Puppets. Big puppets.

I ask for forgiveness in advance...

I do reserve the right to skip across the lake of irreverence from time to time, but this one might get me fully immersed. No pun intended.

I am making no theological pronouncements, and for the record, I love a well done, tasteful praise dance routine. However, my fear of seeing life sized puppets was mostly surpassed by my feelings of unrestrained joy at seeing the look of abject confusion (or was that horror?) at seeing what could charitably be described as a Black Jesus. And everyone knows that nothing causes more consternation to more people than... never mind...

I don't know how I ever lived without YouTube. It is a true gift that never, ever stops giving.

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And this is why I am headed to Android...

I love technology, and what it allows me to do.

I waited with bated breath to see what new things Apple would roll out in the name of iOS4. As always, beautiful hardware (all "grip of death" jokes aside) and the pseudo-multitasking is definitely welcome, but I think my decision to retire the BlackBerry for an Android device instead of an iPhone is the right one. For me.

Today, I learned of a new development in my favorite part of mobile-based technology. Google just unveiled a new utility from the labs called App Inventor. It allows average joes and geek wanna-bes like me to create applications for Android OS. For free.

Now, the potential is clear. Giving people the ability to create custom-made apps in an easy format is beautiful. Now, your device is even more personal. I read of a poster on an Android-enthusiast forum who eagerly looked forward to creating soundboards of his daughter.

I look forward to seeing what it can do. Another shrewd move by Google, particularly when you realize that Android OD is making its way to TVs and netbooks.

So, in theory, if I wanted to make an app relating to visitations or ministry needs, I could. Opportunities abound.

I have to see how it shapes out... for example, I am interested in seeing how the App Inventor handles issues in the real world. Or, if there will be controls to help dissuade people from adding to already burgeoning list of adult titles in the Android Market. In any case, I like this a lot.

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Letting the Spirit lead.

Here's a quick hitter from Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor of LifeChurch. As some of my recent posts may reveal, this is something that has been weighing heavily on my mind of late.

As the modern church strives to be relevant to a modern generation, I think it is important to remain focused on God and His spirit as the Decider-in-Chief of our collective mission. While "models" might be an easy thing to emulate, we cannot forget to pray and ask for insight FIRST.

The very ministry of Christ was atypical in so many aspects, and He gave us quite a model to follow, starting with love as an underlining concept.

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East Digerati

I am the beacon of technology at our church.

Iwork on the website, update the Facebook page and send out the Twitter updates. I do the Youtube uploads, and try to keep our Foursquare location relevant.

I am the tech whiz. I am the smartphone-wielding pastor who serves as our gadget evangelist.

One problem: there are quite a few "Is" in that monologue, and not enough "Hims" to suit the type of work that I am supposed to be doing.

In the 21st century, it is key for church works to find acceptable ways to tap into the consciousness of the people we look to reach and serve. However, there is a true danger in loving the medium a bit too much... perhaps more than the Message? It becomes especially wayward when the tools become symbols that distract from the mission.

Sometimes, to some people, seeing their pastoral staff, or getting a simple phone call from them weighs a whole lot more than a tweet or FB wall post asking for prayer. And there is NOTHING wrong with that.

Sometimes, it's the simple, "old-school" methods that make people see the Jesus in us, so we need to work harder to not forget them.

*Thanks to my mentor, PJ, for reminding me of this.

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Full Circle

It's that time of year again...

It's been very busy. Just got back from a youth mission trip to Grifton, NC. Now, I'll be honest; I had never heard of Grifton prior to getting involved at East. It's out in eastern NC, and compared to Charlotte or Raleigh, is much quieter and somewhat rural, what with all the sprawling farmland and such.

In any case, it was back-breaking work. It was also very humbling work. I got to know my youth even better, and bonded with my parent volunteers. Through all the sweat, early mornings, hot afternoons and unexpected happenings, we returned as a very tight knit group. The one thing that continually lept out at me was the concept of "renewal." More on this later.

Beyond that, we are saying bye to some of the best seniors in the world. Most are staying around and/or going to local colleges, but I have one going all the way off to Kansas. Happy for her, but truly unhappy to see her go that far away. I console myself with the fact that God has a plan, especially since guilting her into staying didn't work.

Then, I said goodbye to my two soccer teams. I had been with the core of the older team, current U-14s, for some time; they will all be mostly playing first division soccer for new coaches in the Fall, which is a huge jump, and makes me very proud as a coach. Of that team, only one is left, and I had her for only half a season. I am also saying bye to my younger team. We went through so much as a unit, from all losses to a winning record. They are all mostly playing at the classic level, which makes me very proud as well.

In return, I have two new teams... two mostly new ladies, a few who I have coached and coached against in the past. I am looking forward to the challenge, and developing new relationships with my new team and parents.

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be used, and I hope I can be a blesing to my youth on the field and in church.

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Prayers for TN

Just a quick note of prayer to our family and friends in Tennessee... the rain and resulting flooding has been devastating.

Just wanna throw a quick shout-out to Pete Wilson... if you have a boat and a heart to help, reach out to him and the folks at Cross Point Church, who are looking to help.

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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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