in a battle. It is a fight; and it's not just a fight to get people into heaven. It is a battle to take back the ground that was lost in the Garden of Eden.
Sin has brought self-centered and prideful darkness to this creation that was pure. And contrary to many Evangelicals, we are not called to board a ship to be taken away from this evil world. We are called to disembark in this world for a battle to bring God's grace and mercy. The call of Christ is a rescue mission, but our self-centered, individualistic society has trained us that the rescue is for the sole purpose of getting us out of this sin-filled, evil world. The real rescue mission is one that followers of the Christ are called to join in. We must go into the world and rescue those who are suffering.
We must rescue those who seek relief by intoxicating their bodies to dull the pain and hurt.
We must rescue those who seek relief by surrendering their bodies sexually to receive love and acceptance.
We must rescue those who seek relief in a few minutes of fame to mask their insecurities.
We must rescue those who seek relief in social status to hide their fears of inadequacy.
We must rescue those who seek relief in getting attention because they feel unloved
We must rescue those who seek relief in material wealth because they are poor in spirit.
We are surrounded by people in need of rescue. And if the truth be told, we are all still in a state of needing rescued. Not the kind of rescue that comes from shallow religion, strict doctrine, and pew-sitting Christianity. This is only the kind of rescue that comes from engaging in the work of the Kingdom of God and living out the mission of Jesus in each one of our lives. Now that's the best thing in the world to me.

shine!
Jason

Relevant AND Resolute

How do we stay relevant to the culture around us while remaining resolute in our faith? This is a question that most honest Christians wrestle with. There are so many approaches.
On one extreme, we can say that culture is worthless so we withdraw and become monks who never interact with the culture around us.
On the other extreme are those who submerse themselves in culture and look for God in everything, regardless of the content that surrounds it.
How do we find a balance?
I don't have the answer, but I am on the journey.
While I acknowledge that we must be able to connect with those who don't know God, we must be careful to not be influenced. I know Christians who listen to all kinds of popular music to be relevant and connect with the culture. But I see many of these same people begin to exhibit the values of the culture in their life. What message does that send? When we allow the culture to shape our thinking, how does that match up with Paul's words in Romans 12?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We must always be searching for ways to touch the lives of those around us while living out the Kingdom of God.
There are always extremes people seem to be drawn towards...
What was the social gospel of the 70's all about? I believe it was an overreaction to the disconnected, "self-righteous" religion of the early 20th century. When Christians think they are better than everyone else and look down on others, the natural overreaction is to serve the lower classes while forgetting about purity.
This is what today's relevant movement seems to be about. I think there are some noble causes and concerns, and I share the concern. But what about purity?
I would also agree that many Christians, even today, worry so much about their own holiness that they miss Jesus' call to bring the Kingdom to earth. They would rather sit in a Christian bookstore, reading Christian novels, and listening to Christian music. And then they get in their car, drive home, and relax in their home while people around the world (and in their own community) suffer.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy Christian music and literature. But if we settle into our Christian ghettos and never spread the Kingdom of God, we are missing an important part of Jesus' call.
At the same time, there are other Christians who seem to worry so much about fitting in that they miss another part of the call. They sit in Starbucks, listening to top 40 music, and reading whatever is trendy at the moment. They get in their car, dial up some hip-hop in their iPod, and rush home to see the newest episode of their favorite show.
There is nothing inherently evil about enjoying today's culture. But can we get so comfortable in this world that we invest more energy in fitting in than reaching out?
Neither approach is completely wrong, but both seem to miss the point.
At my point on the journey it seems we need to seek a balance. We must protect our hearts and minds from the influence of culture while still engaging and connecting with those around us. But this hard work. It requires thought and diligence. It may require more effort than many want to give. (This might include me, if I am to be honest.)
I think that for most of my Christian walk I have tended to live in the Christian ghetto. I still listen to Christian music. But I acknowledge there is plenty of "good" stuff in the "secular" world. As if there are really two worlds.
Which leads me to a temporary side bar. I don't really think there is such a thing as "Christian" and "secular." Those might be two ends of a spectrum, but they are not separate worlds. Need an example? How do you explain a preacher who teaches that if we follow God, we will be blessed with money and possessions? Sounds like a secular Christianity to me. Or how about the musician who praises God when they win their Grammy, but his next album talks about exploiting women. Sounds like secular with a dose of Jesus.
Is God at work in the lives of those who live in the "secular" world? I absolutely believe He is. Can God send a message through those who are not really all that faithful and dedicated? Isn't that the basic message of much of the Old Testament?
But was God's message to the Israelites to continue fitting in with the culture around them to be relevant? I don't think so. I acknowledge that this is a new Covenant, but has God's nature or character changed?
No, we are no longer called to destroy our enemies. (Although American Christianity seems to endorse a continuation of the Crusades.) But we are still called to change our "enemies," not to fit in.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
So after a few bunny trails, I return to the question at hand. How can we be both relevant and resolute?
There is no simple answer. There is no formula. But the most concise answer might be Micah 6:8. No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The questions we must all wrestle with are right in this passage.
What does it mean to do right?
What does it mean to love mercy?
What does it mean to walk humbly with your God?
I believe that in the answer to these three questions we answer the question of relevance versus resoluteness. Here we can find the way to be in the world but not of the world. Here we can pursue the path that God has called each of us to travel.
But it's not always easy to see. People for thousands of years have been seeking the path. And all of us have missed the point in someway. And in the future, if not today, people will consider the path we chose and see the error of our ways.
But isn't that part of the hope of the cross. Jesus didn't die so we could live a perfect life. His sacrifice enables us to pursue that path without fear of failure. We don't have to get it all right. That's the joy of the cross! Because when we are set free to learn from our failures and improve on the journey, then God's glory will truly be revealed and the Kingdom of God will be set loose here on earth.

shine!
Jason

Relevant AND Resolute

How do we stay relevant to the culture around us while remaining resolute in our faith? This is a question that most honest Christians wrestle with. There are so many approaches.
On one extreme, we can say that culture is worthless so we withdraw and become monks who never interact with the culture around us.
On the other extreme are those who submerse themselves in culture and look for God in everything, regardless of the content that surrounds it.
How do we find a balance?
I don't have the answer, but I am on the journey.
While I acknowledge that we must be able to connect with those who don't know God, we must be careful to not be influenced. I know Christians who listen to all kinds of popular music to be relevant and connect with the culture. But I see many of these same people begin to exhibit the values of the culture in their life. What message does that send? When we allow the culture to shape our thinking, how does that match up with Paul's words in Romans 12?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We must always be searching for ways to touch the lives of those around us while living out the Kingdom of God.
There are always extremes people seem to be drawn towards...
What was the social gospel of the 70's all about? I believe it was an overreaction to the disconnected, "self-righteous" religion of the early 20th century. When Christians think they are better than everyone else and look down on others, the natural overreaction is to serve the lower classes while forgetting about purity.
This is what today's relevant movement seems to be about. I think there are some noble causes and concerns, and I share the concern. But what about purity?
I would also agree that many Christians, even today, worry so much about their own holiness that they miss Jesus' call to bring the Kingdom to earth. They would rather sit in a Christian bookstore, reading Christian novels, and listening to Christian music. And then they get in their car, drive home, and relax in their home while people around the world (and in their own community) suffer.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy Christian music and literature. But if we settle into our Christian ghettos and never spread the Kingdom of God, we are missing an important part of Jesus' call.
At the same time, there are other Christians who seem to worry so much about fitting in that they miss another part of the call. They sit in Starbucks, listening to top 40 music, and reading whatever is trendy at the moment. They get in their car, dial up some hip-hop in their iPod, and rush home to see the newest episode of their favorite show.
There is nothing inherently evil about enjoying today's culture. But can we get so comfortable in this world that we invest more energy in fitting in than reaching out?
Neither approach is completely wrong, but both seem to miss the point.
At my point on the journey it seems we need to seek a balance. We must protect our hearts and minds from the influence of culture while still engaging and connecting with those around us. But this hard work. It requires thought and diligence. It may require more effort than many want to give. (This might include me, if I am to be honest.)
I think that for most of my Christian walk I have tended to live in the Christian ghetto. I still listen to Christian music. But I acknowledge there is plenty of "good" stuff in the "secular" world. As if there are really two worlds.
Which leads me to a temporary side bar. I don't really think there is such a thing as "Christian" and "secular." Those might be two ends of a spectrum, but they are not separate worlds. Need an example? How do you explain a preacher who teaches that if we follow God, we will be blessed with money and possessions? Sounds like a secular Christianity to me. Or how about the musician who praises God when they win their Grammy, but his next album talks about exploiting women. Sounds like secular with a dose of Jesus.
Is God at work in the lives of those who live in the "secular" world? I absolutely believe He is. Can God send a message through those who are not really all that faithful and dedicated? Isn't that the basic message of much of the Old Testament?
But was God's message to the Israelites to continue fitting in with the culture around them to be relevant? I don't think so. I acknowledge that this is a new Covenant, but has God's nature or character changed?
No, we are no longer called to destroy our enemies. (Although American Christianity seems to endorse a continuation of the Crusades.) But we are still called to change our "enemies," not to fit in.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
So after a few bunny trails, I return to the question at hand. How can we be both relevant and resolute?
There is no simple answer. There is no formula. But the most concise answer might be Micah 6:8. No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The questions we must all wrestle with are right in this passage.
What does it mean to do right?
What does it mean to love mercy?
What does it mean to walk humbly with your God?
I believe that in the answer to these three questions we answer the question of relevance versus resoluteness. Here we can find the way to be in the world but not of the world. Here we can pursue the path that God has called each of us to travel.
But it's not always easy to see. People for thousands of years have been seeking the path. And all of us have missed the point in someway. And in the future, if not today, people will consider the path we chose and see the error of our ways.
But isn't that part of the hope of the cross. Jesus didn't die so we could live a perfect life. His sacrifice enables us to pursue that path without fear of failure. We don't have to get it all right. That's the joy of the cross! Because when we are set free to learn from our failures and improve on the journey, then God's glory will truly be revealed and the Kingdom of God will be set loose here on earth.

shine!
Jason

iGod

Let me begin by saying that I am an imperfect sinner who struggles with many of things that bother me. I swim in the dirty water that I deplore. I am guilty of the things that upset and disappoint me. So this does not come from one who thinks he has it all together. Rather, these are the words of a fellow man who falls short of the glory of God.
As I write these words I look on my desk and see my iPod plugged into my iHome. While not playing anything at the moment, it could be turned on and I could select from thousands of things to listen to. And if there is nothing there, I could go online and download just about anything I want within seconds.
Have we done the same with God?
Just think about it.
How many of us take our iGod and choose the one we want?
Feeling like you want to fit in with your friends today? Grab your iGod and select the "God in a Box" who will silently stay in your back pocket at school or work while you tell off-color jokes, make fun of the person everyone laughs at, or lie and cheat to get ahead.
Maybe you want to be a trendy Christian. Grab iGod and dial up the "God who likes the music, regardless of the lyrics." Didn't God give that person the ability to play like that? This musician claims to be a follower of Jesus. He talks about God when he accepts his Grammy. He even has a song with a spiritual reference. Can we just overlook the fact that he has three other songs that degrade women and glorify greed? I just want to fit in.
Want to be the churchy Christian? This is where you put your iGod on shuffle. Whenever you get around those church people it's time to act all holy. Sure, you might have been out drinking last night. Maybe on Friday night you were playing cards and winning money while taking advantage of your friends. You could have been using that girlfriend of yours to please yourself. You brushed off the student or coworker that looked lonely. But now it's Sunday morning. Time to sing the hymns, bow the head, and take communion.
Then there are more subtle choices like "Happy Christian." This is where your iGod playlist changes. You have struggles and hurts, but when you get around your Christian friends you smile and say everything is great. It could be pride. Maybe it's fear of embarrassment or rejection. Whatever it is, we serve the "everything is great on the outside" God while we are dying on the inside.
What about the secular/spiritual setting on your iGod? This is where we act like our two worlds are not connected. Spirituality is a private matter. Sure, I live a moral life, but other than that God is a personal thing. Never mind what Jesus said about losing my life for the sake of Gospel. He was taking to martyrs. That rich young ruler that Jesus told to sell everything. He was just making a point.
Wait...one more. Does your iGod have a playlist called "God is another hobby?" This is one of the most popular downloads. I can get up every morning at 6:00am or stay after school for two hours for a sport. I will spend hours and even entire weekends hunting, fishing, or playing golf. It is nothing to spending Sunday afternoons watching football. But you want me to give up a few hours a month to serve the homeless? Do I have to "go to church" Wednesday night? It's been a busy week. I don't really have time to get up 20 minutes earlier to pray. I was up late last night watching a good movie.
Frankly, I am tired of my iGod. I want to put it away and live a dedicated life. I don't want to care whether or not I am dressed fashionably while some people in Oakland County would just like to have a coat. I get mad at myself for watching even an hour of television while people within walking distance of my house barely have food to eat. I am frustrated that I am in more conversations about sports and entertainment than I am about the power of God. I get discouraged that we often spend more time figuring out where to eat out on Sunday afternoons than finding someone to have in our home who can't afford a meal. Have we become so absorbed in the consumerism around us that we want God at our disposal like a service technician?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that entertainment or clothing anything else in our culture is inherently sinful, but are we serving the wrong gods? Is it not backwards when we compliment someone more about the way they are dressed than the way they serve? Is it not upside down when we spend one hour serving the poor and hours upon hours serving ourselves at restaurants, stores, move theaters, and in front of the TV?
Jesus did not come to give us a comfortable, enjoyable life. He came to give us life abundant. I don't think He ever imagined that abundance would mean big houses, nice cars, and big bank accounts. I think He had in mind hearts full of compassion, people seeking joy in simplicity, and hands reaching out to others. The abundant life is not about us; it never was intended to be about us. It is about loving God and loving others. It is about laying down our life so that someone else's life could be better.
Is "The American Dream" what has spoiled our view of God? Has Manifest Destiny created a consumeristic God? Has the American "God" become a God of capitalism and individualism? Has the God who has always valued community become of God of commodity? Is the Way of selflessness become a way of selfishness? Do we serve with our lives or do we serve to help justify our lifestyle and feel better about ourselves?
I think about people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King and weep at the kind of follower of Jesus I am. The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize how little I really follow Him. I feel like Peter, who followed at a distance, but was willing to deny Jesus when it interfered with his comfort.
I am more and more convinced every day we as a people of God need to spend more time with Jesus. Sure, this involves time in the Bible and time in prayer. But it is much more than that. We follow a man who didn't have a place to lay His head, didn't worry about owning much of anything, and was willing to stand up for what was right, regardless of the circumstances. We follow this man, Jesus, by building bigger and bigger houses, gathering as many possessions as we can, and compromising our principles when necessary. Are we following or just admiring from a distance?
My biggest fear in life is that I am just admiring while pretending to be a follower. I want to pick up my cross, but often I am afraid to lay down the things that I am already holding in my hands. What I am learning is that ultimately, it's not about what you own...it's about what owns you.

shine!
Jason

iGod

Let me begin by saying that I am an imperfect sinner who struggles with many of things that bother me. I swim in the dirty water that I deplore. I am guilty of the things that upset and disappoint me. So this does not come from one who thinks he has it all together. Rather, these are the words of a fellow man who falls short of the glory of God.
As I write these words I look on my desk and see my iPod plugged into my iHome. While not playing anything at the moment, it could be turned on and I could select from thousands of things to listen to. And if there is nothing there, I could go online and download just about anything I want within seconds.
Have we done the same with God?
Just think about it.
How many of us take our iGod and choose the one we want?
Feeling like you want to fit in with your friends today? Grab your iGod and select the "God in a Box" who will silently stay in your back pocket at school or work while you tell off-color jokes, make fun of the person everyone laughs at, or lie and cheat to get ahead.
Maybe you want to be a trendy Christian. Grab iGod and dial up the "God who likes the music, regardless of the lyrics." Didn't God give that person the ability to play like that? This musician claims to be a follower of Jesus. He talks about God when he accepts his Grammy. He even has a song with a spiritual reference. Can we just overlook the fact that he has three other songs that degrade women and glorify greed? I just want to fit in.
Want to be the churchy Christian? This is where you put your iGod on shuffle. Whenever you get around those church people it's time to act all holy. Sure, you might have been out drinking last night. Maybe on Friday night you were playing cards and winning money while taking advantage of your friends. You could have been using that girlfriend of yours to please yourself. You brushed off the student or coworker that looked lonely. But now it's Sunday morning. Time to sing the hymns, bow the head, and take communion.
Then there are more subtle choices like "Happy Christian." This is where your iGod playlist changes. You have struggles and hurts, but when you get around your Christian friends you smile and say everything is great. It could be pride. Maybe it's fear of embarrassment or rejection. Whatever it is, we serve the "everything is great on the outside" God while we are dying on the inside.
What about the secular/spiritual setting on your iGod? This is where we act like our two worlds are not connected. Spirituality is a private matter. Sure, I live a moral life, but other than that God is a personal thing. Never mind what Jesus said about losing my life for the sake of Gospel. He was taking to martyrs. That rich young ruler that Jesus told to sell everything. He was just making a point.
Wait...one more. Does your iGod have a playlist called "God is another hobby?" This is one of the most popular downloads. I can get up every morning at 6:00am or stay after school for two hours for a sport. I will spend hours and even entire weekends hunting, fishing, or playing golf. It is nothing to spending Sunday afternoons watching football. But you want me to give up a few hours a month to serve the homeless? Do I have to "go to church" Wednesday night? It's been a busy week. I don't really have time to get up 20 minutes earlier to pray. I was up late last night watching a good movie.
Frankly, I am tired of my iGod. I want to put it away and live a dedicated life. I don't want to care whether or not I am dressed fashionably while some people in Oakland County would just like to have a coat. I get mad at myself for watching even an hour of television while people within walking distance of my house barely have food to eat. I am frustrated that I am in more conversations about sports and entertainment than I am about the power of God. I get discouraged that we often spend more time figuring out where to eat out on Sunday afternoons than finding someone to have in our home who can't afford a meal. Have we become so absorbed in the consumerism around us that we want God at our disposal like a service technician?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that entertainment or clothing anything else in our culture is inherently sinful, but are we serving the wrong gods? Is it not backwards when we compliment someone more about the way they are dressed than the way they serve? Is it not upside down when we spend one hour serving the poor and hours upon hours serving ourselves at restaurants, stores, move theaters, and in front of the TV?
Jesus did not come to give us a comfortable, enjoyable life. He came to give us life abundant. I don't think He ever imagined that abundance would mean big houses, nice cars, and big bank accounts. I think He had in mind hearts full of compassion, people seeking joy in simplicity, and hands reaching out to others. The abundant life is not about us; it never was intended to be about us. It is about loving God and loving others. It is about laying down our life so that someone else's life could be better.
Is "The American Dream" what has spoiled our view of God? Has Manifest Destiny created a consumeristic God? Has the American "God" become a God of capitalism and individualism? Has the God who has always valued community become of God of commodity? Is the Way of selflessness become a way of selfishness? Do we serve with our lives or do we serve to help justify our lifestyle and feel better about ourselves?
I think about people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King and weep at the kind of follower of Jesus I am. The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize how little I really follow Him. I feel like Peter, who followed at a distance, but was willing to deny Jesus when it interfered with his comfort.
I am more and more convinced every day we as a people of God need to spend more time with Jesus. Sure, this involves time in the Bible and time in prayer. But it is much more than that. We follow a man who didn't have a place to lay His head, didn't worry about owning much of anything, and was willing to stand up for what was right, regardless of the circumstances. We follow this man, Jesus, by building bigger and bigger houses, gathering as many possessions as we can, and compromising our principles when necessary. Are we following or just admiring from a distance?
My biggest fear in life is that I am just admiring while pretending to be a follower. I want to pick up my cross, but often I am afraid to lay down the things that I am already holding in my hands. What I am learning is that ultimately, it's not about what you own...it's about what owns you.

shine!
Jason

Life flashing before my eyes...

This past weekend I had one of those encouraging, emotional, reaffirming, sad, joyful, and fun experiences. I was at the Belpre Youth Rally. I saw people from almost every part of my full-time ministry experience...
There were adults and teenagers from Amherst.
There was a teenager from Amherst who is also a student at OVU.
There were adults, kids, and teenagers from Belpre.
There were college students from OVU.
There was a teenager from Belpre who is a student at Rochester College.
There were college students from the Rochester Church.
There were admissions counselors I have known for years.
There were OVU employees.
I think that just about covers it all.
It was one of those times where God allows you to see how many lives you have touched. Although I played such a small part in many of these people's lives, it is still cool to see how God uses us.
Even more encouraging to me is how much all of the people I saw this weekend have impacted my life. Seeing so many friends was like stepping back and looking at a mosaic of the people who have helped shape my faith.
When I pulled away from the Belpre Youth Rally it was time to return to where God has brought me to, but for a few days in November I was able to look back at the last seven years of my life and see how God shapes a man using the people around him.
To everyone I saw this weekend who reads this I want to say "Thank you."
Thank you for showing me what it means to be faithful.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be loving.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be kind.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be passionate about God.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be a friend.

shine!
Jason

Life flashing before my eyes...

This past weekend I had one of those encouraging, emotional, reaffirming, sad, joyful, and fun experiences. I was at the Belpre Youth Rally. I saw people from almost every part of my full-time ministry experience...
There were adults and teenagers from Amherst.
There was a teenager from Amherst who is also a student at OVU.
There were adults, kids, and teenagers from Belpre.
There were college students from OVU.
There was a teenager from Belpre who is a student at Rochester College.
There were college students from the Rochester Church.
There were admissions counselors I have known for years.
There were OVU employees.
I think that just about covers it all.
It was one of those times where God allows you to see how many lives you have touched. Although I played such a small part in many of these people's lives, it is still cool to see how God uses us.
Even more encouraging to me is how much all of the people I saw this weekend have impacted my life. Seeing so many friends was like stepping back and looking at a mosaic of the people who have helped shape my faith.
When I pulled away from the Belpre Youth Rally it was time to return to where God has brought me to, but for a few days in November I was able to look back at the last seven years of my life and see how God shapes a man using the people around him.
To everyone I saw this weekend who reads this I want to say "Thank you."
Thank you for showing me what it means to be faithful.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be loving.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be kind.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be passionate about God.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be a friend.

shine!
Jason

Still a political science junkie

Here I am watching FoxNews to see the results of the election. As much as I have distanced myself from politics, it is still a mild passion for me. But this is the key to keeping your sanity in the midst of the craziness. God will keep working no matter who controls Congress.
So many people, even Christians, place so much of their hope in the outcome of elections. Don't get me wrong. If we feel like a candidate supports our views we should vote for them. It is our responsibility as citizens to vote.
However, our faith should never be in who is President or controls Congress. Our ability to follow God is not dictated by what political party is in the majority.
I will probably make more comments after the election results are finalized, but I am tired and need to get to bed soon. Who will be in control when the dust clears? Republicans? Democrats? How about God?

shine!
Jason

Still a political science junkie

Here I am watching FoxNews to see the results of the election. As much as I have distanced myself from politics, it is still a mild passion for me. But this is the key to keeping your sanity in the midst of the craziness. God will keep working no matter who controls Congress.
So many people, even Christians, place so much of their hope in the outcome of elections. Don't get me wrong. If we feel like a candidate supports our views we should vote for them. It is our responsibility as citizens to vote.
However, our faith should never be in who is President or controls Congress. Our ability to follow God is not dictated by what political party is in the majority.
I will probably make more comments after the election results are finalized, but I am tired and need to get to bed soon. Who will be in control when the dust clears? Republicans? Democrats? How about God?

shine!
Jason

It doesn't affect me?

In the last week, there have been three fatal school shootings. I am sure that even now the debate is renewing. Why? How? Here are a few of my reflections.
I am pretty tired of this philosophy that our children (and adults for that matter) can listen to whatever they want and not be affected. Personally, I take that as a cop-out because people either lack the courage to stand up for what is right or they don't want to give up the entertainment they enjoy.
Don't think I am trying to be the thought police or go for censorship. It's not the government's job to pick up where parents and other community leaders are dropping the ball. If the church would do it's job, we wouldn't need the government providing day care, welfare, and so many other services that God's people should be engaged in. But that's a different subject for another time.
Back to this entertainment thought. Do we really think our children can listen to whatever they want and not be affected? Here are the lyrics for this week's Billboard Top 5:

WARNING: There is some explicit language in the songs below! I have left them unedited for you to see what many of our youth are listening to.

------------------------------------------------

Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) #1

[Verse 1]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
I think you're special whats behind your back
So turn around and ill pick up the slack.
Take em' to the bridge

[Bridge]
Dirty babe
You see these shackles
Baby I'm your slave
I'll let you whip me if I misbehave
It's just that no one makes me feel this way

Take em' to the chorus

[Chorus]
Come here girl
Go ahead, be gone with it
Come to the back
Go ahead, be gone with it
VIP
Go ahead, be gone with it
Drinks on me
Go ahead, be gone with it
Let me see what you're working with
Go ahead, be gone with it
Look at those hips
Go ahead, be gone with it
You make me smile
Go ahead, be gone with it
Go ahead child
Go ahead, be gone with it
And get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it

Get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it

[X6]

Get your sexy on

[Verse 2]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
Come let me make up for the things you lack
Cause your burning up I gotta get it fast
Take em' to the bridge

[Bridge]

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
If that's your girl you better watch your back
Cause she'll burn it up for me and that's a fact

Take em' to the chorus

[Chorus]

----------------------------------------

Money Maker (Ludacris featuring Pharrell) #2

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 1:]
Shake shake shake your money maker
Like you were shakin it for some paper
Took your mama 9 months to make ya
Might as well shake what ya mama gave ya

You ... you lookin good in them jeans
I bet you look even better with me in between
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
But yous a hell of a distraction when you shake your behind
I got * on my right side pourin some cups
My whole hood is to my left and they aint giving a fuck

So feel free to get lose and get carried away
So by tomorrow you forgot what you was sayin today
But don't forget about this feeling that im making you get
And all the calories you burn from me making you sweat
The mile high points you earn when we taking my jet
And how everywhere you turn I'll be making you wet..

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 2:]
Switch, switch, switch it from right to left and..
Switch it till you running right out of breath and..
Take a break until you ready again and..
You can invite over as many friends as..
Ya want to, but i really want you
Just be thankful that Pharrell gave you somethin to bump to...HEYY
Luda...Im at the top of my game
You want my hands from the bottom to the top of your brain
And I...just wanna take a lil ride on your curves
And get erotic giving your body just what it deserves and..

Let me give you some swimming lessons on the penis
Backstroke, breaststroke, stroke of a genius...YUPP
Call me the renaissance man
Get up and i stay harder than a cinder block mannn....HEYY
Im just a bedroom gangster
And i been meanin to tell ya that i really must thank ya when ya..

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 3:]
Rock rock rock it and make it work girl
Please dont stop it until it hurt girl
You..you been lookin a little tipsy
So if you could jus shake it a little this wayy
See ima member of the BBC
The original bread winna of DTP
And you the center of attention thats distracting this war
Cuz everybody in the camp is like OH MY GODD..she could

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

--------------------------------------

How to Save a Life (The Fray) #3

Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life
How to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life

---------------------------------------

London Bridge (Fergie) #4

Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit
When I come to the clubs, step aside
Pop the seeds, don't be hating me in the line
V.I.P because you know I gotta shine
I'm Fergie Ferg
Give me love you long time

All my girls get down on the floor
Back to back drop it down real low
I'm such a lady but I'm dancing like a ho
Because you know what, I don't give a fuck
So here we go!

[Chorus (x2)]
How come every time you come around
My London London Bridge want to go down
Like London London want to go down
Like London London be going down

Drinks start pouring
And my speech start slowing
Everybody start looking at you

The Grey Goose got the girl feeling loose
Now I wishing that I didn't wear these shoes
It's like everytime I get up on the dude
Papparazzi put my business in the news
And I'm gonna get up out my face (oh, shit)
Before I turn around and spray your ass with mace (oh, shit)
My lips make you want to have a taste (oh, shit)
You got that? I got the bass

[Chorus x2]

---------------------------------------

Lips of An Angel (Hinder) #5

honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now
Honey why are you crying is everything okay
I gotta whisper cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And yes I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue
Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
(And I never wanna say goodbye)
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
honey why you calling me so late?

---------------------------------------

This begs a few questions for me...
Is it any wonder that teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are everywhere?
Is it any wonder that divorce rates have gone up?
Is it any wonder that teenagers are more depressed than ever?
Is it any wonder that respect seems to have faded away?
Is it any wonder that this generation feels lost, lonely, and abandoned?
Which leads me to my other point. Most of the blame is not on the youth. We listen to what we let them listen to. We give them too many adult freedoms without adult guidance. We invest time in our own careers, hobbies, and desires and leave them without much time and direction.
It seems like many parents would rather have a promotion at work than dinner with their family.
It seems like many dads would rather play golf with their buddies than spend time with their son or daughter.
Families spend hours staring at a TV rather than looking at each other and talking.
What happens when the captain leaves the cockpit of a plane? The same thing that happens when parents abandon leadership of their families. Crash!
Granted, parents often face financial struggles and difficulties. But do families really NEED a fancy car, a big house, or a HDTV? Are those things really more important than family time?
I know there are single moms and families that struggle to make end meet. Sometimes the situation makes it nearly impossible to have quality family time. But isn't that where the church should be there to help out and make up the difference? But other than saying hello on Sunday morning are we there to help single moms? Are we there to lend a hand to families in need?
I will be the first to step up and claim falling short. I know I am not doing as well as I should. But it's time for all of us to step up our efforts. It's time to stop letting the entertainment industry shape and form our children. It's time to take the power away from MTV and iPods. It's time we spend more time with our children so WE can shape their minds and hearts.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)
"A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." -Jesus (quoted from Matthew 12:33-37)
Would you rather your son spend an hour talking to you about how to treat young ladies or get advice by listening to the artists above? Or, who do you want teaching your daughter how to treat and use her body? It's your call.

shine!
Jason

It doesn't affect me?

In the last week, there have been three fatal school shootings. I am sure that even now the debate is renewing. Why? How? Here are a few of my reflections.
I am pretty tired of this philosophy that our children (and adults for that matter) can listen to whatever they want and not be affected. Personally, I take that as a cop-out because people either lack the courage to stand up for what is right or they don't want to give up the entertainment they enjoy.
Don't think I am trying to be the thought police or go for censorship. It's not the government's job to pick up where parents and other community leaders are dropping the ball. If the church would do it's job, we wouldn't need the government providing day care, welfare, and so many other services that God's people should be engaged in. But that's a different subject for another time.
Back to this entertainment thought. Do we really think our children can listen to whatever they want and not be affected? Here are the lyrics for this week's Billboard Top 5:

WARNING: There is some explicit language in the songs below! I have left them unedited for you to see what many of our youth are listening to.

------------------------------------------------

Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) #1

[Verse 1]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
I think you're special whats behind your back
So turn around and ill pick up the slack.
Take em' to the bridge

[Bridge]
Dirty babe
You see these shackles
Baby I'm your slave
I'll let you whip me if I misbehave
It's just that no one makes me feel this way

Take em' to the chorus

[Chorus]
Come here girl
Go ahead, be gone with it
Come to the back
Go ahead, be gone with it
VIP
Go ahead, be gone with it
Drinks on me
Go ahead, be gone with it
Let me see what you're working with
Go ahead, be gone with it
Look at those hips
Go ahead, be gone with it
You make me smile
Go ahead, be gone with it
Go ahead child
Go ahead, be gone with it
And get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it

Get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it

[X6]

Get your sexy on

[Verse 2]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
Come let me make up for the things you lack
Cause your burning up I gotta get it fast
Take em' to the bridge

[Bridge]

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
If that's your girl you better watch your back
Cause she'll burn it up for me and that's a fact

Take em' to the chorus

[Chorus]

----------------------------------------

Money Maker (Ludacris featuring Pharrell) #2

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 1:]
Shake shake shake your money maker
Like you were shakin it for some paper
Took your mama 9 months to make ya
Might as well shake what ya mama gave ya

You ... you lookin good in them jeans
I bet you look even better with me in between
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
But yous a hell of a distraction when you shake your behind
I got * on my right side pourin some cups
My whole hood is to my left and they aint giving a fuck

So feel free to get lose and get carried away
So by tomorrow you forgot what you was sayin today
But don't forget about this feeling that im making you get
And all the calories you burn from me making you sweat
The mile high points you earn when we taking my jet
And how everywhere you turn I'll be making you wet..

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 2:]
Switch, switch, switch it from right to left and..
Switch it till you running right out of breath and..
Take a break until you ready again and..
You can invite over as many friends as..
Ya want to, but i really want you
Just be thankful that Pharrell gave you somethin to bump to...HEYY
Luda...Im at the top of my game
You want my hands from the bottom to the top of your brain
And I...just wanna take a lil ride on your curves
And get erotic giving your body just what it deserves and..

Let me give you some swimming lessons on the penis
Backstroke, breaststroke, stroke of a genius...YUPP
Call me the renaissance man
Get up and i stay harder than a cinder block mannn....HEYY
Im just a bedroom gangster
And i been meanin to tell ya that i really must thank ya when ya..

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Verse 3:]
Rock rock rock it and make it work girl
Please dont stop it until it hurt girl
You..you been lookin a little tipsy
So if you could jus shake it a little this wayy
See ima member of the BBC
The original bread winna of DTP
And you the center of attention thats distracting this war
Cuz everybody in the camp is like OH MY GODD..she could

[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air

[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey

--------------------------------------

How to Save a Life (The Fray) #3

Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life
How to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life

---------------------------------------

London Bridge (Fergie) #4

Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit
When I come to the clubs, step aside
Pop the seeds, don't be hating me in the line
V.I.P because you know I gotta shine
I'm Fergie Ferg
Give me love you long time

All my girls get down on the floor
Back to back drop it down real low
I'm such a lady but I'm dancing like a ho
Because you know what, I don't give a fuck
So here we go!

[Chorus (x2)]
How come every time you come around
My London London Bridge want to go down
Like London London want to go down
Like London London be going down

Drinks start pouring
And my speech start slowing
Everybody start looking at you

The Grey Goose got the girl feeling loose
Now I wishing that I didn't wear these shoes
It's like everytime I get up on the dude
Papparazzi put my business in the news
And I'm gonna get up out my face (oh, shit)
Before I turn around and spray your ass with mace (oh, shit)
My lips make you want to have a taste (oh, shit)
You got that? I got the bass

[Chorus x2]

---------------------------------------

Lips of An Angel (Hinder) #5

honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now
Honey why are you crying is everything okay
I gotta whisper cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And yes I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue
Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
(And I never wanna say goodbye)
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
honey why you calling me so late?

---------------------------------------

This begs a few questions for me...
Is it any wonder that teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are everywhere?
Is it any wonder that divorce rates have gone up?
Is it any wonder that teenagers are more depressed than ever?
Is it any wonder that respect seems to have faded away?
Is it any wonder that this generation feels lost, lonely, and abandoned?
Which leads me to my other point. Most of the blame is not on the youth. We listen to what we let them listen to. We give them too many adult freedoms without adult guidance. We invest time in our own careers, hobbies, and desires and leave them without much time and direction.
It seems like many parents would rather have a promotion at work than dinner with their family.
It seems like many dads would rather play golf with their buddies than spend time with their son or daughter.
Families spend hours staring at a TV rather than looking at each other and talking.
What happens when the captain leaves the cockpit of a plane? The same thing that happens when parents abandon leadership of their families. Crash!
Granted, parents often face financial struggles and difficulties. But do families really NEED a fancy car, a big house, or a HDTV? Are those things really more important than family time?
I know there are single moms and families that struggle to make end meet. Sometimes the situation makes it nearly impossible to have quality family time. But isn't that where the church should be there to help out and make up the difference? But other than saying hello on Sunday morning are we there to help single moms? Are we there to lend a hand to families in need?
I will be the first to step up and claim falling short. I know I am not doing as well as I should. But it's time for all of us to step up our efforts. It's time to stop letting the entertainment industry shape and form our children. It's time to take the power away from MTV and iPods. It's time we spend more time with our children so WE can shape their minds and hearts.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)
"A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." -Jesus (quoted from Matthew 12:33-37)
Would you rather your son spend an hour talking to you about how to treat young ladies or get advice by listening to the artists above? Or, who do you want teaching your daughter how to treat and use her body? It's your call.

shine!
Jason

Student Small Groups

I am so completely pumped about our Student Small Groups. In less than two weeks we will have over 20 volunteers working with around 70 students. Every Wednesday night these groups will meet in various places at the church building to engage in study, sharing, and prayer. I know that God is going to accomplish great things through these groups.
Please be in prayer for the adults and students that will be a part of this ministry. I know that it will be challenging at times, but I also know it will be very rewarding. I believe that small groups will be the most powerful and significant part of our student ministry from this point forward.

shine!
Jason

Student Small Groups

I am so completely pumped about our Student Small Groups. In less than two weeks we will have over 20 volunteers working with around 70 students. Every Wednesday night these groups will meet in various places at the church building to engage in study, sharing, and prayer. I know that God is going to accomplish great things through these groups.
Please be in prayer for the adults and students that will be a part of this ministry. I know that it will be challenging at times, but I also know it will be very rewarding. I believe that small groups will be the most powerful and significant part of our student ministry from this point forward.

shine!
Jason