The bottom line

In the last couple of years, much has been made of the drive to use technology to reach people. In church affairs, the subtle undertone has been to use technology to bring people in.

Count me in amongst the shameless adherents.

I believe the church needs to move at the pace with most of society at worst, and leads the pack at best. There are numerous ways we can use technology to help us fulfill our spiritual goals, and I get a lot of satisfaction in finding out new ways.

One big point of pause should be the fact that old concepts should not necessarily be discarded. While we feel driven to share our messages on Sunday from our smartphones and/or tablet devices, there is nothing wrong in acknowledging the fact that some congregants may be reassured by seeing a physical Bible.

Hearkening to the past is not necessarily a sign of weakness.

In taking my current position (and by default, becoming the church "digerati"), I have come face-to-face with a fact that startled me: some of my church family won't ever visit the church website I take so much time to keep updated. It has taken me longer to understand that that is okay.

As soon as I start creeping into ministry, I begin to displace what should be the true Source. There is also a real danger in allowing a ministry conduit become THE ministry. And that is what technological pushes really are (or should be): tools.

You can use all the flash-bangs in the world and hit air if you don't have an overall focus on people. We can play the numbers and unseeingly witness our ministries will go awry. We might have full auditoriums and sweet testimonials, but we might not be truly changing hearts.

My point is to vocalize what I have been cautioning myself with... love what God is doing, not the tools that are harnessed to effect it. When my BlackBerry freezes during a witness, should the witness stop?

Let's not leave folks behind if we can help it. In the mean time, I am off to download yet ANOTHER minstry tool to my smartphone.

I never said we should stop using these tools, did I?

You see,

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Android

I've been bitten by the Android bug...

Weighing the pros and the cons, I might might be surrendering my Crackberry card. I might be giving up my love for GSM handsets, too.

For those who know me and my tech tastes, this is shocking. However, not so much so.

I need a device that serves as a ministry tool. I maintain the church website, Twitter feed, FaceBook page and ministry information on the go. Personally, I need calendar and email with me. I also make use of mobile databases for soccer management.

Since a lot of my professional and personal productivity is tied into Google already (calendars and email), it just makes sense to use their platform anyway. I use my devices heavily, and robust software is a must. Android would provide that. Plus, the hardware is simply beautiful. Toss in blogging capability, social networking and media, and I am sold.

The Nexus One is on my radar, though I would dearly love the new EVO coming out. Either way, I think I'll be moving to Sprint. As long as I can keep on using Google Voice (I can) and figure out a tethering process (I should), I'll live without a GSM handset. With the potential savings, I would still be better off, even with a potential ETF. Cash on hand is of such a premium... Digerati on a dime.

I am not a fan of touchscreens, but again, I think the overall functionality of Android would make it worth it.

I would like to wait and see what Apple will throw into the 4G... but the open source nature of Android will, IMHO, be more consumer-friendly in the long run. Plus, y'all know how I feel about being the stereotypical church worker with a -- gasp! -- an iPhone...

Gonna miss BBM, but GTalk should fill the void...

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The Punter? Why?

Okay...

Of all people to highlight on a card aimed to get season ticket holders to renew, why would NFL Buffalo Bills pick the punter?

Everyone knows the punters are not serious football players... where was the quarterback? Star linebacker? Where was TO? Then again, that could backfire...

But when you read this story by Pat McManamon, you ask yourself: where can you find a better representative for your franchise?

We don't usually look to athletes for inspiration (of the positive kind) anymore, so this is especially refreshing.

Hats off to Brian Moorman, a silent hero who just happens to punt pretty well.

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Healthcare shenanigans

On this, I'll be brief.

Check out this tweet from David Bean: Hope.

People, no matter what side of the aisle your sympathies lie, God is in control. The God who heals the sick 2000 years ago still does it today. That is true healthcare coverage that outlasts anything we can or cannot come up with it. Wonder why I am blissfully apolitical? There ya have it.

That is all.

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New Stuff

I still have not figured out this marriage thing out.

Nearly a decade in, and I am still in the dark as to how women think. It's funny really. Almost a hundred and twenty months of matrimony. Two daughters. A mother. I coach young ladies, and minister to more.

The more I think about it, the more I am positive that it isn't my fault. I am a product of my environment. Growing up with three knuckle-headed receptacles of testosterone euphemistically called "brothers" damaged me.

So, I hereby confess: I am STILL clueless when it comes to women. Yes, I have been married for a little while, but while I readily bask in the applause and adulation that marital fidelity and longevity bring, if I were to be candid, I'd point out any success is not my doing, but based on prayer to a Dedicated Source.

Anyhoo, I have come to a decision. I have decided to do what any clueless guy would do. I have decided to do what any bloke who bumbles his way through matrimony would do.

I have decided to start giving marriage advice.

Yes, sir...

And before anyone starts throwing rocks, let me point out that people do this everyday. The former Governor of New York, brought down in a prostitution sting, gives lectures on ethics. His paid, er, confidante, is supposed to start a relationship advice segment. We all know about Dr Phil and his weight loss empire, right?

So, I am throwing my hat into the same circle. Starting next week, I will have a recurring article that graciously gives advice to people that need it. And every article will have relevant disclaimers, including the fact that almost none of the anecdotes come from personal experience. Ha.

Pray, people. Pray hard.

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When Media Attacks

Interesting writeup at Church Marketing Sucks about ways churches can deal with potentially troubling reports cropping up in mainstream media.

It specifically addressed the recent issues faced by Ed Young and Fellowship Church. A local news station did an exclusive report which detailed what it considered excess on the part of Pastor Young and Fellowship.

Now, in the interest of fair disclosure, I like Ed Young, and not just because of the wonderful marital challenges he puts out from time to time *deep smile*. No, I truly, honestly believe he is a committed kingdom worker.

From a personal standpoint, I like the way he and church leadership decided to deal with the issue.

Now, I think it is important to understand that the media is not to blame here. Well, not necessarily. Yep, we know sometimes the headline is juicier than the truth, but there is nothing wrong with a little public oversight. I think when we, as churches, truly work to line up our ethics with God's expectations, we'll be above reproach. Mistakes do happen, and it is never fun to see you or your church beaten up in the news, but I think the proper response (seeking God's face, coming to ensure financial fidelity, reporting to your congregation, etc.) can go a long, long way.

One more thing... I always smile when I see folks to potshots at church works and their wealth. I won't discount true issues of shameless excess, but, as I posted in the comments, lavishness is relative.

Just sayin'.

BTW, Check out Church Marketing Sucks... awesome informational blog that I love to visit.

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Heroes: David Benke

Since I work with middle school and high school students, any and all stories of school violence hit close to my heart.

So, when reports surfaced today about a man going on a shooting rampage in a middle school just three miles away from the tragic Columbine school shooting, my heart skipped a beat.

Pray for our young people. Pray for our "older" people.

Thank God for David Benke.

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Weekend

What a weekend.

Since somebody decided to leave me with two of the kids this weekend, I had a taste of despair.

I tried the "popular dad" routine to kick things off. You know... saying yes to everything. That lasted roughly 15 minutes, right after my son loudly proclaimed the joy of freeing his nether regions from an invading piece of clothing to the patrons of a packed Chik-fil-A. Talk about embarrassed.

Then it was off to dinner with friends, and I didn't make it back home till past midnight. I figured they'd be tired. But no.

"Daddy, can we watch cartoons?"

"No," I yelled. What was wrong with these jokers? It was already "tomorrow."

"Pleeeease?"

Okay. Fine. Whatever.

Suffice to say, since I had a game to coach at Boiling Springs the next day (70 miles away), followed by a second one 60 miles from the first, we were in for a burner.

I am proud to say we got to Boiling Springs early. So early, in fact, that I found out that I had driven there in error. The Boiling Springs game was not till the next day.

I had driven an hour and change for nothing. Plus, I had two "are-we-there-yet" kids that I now had to drive back to get to a game that was fairly close to home in Charlotte. Goodness.

"This would never have happened with Mommy," opined by daughter sagely.

"I bet Mommy would never leave you on the side of the road either, would she?" I shot back in a mature manner.

Anyway... I coached my 96s (U-13s) and we tied the game with 10 players. The U-11 game did not go as well, and we lost badly.

I had two games Sunday, so we left for Boiling Springs. Again. Now that game, we lost. Again we played with 10 players. As always, my Torsion girls are my heroes. They never, ever quit.

My U-11s made it all worth it it in our second game.

We played a team I truly liked. Nice coach, nice young ladies, nice club. They had beaten us last year, and in this game, we were missing some key players due to conflicts.

Keep in mind we had not won a game as a team. We went up 3-0, and prevailed in what turned out to be a nail-biter 3-2.

Really, really proud of you, Samba Elite!

The wife and baby returned on Sunday, and all is right in my world...

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Don't Call me Pastor!

Okay, this is a tickler from my dear friend Pastor Hey Man Dude Derek.

I am seriously thinking of referring to my father-in-law as "Dude Sam." Pray for me.

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Retrusting God

A few weeks ago, I was coasting on a high. Things were really looking up; everything was pretty much lining up. More and more doors seemed to be opening simultaneously.

Then, the floor dropped out.

My nephew Nate, one of the sweetest kids you could ever hope to know, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his brain. All this while going to hospital for something else

I have four nephews, all of whom I love dearly, and Nate is the youngest. Same age, in fact, as my son. The two of them are road dawgs; whenever they are together, you can count on joint operations of a destructive kind. We (the parents) always wondered how two 3-yr-olds could wreak so much havoc.

When the tumor was found, I went numb, and wrapped myself in the supposedly proper male facade of silent strength. My wife was devastated, and holding her while she cried allowed me to hide the condensation that immediately formed in my own eyes.

I prayed. We prayed. But somehow, the lump in my throat would not leave. At night, I cried. And the cycle repeated every day. Public prayer, and private tears, followed by more prayer and a few more tears

And then I became angry. I had reason to be, right? Forget the stuff I taught my youth for a quick second; I could divest myself of faith for a little bit... right? Right?!

Why did my nephew have to go through this? What did his parents do? Why did my boy have to have this dangerous mass pressing into his brain? WHY? Tell me... why. I have EVERY right to be angry and mad and infuriated. And helpless. And a little bit lower than optimal on the faith-o-meter.

No.

I'm gonna see this one through. I am gonna see my nephew win this. I am gonna be able to hold him again. I am gonna see him go through chemo, and probably get tired, maybe nauseous... but I am gonna see him beat this. Because I know, I believe that there is power in prayer, and that the God we serve is a God that still makes miracles happen. And every tear shed (like the ones dripping now) are just precursors to the tears of joy we'll be shedding on the other side of trial.

I am going to retrust God. I admit it may have to do with the fact that I have nothing else, but now that I am on this path, I'm in all the way.

Pray for my nephew, please. You'll be doing yourself a favor; you will want to know that you were part of this miracle, so get to it.

Love ya, nephew!

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WIB (repost)

So, we talked about what you need to do as a minority person trying to fit in a new age, predominantly white church. As promised, I will examine the other side.

Now, now... don't trick yourself into thinking that this scenario is impossible. What happens if you get called to speak at a black church? Or, even worse, you are asked to keynote a (gasp!) Black History Month symposium? (BHM is in February, BTW).

So, because I am the nice guy I claim to be, I have created a cheat sheet for those who need an empirical reference when faced with such scary situations.

1) The Entry/Welcome: Jeans? Please tell me you are kidding. If you don't have a suit, don't attend. Dress for church as you would a funeral. Think of the Boy Scouts motto.

2) Welcome pt II: When elderly Sister Johnson tells you to come give her sugar immediately "or else" you better go give her sugar. She will swat you. Hard

3) You see those paper fans that have MLK Jr's likeness on them? Leave them alone. They are for parents with kids. And Sister Johnson. See above.

4) Careful with the Amens. Don't be too loud. Don't be too soft. Definitely don't scream. A double Amen means no other Amens should follow. And please don't pump your fist in the air. That could be misconstrued if you were not at the Olympics in the 1960s. If in doubt, study a Kirk Franklin outro for examples of correct refrains (like "preach, preacher!").

5) Praise and worship: If the choir and congregation break into an old Negro Spiritual, I highly advise you not to join in. In fact, that would be a great time to use the bathroom. If restrained, just nod with understanding and shut up.

6) Yes, that is portrait of a Black Jesus. And? Let it go. Don't stare. Let sleeping dogs lie.

7) Remember what I said about no fist bumps? Same applies here. No daps, hood hugs or anything that you saw on BET or the WB.

8) Eat a HEAVY breakfast. There won't be donuts. Service will be LONG. You will be hungry.

9) Offering: The offering plate does not come to you; you get up and go to it. Nuff said. The seeker-friendly movement will arrive eventually.

10) You saw right... that was a modesty blanket, and yes, they are used on men as well.

Sent via my BlackBerry.

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Church Super Bowl Ad

Interesting blurb... we might see a megachurch run a Super Bowl ad. Funnily enough, it's one of the finalists in a spoof contest.

Culturally, this is big; as the article notes, it would be a huge platform. Christ in prime time? This is even bigger than that concept.

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The Inspiration Currently Known as Bree

I latched on to this story from David Whitley via FanHouse, and I hope it touches you as much as it touched me.

It tells the story of Bree McMahon, a senior at Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida, who overcame an event that would crush almost anyone else.

The varsity soccer player lost her leg.

The manner was excruciatingly tragic. While at a carwash fundraiser for the soccer team, a fellow player hit the gas pedal in a vehicle by mistake and pinned Bree to the wall.

But, as Whitley notes, the SUV left Bree's spirit unscathed.

Now, I cannot tell this story better than David Whitley, and I am not gonna try; all I can say is I wish God will bless me with the a percentage of the grace that this 17 yr-old possesses, so much so that while waiting in pain for the ambulance to arrive, she was able to tell her despondent teammate how much she loved her and how she understood it was an accident.

As a former keeper, there are few people I think can EVER score on me. We cultivate that confidence. Mia Hamm is one person I am wary of. I admit it.

Bree, when Mia Hamm says you are her hero, that it big time. And I just wanna say, you are mine too.

Here's to #12... what an honor to hear of your story. What an honor to have you play Joga Bonito, and what an honor to see the courage you displayed when you took the field, crutches and prosthesis and all, a beautiful example of the character I'd love to see in my own players... and myself.

Image courtesy of Orlando Sentinel/FanHouse.

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Ignored tweet leads to arrest

While reading this PC World story, one element leaped out at at me.

While trying to disperse a rowdy tween crowd that had converged to listen to a scheduled singing event of a teen sensation, the police arrested the music exec associated with the singer. What for?

For not tweeting a dispersal message.

The police hold that it was reckless to do so, and that his (the exec's) refusal contributed to injury.

While I don't understand the legal nuances, I couldn't help but think that the police in this story have an overly ambitious idea of Twitter in this scenario...

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That time of year.

Busy, busy, busy... and grateful, grateful, grateful. Most of the time, at least.

Just felt I should say that... carry on... :)

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Olive Tree Bible Software updated...

Olive Tree has put out some nice updates on their Bible software.

Olive Tree makes electronic versions of biblical material -- along with related content -- for every major smartphone and PDA platform, which means you're good on Android, Symbian, iPhone, Palm and BlackBerry. In addition, they have a bunch of free resources (like Bible reading schedules) that are useful for everyone.

Specifically for BlackBerry, it seems they have expanded on the capabilities of both touchscreen and keypad/QWERTY devices.

There are live discounts available for software titles.

Check them out. Bible Reader is a mainstay on my device, and has been a true blessing in my life.

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Who teaches you ethics?

This article from David Knowles stuck with me. The original case was one which stood out in the national consciousness, and it had everyone's moral compass firing North.

I admit it: I think Ms Davis may have point. They are paying him to talk about ethics?

Oh well... wow. I'd probably be more willing to pay Ms Davis for a speech at this point, but then again, I don't roll in the circles that Harvard folks do.

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Disciples, disciples...

While working in the corporate world, my boss had a novel thing to say about his abilities. His worth -- as a trainer of personnel -- was the quantity of his own people that, in our corporate parlance, "moved up". In other words, his abilities as a supervisor were directly proportional to the number of his own subordinates that could do his job after a reasonable period of time.

Now, I know it is easy to draw flack nowadays for referring to the church as a corporate entity. Indeed, I happen to humbly think that church leaders should concentrate a little more on being busy with the gospel as opposed to the business of the gospel... but that is a discussion for another day.

There does seem to be a basic idea that seems to be lost in this new age of leadership. Where are all the disciples?

Discipleship seems to be a lost concept, one which just seems to be overlooked.

In our younger christians, the effects seem telling. It seems we are seeing a new generation of young adults. They are jazzy, up-tempo, have more than just a passing knowledge of Christ, but have no urge to speak of it. College (and later on, life) becomes one big field of landmines because we did not accompany the cool activities with any depth. We developed a population of Christ Followers Lite who know the hooks to alternative gospel but really never learned how quiet time is important.

What happened to discipleship?

We are culpable. I think this is a critical juncture, and we MUST rethink our course. We need to decide if we are gonna continue to pump up these new believers with frills or help them shape their faith. We need to allow ourselves to be used to help create the type of christians who can and will do the continuous job of propagating the gospel.

Just some food for thought. Thoughts?

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Should Churches Monitor Staff’s Twitter?

Here is an interesting philosophical discussion from Pastor Pete Wilson of Cross Point Church in Nashville.

Against the backdrop of Larry Johnson's infamous tweets, Pete asks a question: should churches monitor the social networking feeds of their staffers?

I tend to lean towards light on the "m" word, heavy on the "c" (connection). In these days and times, there is nothing like too much accountability. Truth is, what we do online (blogging, tweeting, FB, Tokboxing, etc) are all representative of our ministries. Like it or not, people perceive them as representative of Jesus Christ.

What do you think?

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My pastor can beat up your pastor.

Welcome to the age of the celebrity pastor.

We've always had popular men of the cloth. The advent of social networking simply helps make them viral.

The results can be funny. I overheard two acquaintances going back and forth about how awesome their respective pastors where. Various major points were compared, from hair gel to mobile device.
Finally, one of the debaters threw down his trump card. "My pastor can do a split!"

At this point, I had to interrupt. I needed to agree... his pastor was cool. A pastor who does splits? Incredible. I felt inadequate and unfulfilled, and made a mental note to request the same from our pastor during the next church event.

Looking back, I wonder why I did not have the presence of mind to ask for an in-depth reason as to why his pastor did a split in the first place. Then again, it was probably best left unsaid. In any case, this pastor had achieved celebrity status on account of his proficiency of a move that defined MC Hammer.

The hushed, reverential tones of congregants when mentioning their pastor is a clear sign. You live where? Have you heard Reverend so and so? No? GOODNESS!

Makes you wanna raise a lighter to the sky.

It isn't only pastors. Lately, it seems the church (I use the term collectively) is eager to bestow the term "believer" on any famous person that utters the word "God" in any public forum. The problem here is obvious; this includes even the most hedonistic stars that win at awards shows and every artist facing felony charges. Look on the cover of some of your favorite christian magazine for proof.

Celebrities rule.

Of course, the real danger is when the messenger becomes greater than the Message. Is modern christianity being driven by personality cults? Do we treasure the trend more than the substance?
We live in an age where we are all addicted to sizzle. We like the famous, and want to be like them. We allegedly unmoor balloons with imaginary children in them in order to get reality shows. Why should the church be any different?

Except for one small fact: it should. And we need to reevaluate our motives, because if I see any pastors making any homemade devices that can float, I refuse to visit that church.

Stay blessed!

Balloon pic courtesy of AP.
Sent via BlackBerry

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