Urban Monk

Purposeful Happiness-A Tiny Woman with a Big Heart

2011-12-26T23:07:00.002-05:00

Vancouver's Downtown Eastside is seen as a desperately over challenged community. Poverty, Homelessness, Addiction, disability, mental illness are are epidemic. Whether simply by will or naivete, I chose to see this community as under challenged. It's a myth that people challenged by homelessness and poverty do not want to work. They are simply looking for an opportunity. Here is a story about Mission Possible creating an opportunity and the hope and dignity that follows.

Brueggeman on Love of God and Neighbor

2010-12-12T02:33:00.001-05:00

An Invitation to Justice from The Justice Conference on Vimeo.

Real People, Real Change--One Day at a Time

2010-12-11T01:59:00.003-05:00

Touching Story About a Daugher Visiting Dad in the Downtown Eastside

2010-09-17T00:15:00.004-05:00

COLUMN: To grandpa’s (transitional) house we go

Henri Nouwen--Journey of the Heart

2010-09-05T22:20:00.002-05:00

My spiritual journey has been shaped greatly by the life and writings of Henri Nouwen. His book, The Wounded Healer, was given to my be my friend Doug, when I was a junior in College. My favorite work is probably Life of the Beloved. I'm excited to be speaking this fall to several groups--and to use a number of Nouwen's reflections as inspiration for these talks.

Here is part 1 of a documentary on Nouwen's life "Journey to the Heart."

U2 Helsinki 2010-08-21 Every Breaking Wave (new song) - u2gigs.com

2010-09-05T21:53:00.000-05:00

Little sneak peek at what is to come as U2 makes their way towards North America next year. I have tickets for Seattle. Hope to see some of you there.

Peace

My Top Five Burger Joints

2010-09-04T23:57:00.004-05:00

I thought about this today as I devoured a cheeseburger from Five Guys Burgers and Fries in West Vancouver. Yes, that's right, Five Guys has begun its invasion of Canada. Apparently, they've been in Medicine Hat, Alberta for a year. It was reported to me that Five Guys will be opening 20 new locations in BC over the next two years.

So here are my top five burger joints.

1. Five Guys Burgers and Fries (Originated in Washington DC)
2. Westport Flea Market (Kansas City, Missouri)
3. In and Out Burger (Southern California)
4. Winsteads (Kansas City, Missouri)
5. Whataburger (Texas)

Honorable Mention: The Red Onion (Vancouver BC) which was the best burger in Vancouver before the invasion began.

CNN's Don Lemon interviews...ME!

2010-05-07T00:48:00.001-05:00

New House Studio Webcast

2009-09-13T02:29:00.002-05:00

I was lucky enough to write a chapter in the book Postmodern and Wesleyan.

The House Studio hosted a webcast with some of the authors. Enjoy, better yet, pick up the book.

Jay Akkerman (Postmodern Wesleyan) from The House Studio on Vimeo.

Mother Mother

2009-08-26T02:11:00.002-05:00

Mother Mother is a local Vancouver BC band that I'm really enjoying right now. You may have heard them, if you have a radio station worth listening to. Here are three you may have heard, if not enjoy.

Blessed are....

2009-08-22T14:06:00.001-05:00

Webcast with The House Studio on Social Justice and the Church

2009-07-24T01:49:00.002-05:00

Jon Middendorf (The Church and Social Justice) from The House Studio on Vimeo.

I really enjoyed doing several webcasts while I was in Florida. Thanks to The House Studio!

More to come, I hope. Enjoy.

Day of Prayer for Children at Risk

2009-06-07T17:08:00.004-05:00

It's pictures like these that I don't like to look at. Grief that we feel when we see children suffer only intensifies once you have a child of your own. It's an atrocity gone unmentioned, that as rich industrialized countries spend Billions bailing out greed and excess, millions of children suffer and die from debilitating but preventable diseases. And, as wars wars continue to be waged across the world we need to remember the innocent children caught in the middle. Even in my own city approximately 1000 teens are homeless, addicted, and exploited.

A story from my neighborhood...

The sadness and anger that wells up inside of us calls for justice. Yet, from where will this justice come from? Today we pray--Lord, how long?

I Am the One

2009-04-10T08:08:00.001-05:00

I am the one pondering under the tree.
I am the one with salty-dog hands.
I am the one collecting the oppressor’s bounty.
I am the one sliding carefully through the night cover.
I am the one worried about dinner time.
I am the one chaffing at outsiders.
I am the one scared of the wind.
I am the one sinking in the sea.
I am the one asking, “Are we there yet.”
I am the one exulting self importance.
I am the one annoyed by the pitter patter of little feet.
I am the one indignant over spilled milk.
I am the one erecting buildings to score brownie points.
I am the son of Zebedee seeking a better seat.
I am the one with a better agenda.
I am the one asleep at the switch.
I am the one clutching the money.
I am the one with the cold dry lips on your cheek.
I am the one holding the bloody sword.
I am the one running away.
I am the one hiding in the darkness.
I am the one with a friend of convenience.
I am the one whose ears fret announcement of the rising sun.
I am the one weeping from a distance.

Hello, my name is Brian

The End of Christian America

2009-04-05T01:14:00.004-05:00

The End of Christian America is the title of a Newsweek article out this today, written by the astute Jon Meacham. Meacham states clearly what many of us have been feeling in our bones the entirety of our adult lives.

Meacham, a Christian, narrates well the shift in cultural/political landscape--towards a Post-Christian America. He rightly observes that this subtle shift does not mean the end of religion or faith in politics, but a new aliment--or perhaps a new paradigm for religion in public life. Meacham doesn't try to prescribe this new reality. He merely points that something his happening.

Many of us who live in major North American urban centres, or have our feet firmly planted in emerging generations will feel no shock associated with "The End..." For most of us it already happened.

Ironically enough many of us feel like we are wired for the new era. Our way of life is submerged these new waters. The gospel of Jesus speaks as clearly and as powerfully as it has in any age. We are delighted to be on the journey. This new matrix does not scare us. We do not fear. In fact the possibilities and opportunities are expansive.

Jon, your article has been a long-time-coming.

The Kingdom of God is like...

2009-01-30T03:12:00.001-05:00

Bono on the First Christmas--Good Stuff.

2008-11-26T16:54:00.004-05:00

On Christmas Eve I went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. ...It had dawned on me before, but it really sank in: the Christmas story. The idea that God, if there is a force of Love and Logic in the universe, that it would seek to explain itself is amazing enough. That it would seek to explain itself and describe itself by becoming a child born in straw poverty and manure... a child, I just thought: “Wow!” Just the poetry. Unknowable love, unknowable power, describes itself as the most vulnerable. There it was. I was sitting there, and ...tears came down my face, and I saw the genius of this, utter genius of picking a particular point in time and deciding to turn on this. Because that’s exactly what we were talking about earlier: love needs to find form, intimacy needs to be whispered. To me, it makes sense. It’s actually logical. It’s pure logic. Essence has to manifest itself. It’s inevitable. Love has to become an action or something concrete. It would have to happen.

New Mission Possible Video

2008-11-09T05:16:00.002-05:00

Check out this new Mission Possible Video--dig the music
Visit our website www.mission-possible.ca
Join the Mission Possible Facebook cause here

Meister Eckhart

2008-10-26T02:44:00.000-05:00

“Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us”

“To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God.”

How Fundamentalists Became Evangelicals

2008-10-10T15:15:00.002-05:00

Another great Huffington Post article that takes on the issue of evangelical political diversity. I had an interesting conversation with a friend the other day about politics and evangelicalism. He rightly observed, while there are many differences within the evangelical community, the media just does not have the time nor the nuance to tease it out. While most evangelicals will likely remain part of the Republican voting block November 4th. Many more than any pundent expects will cast an alternative vote. Case in point (conjecture not a vaid poll), most of my evangelical friends will vote for Obama. During the ramp-up to Gulf war II my congregation split 70/30 against the war--before it began. This shift among younger evangelicals (those who are not literalists) is real.

Eureka! Here is a journalist attempting to tackle the subject matter. He even goes so far to explain the difference between a literalist and plenary interpretation.

Have a look here

David Brooks on Palin and Obama

2008-10-09T22:49:00.003-05:00

David Brooks is probably my favorite conservative columnist. He was William Buckley Jr's protege. He has written a couple very interesting and provocative books, Bobos in Paradise, and On Paradise Drive, the latter which investigates American suburban culture.

Huffington Post reported on a recent interview he gave at the Atlantic magazine's redesign unveil. He gives one of the most fascinating takes on Obama, and describes Palin as a "fatal cancer to the Rebublican Party." I am completely baffled how conservative evangelical Christians have fallen head over heals in love with Palin. Brooks gets it right. My personal view--if Palin represents the future of the Rebublican Party, it is a party not worthy of existence.

Here is what Brooks says about Obama

"Obama has the great intellect. I was interviewing Obama a couple years ago, and I'm getting nowhere with the interview, it's late in the night, he's on the phone, walking off the Senate floor, he's cranky. Out of the blue I say, 'Ever read a guy named Reinhold Niebuhr?' And he says, 'Yeah.' So i say, 'What did Niebuhr mean to you?' For the next 20 minutes, he gave me a perfect description of Reinhold Niebuhr's thought, which is a very subtle thought process based on the idea that you have to use power while it corrupts you. And I was dazzled, I felt the tingle up my knee as Chris Matthews would say."

Brooks continues, "And the other thing that does separate Obama from just a pure intellectual: he has tremendous powers of social perception. And this is why he's a politician, not an academic. A couple of years ago, I was writing columns attacking the Republican congress for spending too much money. And I throw in a few sentences attacking the Democrats to make myself feel better. And one morning I get an email from Obama saying, 'David, if you wanna attack us, fine, but you're only throwing in those sentences to make yourself feel better.' And it was a perfect description of what was going through my mind. And everybody who knows Obama all have these stories to tell about his capacity for social perception."

Catch the entire article here

Smart Blog, Interesting Takes

2008-09-23T23:14:00.003-05:00

I've had the blog of Dr. Robert Reich on my Google reader for over a year now. I think he's one of the more prudent and insightful analysts when it comes to economic issues. Reich was Secretary of Labor during the Clinton administration and is now an adviser to the Obama campaign. So, he for sure has a political team he calls his own. Yet, if you follow him I think you'll be impressed by his realistic and down to earth takes. Check it out!

Speaking of Spin

2008-09-23T02:28:00.003-05:00

Does anyone really believe the TV commercials being aired by Oil Companies these days?

They are such good people. Oh how the world is such a better place to live because of Exxon, Shell, and BP. Let's all send them some more money so they can keep doing their life saving work.

Be Very, Very, Afraid!

2008-09-22T13:54:00.003-05:00

Aren't you afraid? Be afraid, be very, very afraid, of those trying to make you afraid. At every turn politicians, bureaucrats, and media personalities, and way too often preachers, want us to be afraid. Campaign ads spin narratives of fear. The Bush administration wants us to be very afraid of economic doom--so much so that even simple provisions the limit corporate big wigs their multi-million dollar bonuses are taboo.

And we buy it hook-line-and sinker. I fail to understand why American Christians are so anemic in this regard.

Over and over in the scriptures we find the admonition, "do not be afraid." I was especially thinking of John 14 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

A people wrapped up in fear are a people easily manipulated and controlled.

Let us just say no to fear. Let us not be deceived by fear peddlers.

Tagged--8 Things About Me

2008-09-20T11:39:00.002-05:00

My friend James Diggs tagged me with 8 Things About Me. So here they are. I will tag J R Caines, Scott Savage, and Mike Murrow.

My favorite films are: The Natural, Hossiers, The Big Lebowski, and Magnolia
As a child I really wanted to be an astronaut (maybe everyone does). I even went to Space Camp.
My middle name is Keith.
When I struggle to sleep, I often fantasize about dunking a basketball.
If I were Roman Catholic, it would have been difficult not to become a monk.
I used to run fast.
I once nearly killed myself by stepping through a skylight falling 15 feet onto concrete.
Nothing brings me more joy than the joy of my children.

Scriptural Insights Deep within the Downtown Eastside

2008-09-19T01:05:00.002-05:00

Every Wednesday I have the pleasure to share song, prayer, and conversation with some beautiful people. A treasure of scriptural insight is available there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) is notorious in the minds of Canadians but obscure to most North Americans. The DTES boasts the highest rates of Hep C and HIV infections in the Western Hemisphere, which is merely a symptom of profound drug addiction, homelessness, and poverty. The streets, alleys, and rooming houses tell the story of broken bodies, minds, and hearts.

On Wednesday evening we read the stories of Jesus together. There are no experts in the circle, but great expertise. Some of the most amazing and precious insights into the life and adventures of Jesus surprisingly emerge, as if they had laid resident the street gutters only to be stumbled upon.

Amidst the spirit imbued conversation I find it easy to lean into the mystery of a God who made himself known as a baby born in a barn in the middle of straw, manure, and poverty.

I'm not certain that I do have eyes to see, or ears to hear, but maybe in the DTES God does not play hide and seek. Bizarre, ehh?

Praying that God doesn't bless America

2008-09-05T01:08:00.004-05:00

After carefully listening to the Democratic and Republican convention speeches, it's striking how much we heard God invoked. Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin were especially skilled talking about God's special blessing on America. Now, I realize that confusing God's will and America's vital interests often seeps into political stump speeches. I expect nothing less from politicians and political parties attempting to buy public allegiance.

Yet, I’m sad how American Christians so thoroughly buy into this rhetoric. Worse yet, many own this bizarre "theol-itics" as a personal philosophy.

As many of you know I now live in Vancouver, Canada. One thing I've learned is that Canadians follow American politics with great interest. As an American in Canada, I often receive unsolicited political opinions. A friend from my church approached me today completely baffled by the republican convention speeches last night. As a Canadian looking in, it seemed to him that a whole arena of people uncritically embraced the militarism and the notion that American's are better, smarter, and more moral than anyone else in the world. And somehow, they have conjured enough hubris to believe that God is involved with this self-referential agenda.

Almost every political speech ends with a "may God bless America." (sometimes tacked on the end a, "may God bless our troops.")

Today I decided to begin praying that God would not bless America. Because? There are times when God selective blessing on America turns out to be a curse for the rest of the world. If that puts me into Jeremiah Wright's camp so be it.

Of course John McCain would happily label me as one of those people that “put my own self-interest ahead of their country.”

Anyone who fails to be aware of the possibility that the interests of the entirety of God's good creation often trump the interests of any given nation does not qualify to be my daughter’s kindergarten teacher, let alone the leader of one of the world’s most powerful nations.

New Posts on Another Blog

2008-05-23T23:43:00.002-05:00

I've been in a serious blogging drought. I'm not sure what it's all about. Mostly my new job is consuming me. However, over the past week I've posted a couple of posts on the Emergent Nazarene Blog. www.emergentnazarenes.com

One post is about Christian Unity within the Church of the Nazarene
The other is a summary and reflection on the recently released Pastoral Perspectives on Homosexuality. Check it out.

Peace,
Brian

In Memoriam

2008-02-26T01:58:00.002-05:00

One my very best friends in all the world died this week. Reno, my black lab, died at the ripe old age of 12. Reno's journey with us began in 1998. The community house I was living in took him in after some time with Kansas City Labrador Rescue. He was the most mild mannered dog I've ever known--however he did have a tendency to adventure away from home. One day we got a call from someone he made friends with who happened to live 6 miles away.

In our community we were trying to learn what it meant to offer the hospitality of Jesus. Reno was one of our best teachers. He won over every guest. For many wounded people, Reno's unconditional love and affection was a healing balm.

Oh how he love to chase the tennis ball--for hours if you'd let him. He graduated to a Frisby at some point, but that little yellow ball--caked with slobber, was the best. Every once in a while you could throw that ball 30 feet in the air and he would play center field.

Reno rarely barked--but when he did we knew something was amiss. His tame demeanor was a hit with the neighborhood kids. They would come over to our house, ring the doorbell and ask, "can Reno come outside?" Oh how he loved it. 2 hours later the door bell would ring again. Panting and coughing he would walk through to door happier than any creature should be allowed to be.

Reno was a very disciplined dog. He would sit, lay down, go to his bed, come, fetch, roll over, and many other commands. That is, until Hank "Eugene" Leathers moved into our house. Hank was 48, significantly older than any of the rest of us, from Stone Mountain, Georgia. Now if you've ever known a born and bread Georgian and you have stereotypes in your mind, double it and that's Hank. Anyway, while we would eat dinner each night Reno would be instructed to sit in the other room until we were finished. We didn't want him begging from our guests. And, we had a pretty strict "dog food only" policy. Funny thing is that Reno began developing some bad habits. Instead of going into the other room he would sit as close as he could without being in the dinning room and he would produce these quiet but noticeable guttural noises. Others caught him eating items off the table when no one was looking. Long story short, Hank was feeding him "under the table." Hank loved Reno too. We all did. (special call out to Mark, Greg, Lance, Anthony, Jay, Mark P., Trent)

When I got married and moved out of the house, I decided it would be best to take Reno with me. Partly because I always said I would care for him in case the house folded. Partly because he was my boy--the best of friends. And frankly, heading into the strange world of married life, I didn't know if I could do it without him.

I soon found out, even though he knew me best, he liked my wife's attention better. Because of all his ball chasing he tore his ACL. He had surgery, and before we were married he went to stay with Becky for a month to mend and heal. It was then that he built a special relationship with my soon to be wife. He moved with us into our first home--then our second--then our third. Along the way he greeted our every guest, witnessed our marital squabbles and a few other things to boot. :-)

The equation changed of course when Becky became pregnant. We tried to explain what was going to happen when his baby sister was to arrive, but how could he prepare himself for such an event? I remember well as we brought Madelyn through the front door for the first time Reno standing a bit aloof. We sat her down on the couch still nestled in the car seat. Reno's eager curiosity finally peeking, he stuck his nose in here face to get a good sniff. Reno and Maddy became fast friends--late night crying aside. He was her best friend too.

I still regret the day we decided to move to Washington DC and made the decision that Reno might be better off staying in Kansas City. We were moving to a home without a yard. A strange place, and another baby on the way, we wondered how we would give him the attention he deserved.

Only because we left him with the best of homes were we able to handle the loss. Dan, Laura and their three kids welcomed him in. Reno became a blessing to their home as much or more than each home he has lived in. We really appreciate the love he received. Because we both know Reno well, I know how hard it must be for Dan, Laura, and the kids to say goodbye.

I've said a lot of goodbyes to people over the past couple of years. I wish I could take my friends with me in my back pocket. We have moved from one place to another--and to another. Friendships are the best part of life. The opportunity to share sorrow, challenge, accomplishment, and celebration with those you love is something to treasure most of all. It was hard to say goodbye to my friend Reno even knowing he was with a good family, in a good place. And though that was behind me, still it's hard to say goodbye again.

I've always been intrigued by John Wesley's conviction that we will see our pets in heaven. I try not to think about heaven too much--it's such an unimaginable place to me. But I hope he's right.

Peace of Christ Reno

I Need Your Vote--PLEASE!!!

2008-02-15T03:17:00.002-05:00

Go to GiveMeaning.com to vote for my project proposal.
I need 100 Votes in order to start fundraising.

Click Here, Thanks!

Change a life, one man, one job at a time.

Homeless men will experience transformation through meaningful work, safe and secure housing, and a healing community.

In Vancouver's Downtown Eastside you can get help with a resume. You can search job listings. You can even find clothes for an interview. But if you are homeless, surviving from food line to food line, shelter to shelter, you need something more to make a change. It's just too easy to get stuck in the morass.

Imagine a job waiting for you.
Start work today.
Sleep safe and sound.
Join a healthy family that will give you a hand-up.
Start a new rhythm in life.
Become a chef.
Learn a trade.
Gain confidence.
Find your purpose.
Return the blessing.

Mission Possible needs seed money to start a social enterprise program that will employ homeless and those at-risk. Housing, life-skills, and mentoring will be offered in a drug free environment.

In order to raise the $200,000.00 to implement this innovative and desperately needed program, we need about $10,000 to write our plan. Your $20, $50, or $100 dollar investment is a mustard seed that will grow into the biggest tree in the garden.

Our project is modeled after the very successful Ready, Willing, Able program run by the Doe Fund in New York City.

Watch This Video!!! I promise it will make you feel good.

Told You! Here's Part Two

Four Days Until U2 in 3D

2008-01-19T01:38:00.000-05:00

In theaters this Monday in Vancouver, U2 3D. I am pumped! It's hard to imagine that it's 'even better than the real thing,' but it continues to receive 'elevated' reviews. I just hope the 6 story IMAX screen doesn't induce 'vertigo.' Weatherman said expect a 'blue sky' this weekend, the sun will shine on the nameless streets of Vancouver. It should be a 'beautiful day.' So check your local listings. 'With or without' your friends make sure you don't miss this 'One'.

Oh, here's he trailer to wet your apatite.

Disturbed

2008-01-18T02:35:00.000-05:00

I'm a bit disturbed of late with my US Presidential primary obsession. I've watched way too much CNN, MSNBC, Hardball, Charlie Rose, Keith Obeirman among others (I'm sad to say I've watched every debate). Here's another confession--on primary nights our family voyeuristicly orders pizza and anxiously watches returns come in. The race is of course interesting to say the least--like a real live soap opera. Much of the excitement is wrapped up in America's loathing for George W Bush. With intensive focus on the primary one can at least for a few moments forget about the Bush administration.

Living in Canada I find myself strangely more connected to my American roots and at the same time more disappointed in them. I'm more concerned about the Presidential primaries and yet more acutely aware of how empty it all is.

Lord help me remember the politics of your Kingdom.

A Long Winter's Nap

2007-12-31T00:46:00.000-05:00

Almost three months since my last post some of you may be wondering if I fell off the face of the earth. In actuality I'm only now awaking from a long winters nap induced by my cross-continental move. In last September I accepted a new position as Executive Director at an organization called Mission Possible in Vancouver, British Columbia. That's right we flew the coup and moved to O'Canada.

Our transition has gone pretty smooth. Becky and the kids are getting used to there new environment--scooping out all the malls and playgrounds. I, on the other hand, hit the ground running at Mission Possible. Vancouver has a very significant homeless crisis. The need is great and a bit overwhelming at times--but I'm so thankful for this new opportunity to serve among God's precious people.

We spent some time this Christmas in Victoria BC which is on Vancouver Island--just a few miles across the sound from Seattle. The beauty of British Columbia is unsurpassed. The climate is mild. There are mountains for skying, beaches for sunbathing (neither of which I'm prone to take advantage of), trails to hike, cities to explore, waters to fish, and cultures to enjoy. I am told that Vancouver has more Chinese than any other city outside of China or Taiwan. The Native North American people (First Nations or Aboriginal as they are titled in Canada) are quite prominent. If you ever get to Victoria visit the Royal British Columbian museum for great First Nations history. On a side note while Canadians seem to have embraced multiculturalism as a way of life and they have offered First Nation people greater respect than their American counter parts, First Nations people still experience significant struggles. At least 1/4 of Vancouver's homeless are First Nations people yet they represent significantly less of the population.

Anyway my Christmas vacation has given me enough space and energy for this brief greeting. I will try to write more consistently in the coming months. Please feel free to send me an email if you want our new contact info.

Peace,
Brian

A Treasured Sorrow

2007-10-04T20:06:00.000-05:00

Many of you have lived intimately the sorrow of death. One of the most difficult tasks of the pastoral life is walking with a family whose love one dies unexpectedly. Most often it is best to show up and shut up. It means a lot to people when you are just willing to be a quiet presence in this lonely time of grief. Then there are times when we have the awkward privilege of journeying along with saints who slowly make their way to the "other side of the river," as the song goes. Ruth Brown was one such person. Walking with her marks a treasured sorrow I never forget. Dying was not easy for her, there was the pain of cancer that ate away at her body, but in the midst of the suffering she had a steady (all but human) trust in a God she most certainly knew. Anyway, I reread the homily I preached at her funeral--it was an unexpected encouragement today. I leave it for you in its entirety if you choose to read on.

In Memory of Ruth Brown

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not parish but may have eternal life. Death is not our friend. Yet for all of us we know that death will come. For some sooner than others. For some in seasons of peace and remembrance, for some unexpectedly, but for certain it will come for us all. Scientists tell us bodies begin to turn the growth process into a process of decay in our mid twenties. And O, how easy it is for us brush aside this reality until one close to us experiences what we will all experience. Death is not our friend.

It is not our friend because God did not intend it this way. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. God who brought order out of chaos and formed man and woman in God’s own image, then breathe the breath of life into us. We were supposed to live and prosper enjoy the goodness of God’s creation. Yet now we are stuck with a curse our own devises.

No, death is no friend of ours, it is but the adversary of all adversaries. Jesus knew this. We recall Jesus who hears of his dear friend Lazarus’s death, comes upon the grave, knowing that he will raise him, yet is consumed with grief, because this just isn’t the way life is suppose to be.

We remember how the early church in Jerusalem, mourned intensely over the death of Stephen. They knew he would go to the lord, yet they new that it just wasn’t the way life was suppose to be.

Those who have life in Jesus are not condemned; but those who do not have life in him are condemned already. More tragic than the eventuality of our natural death, is the sad but profoundly true reality that many begin dying long before this time. I’m not talking about illness here. I’m talking about the fact that many people, and it is not such a difficult thing to do, many people choose as the John shares with us today, to live in the darkness rather than the light. And if you are living in the darkness, though the signs of physical death are not altogether evident, a spiritual, mental, social, death may already be at work. For we so easily are consumed with addictions, addictions to substances, and addictions to living our lives for ourselves.

We deceive ourselves if we believe that living is about acquiring possessions, we deceive ourselves if we think living is about pursuing success for the sake of fame or fortune, we deceive ourselves if we believe that happiness really comes through the pursuit of our own rights. We deceive ourselves if we believe absorbing ourselves in entertainments will bring us the good life. Unforgiveness, anger, hatred, violence, are not signs that we are still living, they are signs that we may already be dead. More tragic than the eventuality of our natural death, is certainly this reality that we risk the possibility of dying long before. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light.

For all who do evil hate the light and do not come into the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.

For as surely as death may set in for us long before our bodies decay, life, good life, the Godly life, the life of the light rather than the pseudo life of the darkness, eternal life, life everlasting also begins before we die.

And that, Brothers and sisters is the testimony of the life of Ruth Brown. Death is our enemy, we are given hope for eternal life, and it starts long before our bodies lay still.

Ruth Brown was a Saint of God. The world may not have noticed her for her grand achievements, yet she managed to live a life that many many people fail to live. She lived a life of love and tenderness, a life of redemption, where she had no family God gave her a family, and as God gave her a family she returned the favor and gave God a family, a beautiful family has become a testimony to her life. Her life has told a story of faith, hope, and love. Her life has told the story hope for a better world. Most of all her life tells the story of a savior that she didn’t just know about, but she knew intimately. Ruth Brown knew Jesus. She knew Jesus in the same way many of you know her. And for that she has lived life as perfectly as any of us can ever hope to live. Through simple trust and faith in God she has become for many of us a window into God’s presence.

Ruth Brown lived a prophetic life. Her life is the fulfillment of this scripture we have read today: But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. And to all who have life in Jesus, they will not parish but have eternal life.

***You're welcome to steal this if you like, just send me a note. Knowing you used it is an encouragement to me.

My Little Worship Project Vol. III

2007-10-01T21:36:00.000-05:00

Another Hymn, this one from Clement of Alexandria (170ish-220ish) who was the leader of the great catechetical school in North Africa at the end of the second century. So as you sing this hymn in front of your computer screen try to transport yourself back to a second century room in Alexandria Egypt gathered with a group of promising Christian students under the tutelage of Clement or maybe Origen.

It may sound a bit odd, but this is best sung to a tune that is most commonly associated with "My Country, Tis of Thee" or "God Save Our Gracious Queen"--depending on what side of the pond you're from. For you Americans this is a great one to throw in the lineup as an anecdote to the subtle (or not so subtle) idolatry of Independence day patriotism in worship. Here it is, enjoy...

Shepherd of tender youth,
Guiding in love and truth
Through diverse ways;
Christ, our triumphant king,
We come your name to sing;
Hither your children bring
Tributes of praise.

You are our holy Lord,
Our all subduing Word,
Healer of strife;
You did yourself abase,
That from sin's deep disgrace
You might redeem our race
And give us life.

Ever be near our side,
Our shepherd and our guide,
Our staff and song;
Jesus, he Christ of God,
By your enduring word
Lead us where you have trod,
Make our faith strong.

So now, and till we die,
Sound we your praises high,
And, joyful, sing;
Let all the holy throng
Who to your church belong
Unite and swell the song
To Christ, our King.

The Urban Monk is moving...Again

2007-09-21T09:51:00.000-05:00

Hey, just wanted to inform all who are interested that my family is moving to Vancouver, British Columbia. Quite a long ways from DC, eah? I've accepted a position as Executive Director of Mission Possible. They work among homeless in Vancouver's notorious Downtown East Side. You can see the video below on the Eastside Blues.

We are very excited. In our recent visit we fell in love with the people there and the city is spectacular. Vancouver is typically rated as one of the top three most livable cities in the world. It's weather is very temperate. It's often touted that you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon. Last year it dipped below freezing only twice and it rarely get above 90 degrees. We of course always welcome our friends to take advantage of our hospitality.

Please be praying for us over the next few weeks as we pack up our stuff and "heave hoe" across the continent. For those of you on the West Coast we're glad to be close to some old friends, for our new East Coast friends we are very said to say goodbye. For those you in the middle of the continent, well, we're still only a plane flight away. (BTW Vancouver is only 130 miles North of Seattle, so get you passport updated).

I'll write more on our move later and update you on our new contact info.

Peace,
Brian

Trip to Vancouver

2007-09-07T20:35:00.000-05:00

I'm heading to Vancouver--the "Downtown Eastside" this week to explore a job opportunity working alongside the city's homeless. Here's a video I found a YouTube that gives you a bit of a feel for the community, it's titled Eastside Blues.

Anatomy of Embrace

2007-08-27T07:38:00.000-05:00

I love the giving and receiving of hugs. Which is strange considering I came from a family in which physical affection was awkwardly engaged. It was as a college student amongst a loving Christian community that I really learned how to give and receive a good hug. I’ve tried to carry this back to my family and into my life as a pastor. I was thrilled to come across Mirslov Volf’s theological reflection on embrace--a theology of hugs, so to speak. Let’s muse about it for a moment.

Have you ever thought about the nature life giving, loving, embrace? The structure of embrace has four identifiable movements. The first involves the opening of the arms to another. The second movement is in the waiting for the other to reciprocate open arms. Third, the arms must close. But that’s not the end of the embrace. The final movement is the act of release. It’s helpful to reflect on these for movements as metaphor of the welcome and reception of God in our lives.

Open arms communicates an invitation, the openness of space to the other. It bares witness to safety, warmth, comfort. In the anatomy of embrace one party must originate this gift. The origin of embrace can certainly be a risky endeavor. The longing and desire to receive the other may in fact be rejected or ignored. This is the movement of waiting. Will this grace be received? How will the ‘other’ interpret such an offer? But this inviting posture is critical for animating desire in the one whom the offer is directed.

The waiting is brought to rest as the host and guest meet freely in open embrace. The arms close in poetic motion to in some sense celebrate the moment. In this move the ‘I’ is not so easily distinguished from the ‘us’. In the space created an intimacy and solidarity is shared. There is where memory, longing, hope, reconciliation, and healing spring forth. But this embrace can not come to end here. The story is not complete. The movement must continue with intentionality.

If either party, host or guest (who’s titles are lost in the spin of mutual reciprocity), were to cling too tightly the embrace takes a controlling detour. This control which can be born of hurt, dysfunction, addiction, or even evil threatens to tragically undue the embrace. The music and the dance creep to a stop and the beauty is lost.

The movements are appropriately completed when, with the same grace and freedom that conjoined the two, the embrace is opened again. Free to move the individuals leave with the memory of a transformative experience. When to reunite again? Time will tell. If the rhythm of embrace is practiced well a growing sense of safety and blessing emerges.

This has been a really helpful metaphor for me in recent months. I think it beautifully depicts the way of relationship we know with God. In Christ Jesus humanity encounters God with open arms. “he came full of grace and truth…but we did not receive him.” (John 1). In fact with open arms we so tragically bound him to a tree in mockery of his embrace. Yet I can’t help but think of the open tome where we find Jesus speaking to Mary. As they embrace he warns her, “do not cling too to me, and I returning to the father.”

There is way more I could say here. We could talk about embrace as Trinitarian interrelation. We could speak not only of our relationship with God, but also our relationship with others. What implications would this way of embrace has as we apply the metaphor to family, Christian brothers and sisters, or even our enemies? Anyway, let me know how it strikes you. Peace

On Worship From Justin Martyr's Apology

2007-08-25T00:17:00.000-05:00

Below is a quote from Justin's Apology which was written very early in Christian history (about 150 AD). It gives us a picture of the development of Christian worship which has always had four traditional movements--that is Gathering, Word, Table, and Dismissal. In the middle of this description you can find all four.

On the day called Sunday all who live in the cities or in the country gather at one place and the memoir of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read as long as time permits. When the reader has finished, the one who is presiding instructs us in a brief discourse and exhorts us to imitate these noble things. Then we all stand up together and offer prayers...When we have finished the prayer, bread is brought forth, and wine and water, and the presiding minister offers up prayers and thanksgiving to the best of his ability, and the people assent, saying the Amen; after this the consecrated elements are distributed and received by each one. Then a deacon brings a portion to those who are absent. Those who prosper, and who so wish, contribute what each thinks fit. What is collected is deposited with the presiding minister who takes care of the orphans and widows, and those who are in need because of sickness or some other reason, and those who are imprisoned, and the strangers and sojourners among us.

When we gather for worship it's difficult to discern the necessary elements, but there is I believe a necessary movement. God calls--we gather. God speaks--we listen. God is presence is celebrated in the presence of Christ at the table--we give thanks. God by the power of the Spirit sends us into the world--we go! Anyway, it's so inspiring to know that the same participatory drama that I participate in this coming Sunday morning is lock and step the same movement Justin spoke about 1900 years ago.

The Unitive Way

2007-08-24T16:30:00.000-05:00

Our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sisters have always held tightly to the tradition of Christian Perfection. The language of perfection has been problematic for most for our modern rationalistic ears. The word most often used to describe this process in the East is deification--which might be equally problematic in this landscape. But this tradition, beautifully held in the Eastern church and preserved in nuanced form in the Western church including the Anglican/Methodist/ Holiness traditions, ought to be continually mined.

The process of deification spoken of in the East is often described as the "unitive way." Ultimately it's about fullness in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Spirit. It is commonly explained that the unitive way has three stages. They are the penitence, purification, and perfection. These three stages as I understand them are not to be understood as levels. Instead they are acquired layers that are continually lived into.

Penitence according to Lossky is the 'gateway of grace', which is not a passing movement nor a stage to be left behind. A penitent spirit is a continual posture, a permanent attitude. We most often speak of repentance but this conjures up for most of us a kind of mechanistic piety that can enslave--and sometimes exhibits itself in eccentric religious behavior. We are good to remember the Greek root, metanoia which means a change of mind or a transformed spirit. Metanoia, as I understand Orthodox theology (and properly understood Wesleyan theology), is a fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence, not a precondition to. This is a notion we often tacitly confuse when employing some contemporary evangelistic strategies.

When thinking of the purification, I'm reminded that Wesley daily prayed the collect for purity.

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,... that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the Eastern tradition purification is not about self denying mortification. It's all about relationship. It's about putting on, not just putting off. It is rooted in prayerful relationship. It's about creating space and openness for the light of Christ to get into us. It is Spirit empowered effort. To quote Lossky again, "Unless a man turns towards God of his own free will and with all his longing, unless he cries to Him in prayer with complete faith, he cannot be cured." Of course the prayer tradition in the Eastern movement is more complex than I will take time to talk about here (see hesychasm). I think it's safe to say they believe union with God does not occur in the absence of prayer, prayer is a personal relationship with God (not one prayer, but prayer, a life of prayer). They would not understand this as a precondition to grace. Grace is being offered by God, therefore by personal, conscious, and voluntary effort we can participate.

A brief note here about grace and free agency. In the West we have tended to pit grace and free agency against each other. In the aftermath of the Augustine/Pelagian controversy we've had a difficult time with these categories. In the John Cassian was the Eastern light during this controversy. The Eastern tradition simply never separates these two ideas. To talk about merit would be a completely foreign idea. It is understood that in light of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus, along with the Spirit imbued Church, that we have full opportunity to experience the grace of God. This might be kin to the idea of prevenient grace, except that it is radically Christocentric and mediated through the life of the Church. Our assent in prayer is to lead us towards contemplation where "God's spirit testifies with our spirit."

This relationship that is courted through metanoia and matured through prayer and contemplation flowers forth in perfect love (perfection). As in other traditions, perfect love is inseparably expressed in love for God and neighbor. This is a life lived in constant communion with God, yet it is not complete in an ontological sense, it continues to grow and mature.

Lossky describes it by saying this, "In one who is perfect, there will remain no further room for the 'unconscious', for the instinctive or the involuntary; all will be illuminated with divine light, appropriated to the human person which has acquired its proper character by the gift of the Holy Spirit. For 'the righteous shall shine forth as the sun' in the kingdom of God (Matt. xiii, 43)." He goes on to say, "All the conditions necessary for attaining this final end are given to Christians in the Church. But union with God is not the result of an organic or unconscious process: it is accomplished in persons by the co-operation of the Holy Spirit and our freedom."

For those of us who participate within Western traditions that carry with us the DNA of this ancient "unitive way", we are helped greatly to more fully understand this Eastern tradition. By going backwards may we find a way forwards.

Personality Profile

2007-08-24T10:37:00.001-05:00

Have you ever taken a Myers-Briggs personality profile in the past? I typically reject such attempts at categorization. Yet, it's a really interesting and helpful tool for self reflection as long as you don't start pigeonholing people and excusing their actions because of their type (or your actions for that matter). Anyway, the website I used to take the profile allows you to create a button and place it on your blog.

I'm going to take this opportunity to declare a game of Blog Tag. And these people are now IT!!! (Jeff Blythe, Scott Savage, Shawna Atteberry, and Jenny Caines).

Any thought's on my profile? Those who know me well, would you have guessed I was an ENTP? Actually I've always been a borderline "P/J" but I think I'm less and less a "J" as I get older.

You can also fill out the intelligences profile. If you complete the profile and post on your blog let me know.

My Little Worship Project

2007-08-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Over the next few weeks I want to share some worship resources for whomever is interested. Among them are some unique and locally composed music. The first is a hymn.

Paul Bassett, my main seminary prof, translated and arranged this from the Anonymous Epistle to Diognetus. Written about 150AD, it can be sung to the tune of "I Sing the Mighty Power of God." Enjoy!

In truth, the Truth we own as ours,
Is ours by grace divine.
Almighty, all-creating God,
Invisible, Sublime,
To us has sent The Truth, The Word;
From heaven above He comes;
The Holy Word beyond our ken,
Finds in our hearts His home.

From god the hours receive their length;
Sun moon and stars obey;
All move as guided by that Will;
In perfect concert they.
And to it all-to heights, to depths,
To all that lies between-
Him God has sent, to them, to us,
The gift of grace supreme.

And did God then, as some suppose,
Send Him in roy'l array?
In fearsomeness to overawe?
As terror to dismay?
Not so! But gently, meek, He comes;
As Son at Sire's command;
As King God sent Him, and as God;
To us God sent a Man.

God would not force us, but persuade;
Would not compel but plead;
Would love and save, not judge and break;
Would not coerce, but lead.
For who God's judgment could survive?
Or see God's frown and live?
God call, god beckons, God invites;
God's very self God gives.

All Nations Drawn Towards the City with No Temple

2007-08-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

While in Washington DC we've been participating in the common life of National Church of the Nazarene. It all started when I was appointed interim pastor in the Summer of Spring of 06. This is a truly interesting place. Gathered within the walls of the building commonly known as National Church are 7 worshiping congregations. 5 of them are part of the tradition of the Church of the Nazarene. They are Community of Hope, which is a congregation within the Black Church tradition, a Spanish-speaking congregations made up of Salvadorans, Nicaraguans, Colombians, and a smattering of others, a Haitian congregation, a French-African congregation (mostly Congolese), and an English-Speaking group made up of whites, African-Americans, Latinos, East Indians, and black Islanders. This place beautifully reflects the diversity of God's kingdom. And I'm not sure they really know how wonderful it really is.

Add to this beautiful mix an Ethiopian Orthodox congregation. These Ethiopians are Monophysites. Meaning they were considered outside the orthodox Christianity during the 5th century. This was the first great splintering of the church that we don't talk about much, it was kind of an East/West separation. While some traditions would never consider worshiping alongside these "so called" heretics, the Church of the Nazarene has welcomed them in the spirit of Christ.

The irony continues, we have also welcomed an Eritrean Charismatic congregation who worships in this building in the afternoons. Eritreans and Ethiopians have been mortal enemies and you can't get much further apart on the Christian family tree than Ethiopian Orthodox and Eritrean Charismatic.

Anyway, I'm reminded of the scene pictured by John the Revelator of the holy city coming down out of heaven from God. He saw no temple in the city for its temple was the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And picture this, the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. It's gates were never to be shut by day and there in fact would be no night. The people will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.

I can't help but picture that holy city when I walk into that old monstrosity of a building. Let us continue to pray for the unity of the church.

Oh, for the Mystery of God's Love

2007-08-21T14:34:00.000-05:00

I've been re-reading some Henri Nouwen of late and this quote was just really illuminating. It kind of follows up the last post that was about our unity as human people who inhabit a form sanctified by the divine and living Word. In the face of the truth of our solidarity as human creatures made in God's image and reconstituted in the incarnation of the Word, we cannot help but immediately notice the brokenness and fragmentation between one another.

Well anyway...here's the quote.

[It is a mysterious truth]...that the God who loves us with a perfect love includes all people in that love without diminishing in any way the unique quality of God's love for each individual person. This is probably one of the hardest things for us to understand. In our competitive world we are so used to thinking in terms of "more" and "less" that we cannot easily see how God can love all human beings with the same unlimited love while at the same time loving each one of them in a totally unique way. Somehow we feel that our election involves another's rejection, that our uniqueness involves another's commonness. Somehow, we think we can only fully enjoy our being loved by God if others are loved less than we are.

But the spiritual life breaks through these distinctions made in the contest of rivalry and competition. The spiritual life allows us to experience that the same God who lovingly embraces all people has counted every hair of our heads (see Matthew 10:30), and that the same God who cares for everyone without exception, loves each individual with an exceptional love.

The deeper our prayer becomes the closer we come to this mystery of God's love. And the closer we are to this mystery the better we can live it out in our daily life. It frees us to appreciate other people's talents without feeling diminished by them and to lift up their uniqueness without feeling less unique ourselves. It allows us to celebrate the various ways of bing human as a sign of the universal love of God.

That's the kind of good news that is gracious and demanding all that the same time. It's the kind of stuff worth living for, or dying for. Maybe that's one in the same thing.

He Found a New Dwelling

2007-08-20T13:27:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking this morning about Saint John's statement that divine Logos "became flesh and dwelt among us." Another translation suggests the image of God pitching a tent in our neighborhood. Our Orthodox brothers and sisters have long reflected on this mystery in more full and robust ways than many of us. That God the Son would take upon God's own self human form, communicates a profound intimacy and solitary with our humanity.

Jesus gathers up all humanity in this one act of intimate solidarity, "he took on flesh and dwelt among us."

And in some mysterious way our Spirit empowered unity with God the Son simultaneously unites us with all humanity. As disciples of Jesus we bear witness to the reality that in Christ Jesus, God has gathered all people into one family.

"We who belong to Christ belong to all of humanity." (Henri Nouwen)

That's My Boy

2007-07-21T22:41:00.000-05:00

Many of you who know me mostly from Kansas City have not had the distinct pleasure of meeting my son William. I'm a really proud father of two beautiful children. Madelyn will turn four in September. Will is sixteen months and I thought I ought to share this great picture my brother-in-law took of him while we were on vacation last month.

Shuffle Your iPod

2007-07-10T22:20:00.000-05:00

Richard Schneberger "tagged" me with this..."List the first ten songs that come up on your iPod when you hit 'shuffle'. I've also been tagged by Charlie Pardue concern 8 random habits which I will soon post on as well. But Charlie consider yourself tagged back. I'll also tag Jenny and J.R. Caines, along with Scott Savage. You're IT!

OK, I couldn't resist adding more than 10. Here are the first 15 songs when I shuffled my iPod

1. Wild Mountain Honey, Steve Miller Band
2. In Between, Collective Soul
3. Yesterday, The Beatles
4. Monkey, Counting Crows
5. Vertigo, U2
6. Mozart: Ave Verum Corpus, Andrea Bocelli
7. Nightswiming, REM
8. Seven Days, Sting
9. Welcome to the Black Parade, My Chemical Romance
10. Even Flow, Pearl Jam
11. Wait For the Lord, Taize
12. Through Toledo, Greg Laswell
13. Momentum, Aimee Mann
14. Crash Burn, Blues Traveler
15. All I Want is You, U2

Love is the Higher Law

2007-07-07T23:35:00.000-05:00

My friends often give me a hard time about my fanatic devotion to U2. At 33 I still have a framed picture of the band on my wall and have been known to quote Bono in sermons from time to time. For the record I was a fan beginning in 85 as a 12 year old. Bono was the first Christian that told me it was OK to have doubts as a follower of Jesus. I think his music saved me from fundamentalism. Anyway, thought I'd share this video with you all. It's U2 with Mary J. singing One. It's awesome!

Who Killed the Electric Car?

2007-05-26T22:42:00.000-05:00

I watched an excellent documentary tonight--Who Killed the Electric Car?. Ever heard of or seen an EV-1? Apparently, General Motors made thousands of them in response to California's strict environmental laws requiring auto manufactures wishing to sell vehicles in California must also produce Zero Emission Vehicles. The EV-1 was an electric car you can plug in at night. With a range of only 60-90 miles per charge it was ideal for Californians braving the crowded smog producing highways. Long story short EV-1 drivers are passionate enthusiasts who had to endure an automotive genocide. Most of the thousands of EV-1's were collected by GM after the end of their lease and subsequently crushed (see picture to left). Anyway, this very interesting documentary is probably available at your local video store. It reminds me so much of the history of the city trolley cars of the 1930's. As automotive companies sought to have an corner on the US transportation dollar they colluded to purchase nearly all of the city run Trolley services only to systematically close them down.

Here is an interesting perspective. It took a law to put seat belts in cars--a law for shoulder harnesses--a law for airbags--a law for increased fuel efficiency (which BTW has not improved over the last 20 years). I hate to call for more legislation, but can we really trust the automotive manufactures (along with the stock holders) to put the environment first. I THINK NOT!

Think about it the next time you fill of that gas tank.

Oozing from the Cracks in the Sidewalk

2007-05-21T14:17:00.000-05:00

Mid-winter 1995 I left San Diego for Washington DC. Not knowing what to expect I was anticipating an adventure. The American Studies program was a semester long immersion into Washington DC malaise. I was 21. Armed with new rights and privileges I bounded into the newness of days. For the most part I was a clean cut Midwestern kid who spent the last three years enjoying the Southern California sun. I took a liking to it right away. The beach and babes, sunshine and good times were where I was at. This was about to change as I ventured into the more serious vibe in the nations capital.

It was the dawning of the one-hundred and fourth Congress. Newt Gingrich and the Republican revolution had issued its contract with America. In position of new found power they began tinkering with many a federal program. Evangelical Christians for the first time were also feeling good about the new Congressional leadership. “Finally, an ear tuned to our concerns,” they said. It was this backdrop to which I arrived.

My program was to be a mixture of classroom time, reading, journaling, and a 25 hour per week internship. For better or worse I ended up at a well known and powerful Christian political think tank. My assignment there as to work with one of the policy specialist on research for position papers written and distributed to congressional staff and other Capital Hill interest groups. You may recall the growing interest in reforming welfare. I took to the task of researching and of course photo copying with great abandon. Why, because that’s just what you do as a lowly intern. But encountered a surprisingly and increasing discomfort with the direction my research was steering the policy analysts. The welfare system was indeed in need of reform. Certainly we could do better. However, much of the change that this group talked about had more to do with a disconnected set of values than with helping people overcome poverty. As well intentioned my co-workers were I began to notice a critical pitfall. This pitfall may have been the cause of some misinformation if not total myopia.

The American Studies Program dorm was near the corner of 8th and Maryland NE. It was a much different neighborhood than now. Call it coincidental, but I think it was planned on the part of the founders to make these young ‘top of the world go-getters’ to walk those streets. Everyday, decked out in my suit, and over coat, tethering my black briefcase, I proudly strutted from my apartment to work. But each day I could not arrive at my destination without walking by the neighborhood people on the street, those with homes and those without. Some of whom benefited from the programs we were trying to cut. By no grace of my own, I began to interact with the people of Washington DC. I fell in love with them and I slowly acquired new eyes to see and hear. Unbeknownst to me the kingdom of God was oozing from the cracks in the sidewalk at 8th and Maryland NE.

The fascinating part of my internship was that I was the only employee who even lived within the DC boarders. Everyone else boarded trains or climbed into their cars to return home each day. I do not blame them for choosing comfortable neighborhoods to live in, but it did raise a question in my mind. Did their cultural and geographical isolation limit in anyway their ability positively influence the lives of people they’ve never known, let alone met?

For better or worse I began applying the same critique as a test to many other issues. It’s application towards faith and belief was a particularly upsetting experience. What I began to question was; what if the way we’ve always seen the world isn’t the way the world really is? What if some of the things that I think are sacred are really just sacred cows? What should I do with a faith that is so filled with cows that when they are no longer sacred my belief itself seems to fall apart?

DC was an incredibly formative experience. I was introduced to many new ways of seeing and thinking. I learned to love learning. Much of what I read and wrote then has oriented me to this day. I was learning to love people. Indeed I was loved. But I can’t say I left DC with all the pieces in place. It was a number of difficult years before faith began to come back together for me. As I look back now, even at the seasons of darkness, I’m grateful for that journey.

And now, ten years later I find myself back in DC a much different person than the one arrived or left. I have new glasses and every now and then I still see the kingdom oozing from the cracks in the sidewalk. And I suppose that’s what I now live for, a precious and beautiful glimpse of the God’s kingdom in the midst of the most ordinary of days here in the nations capital.

Robert E. Webber 1933-2007

2007-04-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

It is with great sadness that I announce that Robert Webber passed away Friday April 26.

I first encountered Bob's through a book titled, "Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail." He was a kindred spirit and fellow traveler--very much an young man his whole life. He cared deeply about the evangelical tradition that witnessed to both in personal and societal transformation. At the same time, he recognized that as a young movement we need to be strengthened by mining the depths and breath of the entire Christian Tradition. As I reflect on his life and work I'm grateful to God. He has helped me profoundly as a pastor, preacher, liturgist, and humble disciple. I finally met Bob personally about 8 years ago at my brother-in-law's wedding. His curly white hair was unmistakable. I started off the conversation mentioning that I was a student of Paul Bassett. I was just a wide eyed seminary student and he could have had more important people to talk too, but he spoke thoughtfully and engagingly with me. We met several times after this initial encounter as seminars and conferences he always received me with warm greetings. Bob's work continues to shine a light into the future for those of us who desire to see the church remain vigorous and strong in this 'brave new world.' Indeed as Augustine said, "every meeting is a divine encounter, every encounter an exchange of gifts."

Peace be with you, Bob Webber.

The following obituary is a redaction from the Northern Seminary website for those would would like to know more of Bob Webber's life and work.

Dr. Webber’s work and witness have impacted the evangelical world by bringing worship and ministry back to their historical Christian roots as established by the early church. Because of his influence through the publication of significant works like The Complete Library of Christian Worship, his Ancient-Future Series (The Divine Embrace, Ancient-Future Time, Ancient-Future Evangelism and Ancient-Future Faith), the “Chicago Call” in 1977 and more recently “The Call to an Ancient-Evangelical Future” in 2006, the church and a generation of pastors have been encouraged to challenge old assumptions about what constitutes an effective Christian witness in today’s postmodern culture.

Dr. Webber was born in the Congo to Baptist missionary parents, and was raised in the Philadelphia area. Webber’s educational path was denominationally diverse and unique–a BA from Bob Jones University (Greenville, NC); a BD at Reformed Episcopal Seminary; a ThM at Covenant Seminary (Presbyterian Church in America) and a ThD at Concordia Seminary (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod).

He began his teaching career at Covenant College in 1960; Covenant Seminary in 1965; and then spent 32 years teaching at Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) beginning in 1968 as Professor of Theology. In 1998, Webber founded the Institute for Worship Studies (now the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies) in Florida, which is a Masters and Doctorate level graduate school focused on the study of the theological, biblical, historical, sociological and missiological foundations of Christian worship. Webber retired from Wheaton in 2000 and was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement. Also in 2000, Webber was appointed Myers Chair of Ministry at Northern Seminary.

Webber leaves behind a wife, Joanne, four children, John (Isabel), Alexandra (Jack), Stefany (Tom), and Jeremy (Susie), seven grandchildren, and a rich legacy of friends, colleagues and students.

Memorial services will be held in the Chicago area (details to follow) and at Grace Episcopal Church in Orange Park, FL on Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m., during the June session of the Institute for Worship Studies. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Robert E. Webber Center for an Ancient Evangelical Future, c/o Northern Seminary, 660 E. Butterfield Rd. Lombard, IL 60148 or the Robert E. Webber Endowment Fund at the Institute for Worship Studies, 151 Kingsley Ave. Orange Park, FL 32073.

Mindwalk

2007-03-19T23:11:00.000-05:00

I happened upon a beautiful film this evening. It was released in 1990 which is a fascinating fact to ponder. The film's title is Mindwalk. If you are a Law and Order fan you will no doubt recognize Sam Waterston, like his Law and Order character, takes the name Jack in this movie. This movie is not for the faint of of heart. I suspect it may have a soporific effect on many of you. The whole movie consists of a dialog between a scientist, a poet, and a politician(Waterston). If you have read Brian McLaren's "New Kind of Christian," trilogy, the movie feels like it reads--contrived but engaging. Set on the French coast, the scenery is beautiful.

The movie revolved around the conversational tension between the politician and the scientist. The politician exhibits traditional and stereotypical modern philosophical assumptions. In contrast, the scientist expresses what she called an "ecological," or "systems" view of the world that feels and looks like what we have come to identify with postmodern assumptions. As the plot progresses the politician finds himself learning from the scientist. As a result, the viewer is sucked into the idea that the climax of the film will find its focus in the epistemological conversion of the politician to this strange new scientific world where Descartes and Newton are kicked to the curb and Wittgenstein and quantum physics are enthroned. However, the plot thickens as the poet finally releases his pent up emotion that exposes both epistemological formulations of their arrogance--one obsessed with unity and categorization, the other fixated on diversity and interconnectedness, both failing in some degree to preserve the mystery, awe, and humanity of the journey. (sorry for the long sentences)

I can't help but recall again Pete Rollins' book "How (not) to Speak of God." Rollins is trying desperately to return to the center of Christian existence a tradition of contemplation that lives confidently in the tensions between the known and unknown, between the revealed and the concealed, between the confession of God as Father and as Holy in the same breath. That which we cannot speak of is the one thing about whom and to whom we must never stop speaking.

Anyway it was a surprisingly great find in the dearth of quality television programing. Check it out. Let me know what you think.

Finding God in the Other

2007-03-05T22:44:00.000-05:00

Is it possible to reject Jesus in name, yet embrace him in substance? This is one of the questions Samir Selmanovic poses in this provocative talk based on the apostle Paul's visit to Mars Hill in Athens. Samir muses about the possibility of finding God in the Other (he leans heavily on the work of Mirslov Volf) He weaves together a theological vision with a powerful personal message about his embrace of Jesus as a young Bosian Muslim. His journey as a disciple of Jesus has not left him bitter towards his Muslim roots. Instead he powerfully narrates the possibilities for disciples of Jesus to find the work of God in the lives of those embracing other faiths. He calls listeners into a wild adventure of naming the beauty and truth with find in Christ wherever we find it.

One of the best stories he tells is of the chief of the Huron tribe who escorts a French expedition into Canada. They chief does so in part to appease the settlers in a show of cooperation. The chief is mortally wounded during the voyage. As death begins to close in on the chief a Jesuit priest says, "allow me to baptize you so you will be with me in paradise." The chief responds, "why I want to go to your paradise, my son no there, my daughter no there, my woman no there." From the chiefs point of view by receiving Christ he would be choosing his own life over the life of his family. By rejecting Jesus in name he lays down his life for his family whom he love more than life itself. Probing story isn't it.

You can listen to the entire message here.

Tell me what you think.

A Lion/Lamb Community

2007-03-05T15:51:00.000-05:00

Rob Kazee was installed as pastor Washington National Church of the Nazarene in October 2006. My family has been worshiping there sense I was interim pastor for 5 months before the Kazee's arrived. WNC is a historic congregation in the Church of the Nazarene and has had some glory years. But truthfully it has been in decline for that last 30 or so--a long slow chronic disease of disinterest and dislocation. Now I'm speaking primarily of the English speaking congregation. Currently 5 congregations exist together, not always as well as one would hope, but well enough. So on any given Sunday brothers and sisters fill the building with Engish, French, Spanish, and Creole. The English-speaking congregation once 300+ is now running about 30 on Sunday mornings. One remarkable claim to fame in spite of this downward move is their colorful diversity. Peach and brown, Caucasian, African-American, and Islander, this church was once said to be the only integrated church in Washington DC. And while now a tenth of it's original size it still iconically reflects this beautiful aspect of the kingdom of God.

Now you must understand that this community is teetering on the edge of extinction, no doubt. But it would be so tempting at this point to bow to the church grow gurus and church specialist who would say to this small be faithful crowd that unless you pick a "target population," a "niche group," made of saddleback Sam's and Sally's, you have no shot at survival. Instead, this maverick of a servant and this ragtag community is leaning into the vision of a Lion/Lamb Community.

Pastor Rob (pastor woab as my daughter affectionately calls him), preached a beautiful message this Sunday calling this community to reject the idol of homogeneity. Read the sermon here. It's good stuff.

I don't know what's going to happen. But I think I'll stick around to find out. Stay tuned.

Reading the Qur'an

2007-03-05T15:05:00.000-05:00

I've been telling myself for years now that I ought to read the Qur'an. My friend Jeff Blythe often reminds me that it's shorter than the New Testament. So we're not talking about a large amount of reading. I started out last night, well, at the beginning of all places. The first book is called The Cow. It's great reading. All my favorite characters are on display--God, Adam and Eve(though her name is not mentioned), Abraham, Ishmael, Jacob, Satan, Angels (Micheal and Gabriel), Jesus, Mary, among others.

Wow, it's amazing, so many lights come on about how Muslims view Christians, Jews, the West. I'm learning things I should have known but never took the time to find out.
* Did you know that Allah is the word used for God in most middle-eastern translations of the Bible?
* Did you know that Muslims distinguish between followers of Jesus and so called "Christians?"
* Did you know that in the Qur'an these followers of Jesus are called Nazarenes?" Interesting...

Maybe some of you can help me out with this question. In my translation Allah often says, "We" speaking of Allah's own self. What do you make of that sense Muslims are such strict Monotheists? It reminds me of the Genesis account when God say, "Let us make mankind in our own image."

BTW: As I understand it is preferable to say Qur'an rather than Koran. (qaf, instead of kaf), and it is preferable to say Muslim or Muhammad over Moslim and Mohammad. Little cultural sensitivity for us westerners.

Anyway, I'll probably blog on this some more. Let me invite you along on this journey, pick up a translation of the Qur'an, let's read along together.

Salem Aleikum,
Brian

Dobson and NAE on Colission Course

2007-03-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday's Washington Post published Evangelical Angers Peers with Call for Action on Global Warming about a brewing feud between James Dobson and the NAE (National Association of Evangelicals). Apparently, an NAE Vice President Richard Cizik (listen to his NPR interview) recently made a statement stating that Evangelicals have responsibility to care for the earth (huh?) . You know I think I read something about that in the BIBLE.

Dobson sent a letter of disapproval to NAE Acting President Leith Anderson (recently installed after Ted Haggard's resignation). But apparently Focus on the Family was more interested in making a political statement because they leaked the letter to the press before it could ever arrive. Anderson is defense of Cizik is noble. Maybe someone in the evangelical establishment is finally willing to stand up to Dobson's bullying. When informed that Dobson leaked the information to the press Anderson said, "I guess that says it all."

Jim, my brother, I just don't understand your ways. How can a man who has said so many good things about healthy family life get so side tracked? How can you be so bassackwards on something like caring for God's good earth? Focus on the Family is determined to die with the boomer generation's evangelical republicans. Young evangelicals have not patience for a theology or spirituality that does not care deeply for the environment.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries has put together a incredible resource on Environmental Stewardship worth spending some time with. Check it out!

Nazarenes and Liturgies of Real Presence

2007-03-03T22:38:00.000-05:00

I've been participating in a interesting discussion on the Sanctifying Worship site. Brannon Hancock who is the heart of the blog is really doing some great work. He just wrote a beautiful post titled "Prayers of the Eucharist, or So many liturgies, so few Sundays." If you are at all interested in renewing ancient practices within evangelicalism you want to read this post. The discussion is focuses on the nazarene context, but if you're not in the tribe you'll still find it illuminating.

While I'm thinking of it you may also be interested in the Ancient-Evangelical-Future Call which is a statement I've signed with an number of other pastors, scholars, and lay leaders calling evangelical Christianity to plumb the depths and explore the breath of the church one, holy, catholic and apostolic for the resources necessary for a robust evangelical common life in the 21st century. By following the link you can sign 'The Call' yourself.

What a Blessing!

2007-03-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

Brad reminded me of this haunting Franciscan blessing. Soak this baby in for a week.

“May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may wish for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.”

A Catholic Personality

2007-03-03T09:31:00.000-05:00

(I posted this on another blog without much fanfare, I'm reposting and hoping for some discussion, if not I'll move on, peace)
To spend much time blogging is to involve yourself in an adventure in blind relationship building. It's difficult to communicate without seeing each other's nonverbal cues. I often have similar experiences when speaking with brothers and sisters working with rigid modern epistemological paradigms. We just speak and think differently. It's like a great canyon not easily transversed. That's where the adventure begins. Of course our experiences of miscommunication are not limited to the internet.

Mirslov Volf, in his "Exclusion and Embrace," speaks of the development of a catholic personality. I really long for this catholic personality that helps me see the good in the other before the bad. This was reinforced for me recently as I read a John Wesley sermon.

I often run into those who love John Wesley and those who hate him, neither of whom have spent much time with his sermons. If you've never read a Wesley sermon read this one "The Catholic Spirit." If you haven't read one in the past year, well maybe it would be good for your soul as well. And if you count yourself a part of this odd emergent nazarene cadre, well it's required reading. Let me quote the last couple paragraphs, but click the link above for the complete sermon.

...a man of a catholic spirit is one who, in the manner above-mentioned, gives his hand to all whose hearts are right with his heart: one who knows how to value, and praise God for, all the advantages he enjoys, with regard to the knowledge of the things of God, the true scriptural manner of worshipping him, and, above all, his union with a congregation fearing God and working righteousness: one who, retaining these blessings with the strictest care, keeping them as the apple of his eye, at the same time loves--as friends, as brethren in the Lord, as members of Christ and children of God, as joint partakers now of the present kingdom of God, and fellow heirs of his eternal kingdom--all, of whatever opinion or worship, or congregation, who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; who love God and man; who, rejoicing to please, and fearing to offend God, are careful to abstain from evil, and zealous of good works. He is the man of a truly catholic spirit, who bears all these continually upon his heart; who having an unspeakable tenderness for their persons, and longing for their welfare, does not cease to commend them to God in prayer, as well as to plead their cause before men; who speaks comfortably to them, and labours, by all his words, to strengthen their hands in God. He assists them to the uttermost of his power in all things, spiritual and temporal. He is ready "to spend and be spent for them;" yea, to lay down his life for their sake. 6. Thou, O man of God, think on these things! If thou art already in this way, go on. If thou hast heretofore mistook the path, bless God who hath brought thee back! And now run the race which is set before thee, in the royal way of universal love. Take heed, lest thou be either wavering in thy judgement, or straitened in thy bowels: but keep an even pace, rooted in the faith once delivered to the saints, and grounded in love, in true catholic love, till thou art swallowed up in love for ever and ever!

Wesley's words speak beautifully of a truth the emergent church is attempting to lean into. That is, the way in which we believe is equally important to what we believe. "If you love as I love, then place your hand in mine," Wesley invites.

Let us walk together as disciples of One Lord. Let us live adventurously the love that Christ has shown us. Will we disagree, yes, but will we withdraw our love and our communion that has at its root an experience with the same God? No, after all we are called to love even our enemies, how much more should we love those who love us.

Your thoughts...

Church of the Nazarene Affirms Emerging Church

2007-02-28T16:46:00.000-05:00

Last week's M7 conference must be interpreted as a open door for the emerging church within the denomination called Church of the Nazarene. Phineas Bresee once said, "The poor are entitled a front seat in the Church of the Nazarene, so long as they arrive early enough to get one." Well, the atmosphere of the M7 event was saying, "those who yearn for the emerging church are entitled to a front seat int he CON as long as they arrive early enough to get one." Many of us did. All of the emerging church workshops were well attended. I led a workshop on new monasticism with the CON attended by over 100. Speakers who identify with the emergent conversation were brought in. Their sessions were packed out (standing room only). In addition, leaders of the church were present and affirmed these gatherings. NPH sold books they would never publish. Like Pete Rollin's "How (not) to Speak of God," and John Howard Yoders, "Politics of Jesus."

Even better than all of this, many young nazarenes were able to connect and dialog about the their passion for Jesus and his church. I left encouraged.

Does this mean that the Church of the Nazarene understands all aspects of the emerging church? No, I suppose neither to we, but they served the ball into our court. What shall we do with it?

When I was reading Matthew last night I was reminded by this verse, (one I needed to hear) "Seek first the kingdom..."

Scratching My Head

2007-02-27T22:04:00.000-05:00

Many of you know I'm part of a denomination called the Church of the Nazarene. So pardon me for a bit of insider conversation. Recently a prominent leader in the Church of the Nazarene named the three greatest challenges of the church. These challenges were named negatively as Calvinism, the emergent church, and Reformed theology.

So the idea of listing the three greatest challenges facing the Church of the Nazarene is intriguing to me. So here is my list the three greatest challenges for the church. Please contribute a list of your own.

Here's my list...
1. The challenge of late modernity (religious pluralism, the end of the nation state, globalization)
2. The challenge of technological advancement (genetics, robotics, and nano technologies)
3. The challenge of poverty and related issues.

Your thoughts...

In KC: Good to dwell together

2007-02-18T10:30:00.000-05:00

I'm in KC right now. Here for a Bresee Institute board meeting and the Church of the Nazarene's M7 Conference. This morning I'll worship with my former congregation Trinity Church.

Last night I had a great time enjoying the hospitality and conversation of the brothers at the Kingdom House. Brandon, Brian, and Brian (three Brian's including myself) were sweep away in the kind of deep, meaningful, surreal, and sublime conversation Christian brothers ought to enjoy often.

Peace,
Brian

You're It! Theological Book Meme

2007-01-27T18:31:00.000-05:00

My friend Scott Savage is engaging in a friendly game of blogger tag.

First, the rules of the game:

1) You do not talk about fight ... Oh, sorry. Wrong game. ( liked Scott's joke so I repeated it here, sorry)

Here we go. Rule number one (and there are one and a half rules).

1/2) You do not meme until memed upon.
1) Name three (or more) theological works from the last 25 years (1981-2006) that you consider important and worthy to be included on a list of the most important works of theology of that last 25 years (in no particular order).

Nature of Doctrine, by George Lindbeck
Exclusion and Embrace, Mirslov Volf
The Powers Vol. I. II. and III., by Walter Wink

I'm now tagging: Shawna R. B. Atteberry, Brian Hull, and Brian Niece

Ten Books that Changed My Life

2007-01-26T20:32:00.000-05:00

A friend recently asked me what one book has most influenced my life and thought. I thought it might be interesting to make a top five list. Limiting the list to five was really difficult so I expanded it to ten. I’m still not completely comfortable with these ten. A number of books ought to have honorable mention. But these books in particular were influential in ways that changed my thinking at really unique times in my life. Other works by some of these same authors have clarified my thinking further but each book represents my initial introduction to the author. I’d love to hear if one of these books would make your list. If not what would your top ten be. It is a bit difficult to list them in terms of importance but I will roughly attempt it here. I’m only listing here non-fiction works. Maybe I’ll do a list of my favorite literature later.

10. Jesus and Community, Gerhard Lohfink

9. Urban Christian, Ray Baake

8. Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community, Wendell Berry

7. City Streets City People, Michael J. Christensen

6. After Christendom, Stanley Hauwerwas

5. Gospel in a Pluralist Society, Lesslie Newbigin

4. Compassion, Herni Nouwen

3. Community and Growth, Jean Vanier

2. Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

1. Politics of Jesus, by John Howard Yoder

On First Order Christian Hospitality

2007-01-05T14:18:00.000-05:00

Becky and I have friends living in Oklahoma City. They recently sent us a Christmas card with John 10:10 on the inside flap and an adorable picture of their family of three. I often write about Christian hospitality. Reflection on hospitality as one of the premiere Christian virtues has really propelled me on some wonderful adventures. I'm always amazed with the kingdom of God breaks in when welcome and space are given to others in simple but extraordinary ways. Often the offer hospitality means that the one who offers it will be hurt. That's the risk that must be taken if this gift is to bless. (Remember the Bishop in Les Mes) Sometimes the gift is not returned. And sometimes still, even when as Christians we see the face of Jesus in the stranger we welcome into our lives, that stranger intentionally or unintentionally will be the source of great pain.

Our friends became foster parents this year of a beautiful two-year old girl. Modeling Christ's love to children they have received her into their home, into their lives, into their hearts. And I'm sure they reflect together, how wonderful it will be if she can stay with us forever and they love her like it's already fact. But the truth is that this little girl may return to her own mother and father that have failed them once before. And the foster parents will have to lovingly and tearfully say goodbye--unsure what will happen as this child leaves their home. Let's name this as what it is; it is Christian hospitality par excelance.

My friend James Diggs said to me today, "You know, when people see a child without a family their response ought to be, I bet some Christian family will take him." I have a number of Christian friends who have opened their homes to children, but I'm not sure I have enough of them.

Of course, there are some extraordinary stories of Christians in Africa adopting children by the dozen in the wake of the aids epidemic. Even in the US people like Marsha and Monroe Ballard of Memphis, TN who have adopted somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 children. Aaron and Renee Sweeden who were parishioners in my congregation in Kansas City just adopted a sibling group, three beautiful children from Columbia and they have one of their own on the way to boot. Maybe we're not all called to this kind of hospitality. But as the Church we are called to support and encourage those who are.

May the Spirit assist us as we welcome the stranger and alien into our lives. May we recognize when looking for Jesus in the stranger no one can be alien to us. Everyone is neighbor, everyone is beloved, and everyone is a child of God.

Just Back from Vacation

2007-01-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

I just returned from vacation in Florida. Becky's family lives in Orlando and we drove from DC. On the way back we stopped in Savannah Georgia and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We had a great time. I returned to my blog only to find GW smirking at me. I need to publish something soon; I think he's scaring away visitors.

Stay Tuned!

Thirty-Something Revolution?

2006-11-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

I never knew Kathleen. She was a mother of three, a friend of a friend. But ever Sunday morning Andy or Barb would always remember them in our prayers. We would pray as a congregation. Anyone could offer up a prayer then say “Lord, this is my Prayer.” All of us in unison would respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” This is such a beautiful way to pray together. It’s as if the Spirit leads one in our community to remember a need we are close to and then by the power of the Spirit, in empathy, compassion, and hope we gather up the singularly voiced request, make it our own, and lay it an God’s feet waiting for an answer.

Katheleen had cancer, stage three breast cancer we were told. What is so tragic is that she was 30 years old and pregnant with their third child. Diagnosed in the middle of her term she had a choice to make. Start the chemotherapy now and lose the baby, or bring this little one growing within her womb to full term knowing that this tumor was also growing. Of course by telling you this story you know what decision she made. Immediately following the birth Kathleen began a series of invasive therapies. We prayed and prayed without knowing her hoping for a miracle.

I’ll never forget the day that Andy stood up on service to announce Katheleen’s cancer is gone. A relieved husband and three children rejoiced and we praised God. Two years later we received the unfortunate news that the cancer had returned with a vengeance. Kathleen was to enter an experimental treatment program is Texas. We began to pray again, but it wasn’t long before we heard the news, Kathleen was dead at 33, survived by her husband and three children.

My thirtieth birthday hit me unrepentantly like a winter snow in San Diego. I love San Diego, it’s where I went to college. The beach was within site of my dorm room window and I awoke each day hearing the waves crashing against the rocks below. Of course to know that winter has arrived in San Diego you must look at the calendar. Which as a college student I must admit I seldom did. When snow arrived it is a peculiar site indeed, floating down from the heavens then melting instantly on the payment. Southern Californians don't know to do with snow a dusting might causes the same disruption as Denver blizard. Most earthquakes are as eventful as a evening nightcap, but snow, well you get the picture.

So I knew my thirtieth birthday was on its way, yet when it finally arrived I was not prepared for the feelings it ushered in. Whoa, I’m thirty. That’s like three decades. What does this mean? It’s not that I felt all that different but I began to do some math. Thirty, that’s like only twenty years until 50. If, I live to 90, big if, if I keep eating fast food, I’m one third of the way there. Heck on that note I might not live to sixty (noting all that fast food again) which means this is midlife. Maybe I should go out and buy a sports car or something. Relative equations as they may be, at 30 I was suddenly coming in touch with my mortality.

There is much more to this story yet to be told. I'm 33 now unlike my thirtieth year I'm now the father of two, Madelyn 3 and William 9 months. In a many ways I've said goodbye to the best last three years of my life. Who knows what life will bring. With the idealism and revolutionary fervor of my twenties a dissipating memory, what's next, is the present question tattooed on my mind and heart. Waist deep in life’s responsibilities and risks, its celebration and sadness, is there a thirty-something revolution to join?

Emergent Worship that is Still very Protestant--Still very modern

2006-11-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

What happens as Christians begin to shift worship forms within postmodern culture? I've spent a lot of time thinking about the function and form of worship for people of my generation. Worship at Trinity Church where I was pastor for 5 years was reflected beautifully a lot of my hopes of what Christian worship could be. Yet, while our worship retained an ancient four fold form, it was constantly under revision. There is a sense in which it was a communal exploration of addition and subtraction. We were not motivated by the invention of the new or unique, but to tap into something deep, authentic, mystical, real, holy, experiential, concrete, provocative, full, and living. Anyway, James Smith whom I really enjoy reading has posted on the Church in Postmodern Culture Blog about his experience at an "Emerging" church worship gathering in Geneva. He reflects on the effort of this community to create a postmodern worship space, and yet how it is still very Protestant-still very Modern. I have to say this has been my experience as well as I visit communities that are dabbling in the NEW, in the EMERGING, and in the POSTMODERN. I'm not bashing them, but lamenting that it does not tap into those adjectives above in a way that rings of something genuinely new (if that's what we're after). But I'm more confident along with James Smith, that the resources we need for worship to shape disciples of Jesus in the late/post-modern world can be found in plumbing the depths of church's life and practice. In the process we will find all we need to follow Jesus in this strange new world--as James Smith says, "...creatively retrieve premodern sources." See the article HERE

The DC Boys

2006-11-15T11:07:00.000-05:00

Picture of some DC friends while in Lancaster PA, Ken Balch, James Diggs, Myself, my boy Will, and Mark Garrett. We were just drivin along--singin a song and what should appear, a most beautiful sight, the Oscar Mayer Weiner mobile. We couldn't resist the photo-op.

Wild Garden

2006-10-02T13:35:00.000-05:00

I am part of this crazy, eccentric Christian community called Nazarenes. We do confess the appropriate ecumenical creeds. Yet, I’m often conflicted about my connection with this dysfunctionally functional family. My uneasiness dates back to my college days. I had a naging impulse to just run away. One of my professors (Frank Carver) once said to me; “why not bloom where you’re planted?” I took the advice as if it was the direct leading of the Spirit. It’s been a good thing. And there is much to be said about how this connection has enriched my life. However, as a product of Nazarene upbringing, Nazarene higher education (which I’m still paying for BTW), as well as a Nazarene seminary education, I have found the garden somewhat inhospitable to my variety of plant life.

I’ve remained rooted in the soil because in it I’ve found the nutrients of authentic love for the least of these, the fully orbed spirituality of John Wesley, and it’s connection with the church catholic in Anglican mode.

So I grow with hopes that my roots will grow deep and wide--deeply to connect with the power of the apostolic tradition, and widely to experience the beauty of the Church is all its expressions. I guess unless someone mistakes me for a weed that must be rooted out, this garden is as good as any.

Check Out This Blog

2006-08-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

I've talked a bit in a previous post about the Order of Saint Stephen. Check out of this blog and join us on the journey.

On Being Church Together

2006-08-15T20:21:00.000-05:00

When we moved to Washington DC we always intended to be part of cultivating Christian community within the city. The natural way one might think of this happening is by starting a church. Such an endeaver has certainly been on our minds and hearts, Becky and I that is. But church planting does not really put to words what I'm passionate about. More than anything I just want to be the church with others. Lots of people do this by starting new churches which may be how others talk about what we are thinking about doing, but it doesn't fully describe our intent. We want to participate in a living, breathing, community of people who togther are living into the way of Jesus. I'm not sure what it will look like. I'm not sure I even want to talk about it all that much. But as I've been here for seven months I've met a number of people with a simliar longing. So I'm going to begin inviting some of those fellow travelers into my home in hopes of experiencing God's grace together. If you are in Washington DC and want to join in the adventure shoot me an e-mail at cityofpeace@gmail.com I'd love to talk.

Peace,
Brian

Twilight's Last Gleaming

2006-08-11T20:58:00.000-05:00

Becky, the kids and I took the 16th street bus downtown tonight. The bus dropped us off near the front of the White House from there we walked towards the National Mall (not a shopping center, btw). We encountered many interesting characters as we strolled as well as the majestic beauty of DC at twilight in late summer. The city really has a European feel. The architecture is welcoming and the monuments communicate the reality that I am but one person is this world, but not in such a way that you feel insignificant. This is a good day I’m feeling the comfort of a loving God and family.

Peace and good night.

More Tears

2006-08-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

While my sense of powerlessness in regards to Lebanon is recognizable, my powerlessness in regards to the violence in the city streets of the good ole USA is maddening. Today I was meeting with co-worker in my office when four or five loud pops that sounded like they came from the room next door startled us both. I looked out my window to see a man stumbling then fall to the ground. A 22 year old kid bleeding from the chest died outside my office window. Even more unbelievable he was shot by a 15 year old kid. Even more unbelievable a police car had just turned the street corner when the shooting happened. It's sadly ironic that he was coming to our neighborhood to install a video camera to survey the increased drug trafficking. People screaming; his brother screaming, "Carlos, stay with me, stay with me Carlos.” “Who fucking did this, Carlos? Tell me who shot you, who shot you Carlos" as he slapped his face screaming at a volume the half dead could hear. Another woman collapsed on the sidewalk in uncontrolled anguish. Dozens of us watched like dispassionate voyeurs incapable of any action of significance—our bodies frozen not with fear but with shock. The blood soaked his shirt and the shirt of his brother and quickly stained the street. A dozen children park of a local summer camp were walked by the scene several began to cry others stared blankly. (that teacher should be fired for stupidity). I was just numb. As the day went on there was no putting it behind me. The images I suspect are burned deep into my mind, maybe never to be forgotten.

It's easy to look for a person or thing to blame--for some kind of grounding. Pinning the blame at this point maybe cuts short some mourning and we ought to do for the human wreckage. More tears from heaven.

How long?

Tears from Heaven

2006-07-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

The same Jesus who wept over Jerusalem must be shedding tears over Lebanon today. As for me, I'm not even sure what to think or how to feel about what's going on in Lebanon. My dominate emotion, that I can’t figure out how to arrest, is anger. Anger at Hezbollah for dehumanizing Israelis. Anger at Israel for pulverizing women an children with laser guided bombs. Anger at America for selling these bombs to Israel and then looking the other way when they think the death of other humans is in their interest. Profound anger at George Bush and his administration that is so unquestionably sure that at the end of the day it's foreign policy will create a better world, even when the rest of the world thinks he's insane. I'm angry at Christians, myself included, who are so anemic about Jesus' way of peace. Christians who retreat to their primary ideologies and allegiances that have little or nothing to do with following Jesus. I’m angry at those who are consumed with acting to save unborn children but then lay silent as infant parts lay mingled among shattered glass and broken cinderblock. Most of all I’m angry at God.

I prayed today, "Make me an insturment of your peace." I prayed it as I walked down the nice safe and secure street on my way to work. No bombs falling in my neighborhood. I ridiculously greeted my co-workers with friendly banter about the unbearable DC humidity. I stand in judgment. I'm so disconnected from my brothers and sisters in Lebanon. What am I to do but to be angry? I thought about asking God to help me out of my anger, but that is so selfish. This violence isn't about me. Why the hell should I be consoled while bodies in Lebanon lay dead in the ruble of my Lord's homeland? Bodies broken and contorted in angles that only death can bring. Would that I could cry about it all, but I cannot shed a tear, because I'm burning with anger.

Surely God you are crying. Maybe not, maybe you're angry too. Whether its tears or rage, please Lord break through the madness—your kingdom come…

How Long, Oh Lord?

2006-07-31T00:56:00.000-05:00

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revienge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "it is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

On the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Dude

2006-07-30T14:02:00.000-05:00

Every so often there is a man, a man for the time.

the dude abides.

Pope Benedict XVI Sermon

2006-07-29T23:40:00.000-05:00

Pope Benedict XVI gave a sermon last Sunday in the backdrop of the violience in Lebanon . I found his words profound. Thanks to John Wright for directing me to it. Here are the concluding sentences.

"Today, in a multicultural and multireligious world, many are tempted to say: "For peace in the world, among religions, among cultures, it is better not to speak too much of what is specific to Christianity, that is, of Jesus, of the Church, of the sacraments. Let us be content with what can be more or less common .…"

But it is not true. Precisely at this time, a time of great abuse of the name of God, we have need of the God who overcomes on the cross, who does not conquer with violence, but with his love. Precisely at this time we have need of the Face of Christ to know the true Face of God and so be able to take reconciliation and light to this world. For this reason, together with love, with the message of love, we must also take the testimony of this God, of God's victory, precisely through the nonviolence of his cross.

In this way, we return to the starting point. What we can do is to give witness of love, witness of faith and, above all, to raise a cry to God: We can pray! We are certain that our Father hears the cry of his children. In the Mass, as we prepare for holy Communion, to receive the Body of Christ that unites us, we pray with the Church: "Deliver us, Lord, from all evils, and grant us peace in our days." May this be our prayer at this time: "Deliver us from all evils and give us peace," not tomorrow, or the day after: Lord, give us peace today! Amen."

Order of St. Stephen

2006-07-29T19:18:00.000-05:00

In LA more than 100 years ago the Church of the Nazarene had its start. This new congregation was committed seeking the fullness of life in Christ alongside the LA's poor. Within this congregation a group of brothers gathered with a particular desire to give themselves to prayer and justice. This new society committed to serving with and among the poor was called the Order of St. Stephen. A group of us are beginning to discuss reformation of this order to gather Christian brothers and sisters for the purpose of contemplation and action.

We're not sure how we'll start but maybe you are interested something like this. I'm very open to suggestions.

Stay tune for more.

Where you been?

2006-07-25T15:51:00.000-05:00

My friend Chuck pointed me to as site where you can create a map of the states you've visited. Check it out HERE

create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Lake Geneva

2006-07-14T23:18:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it to Lake Geneva, WI. We are here for four days at a Postlewait family reunion. P.J and Sadie Postlewait are my Great Grandparents. They had eight children, 19 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and a growing number of great-greats. Oh, they are deceased by the way. Believe it our not of all their great-grandchildren, I am the last to carry on the Postlewait name, until my son William was born 4 months ago. He now has the mantle to carry on the family name.

We're having a great time, learning a lot about our family, and getting reacquainted with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Over Before It Started

2006-07-11T20:25:00.000-05:00

Well, it’s over. My movement squashed before it could gain steam. Not by the seditious automobile companies, but by my own voluntary participation in the evils of industrial capitalism. I purchased a vehicle today; hours before I'm suppose to leave on my two week cross country vacation. But wait, it gets worse. Our vehicle of choice was a Mini-van. I will not even attempt to justify it. It is simply a fact. Many of you may from here and ever after write me off completely. I'm disappointed in myself as well and would not blame you. I once said, no, never, ever would I stoop to such as level. The pull of Middle American values was just too strong to resist.

I would of course covet your prayers.

Driving into oblivion,
Brian

Auto Repairs Getting You Down? Join My Movement

2006-07-10T08:37:00.000-05:00

I live in a city where you can get along without a car. In fact I much prefer taking the bus and subway to driving. However, Becky and I also have a vehicle, a pimped out white Plymouth Acclaim. It is a sweet grandma ride figuratively and literally. Becky's granny gave it to us. A 1996 with only 30k miles.

All is good we love our tricked-out rig, but last night we it all came to a end. It's that dreaded 'T' word. That's right, Transmission. On top of that we are supposed to go on vacation on Wednesday. Anyway, this is adding some extreme anxiety and financial discomfort, if you know what mean.

So I would like to start a movement to kill the personal automobile. I know I'm unduly biased at the moment and maybe I'll get over it tomorrow, but our whole way of life would improve if only we parked our cars and hopped on the bus.

Did you know that at the height of trolley cars in the 1930's and 40's most cities were profiting from this mode of transport, but that the big auto companies colluded and purchased the mass transit systems of nearly every major American city then preceded to shut them down. With mass transit out of business more people would turn to cars.

Automobile companies have for years strong handed the federal government to build more highways. Why? Well, to handle an ever increasing supply of cars. Highways made possible the suburbs which created a built environment that necessitated cars. Most main streets in the burbs do not even have sidewalks for pedestrians. The sprawling scale of the burbs then makes it economically unfeasible for public transit.

Many opponents of increasing public transit today site the fact that it never pays for itself. This is one of the most asinine arguments I hear. If you drive your car on pavement you are driving on a public transit system that never pays for itself.

If people rode public transit, they would have more time each day to do something civilized called reading. They would be forced to interact with people unlike themselves--of different ethic, cultural, and socieo-economic backgrounds. We would get along better. We'd be less afraid of each other. Maybe we would even care for each other better.

In case those aren't good enough reasons to kill the auto, there is of course that other thing, THE ENVIRONMENT!

Anyway, I'm venting a little.

BTW, can anyone recomend a good rental car company? :-)

Awkward in Prayer

2006-07-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

I find myself praying in many different situations as a father, friend, and pastor. Yet, I often feel awkward in prayer. It is easy to lose sight of whom we are praying to. Hard to find the stillness and center to pray, I too frequently settle for an artificial posturing for the sake of others and myself.

Thankfully, there are times when prayer becomes gift and it lifts me to a newness, a fullness that births exuberance and celebration deep within. These gifts nearly always come as welcome surprises. Planning for them is useless. And so, prayer comes and goes for me in seasons, and I'm learning to live through them without the anxiety that I am falling short of God's expectations.

Over the years I've been exposed to various disciplines of prayer including centering, Lectio, and Ignatian. Recently, I found a prayer written by N.T. Wright who, in the tradition of the "Jesus Prayer," (Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner) wrote a Trinitarian prayer that I'm beginning to use. I pass it on to you in hopes it will be helpful as you pray.

Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth:

Set up your kingdom in our midst.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God:

Have mercy on me, a sinner.

Holy Spirit, breath of the living God:

Renew me and all the world.

N.T. Wright has an explanation of the background of this prayer as well as some suggestions of how to pray. Read it here.

Divine Encounter

2006-07-05T10:15:00.000-05:00

Cyberspace is certainly a strange place where you meet all kinds of strange characters that you would not have otherwise come across. Like Mike Murrow. Now Mike is not all that strange, no stranger than I. I came to meet this stranger in this strange world of cyberspace.

Mike is actually a friend of a friend, Charlie Pardue. I was on Charlie's site the other day surfing is "Blogs I read." I happen to have the honor of being one of those blogs, I think maybe he is only blogger to refer others on to my site. Anyway, Mike also blogs and has a privileged place on Charlie's well read electronic billboard.

Being in Washington DC, I was interested to find out the Mike was blogging from this very city; a little adventure he was on. Mike flew from Santa Cruz, California on frequent flier miles or something and is just vagabonding is way across the country. I recommended he go to Philly and check out The Simple Way, or Camden House, which are intentional communities started by Shane Chairbourne, Chris Haw and others. Very cool people if you're ever in the neighborhood of brotherly love.

Short story already too long, I don't know Mike from Adam, but Mike e-mail me his phone number and we arranged to have breakfast after I posted on his blog. What was great is I met this very cool dude for some good Christian conversation. Mike is staying in the local youth hostel, a service that used to be provided by Christian Monks as you traveled across the land. So, in a very small way, through cyberspace we were able to recover a piece of Christian hospitality. Cool huh? It's great to get to know another fellow traveler.

A 4th century African bishop once said, "Every meeting is a divine encounter, every encounter an exchange of gifts." I so often find this to be true, you just have to take a risk and welcome the stranger, you never know, where as some have even entertained angels.

Zarqawi's Demise

2006-07-05T04:52:00.000-05:00

It's really old news to post on Zarqawi's death. It's so yesterday :-). Former parishioner of mine and fellow bloger Scott Savage (Two Empty Hands) reflected quite prophetically concerning Christian Discipleship and the death of al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zaeqawi. You can like to his article here. It's short, give it a gander.

Howard Zinn: of a People's History

2006-07-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

If you have not read Howard Zinn's, People's History of the United States, I recommend it highly. He does not set out to right a balanced history but to tell the story of the United States from below. So far as a historian can take on the mind of any one or many particular peoples, Zinn attempts to tell the story from the side of the oppressed, disenfranchised, and marginalized of society. The story of the Constitution from the point of view of slaves, the land grab in the West from the side of the Indians, the Vietnam War from the side of the protesters. It is not a perfect history, if their ever is one, but it is insightful and well worth your time.

Zinn also wrote an article in the Progressive. Because tomorrow is Independence Day, it will certainly raise some eyebrows. Enjoy, Put Away the Flags, or not.

Peace,
Brian

Enter the Absurd: Luke 5

2006-07-03T20:47:00.000-05:00

It was more than absurd. The old salty-dog fisherman, Simon, began to pull the nets in. They were filled beyond measure. He called for the other boat. They too began to pull in net loads of fish. Before they knew it they were literally up to their knees is fish. The boats began to sink. Peter was stuck in the moment, unable to get out of it, consumed with the catch of a lifetime. But then the absurdity of it all hit him.

Wait a second, this doesn’t happen. Suddenly, like scene from the Twilight Zone he realizes that the world around him just changed. A fluctuation in the matrix occurred. Right in the center of the Lake of Gennesaret new reality emerged and nothing for him would ever be the same again. What happened? The Kingdom. The Kingdom of God broke into that morning in an absurd way.

“When he realized it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees (I think because his feet were submerged in fish ), saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!””

Jesus responds (in the same way the angels did, in the same way he would respond some time later on the mountain with Moses and Elijah), “Do not be afraid…”

I really relate to Peter. In those rare human moments where the Kingdom breaks into the ordinary days of my life it’s almost always absurd. I’m almost never knee deep in fish, but that was Peter’s world, fish. When the absurdity of the kingdom happens and I have eyes to see and ears to hear, I too am compelled to humble myself.

I recently preached at a small church on the Eastern seaboard. To be honest I was a bit skeptical about the trip to this small town church. My fears were confirmed by the simple church, with simple people, and after sitting through Sunday School I concluded simple minds. I even thought about changing my sermon on the spot because I was unsure they were sophisticated enough for such a message. We settled into the pew as worship began, the worship leader noticeably stuttering and a pianist stumbling across the keys. It could not get any worse I concluded until it was announced that the praise team would now come up and lead us in choruses (we had already sung our hymns for the day, an obvious worship war accommodation). Up popped two middle-aged woman, with two children ages 9 and 12 so they looked, along with a 60ish looking gray haired woman with a bad tan. No instruments save one tambourine. The voice over recording began as the words appeared over PowerPoint slides. “We began singing, I’m forgiven, because you were forsaken, I’m accepted, you were condemned…” It was all quite absurd, as I watched these women and children sing with every ounce of their being in worship without regard to how they looked or sounded. Absurd, and filled with beauty. It was at that point I was filled with the urge to sing we equal fullness, but I could not, the words would not come, my eyes tearing, my lip quivering. My pride and shortsightedness was overcome by a vision of Christ’s humble way. I was lost in wonderment of this graceful one who extends such a gift of grace to even me.

I suppose that the Kingdom is always breaking in and that those with eyes to see and ears to hear see and hear. But for some of us we have to be knee deep in fish before we realize it.

Trinity Mural

2006-07-03T07:16:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that in January of this year I moved my family from Kansas City to Washington DC. I accepted a position at Community of Hope Inc., an organization serving homeless families as well as the under and uninsured. Anyway, leaving Kansas City itself wasn't so hard Washington is an amazing city, but leaving Trinity Church and our brothers and sisters there was excruciatingly difficult. After pastoring there for 5 years, it would not have been hard to say the rest of our lives.

I was always amazed at the artistic giftedness of many at Trinity. As a community we were discovering together how rewarding to our common life the sharing of these gifts was. In so many of our congregations artists sit quietly in our sanctuaries never given permission to express faith and doubt publicly through their work.

In 2004 we began talking about the creation of a mural. This mural was to be a reflection on our mission expressed in the statement: "Journeying with Jesus--Inviting , Serving, and Teaching--Fellow Travelers. The Mural itself is 8x8 foot and was completed by several artists. The frame built by a carpenter and other hung it in place. Enjoy.

As the Father Loves Me...

2006-07-02T22:22:00.000-05:00

In John's Gospel, the 15th chapter, Jesus is offering his disciples words of encouragement—after all the time is short. At one point he says to them "As the Father loves me, so I love you, abide (or remain) in my love." I find this quite profound. The quality, movement, and depth of love between the Father and the Son is relationally equivalent to the love between Jesus and his disciples. I suppose we could spend a great deal of time reflecting on the Fathers love for Jesus. But think about just this one.

In John's story, after his introduction where epically says in the beginning was the Word and Word was with as was God, he introduces Jesus through a story. John the Baptist was in the Jordan baptizing Jews who were repentantly lined up desiring a fuller life in God. All the sudden Jesus appears. John baptizes Jesus and the heavens open up and an audible voice says, "This is my son, I'm pleased with him."

Now here is the thing, Jesus hadn't done anything yet. Yeah we've heard a bit about his childhood, but his public ministry is yet to begin. He hasn't healed the sick, feed the hungry, cast out demons, he hasn't face the temptation of the deceiver in the desert, he hasn't taught in the synagogue, or gathered his disciples. Before he did a thing the Father opens the heavens and breaks into history with a voice (which we only hear three times in John's gospel) to declare God’s love, "This is my son, I am pleased with him."

Many of us have spent our lives searching for this kind of unconditional love. A love where we don't have to be or do anything to receive. A love so pure and divine that we can rest. A love that takes us to the same place the Psalmist talked about, where the Lord is our caretaker, where we have no needs our wants, where he makes us lay down in the greenest of pastures, leads us by the quiet healing water, and restores our soul.

As the Father loves me, Jesus says, so I love you, abide, remain—take a bath in my love for you. I give this love to you so that your joy may be complete, your cup running over, and I'm sending this love with you wherever you go.

It reminds me how important it is for us to sit at the feet of Jesus. Like Mary sister of Lazarus, our souls long to be captured in Jesus' loving gaze. Oh that I would put aside my busyness and agenda's long enough to hear the sacred and divine voice of love declaring, "this is my son, I love him.”

Oh Bob, if only I had been born in the 50's

2006-06-30T15:27:00.000-05:00

I highly recommend the Martin Scorsese's documentary on the life of Bob Dylan titled No Direction Home If only I was born in the fifties I might have found myself following Dylan from Coffee House to street corner. It's fascinating to watch Dylan narrate so poetically and prophetically the social changes in 50's/60's America. Dylan, who would not allow himself to be co-opted by the agenda of any person or movement was able to create music that is hypnotically authentic as well as spiritually and socially profound.

It's then interesting to compare the artistic life of Dylan to the more contemporary Bono.

Anyway, check it out.

March On Washington

2006-06-29T17:41:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,
This week I participated in a march in DC along with other Christians seeking to build a broader religious political voice that was neither tied to the right or left. Barack Obama spoke that evening to the same crowd. You can listen to his speech here.

www.barackobama.com

I'm interested in your gut reaction.

Peace,
Brian

Gospel of Judas

2006-05-24T13:06:00.000-05:00

A lot of hubbub exists about the Gospel of Judas. Many believe it somehow debunks the vision of Jesus given by the church. I do think the interest surrounding the "Gospel of Judas" is an indication of the church's failure to live well the way of Jesus. What have we done to Jesus that he is no longer compelling enough to attract the hearts of people? Anyway, this is an explanation of the Gospel of Judas put together by an old professor of mine that you might find helpful.

Gospel of Judas

An Explanation for Church Constituencies

You may have recently encountered “news” items regarding the so-called Gospel of Judas. Some media treatments on this subjects have made extravagant claims – such that this document might change the way scholars understand Judas and the life of Jesus or this is the most important document found in 50 years or that this document raises questions about the accuracy of the biblical account.

A “gospel of Judas” is not a new idea in Christianity. Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyon and a leading 2nd century Christian theologian (born c. 140, died c. 200) mentions a Gospel of Judas in his work entitled “Against Heresies” published about A.D. 180. From the comments of Irenaeus most scholars have supposed that the Gospel of Judas was published by one of the expressions of the philosophical-religious teachings called Gnosticism. Gnosticism was early condemned by Christian theologians as a theological heresy teaching, among other things, that created matter is evil, that spirit is good, that the God of the Old Testament was not the Father of Jesus Christ. One segment of Gnosticism denied the humanity of Jesus. This segment was called Docetism because they claimed Jesus only seemed to be human. By denying the humanity of Jesus, they denied the real Incarnation of Christ, the real death of Jesus, and thus the reality of atonement brought about by the death of Christ.

No copies of the Gospel of Judas have been known to exist in the era of the modern church. In the 1980’s persons began to offer on the black market a “newly discovered” document which they claimed was this long-lost Gospel of Judas. The asking price was exorbitant and so none of the universities who were contacted were willing to purchase the document. Finally, in the 1990’s the document was purchased by a private foundation in Europe and work toward translation and publication slowly began. There were contradictory claims made by the “discoverers” to the different universities to which they offered the document regarding the date and place of its discovery.

The document now being discussed and treated as news was written in Coptic and no reputable scholar has dated the document earlier than A.D. 300. A number of scholars believe the Gospel of Judas was first written in Greek, perhaps as early as A.D. 150 but before 180 (since Irenaeus apparently refers to it). Thus the earliest this “Gospel of Judas” might have been written is about half a century after the latest book of the New Testament to be written. Thus it is not by Judas and does not provide any “information” about Jesus and the apostles that is not already available in the Gospels of the New Testament. It does not shed light on the New Testament nor threaten to challenge New Testament history or beliefs. The document that has been discovered is not one of the most significant biblical finds of the last century. It is not biblical and its significance is minor compared to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi papyri found in Egypt in the 1940’s (a library of Gnostic writings).

The Gospel of Judas does provide another example of the writings of a heretical group of the 2nd century. It portrays Judas as a hero because he agreed to kill Jesus and thus release Jesus from his evil body so his spiritual self could be set free. Thus it portrays 2nd century Gnostic Theology, not the biblical Jesus of the 1st century.

The statement of Irenaeus is as follows from Against Heresies 1:31:1

Others again declare that Cain derived his being from the Power above, and acknowledge that Esau, Korah, the Sodomites, and all such persons, are related to themselves. On this account, they add, they have been assailed by the Creator, yet no one of them has suffered injury. For Sophia was in the habit of carrying off that which belonged to her from them to herself. They declare that Judas the traitor was thoroughly acquainted with these things, and that he alone, knowing the truth as no others did, accomplished the mystery of the betrayal; by him all things, both earthly and heavenly, were thus thrown into confusion. They produce a fictitious history of this kind, which they style the Gospel of Judas.

For expressions of doubt about the significance of the document see comments by James M. Robinson a leading scholar on Gnosticism and early Coptic Christian documents found in a news article available at the following website. [MSNBC]

You should note that Robinson is publishing a book on the Gospel of Judas without having ever seen it. His views are not unbiased, but the opinions offered in the news article at the above website seem accurate to me.

An English translation of the document is now available at: National Geographic

If you have further questions, feel free to contact me.

For further information contact:
Dr. Roger Hahn
Dean of the Faculty
Nazarene Theological Seminary
1700 East Meyer Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64131
(816) 333-6254 ext. 220

William Parkhurst Postlewait

2006-03-20T16:12:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of William, Madelyn and me. William was born March 8th at 5:22AM. He was 6.0 lbs and 18.5 inches. He is very cute and very healthy. William and Parkhurst are family names. My great-great grandfather was William and my great grandfather was Parkhurst, they called him Park for short. Becky's dad is also William. That's where the name comes from.

Baby On the Way

2006-03-07T17:30:00.001-05:00

Most of you know that my wife is pregnant with our second child. Unless the baby comes sooner, Becky is being induced on Wednesday morning at 8:00am. We will keep you posted.

Our New Address

2006-03-07T17:30:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,
As many of you know I recently accepted a new assignment in Washington DC. It was very sad to say goodbye to friends back in Kansas City especially at Trinity. I wanted to leave you our new contact info.

Home
1521 Webster Street NW
Washington DC 20011
202.248.3890

Work
Community of Hope Inc.,
1413 Girard Street NW
Washington DC 20009
202.232.7356 x315

Let us know if you are visiting DC we'd love to connect.

Peace,
Brian

Rob Kazee Sermon

2006-03-05T16:47:00.000-05:00

A Lion and Lamb Community

Isaiah 11.6-9, Acts 11.1-9, John 4.7-15, 27-30

Two Stories

Let me tell you a story. We were living in Bucharest Romania, trying to serve Christ and His church in Eastern Europe. We decided to go to the park for the afternoon with our girls. As we were playing a young Romania child pointed her toy pistol at Lilly and began to pretend to shoot her. As she pulled the trigger on her toy gun she spit the word “Tsigana” over and over. “Tsigana” is the pejorative word for gypsy in Romanian. This poor little child had learned at a very young age that gypsies are to be feared and hated and she thought Lilly was a gypsy.

When we entered stores in Romania we had to make sure our girls were near us so that it was obvious that they were with us. They would have been stopped from entering the store. Very few Caucasians born in America have had the excruciating privilege of having their children judged by the color of their skin rather than the content of their character. Jane and I have had this painful privilege. We learned a bit about what the kingdom of God is not.

Let me tell you another story. When I was attending Seminary, Jane and I attended Beacon Hill Church of the Nazarene. Reverend Preston Miller was our pastor, a good and godly man, a praying man. Beacon Hill CON is one of two African American Nazarene churches in Kansas City. Jane and I spent nearly three years of our lives in that faith community, serving the children, driving the van on Wednesday night. I even led the music on Sunday morning.

Our time at Beacon Hill shaped our lives significantly. It was at Beacon Hill that we heard about what it was like to get up in the morning and see a brown face staring back at you, what it was like to be forced to think of one’s race before anything else because of the subtle and not so subtle culture of racism that exists in our country. And yet we were, on the whole embraced, allowed inside, inside a Christian community inside homes, and inside lives. We were treated hospitably and received as brothers and sisters. Very seldom did we feel like outsiders. We learned a bit about what the kingdom of God is like.

Now not everyone understood why it was this young white couple was serving in a black congregation. The elderly piano player told me flat out that she didn’t get me, had trouble relating to me, but we got along anyway. We worked it out. Sure there was conflict. And sometimes the conflict was colored by race. As we served at Beacon Hill, other Seminary students began to gather there as well. I was sometimes, by default, the bridge between Seminary students and members of the community. It was a hard place to be, serving as a mediator when race was a factor.

Crisis in the Early Church

Peter is in hard place in Acts 11. The church is beginning to wonder about Peter. Peter is sharing meals with gentile people; presumably non-kosher meals. Peter is acting recklessly as he shares table service with the unclean and impure. And the church is in crisis.

According to Dr. Dennis Bratcher,

It is Peter’s acceptance of Gentiles into fellowship, and allowing himself to be accepted into their fellowship, that precipitated a crisis. It would be a mistake to think that this is simply a crisis related to Peter and a lone group of Gentile converts. It is by means of this incident that Luke recounts the tremendous struggle of identity and mission that is emerging in the fledging community that would soon be called Christians (11:26). This is the single most crucial crisis that the post-resurrection community would face, because its resolution would forever define the nature of the Christian community and the church.

The church is trying to discern their identity. Are they a sect of Judaism who claim Jesus is the Messiah? Or are they something different? And who do they include? Do Christ followers have to convert to Judaism, observe dietary laws, and receive circumcision in order to be included in this new Jesus community? Or, is Jesus for people outside of Judaism? The big questions the church was facing could be summed up simply: “Where is the Spirit leading us?” and “To whom is the Spirit leading us?”
Well the Spirit was leading them into uncomfortable places with the conversion of Cornelius. Cornelius, not a Jew, became a Christ-follower. And what’s more Peter affirmed Cornelius conversion in no uncertain terms. You see Peter was given a vision that would forever change him and the church. Peter keeps going back to that vision. He keeps sharing it and ruminating over it. The vision was breath-taking in its implications, stunning in its clarity, disconcerting in its message. This is how Eugene Peterson translates Peter’s description of His dream:

"Recently I was in the town of Joppa praying. I fell into a trance and saw a vision: Something like a huge blanket, lowered by ropes at its four corners, came down out of heaven and settled on the ground in front of me. Milling around on the blanket were farm animals, wild animals, reptiles, birds—you name it, it was there. Fascinated, I took it all in. Then I heard a voice: 'Go to it, Peter—kill and eat.' I said, 'Oh, no, Master. I've never so much as tasted food that wasn't kosher.' The voice spoke again: 'If God says it's okay, it's okay.' This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the sky” (The Message).

News of Cornelius’ conversion spread quickly. When Peter arrived back in Jerusalem he had some explaining to do. “Peter what were you doing hanging out with outsiders? What do you think you’re doing eating non-kosher meals with gentiles? What’s this we hear about Cornelius? Cornelius doesn’t sound like a Jewish name, Peter!”
Well, Peter tells them about his vision. He tells them about what God is teaching him, how God says that people are no longer clean and unclean. There are no longer insiders and outsiders. No more us and them. God is doing something much bigger than they could have imagined. In Christ divisions are demolished, ethnic boundaries are nuked, old enemies are reconciled, old lines of demarcation are forever rendered meaningless at the foot of the cross. Jesus, by his Spirit is re-creating things; new things, new people, a whole new humanity, a whole new economy, a whole new world, a whole new creation.

After Peter made his passionate plea to the brothers in Jerusalem, there was a least a moment of stunned silence and then one dear brother finally spoke up: “Well praise God! God has given even the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

Isaiah’s Vision

It’s going to take the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem some time to come to grips with this new reality. One has to wonder why it took them by surprise, though. Surely they had read their great and glorious prophet Isaiah. They must have memorized Isaiah’s vision:

“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (NRSV).

The people of God had been anticipating a messianic age, a time when all of creation would be ordered around the Holy Mountain of God’s presence. When their prophet Isaiah looked into the future with prophetic imagination he saw a God-saturated, God-intoxicated future ordered by God. And when creation is renewed and reordered old categories, old dividing lines will be smashed. Old enemies will embrace. Oppressor and oppressed, predator and prey, weak and strong will be reconciled. That’s what Isaiah saw through inspired imagination. That’s what God’s people had memorized and recited and looked for. And now, right before their very eyes it was happening. One single man is the first drop in the ocean of God’s new economy. His name was
Cornelius.

What Will They Look Like?

I wonder what her name will be? I wonder what his name will be; that person or family who begins the re-creative and restorative journey for National Church of the Nazarene? Perhaps she is already on her way. Perhaps he is already sitting in this sanctuary; that one who will serve as a bridge to the other; that one who will embrace the outsider knowing full well there is no such thing as outsiders. What will his name be? Who will they be, this re-created National Church of the Nazarene?

What will they look like? Will they be brown or Caucasian? Will they be Asian or African or Latino? Will they be poor or will they have means? Will they be Republicans or Democrats? Will they be concerned about protecting the unborn or the environment? Will they be concerned for the very poor and the orphan or will racial reconciliation be their God-given passion?

What will they worship like? Will they prefer Beethoven or Brubeck, Mozart or Miles Davis, Fanny Crosby or Switch Foot, Amazing Grace or Shout to the North, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir or the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir?

Will they be children of the oppressed or children of the oppressors? Will they have cappuccino-colored skin or latte-colored skin? Will they be peachy like cream or brown like chocolate? What will the future of our church look like?

Or could it be that God has called us to somehow bring all of these people together in one big beautiful, colorful church; a church that continues to reach out to the Cornelius’ of this extraordinary city? Could it be that God is calling us to stop dividing ourselves by lesser things and be caught up on one great agenda called the kingdom of God? Could it be that God continues to call this church to bear witness to what the kingdom of God is like by the shear beauty of its diversity? I think perhaps He is.

The Idol of Homogeneity

In order to do this, though, we must name the idol that stands in the way. The idol is homogeneity. We are all tempted by the idol of homogeneity. Simply stated we all like to be with people who are like ourselves; people with the same experiences, education, skin color, story; people from the same generation. I understand very well this desire.

When my family and lived in Romania, we loved it when we spotted a couple of Mormon missionaries. Not only did we not go the other way when we saw them coming, we tried to engage them in conversation because chances were good that they would be Americans speaking American English. We love to be with people we are like.

But God has called us to work against the temptation of homogeneity. There is perhaps no other church in our tradition that bears the burden more heavily than we do to do everything in our power to embrace the stranger, the other; those not like ourselves. It’s already in our DNA. Look at us, our little diverse church! We are brown and we are Caucasian and we are Democrats and Republicans and we are wealthy and not so wealthy. We are of African descent. And some of us are from the beautiful Caribbean Islands. We worship in a facility shared by four language groups. We are already living out Isaiah’s vision. Cornelius is us! We’re just one big blanket full of outsiders gathered up in Christ! We’ve just got to find a way to get this really good news out into our city.

I think our message goes something like this: If you want a church in which everyone looks alike and acts alike and likes the same kind of music and has the same political preferences, go somewhere else! We are not that church. We do not want to be that church!

But if you desire to be a part of something that reflects the kingdom of God, a lion and lamb community like Isaiah dreamed about, a bit blanket full of outsiders like Peter dreamed about, a people who love each other because of Jesus, then come along and let’s try to do something great for the sake of Christ and his kingdom. You’re invited. Lay your personal preferences down at the door and gather around the feet of Jesus to learn from Him with the rest of us.

I know this doesn’t sound like much of a report; no facts and figures, no short term or long term goals. We are going to do the work of planning for the future. I will begin a conversation this month with a group of people from this church and others who are not a part of our church. Our conversation will be about the future of National Church of the Nazarene and how to lean into our future. I don’t know what changes that will entail. I don’t know exactly how we are going to get the news out about what God wants to do here. What I do know is that we have to figure out how to engage every Cornelius out there. We must let people know that God is creating a place where conversations about truth and beauty and love and grace will be welcomed with all sorts of people.

The Way of Jesus

Jesus is of course our model for this. He is the one that started this, not us. He’s the one who had that conversation with a Samaritan Woman about water. He wasn’t supposed to be talking to a woman and most certainly not a Samaritan woman. But he did it anyway. He walked right across that social boundary and engaged her in a conversation.

That’s why the early church let Cornelius in. They knew that Jesus was always sharing meals with and talking to people He wasn’t supposed to get near. They knew that if they were going to follow His Way then they had better get ready to move out of the comfortable confines of homogeneity. And they did. And so much we. Jesus gives us no other option. And that, by the way, is very good news for outsiders like us at National Church of the Nazarene. For what God call us to do he will empower us to do. It won’t be easy, but that’s OK following Jesus was never meant to be easy. Being a lion and lamb community is our God given vision. May God give us grace to lean into our future together, Amen.

U2 Omaha Style

2005-12-17T01:05:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pics from the U2 show last night. It was better than any revival I've ever seen.

Bono rock'n the house!

The Roadies

The Edge went off!

Scary Santa

2005-11-29T01:44:00.000-05:00

SCARY SANTA!!!
I was looking through last year's Christmas photos and I found this one of my friend Andy's little girl Eddie. Hope it gives you a chuckle like it does me.

Santa was being played at this Christmas party by my good friend Darren Goodwin.

Addictions--Looking for that Miracle Pill

2005-11-29T01:17:00.000-05:00

I wrote this article to specifically address addictions that teenagers face. However, as I have walked with many young adults through the years I have found that addictions that start when they were teens continue to have debilitating effects. Hope you find it helpful.

Ken walked into my life five years ago. If you had seen him on the street that day you wouldn’t have given him a second glance. He was a clean shaven, confident, and intelligent chap. A college graduate he served several years in the Navy as an engineer. There’s no way you could have guessed that Ken was a recovering heroin addict, but he was. When I first met him, he had only been clean for five months, no small feat.

Over the next few months Ken found a great job, became active in our church, and settled in as an adopted member of the family. Unfortunately, Ken’s addiction caught up with him once again. Last year as I was reading the Kansas City Star I stumbled upon an article, Ken was discovered dead, shot to death in front of a known drug haven.

What can we say about drug addiction, other than it will ruin your life. However, just as tragic are the silent addictions that often go unnoticed--addictions that are shadowy and hidden. Simple choices that become patterns produce crippling addictions. What am I talking about? Well, for many teens just like you they commonly involve eating disorders, alcohol consumption, or pornography. Whether it is you or a friend, you know what I’m talking about.

You’re not alone. Millions of teens just like you are confronted with temptations and pressures that are nearly impossible to avoid. Reasons abound as to why we engage in activities that create patterns that produce addictions.

Jeff stumbled upon his father’s stash of porn magazines at 13 years of age. Naturally curious, he would often sneak a peek while his parents were gone. This went on for several years, he tried to stop but his appetite for it increased. During this time Jeff was a leader in his youth group and sincerely wanted to follow God. A new computer made using pornography nearly impossible to resist. Devastated by depression and guilt he was afraid his family would not love him if they new and he was beginning to wonder if God did anymore.

Lisa was smart, compassionate, and full of life. Lisa had the world, just ask her friends, but she didn’t see herself that way. I don’t know who told her she was fat, or what made her think it herself, because she was not. She just didn’t see it that way. For Lisa dieting was a way of life, but she was never satisfied. She heard about another girl who would cause herself to vomit after meals, that way she would eat whatever she wanted and stay thin. Well, Lisa was hooked.

Both Lisa and Jeff’s struggle started innocently enough, but small choices, turn into patterns, that become the habits that lead to powerfully crippling addictions. Christians cannot afford to be naïve about how misuse of substances, image, and self-image can make us settle for something less than God’s intended purposes for our lives. The core problem is sin. In fact, the things we do wrong have addictive power. Jesus said, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34). Beyond the things we’ve talked about it’s possible to be addicted to a bad temper, arrogance, envy, and selfishness. None of these are things we can break on our own we need God to heal us. Maybe you feel like you are a slave to a pattern or addiction in your own life. The good news is that God loves you and wants to heal you. God wants you to know you’re not alone in your struggle.

Let me offer you some wisdom as you confront addictions. First, be authentic with God. Tell God about your struggle, you don’t have to pretend with God. Second, find someone who knows about addictions and can give you some wisdom about making a concrete plan for victory. (Maybe your, parents, pastor, youth leader, a doctor, or therapist.) Third, make a plan. Your plan should include ways of avoid what feeds your addiction. Study the information about your addiction. Find a group of peers that are willing to hold you accountable. Finally, have confidence in the fact that God’s plan for your life far greater than your current struggle, and he will never leave you or forsake you.