Last week I was thinking a lot about the area in which we live and the opportunities we have to live missional, loving lives around people who hurt. To be honest, South Florida is a place where people live who 1) are getting away from something or 2) think that they have no other option for opportunity and a better life. It makes it hard because if you aren't fluent in "crazy" you have a hard time making it through many conversations.
I met this guy Sunday who was going through a lot. He was facing a court hearing the next day and was scared of the outcome. He is a young black man with a wife and 3 kids (with one on the way). As he sat in my office coming to grips that Jesus was all he had, he began to ask me if I could make sure that someone looked after his family if something happened to him. Did you catch that. Here is a guy who blindly asked the church (defined here as a local gathering of Jesus followers) if they would sacrificially live in such a way that the least of these would be loved and cared for.
I'm not sure about everyone else, but some things take me a while. Although there are endless possibilities to show love, it seems that this one actually came to sit with his family and ask me point blank, "will you love us."
Trust me...I am a selfish person and I still spent time fighting the idea, but this is one that I couldn't pass up. I sat with the man and his wife for about 5 hours on Monday while we waited for his case to come up...together. It was pushed back for a few weeks, so for now, he is sitting at home with his family.
And I am sitting here convinced that those 5 hours of sitting on Monday were the best days of "real ministry" that I have experienced in a long time.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Saturday, September 16, 2006
A Simple Apology
No really...I'm positive that all the pope needs to do is a simple "I'm sorry." I mean, does this look like a group that holds a grudge.
Note to Pope...you might not want to do it in person. These peaceful demonstrators might just rip you a new one.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Things I Miss...
There have been so many things that I have been considering over the past few weeks about the geopgraphy of ministry and what role family plays in it. Many mentors of mine would be quick to call me to a life of leaving (home, parents, friends) for the sake of the gospel and planting ourselves in a new place...which we have done these past 3 years. But most of those people live in the same town that they grew up in. I do find it odd that even Jesus had his family very close as he was calling his disciples to follow while leaving all others behind.
Please understand, these thoughts are coming from a very shallow motivation. This comes as I am sitting here watching Alabama football today in a quiet house. I called my brother, my dad and some of my friends and they all are hanging out in tailgating situations and I have to say it...this time of year, I miss being in Alabama.
But that isn't gonna stop me. I do have my good friends James Westfall and Dr. Kenneth Noisewater with me and I will do my part to pull the TIDE past Vandy.
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!
Please understand, these thoughts are coming from a very shallow motivation. This comes as I am sitting here watching Alabama football today in a quiet house. I called my brother, my dad and some of my friends and they all are hanging out in tailgating situations and I have to say it...this time of year, I miss being in Alabama.
But that isn't gonna stop me. I do have my good friends James Westfall and Dr. Kenneth Noisewater with me and I will do my part to pull the TIDE past Vandy.
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Loving and Ready
Mark 12:29-31 - Jesus says that the greatest commandment is to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (I think that I kept that one about 15 minutes today).
The second greatest commandment is to love people (I think that one was much less).
I think that there is a link from the greatest to the next greatest.
I was thinking this morning of the times that I helped someone out. A couple of those were when I was driving down the road and saw someone with a flat tire and a look on their face that tells me that they have never changed a tire before. I have pulled over and tried to beat my personal best time in changing said tire and beating my personal best time (just under 4 minutes). A few other times I have helped someone move out of a house when they have just been evicted. I have even helped a couple of old ladies out now and then. One of the things that these have in common is that they are spontaneous acts that arise out of a perceived need.
And the problem is...these are the only things that come to mind.
This might sound funny coming from a pastor (or par for the course depending on your perspective). But most of the serving that I do is planned. Planned or not, giving and serving is THE life of a Jesus follower. I love being involved in planned acts of service. Whether it is a mission project, larger social action or teaching others about the same, they are acts of grace that we show to the world because of the grace given to us.
But I want more of the unplanned things. There is no doubt that there is need everywhere. I do not want to be so self consumed or agenda driven that I miss the God moments. I don't want to be like Jacob (the guy in Genesis) that woke one morning and had that sinking feeling that God was there the whole time and he didn't even know it.
I don't want love to be something that I plan to do, but I want love to be the driving force behind all I do, which causes me to be led by a love agenda.
Love Wins....
The second greatest commandment is to love people (I think that one was much less).
I think that there is a link from the greatest to the next greatest.
I was thinking this morning of the times that I helped someone out. A couple of those were when I was driving down the road and saw someone with a flat tire and a look on their face that tells me that they have never changed a tire before. I have pulled over and tried to beat my personal best time in changing said tire and beating my personal best time (just under 4 minutes). A few other times I have helped someone move out of a house when they have just been evicted. I have even helped a couple of old ladies out now and then. One of the things that these have in common is that they are spontaneous acts that arise out of a perceived need.
And the problem is...these are the only things that come to mind.
This might sound funny coming from a pastor (or par for the course depending on your perspective). But most of the serving that I do is planned. Planned or not, giving and serving is THE life of a Jesus follower. I love being involved in planned acts of service. Whether it is a mission project, larger social action or teaching others about the same, they are acts of grace that we show to the world because of the grace given to us.
But I want more of the unplanned things. There is no doubt that there is need everywhere. I do not want to be so self consumed or agenda driven that I miss the God moments. I don't want to be like Jacob (the guy in Genesis) that woke one morning and had that sinking feeling that God was there the whole time and he didn't even know it.
I don't want love to be something that I plan to do, but I want love to be the driving force behind all I do, which causes me to be led by a love agenda.
Love Wins....
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Baptists and Beer...or sipping saints
The outgoing president of the Southern Baptist Convention got a chance to write a farwell letter in a paper called the SBC LIFE. It gets put in my mailbox at the office every month, so I glance at it to see what category I am getting associated with currently. So you can imagine the look on my face to see the tone of this letter. Of all the things in the world that could be a problem...notice the theme. (The bold emphasis is mine...as well as the parenthetical comments).
A Word From Our Former President
June 27, 2006
Dear Southern Baptists!
Thank you a million times a million for the unspeakable privilege of serving you the last two years as president of the Southern Baptist Convention. While I earnestly plead for your continual prayers, please, please begin now to pray long and hard for our new president, Dr. Frank Page.
Recently I've been asked several questions from across the Convention which, in a fashion, summarizes these days.
"What came out of this year's meeting at Greensboro?"
While the Convention dealt with a number of important issues and items, it most definitely had several defining conclusions. There was a spirit of oneness and a unity of purpose as the Convention did, in fact, very enthusiastically reconfirm that the Great Commission and soul-winning evangelism are still the main thing for the SBC and that the Cooperative Program is the best way to collectively finance the cost of world evangelism.
Additionally, the Convention voted almost unanimously (actually...it was about 85 %) that they wanted pastors and people who are leading them not to be persons blinded by a theology that encourages and promotes drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind.
"Were there any surprises at the Convention?"
Oh yes! Undoubtedly, the greatest surprise to almost everyone was that several Southern Baptist pastors actually came to a microphone and publicly promoted the drinking of alcoholic beverages and wanted the SBC to do the same! Actually, I never thought I would see that take place, and it is not only a surprise but an outrage! My father was addicted to alcohol, which contributed to his early death. He advised me that if I would never take the first drink I would never end up like he did. I did not, and he was correct! (sounds like the problem was abuse...not use)
I understand one pastor's blog site indicates he believes his drinking assists him in soul-winning! What a pathetic joke! These blogging Baptist pastors just blew their collective cork! (terrible attempt at sarcasm)
From my vantage point, as presiding officer of the Convention, I took a slow and deliberate look at the number of ballots raised in support of such foolishness and comparatively, there was hardly anyone who was in favor of encouraging the use or promotion of the use of alcoholic beverages. In fact, the overwhelming voice and raised ballot vote made it clear that Southern Baptists do not want leaders that use or promote the use of any type of alcohol.
We have many outstanding young pastors and others on their way to leading this Convention to its greatest days, and they are smart enough to know they will not do it as "sipping saints," but as sober soul winners! (my only hope is to be as clever with my words) God help us to never, ever elect a user or promoter of the use of alcoholic beverages to any leadership position, and I am personally sorry and ashamed if we have any in those positions now! (are we all convinced that Jesus would have been able to be elected to a position in the SBC)
The next three months of our attempt to witness, win, and baptize one million is of large interest to many. Accelerate — Accelerate — Accelerate! Just as I urged on page 13 of the Convention program, we need to do a number of things to go all out these last three months: Have a revival, do another associational baptism rally, have a local one-day Crossover, conclude this church year with a major event centered upon reaching the lost and baptizing. In short, "Do all you can with all you have where you are ... NOW!"
The other most-asked question is, "What will Bobby Welch do after being president of the SBC and 'retiring' as pastor of First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach?"
My deep commitment to the Lord is to give the best of the rest of my life to multiplying soul winners to reach the world through the SBC. My quest is to see the Convention do MORE then ever before — MORE going and MORE giving! I plan to do this by encouraging MORE going and giving through state conventions, pastor's conferences, evangelism conferences, local churches, and association-wide meetings. Already a number of these are scheduled, and I am preparing to do all of these meetings I possibly can in the future.
By the work of Christ, you of the Southern Baptist Convention can win this world now!
To that end ...
With You In His Certain Victory!
Bobby Welch
I don't really care what your stance on alcohol is. I just wonder if there could be better, more encouraging use of an article that is going out to hundereds of thousands of people. I really think that it could have spent more time majoring on the majors. This sounds entirely self righteous...but then again, I guess I do too....
Welcome to another episode of adventures in missing the point.
And Sam...be nice.
Brad
A Word From Our Former President
June 27, 2006
Dear Southern Baptists!
Thank you a million times a million for the unspeakable privilege of serving you the last two years as president of the Southern Baptist Convention. While I earnestly plead for your continual prayers, please, please begin now to pray long and hard for our new president, Dr. Frank Page.
Recently I've been asked several questions from across the Convention which, in a fashion, summarizes these days.
"What came out of this year's meeting at Greensboro?"
While the Convention dealt with a number of important issues and items, it most definitely had several defining conclusions. There was a spirit of oneness and a unity of purpose as the Convention did, in fact, very enthusiastically reconfirm that the Great Commission and soul-winning evangelism are still the main thing for the SBC and that the Cooperative Program is the best way to collectively finance the cost of world evangelism.
Additionally, the Convention voted almost unanimously (actually...it was about 85 %) that they wanted pastors and people who are leading them not to be persons blinded by a theology that encourages and promotes drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind.
"Were there any surprises at the Convention?"
Oh yes! Undoubtedly, the greatest surprise to almost everyone was that several Southern Baptist pastors actually came to a microphone and publicly promoted the drinking of alcoholic beverages and wanted the SBC to do the same! Actually, I never thought I would see that take place, and it is not only a surprise but an outrage! My father was addicted to alcohol, which contributed to his early death. He advised me that if I would never take the first drink I would never end up like he did. I did not, and he was correct! (sounds like the problem was abuse...not use)
I understand one pastor's blog site indicates he believes his drinking assists him in soul-winning! What a pathetic joke! These blogging Baptist pastors just blew their collective cork! (terrible attempt at sarcasm)
From my vantage point, as presiding officer of the Convention, I took a slow and deliberate look at the number of ballots raised in support of such foolishness and comparatively, there was hardly anyone who was in favor of encouraging the use or promotion of the use of alcoholic beverages. In fact, the overwhelming voice and raised ballot vote made it clear that Southern Baptists do not want leaders that use or promote the use of any type of alcohol.
We have many outstanding young pastors and others on their way to leading this Convention to its greatest days, and they are smart enough to know they will not do it as "sipping saints," but as sober soul winners! (my only hope is to be as clever with my words) God help us to never, ever elect a user or promoter of the use of alcoholic beverages to any leadership position, and I am personally sorry and ashamed if we have any in those positions now! (are we all convinced that Jesus would have been able to be elected to a position in the SBC)
The next three months of our attempt to witness, win, and baptize one million is of large interest to many. Accelerate — Accelerate — Accelerate! Just as I urged on page 13 of the Convention program, we need to do a number of things to go all out these last three months: Have a revival, do another associational baptism rally, have a local one-day Crossover, conclude this church year with a major event centered upon reaching the lost and baptizing. In short, "Do all you can with all you have where you are ... NOW!"
The other most-asked question is, "What will Bobby Welch do after being president of the SBC and 'retiring' as pastor of First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach?"
My deep commitment to the Lord is to give the best of the rest of my life to multiplying soul winners to reach the world through the SBC. My quest is to see the Convention do MORE then ever before — MORE going and MORE giving! I plan to do this by encouraging MORE going and giving through state conventions, pastor's conferences, evangelism conferences, local churches, and association-wide meetings. Already a number of these are scheduled, and I am preparing to do all of these meetings I possibly can in the future.
By the work of Christ, you of the Southern Baptist Convention can win this world now!
To that end ...
With You In His Certain Victory!
Bobby Welch
I don't really care what your stance on alcohol is. I just wonder if there could be better, more encouraging use of an article that is going out to hundereds of thousands of people. I really think that it could have spent more time majoring on the majors. This sounds entirely self righteous...but then again, I guess I do too....
Welcome to another episode of adventures in missing the point.
And Sam...be nice.
Brad
Thursday, August 17, 2006
What A Whore!!!!
Wow…that word makes me shudder. I think I like prostitute better. With that, I can put the object of the title somewhere in a dark alley in a city that I may never see with a heroin habit that is the root of her street walking. I like things that way because it makes me feel safer as look out my window at the golf course below. I try to avoid things that make me that uncomfortable. Yeah, no doubt, I like prostitute better. Or maybe even “loose living.” That is a better way.
But not whore. It is too dirty even for the streets, much less for my mind. The only people who use this word today are morons that you might see on an old Springer re-run or currently on any “who’s the daddy” episode of Maury (you would think we could expect more from Connie Chung’s other half). I am not sure where they even get these people, although I thought I have recognized them from time to time (maybe from family reunions…hope I didn’t hit on any of them).
But back on point, I don’t think that I am the only person that would quickly grab a thesaurus to find an alternative for “whore.” I don’t think that it would ever cross my mind to ever say it even if it was true.
This is how I usually think.
But something is different right now in my head. Sometime recently, this word began to mean something to me. When I look at it or say it, quietly, to myself, I feel something else. I am still uncomfortable with it, but I feel like it is more about me. It is like an identity that I don’t want to have or an identity that I don’t want others to know about me, but, it just feels right. Honestly, I sell myself a lot. Whoever and whatever will love me, pleasure me or satisfy me for a moment will get my attention. I have this feeling that I have been a whore for a long time and that maybe I am just realizing how dirty I really am.
For some time now, I have been enamored by a story in the Bible. It is about a guy named Hosea. God told Hosea to do something that seems really awkward at best. God told Hosea to marry a whore, love her no matter how much of a whore she is and then have a little whore family with her and spend their little whore lives together. And the crazy thing was, God wanted him to do this because He wanted Hosea to know what it was like to love someone who cheated on him all the time.
As I read this, I see me in the lines. I am a cheater. I cheat on God a lot. I am turned around and turned on by the things that promise much but pay little. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Why is it that we are satisfied by too little?
“When infinite joy is offered us, [we are] like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slums because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." – C.S. Lewis
But not whore. It is too dirty even for the streets, much less for my mind. The only people who use this word today are morons that you might see on an old Springer re-run or currently on any “who’s the daddy” episode of Maury (you would think we could expect more from Connie Chung’s other half). I am not sure where they even get these people, although I thought I have recognized them from time to time (maybe from family reunions…hope I didn’t hit on any of them).
But back on point, I don’t think that I am the only person that would quickly grab a thesaurus to find an alternative for “whore.” I don’t think that it would ever cross my mind to ever say it even if it was true.
This is how I usually think.
But something is different right now in my head. Sometime recently, this word began to mean something to me. When I look at it or say it, quietly, to myself, I feel something else. I am still uncomfortable with it, but I feel like it is more about me. It is like an identity that I don’t want to have or an identity that I don’t want others to know about me, but, it just feels right. Honestly, I sell myself a lot. Whoever and whatever will love me, pleasure me or satisfy me for a moment will get my attention. I have this feeling that I have been a whore for a long time and that maybe I am just realizing how dirty I really am.
For some time now, I have been enamored by a story in the Bible. It is about a guy named Hosea. God told Hosea to do something that seems really awkward at best. God told Hosea to marry a whore, love her no matter how much of a whore she is and then have a little whore family with her and spend their little whore lives together. And the crazy thing was, God wanted him to do this because He wanted Hosea to know what it was like to love someone who cheated on him all the time.
As I read this, I see me in the lines. I am a cheater. I cheat on God a lot. I am turned around and turned on by the things that promise much but pay little. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Why is it that we are satisfied by too little?
“When infinite joy is offered us, [we are] like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slums because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." – C.S. Lewis
Monday, August 14, 2006
It Starts At 9:30
A few weeks back, on a Friday morning at 8:00, I got a call from a parent of a student. This makes me nervous because it usually involves a critique of plans and questions about how I plan to continue to raise their kids from the perspective of a thriving youth ministry. This one was different. This mom was just checking in on the activities of the day for the students. Then she mentioned something that she was encouraged about. Her daughter asked her if she could go to Mass on Sunday at First Baptist. In case you are not sure about this, Mass is a predominant catholic phrase that you don’t hear in protestant churches. As she said this, the same thing came to my mind that always does… “sorry lady, its worship service or gathering…not Mass.”
Let me interpret. I would like to think that I am don’t major on the minors but I still do. Just like this situation, I am 28. I think of myself as a part of the rebellion against ridiculous traditionalism and pharisaical ideology. Yet, to a degree, I still think like a Bible-belt fundamentalist. So when this woman, from her own tradition calls our worship service “Mass” then my first thought is, “sorry ma’am.”
But today, I see it differently. So here is my schedule for this week: Tuesday Night – Mars Hill High School; Wednesday Night – Mars Hill Middle School…
And Mass starts at 9:30...
Let me interpret. I would like to think that I am don’t major on the minors but I still do. Just like this situation, I am 28. I think of myself as a part of the rebellion against ridiculous traditionalism and pharisaical ideology. Yet, to a degree, I still think like a Bible-belt fundamentalist. So when this woman, from her own tradition calls our worship service “Mass” then my first thought is, “sorry ma’am.”
But today, I see it differently. So here is my schedule for this week: Tuesday Night – Mars Hill High School; Wednesday Night – Mars Hill Middle School…
And Mass starts at 9:30...
Sunday, August 13, 2006
That Florida Rain...
Tonight I am listening to a thunderstorm in the distance and soft raindrops on my window. I know that tomorrow, I will wake to the usual sunny skies and 90% humidity, but for now, I will take the soggy weather. It makes me feel like something new is happening.
This morning, I had the chance to teach (many call preach) at our gathering at First Baptist. I love it when pastor throws me a bone. I am the youth guy so most people view what I say through that lens. That means that I get away with things that most “pastors” would not. The feel of the talk was about JUSTIFICATION. That is a big word that basically means that somehow, through this thing called faith, God declares us not guilty in spite of all of our sinful rebellion. That is something that I have thought a lot about over the past few years. I am not sure what “system” of thought and theology that I fit in now. But I am really pumped about 2 Corinthians 5:21 – For God made Christ who knew no sin, to become sin for us, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God. Basically, Christ gets my rebellious sin and I get all his righteousness and that is the basis for God accepting me. There is more…let me know if you are interested.
It was good seeing my brother this week. He is starting law school at Samford (Cumberland) this week. I think that he is going to make us all proud.
I hope things get back to normal in a few days. Summers as a youth guy are going to kill me.
This morning, I had the chance to teach (many call preach) at our gathering at First Baptist. I love it when pastor throws me a bone. I am the youth guy so most people view what I say through that lens. That means that I get away with things that most “pastors” would not. The feel of the talk was about JUSTIFICATION. That is a big word that basically means that somehow, through this thing called faith, God declares us not guilty in spite of all of our sinful rebellion. That is something that I have thought a lot about over the past few years. I am not sure what “system” of thought and theology that I fit in now. But I am really pumped about 2 Corinthians 5:21 – For God made Christ who knew no sin, to become sin for us, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God. Basically, Christ gets my rebellious sin and I get all his righteousness and that is the basis for God accepting me. There is more…let me know if you are interested.
It was good seeing my brother this week. He is starting law school at Samford (Cumberland) this week. I think that he is going to make us all proud.
I hope things get back to normal in a few days. Summers as a youth guy are going to kill me.
Friday, June 23, 2006
A Terrible Game
Yesterday, I went with Brian Haring, Dwayne Mellor, Steve Saliba and a couple of other folks to Biddy Early (a brit pub/restaurant) to watch the US and Ghana play in their last game of the first round of the World Cup. Mind you, I have never really liked soccer except when I was in college and would go to the games at the University of Mobile. It was fun when I followed it all the time and I knew the people playing.
Over the past few weeks during the World Cup, I have watched a bit more now that ever. I love sports so it would be fun to see the international competition. But I was wrong.
After watching 2 games that the US played, I realizd that there was way too much hype about this team and the time is no where near soon when they will be able to compete on an international level. Not that they are totally terrible...they just have a few things against them. I will mention a few of my observations. Remember, as you read this, I do not claim to know hardly anything about the game.
First, they do not seem to be as athletic (faster to the ball) or aggressive about their play. This might be because the teams that they play are in danger of losing their lives if they lose the game. For America, a loss just means that they go home, for Ghana...they might be shot. Second, they cannot finish when they get in the box. Landon Donovan is supposed to the the great white hope and he hasn't scored in almost 20 games. That wouldn't be so bad in a game like soccer...unless that is what your position on the field required. Third, America gets up after a tackle. Unless they are truly injured, they will get back up. I saw 4 guys from Ghana being taken off of the field on stretchers. The problem was, 2 of them were never touched...they were just stopping play as time was running so that they could get the win.
I can deal with the low scoring...I can deal with the fact that that it seems impossible to move the ball and that there seems to be little strategy in the game that actually happens on the field during live ball action. What I cannot deal with is the fact that the game is so corrupt that what is happening on the field doesn't matter. I don't think that the US got a fair shake...but to some degree, I expect it. Yesterday, I didn't see a game of talent. I saw a game of whining, taking dives, crying, and a penalty shot that took a team out of a match.
Bottom line...it is a terrible game and I cannot believe that I spent 90 precious minutes to watch it. I can't wait till college football begins.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
What I am trying NOT to be...
The caption to this picture in the SBC LIFE, is, "SBC president, Bobby Welch recreates the tortured scream from the rich man in hell as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 16."
Do you really have to be a cynic (like myself) to see that out of all the things that could have been printed with pictures, this get's front page?
In the article, he is quoted as saying, "(the current evangelism campaign) represent my heart's desire and soul-deep conviction that Southern Baptists everywhere, not only in North Carolina, must awaken to the Kingdom priorities of sharing the Gospel and baptizing believers as members of local Southern Baptist churches."
Isn't that called "landmarkism"?
Synopsis: a wealthy, white, megachurch pastor uses dramatic visual arts (wearing a great suit by the way) in his sermon that somehow must resemble hell and makes landmark staments that are loaded with "better-than-you" words and somehow...he is a hero to all conservative.
I don't know Bobby Welch. I am sure that he is a great guy. I don't understand how you can be so tied to a specific denomination that you equate "kingdom work" with ONLY Southern Baptist work. I might disagree with my methodist/presbyterian/etc friends on a few issues, but I constantly see these groups participate in kingdom work.
just my humble opinion though...
brad
P.S. For those of you that read this in its original form, I apologize for sounding so bitter.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Small Town vs South Florida
I remember when I lived in a small town and always complained that nothing ever happened and it was boring. Now I wake every morning and turn on the national news and hear stories like THIS on a daily basis. Welcome to South Florida...
Apparently, the guy has been going around posing as a doctor and gives "free breast exams" to women. After he tried to give a little more to one of the women, she thought, "this guy might be lying." I don't know what would make her think that though. I mean, if this guy came to my house and wanted to know if he could give me a free prostate exam, I would let him.
Note to all my female friends. I will NOT feel sorry for you if you fall for this.
I don't know who is more of a moron...the guy or the 3 women.
brad
Apparently, the guy has been going around posing as a doctor and gives "free breast exams" to women. After he tried to give a little more to one of the women, she thought, "this guy might be lying." I don't know what would make her think that though. I mean, if this guy came to my house and wanted to know if he could give me a free prostate exam, I would let him.
Note to all my female friends. I will NOT feel sorry for you if you fall for this.
I don't know who is more of a moron...the guy or the 3 women.
brad
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Finished
This morning, we finished our Discipleship weekend with our students at FBC. We had 81 middle school and high school students that spent the weekend with us. They spent several hours in teaching and conversation about what God requires from His people when it comes to social action and justice in light of the gospel.
As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, Sam Davidson was the speaker and he was a phenom. He is one of those guys who really understands the language gap between the traditional evangelical church, the emerging church and the culture in which we are called to exist and love. I appreciate his heart and it was good for me to be able to ask questions and learn.
I think that this was one of the best events that we have done in a while and I really did see that our students learned some truths that will be with them for a long time.
I recommend Sam for any event in which the focus is to educate people to the injustice and oppression around the world and what we are to do about it.
brad
As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, Sam Davidson was the speaker and he was a phenom. He is one of those guys who really understands the language gap between the traditional evangelical church, the emerging church and the culture in which we are called to exist and love. I appreciate his heart and it was good for me to be able to ask questions and learn.
I think that this was one of the best events that we have done in a while and I really did see that our students learned some truths that will be with them for a long time.
I recommend Sam for any event in which the focus is to educate people to the injustice and oppression around the world and what we are to do about it.
brad
Friday, March 17, 2006
Old People
Today I was talking with a couple of people about the phenom of old people in South Florida in the winter. This is really amazing. I mean that average age skyrockets in November and then plummets in the spring.
I do have to be careful though. I already had one episode this winter when an old man got out of his car and was yelling in my window...to which I got out and whipped his....kidding, I just got out and started calling him a crazy old man (which meant nothing because he only spoke Italian). Yesterday, I was at the gas pump and had walked away from a pump as it was running (I set that little lever that lets you pump without having to hold it...I hate it when pumps don't have that little thing). As I am on the phone, some old guy starts honking at me to tell me to move. I politely walked back to his car to let him know that I was making use of the handy little lever and was waiting on my tank to fill. At that point, he locked his car...real bold dude...honk and then lock your door so you don't have to actually deal with confrontation (or have me de-spiral that comb-over that you have spun on your melon). Anyway, I will be glad when he and his buddies go back to Pennsylvania/New York/Quebec/some other state that isn't good enough for them half of the year.
I think I might start a ministry to lovingly tell the combover guys that...well...we know... and so does Jesus and he loves them no matter what...
I am going to bed before I begin to sound bitter.
brad
I do have to be careful though. I already had one episode this winter when an old man got out of his car and was yelling in my window...to which I got out and whipped his....kidding, I just got out and started calling him a crazy old man (which meant nothing because he only spoke Italian). Yesterday, I was at the gas pump and had walked away from a pump as it was running (I set that little lever that lets you pump without having to hold it...I hate it when pumps don't have that little thing). As I am on the phone, some old guy starts honking at me to tell me to move. I politely walked back to his car to let him know that I was making use of the handy little lever and was waiting on my tank to fill. At that point, he locked his car...real bold dude...honk and then lock your door so you don't have to actually deal with confrontation (or have me de-spiral that comb-over that you have spun on your melon). Anyway, I will be glad when he and his buddies go back to Pennsylvania/New York/Quebec/some other state that isn't good enough for them half of the year.
I think I might start a ministry to lovingly tell the combover guys that...well...we know... and so does Jesus and he loves them no matter what...
I am going to bed before I begin to sound bitter.
brad
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Losing my mind......
The truth is, I might be accused of this several times before this weekend is over. It isn't the first time, but this is a little more dramatic.
As a pastor to students, I am always walking the fine line between programming for the traditional evangelical church and the calling that I have to be somewhat of a prophet in a culture that God has called me to minister within. The people pleaser in me wants to do things all nice and neat, but the progressive in me wants to push things over the edge. Of course, the latter wins out most of the time and I find myself in a place where I cannot compare what we do to anything else because it hasn't been done before...at least not successful enough to write a Christian bestseller about.
So I am 2 days away from the weirdest discipleship weekend that has ever been done in the history of a Southern Baptist Church. It is a weekend that will focus on God's calling for His people to care about social injustice and oppression....I mean real widows and orphans kind of stuff. Through small group and large groups sessions, we are going to study the ancient scriptures to see what it is that we are missing and what God calls us toward in action and love.
My leaders are shaken up, my kids do not have a clue, and I think that my new friend (and speaker for the weekend) Sam Davidson is a bit excited about the craziness of it all. We might crash and burn over this, but I have an idea that this is the type of "revival" that churches like ours have been looking for all this time. I am expecting HUGE things.
I will give updates on what happens.
Brad
As a pastor to students, I am always walking the fine line between programming for the traditional evangelical church and the calling that I have to be somewhat of a prophet in a culture that God has called me to minister within. The people pleaser in me wants to do things all nice and neat, but the progressive in me wants to push things over the edge. Of course, the latter wins out most of the time and I find myself in a place where I cannot compare what we do to anything else because it hasn't been done before...at least not successful enough to write a Christian bestseller about.
So I am 2 days away from the weirdest discipleship weekend that has ever been done in the history of a Southern Baptist Church. It is a weekend that will focus on God's calling for His people to care about social injustice and oppression....I mean real widows and orphans kind of stuff. Through small group and large groups sessions, we are going to study the ancient scriptures to see what it is that we are missing and what God calls us toward in action and love.
My leaders are shaken up, my kids do not have a clue, and I think that my new friend (and speaker for the weekend) Sam Davidson is a bit excited about the craziness of it all. We might crash and burn over this, but I have an idea that this is the type of "revival" that churches like ours have been looking for all this time. I am expecting HUGE things.
I will give updates on what happens.
Brad
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Dog vs Porcupine
I mean for real...this is the most painful thing that I have ever seen...
Stupid dog...
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Winter Olympics
I heard someone last week say that long before there were "reality TV" shows, there was the Olympics on TV. Even if you are not a sports fan, just watch the lead in stories that NBC runs before any sporting event. If you are like me, you watch a heartfelt story about some girl from a small town in Iowa who was raised by gophers and overcame bad eating habits and now is part of the "greatest downhill doubles curling luge team ever. "
A few minutes ago, Mandi and I finished eating chinese food and sat down to watch the Games from Turino, Italy. Next up was the "pairs short program" in figure skating (I don't know much about it, but I was glad that the word short was in it so we could get to the really technical events...like doubles luge). Mandi asked me, "aren't you a big figure skating fan." As I gave her the courtesy laugh for the Saturday night attempt at sarcasm, I saw that she wasn't kidding and was immediately in a panic that she might have said something like this to people that we know (I do watch SOME chick flicks, but even I draw the line).
Anyway, the first pair that was up was the American team. Before they began, they did this huge buildup of something that the team was going to attempt called a "throw triple axle" in which the guy tosses the girl and she spins (I'm guessing 3 times) in the air before she lands. Part of the buildup was a video of them crashing several times in practice and then telling us that they hit this thing about 20% of the time. That works ok in baseball, but crap, not exactly the A-game that you want to bring to the Olympics.
Needless to say, I had to stay in it just to see if they could pull this thing off (constantly reminding myself that it is the "short program"). So about a minute into this thing, here it comes...
They go into it...SCORE...huge landing...great form...so much grace...
I'm standing up...arms in the air...screaming "they did it"...
crap...I'm cheering out loud for figure skating...
Tomorrow night I am buying a case of beer and painting my body red/white/blue for the long program...
brad
A few minutes ago, Mandi and I finished eating chinese food and sat down to watch the Games from Turino, Italy. Next up was the "pairs short program" in figure skating (I don't know much about it, but I was glad that the word short was in it so we could get to the really technical events...like doubles luge). Mandi asked me, "aren't you a big figure skating fan." As I gave her the courtesy laugh for the Saturday night attempt at sarcasm, I saw that she wasn't kidding and was immediately in a panic that she might have said something like this to people that we know (I do watch SOME chick flicks, but even I draw the line).
Anyway, the first pair that was up was the American team. Before they began, they did this huge buildup of something that the team was going to attempt called a "throw triple axle" in which the guy tosses the girl and she spins (I'm guessing 3 times) in the air before she lands. Part of the buildup was a video of them crashing several times in practice and then telling us that they hit this thing about 20% of the time. That works ok in baseball, but crap, not exactly the A-game that you want to bring to the Olympics.
Needless to say, I had to stay in it just to see if they could pull this thing off (constantly reminding myself that it is the "short program"). So about a minute into this thing, here it comes...
They go into it...SCORE...huge landing...great form...so much grace...
I'm standing up...arms in the air...screaming "they did it"...
crap...I'm cheering out loud for figure skating...
Tomorrow night I am buying a case of beer and painting my body red/white/blue for the long program...
brad
Friday, February 10, 2006
Global Warming
I read several articles about many evangelicals signing a petition on supporting efforts to curb global warming. To be honest, I can't tell if all the talk about global warming is about a real problem, or if it is about partisan politics. But I do have to say that if there is any chance that it is a real issue that needs addressing, then I want to be on the side of caring for the environment and therefore caring for the people who are in it.
I am a little bothered about the fact that many evangelicals have come out with rebuttals to the support for research and reversal of this "problem." Even if they believe that Al Gore cooked this one up, it seems that they would be able to give an answer to why they do believe it.
Then again, it might be because I get my news from the local fish wrapper which tends to lean way left.
brad
I am a little bothered about the fact that many evangelicals have come out with rebuttals to the support for research and reversal of this "problem." Even if they believe that Al Gore cooked this one up, it seems that they would be able to give an answer to why they do believe it.
Then again, it might be because I get my news from the local fish wrapper which tends to lean way left.
brad
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Politics.....aaagh
This was on DRUDGE tonight:
"Today's memorial service for civil rights activist Coretta Scott King -- billed as a "celebration" of her life -- turned suddenly political as one former president took a swipe at the current president, who was also lashed by an outspoken black pastor! The outspoken Rev. Joseph Lowery, co-founder of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, ripped into President Bush during his short speech, ostensibly about the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. "She extended Martin's message against poverty, racism and war. She deplored the terror inflicted by our smart bombs on missions way afar. We know now that there were no weapons of mass destruction over there," Lowery said.
The mostly black crowd applauded, then rose to its feet and cheered in a two-minute-long standing ovation.A closed-circuit television in the mega-church outside Atlanta showed the president smiling uncomfortably."But Coretta knew, and we know," Lowery continued, "That there are weapons of misdirection right down here," he said, nodding his head toward the row of presidents past and present. "For war, billions more, but no more for the poor!"
The crowd again cheered wildly.Former President Jimmy Carter later swung at Bush as well, not once but twice. As he talked about the Kings, he said: "It was difficult for them then personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated as they became the target of secret government wiretaps."
The crowd cheered as Bush, under fire for a secret wiretapping program he ordered after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, again smiled weakly. Later, Carter said Hurricane Katrina showed that all are not yet equal in America. "This commerative cermony this morning, this afternoon, is not only to acknowledge the great contributions of Coretta and Martin, but to remind us that the struggle for equal rights is not over. We only have to recall the color of the faces of those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi," Carter said, the rest of his sentence drowned out by loud applause. "Those who were most devastated by [Hurricane] Katrina know that there are not yet equal opportunities for all Americans. It is our responsibility to continue their crusade."
I am having such a hard time with politics right now. I have no problem with constructive criticism and I have no problem with people calling our president, congress or courts into question.
I DO have a problem with constant headlines for cheap shots. Coming from a "National Baptist" and a "Southern Baptist" (who actually has been considered one of the most useless Presidents in the history of our nation) this was too cheap and the standing ovations were ridiculous and not in the spirit of the moment in which respect was supposed to be directed to a great lady.
I am really irritated about this - "In a stunning act of moral and political betrayal, committed for the most expedient of reasons, the Bush administration State Department has suddenly decided that Darfur isn't the site of genocide after all."
But I want to do something about it...not just call the president out for political gain only when I have an audience. That is hypocrisy at it's finest.
Democrats are the party of no ideas and Republicans are the party of bad ideas...and the only thing worse than this is when these two work together. - Lewis Black
"Today's memorial service for civil rights activist Coretta Scott King -- billed as a "celebration" of her life -- turned suddenly political as one former president took a swipe at the current president, who was also lashed by an outspoken black pastor! The outspoken Rev. Joseph Lowery, co-founder of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, ripped into President Bush during his short speech, ostensibly about the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. "She extended Martin's message against poverty, racism and war. She deplored the terror inflicted by our smart bombs on missions way afar. We know now that there were no weapons of mass destruction over there," Lowery said.
The mostly black crowd applauded, then rose to its feet and cheered in a two-minute-long standing ovation.A closed-circuit television in the mega-church outside Atlanta showed the president smiling uncomfortably."But Coretta knew, and we know," Lowery continued, "That there are weapons of misdirection right down here," he said, nodding his head toward the row of presidents past and present. "For war, billions more, but no more for the poor!"
The crowd again cheered wildly.Former President Jimmy Carter later swung at Bush as well, not once but twice. As he talked about the Kings, he said: "It was difficult for them then personally with the civil liberties of both husband and wife violated as they became the target of secret government wiretaps."
The crowd cheered as Bush, under fire for a secret wiretapping program he ordered after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, again smiled weakly. Later, Carter said Hurricane Katrina showed that all are not yet equal in America. "This commerative cermony this morning, this afternoon, is not only to acknowledge the great contributions of Coretta and Martin, but to remind us that the struggle for equal rights is not over. We only have to recall the color of the faces of those in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi," Carter said, the rest of his sentence drowned out by loud applause. "Those who were most devastated by [Hurricane] Katrina know that there are not yet equal opportunities for all Americans. It is our responsibility to continue their crusade."
I am having such a hard time with politics right now. I have no problem with constructive criticism and I have no problem with people calling our president, congress or courts into question.
I DO have a problem with constant headlines for cheap shots. Coming from a "National Baptist" and a "Southern Baptist" (who actually has been considered one of the most useless Presidents in the history of our nation) this was too cheap and the standing ovations were ridiculous and not in the spirit of the moment in which respect was supposed to be directed to a great lady.
I am really irritated about this - "In a stunning act of moral and political betrayal, committed for the most expedient of reasons, the Bush administration State Department has suddenly decided that Darfur isn't the site of genocide after all."
But I want to do something about it...not just call the president out for political gain only when I have an audience. That is hypocrisy at it's finest.
Democrats are the party of no ideas and Republicans are the party of bad ideas...and the only thing worse than this is when these two work together. - Lewis Black
Monday, February 06, 2006
Sunday, January 22, 2006
A Good Read
I just finished a book called "Under the Overpass" by Mike Yankoski. It was recommended to me by one of my students and I thought that it was challenging and very insightful. I know that I am another person that, even as a part of the church, I am still spending a great deal of time not caring about the poor, broken, addicted and hurting.
The book follows Mike and his friend Sam through the streets of several major American cities as they learn about God, themselves, addicts, survival and hope. I am considering bringing this guy to South Florida to challenge our people.
brad
The book follows Mike and his friend Sam through the streets of several major American cities as they learn about God, themselves, addicts, survival and hope. I am considering bringing this guy to South Florida to challenge our people.
brad
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Hurting Already
Season 5 of American Idol and I am already embarrassed. Some of these floks are really horrible.
I am one of those guys that feels things and when they are singing horribly in front of the judges, I feel like I am there...and I am hurting.
The only thing better than this is the national spelling bee.
brad
I am one of those guys that feels things and when they are singing horribly in front of the judges, I feel like I am there...and I am hurting.
The only thing better than this is the national spelling bee.
brad
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Sightings
Last night, Mandi and I went to dinner with some friends. We went to a Greek restaurant and it was VERY Greek. Beyond the authentic food, there was dancing on the tables, napkins being thrown by the dozens and music that was so loud, I thought my ears were bleeding.
After it was over, the night was young, so we wanted to go find a quieter place. You know, one of those with soft music where we could just chill and talk. As we set out to find a place, Mandi looked over and said, "hey, that place looks good." It was a random restaurant that was located in a store front. We pulled over to check it out and went in.
About 3 minutes after we got there, my buddy Scott said, "hey, Steve Tyler is sitting over there." I am NOT an Aerosmith fan, but...that's pretty cool...random, but cool.
So after a little while, he came through and was about to leave, so we went out to meet him. We got the handshake. It isn't as great as meeting President G Dubya, but good times anyway.
You never know who you might run into here. Living in a normal part of the world, the closest I ever came to seeing someone famous was when I saw Tom Green in an airport (oh yeah...and seeing Coolio in the ski rental shop in Park City Utah...which, come to think of it, should have been mentioned before Tom Green).
brad
After it was over, the night was young, so we wanted to go find a quieter place. You know, one of those with soft music where we could just chill and talk. As we set out to find a place, Mandi looked over and said, "hey, that place looks good." It was a random restaurant that was located in a store front. We pulled over to check it out and went in.
About 3 minutes after we got there, my buddy Scott said, "hey, Steve Tyler is sitting over there." I am NOT an Aerosmith fan, but...that's pretty cool...random, but cool.
So after a little while, he came through and was about to leave, so we went out to meet him. We got the handshake. It isn't as great as meeting President G Dubya, but good times anyway.
You never know who you might run into here. Living in a normal part of the world, the closest I ever came to seeing someone famous was when I saw Tom Green in an airport (oh yeah...and seeing Coolio in the ski rental shop in Park City Utah...which, come to think of it, should have been mentioned before Tom Green).
brad
Saturday, January 07, 2006
A Vick-tim
From the AP:
"Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick was dismissed from the team Friday, the result of numerous legal transgressions and his unsportsmanlike conduct in the Gator Bowl. "
Now he says that he will "take his game to the next level." I am sure that he will sue the school for defamation and there is no doubt that he will play the part of the victim.
Good for Virginia Tech. When leadership takes charge, it might mean more athletes not demanding their entitlements.
brad
"Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick was dismissed from the team Friday, the result of numerous legal transgressions and his unsportsmanlike conduct in the Gator Bowl. "
Now he says that he will "take his game to the next level." I am sure that he will sue the school for defamation and there is no doubt that he will play the part of the victim.
Good for Virginia Tech. When leadership takes charge, it might mean more athletes not demanding their entitlements.
brad
Thursday, January 05, 2006
High and Lifted Up
I have something that I am a little bothered about so hang with me. I think that somehow we got Isaiah 6 wrong. It seems that our tendency is to take the things that are meant for God (such as exaltation and praise) and actually begin to reflect those things onto people...and even do it while claiming that it is praise. When someone does something really great and they are a follower of Jesus we "give glory to God" by giving huge "pats on the back" and "good jobs" to the point that the line really gets drawn as to whether we really give much credit to God at all.
I am sure that you have seen things like this too, probably on things that do not matter.
But what about this scenario:
A couple who has been married for years begins to have marital problems. They actually go through a painful divorce. At some point, one actually asks the other to go with them to a church...as a friend, nothing more. They join a "Bible study" and begin to develop friendships. Along the way they rediscover each other and the church encourages them as they decide to re-marry. The church even goes to the point of having them on stage in front of 500 people telling their story and inviting the church to come as they renew their vows.
Sounds great doesn't it...
But what happens when, after all the applause and friendly handshakes (and smugness that we did our job in getting 2 people back together), their marriage falls on hard times again? What happens when they can't seem to do it alone and we not only aren't there for them, but they have the memories of sitting on stage staring into the eyes of people with expectations? How do they make it when they can't tell any of these "perfect people" that their life is a wreck? Where are we then?
We are probably somewhere else, praising another of the elite among us.
I hate when we screw these things up.
Brad
I am sure that you have seen things like this too, probably on things that do not matter.
But what about this scenario:
A couple who has been married for years begins to have marital problems. They actually go through a painful divorce. At some point, one actually asks the other to go with them to a church...as a friend, nothing more. They join a "Bible study" and begin to develop friendships. Along the way they rediscover each other and the church encourages them as they decide to re-marry. The church even goes to the point of having them on stage in front of 500 people telling their story and inviting the church to come as they renew their vows.
Sounds great doesn't it...
But what happens when, after all the applause and friendly handshakes (and smugness that we did our job in getting 2 people back together), their marriage falls on hard times again? What happens when they can't seem to do it alone and we not only aren't there for them, but they have the memories of sitting on stage staring into the eyes of people with expectations? How do they make it when they can't tell any of these "perfect people" that their life is a wreck? Where are we then?
We are probably somewhere else, praising another of the elite among us.
I hate when we screw these things up.
Brad
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
PENN STATE vs FSU
I just finished watching one of the best football games I have ever seen between Penn State and FSU. A matchup between two coaches with a combined age of 155 years. They were brilliant as coaches and I have to say, as much as I was pulling for Penn State (sorry Scott), I gained a lot of respect for Coach Bowden. He was a pretty classy guy as he came and shook hands with Joe Pa.
After Coach Paterno's past couple of seasons, I am glad that he got this one. It was ugly at the end, but exciting and things ended as they should have. Should see this one on ESPN classic sometime.
And Penn State pulls it off in triple OT.
By the way, I am sticking with my prediction that USC is going down tomorrow night.
brad
After Coach Paterno's past couple of seasons, I am glad that he got this one. It was ugly at the end, but exciting and things ended as they should have. Should see this one on ESPN classic sometime.
And Penn State pulls it off in triple OT.
By the way, I am sticking with my prediction that USC is going down tomorrow night.
brad
Monday, January 02, 2006
It's Still Real To Me....
This is a clip that my brother showed me a few nights ago. Just imagine that you are in a small town high school gymnasium at a press conference for "professional wrestling". That is what this is and we are sure that these old timers had at least one fan.
Here it is...
Hat tip to justin for this one...
Here it is...
Hat tip to justin for this one...
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