Pastoring & Leadership
Jonathan Dodson: Marriage Resources
Rain City Hymnal CD is out at Re:Sound, and on Noise Trade.
Matt Chandler on the role of men
Resurgence (Bob Thune): Is preaching killing your church plant?
Art21 is on Hulu. Episode 1: Art in the 21st Century on "Place."
John Piper: The Pastor as Scholar
Resurgence: Re:Train (Resurgence Training Center) launches & Re:Sound (Resurgence Music) launching soon. Re:Bound (Resurgence Basketball Association, also known as The RBA) and Re:Lative (Resurgence Genealogy Project) still in the works.
John Frame: Questions to Ask a Film
Daniel Block: Gideon's Fleece
Jonathan Dodson: Confessions of a Failing Disciple
SBTS Towers: 3 Questions with Tim Keller
Art of Manliness: The Art of Summer Grilling
Great meeting and discussion today with a group of pastor/church planter friends here in suburban Chicago. Thanks to Joe we get some details.
Kent Shaffer over at Church Relevance has determined that Reformissionary is the #27 church blog in the world. Some good blogs on the list, and I'm honored to be there. It's the best system of measurement I've seen for judging the popularity of a blog. Impressive, Kent.
I've started a new church blog (Doxa Blog),though I don't know exactly the role it will play yet. Working on it. I have the domain doxablog.com, but right now it's only masking the link to this blog and it's a headache. Also working on a Facebook group for Doxa.
My new article: When Doctors Are Stumped
Two talks on Questioning Evangelism
Paste Magazine anticipates 29 movies in 2009
Scot McKnight says some nice words about my photography, which I have long neglected
I've identified 10 changes I want to see in my life in 2009. Call them resolutions if you like. I have much more I could say about them, but I wanted them to be somewhat brief here. The first 3 are general and pervasive through the next 7, and are things I've been working on for years (ordering not important). The last 7 are more specific (and in order). I know that it's really God who works change, and that everything below should say "Lord-willing" after it, but just accept that up front if you would.
10. A year of clearer boundaries. I'm thinking of several areas here including the areas of hospitality (more at #6), personal organization, what I do in my different workplaces, time with my wife (more at #2), what we let our kids do and not do, etc. This isn't about "tighter" boundaries necessarily (well, maybe in a few areas). But muddy boundaries make for a muddy life. Clarity is, well, clarifying.
9. A year of fewer excuses. I'm sick of my mind running to look for better excuses for why things aren't different, better, possible. I've been working on this area for some time because it's a tough one for me. I'm going to work at dropping excuses, admit when I'm wrong, and press on. "Do or do not. There is no 'try.'"
8. A year of greater risk. Comfort is an easy default mode for me. Risk is a sexy word to me, and a sexy idea. But all too often it's a word and idea and not much else. This year when I catch myself being too protective or fearful (also see #7) I'm going to try and let go and go for it. I'm still going to count the cost, I'm just going to try and not selfishly count the cost.
_____
7. A year of saying what needs to be said. I'm a prophet-type guy. I used to be the guy who would say things and then find out later that I was actually very bold and courageous and truthful and transformational, though at the time it didn't feel at all courageous. I've been tamed a bit, and I'm sick of it. This year I'm going to speak when I feel led to instead of feeling later on that I should have said something. This will result in things from more direct evangelism, to more regular meetings with church folks who are slacking, to a louder public voice in my city, to many other things.
6. A year of expanding our "public" space. I'm thinking mostly hospitality and relational discipleship here. Some things have led us to restrict levels of private space and too rarely invite people in. Most of those things are stupid and selfish. We are going to try to open our home more, enjoy the company of friends and strangers more, etc. We used to influence people more through things like letting them be around parenting situations. This worked especially well with university students. We don't do that enough anymore. We have been really changed over the years by hanging around older Christians, pastors, and others and watching their life, asking questions, and just sitting and soaking in the relationship. We need to be more intentional about being there for others.
5. A year of scheduling mission. This has always been something I've done, but it's waned and I want to get serious about it again. Unscheduled mission is always easier for me (ALWAYS!) when scheduled mission is happening. So really this will help scheduled and unscheduled mission. I've already added some significant chunks into my winter schedule. I'm going to vary the locations, means, and approach. Along with this I have some ideas from last year that we shelved until some core changes happen at our church, which are coming very soon (see #4).
4. A year of church transformation. Starting in a few weeks the changes I've been working for at my church for more than 4 1/2 years are finally going to start happening. We are working on reconstituting, restarting, and renaming our church. That's just the beginning. Last year we made some important decisions and went through some real pain to make what's happening in 2009 a reality. Should be a busy, fruitful, exciting, and risky year. I'll try to keep you posted here.
3. A year of discipling our children better. Last year discipleship was just ok. We are still not close to what I want for my kids. I have a picture of what I want to see in their lives, of how I want them to experience the gospel, truth, faith, ministry, and compassion. Now we will day-by-day begin, one stroke at a time, to paint that picture.
2. A year of rediscovering my wife. The end of 2008 was really difficult for my marriage. We never grew apart or stopped loving or liking each other or anything like that. But most of my readers know how really tough these last few months have been. When you spend all the time thinking about how your car isn't working right you never get to experience the joy of being on the road. You get too focused on the problems. Same with our relationship. We need to get out and feel the wind in our hair and hug a few turns on the country roads again, even if Molly's issues mean it will be at a slower speed. This means things like getting date nights back in order, finding more time in the evenings to just hang and talk about something other than what's wrong with Molly, and me stopping being such a jerk. :)
1. A year of responding better to the Holy Spirit's promptings. I've noticed, especially over the last half of the year, some things in my life that just aren't in order. They get better, and then worse again. I going to spend more time preaching the gospel to myself. I'm going to refresh the disciplines while also simplifying things a bit. I'm going to be more protective of times of silence and solitude. I'm looking forward to a growing intimacy with the Lord over 2009.
Brief Molly Update: Mayo Clinic has turned Molly away. Twenty minutes before leaving for my Dad's house for Christmas Molly received the letter saying that they turn down a lot of people and that Molly isn't a good candidate for an appointment. Essentially they don't think they would find a solution to Molly's Chiari issues. Maybe it's because they know Molly's surgeon is already a recognized expert and he would know more than they would. Dunno. We can appeal that decision by sending any info that may change their minds. I don't know that we have anything like that. Still looking into it, and other options. Molly has been sleeping a lot better with her new sleep meds. Glad for that.
Two quick prayer requests...
Links...
Run to Amazon to download The 99 Most Essential Beethoven Masterpieces for $1.99. World class orchestras and artists in this collection. I'm listening to it now and it's wonderful. C'mon, 2 bucks! Go get it now because the SALE ENDS TODAY!
2009 is the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, so decorate your church stage with tulips! Or maybe make it a year of reading Calvin. Here's a year through the Institutes reading guide. The Reformation 21 guys are blogging through Calvin's Institutes in 2009 (You can request a reading schedule). John Piper's new book John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God is officially released tomorrow. Piper's pastor's conference message on Calvin is also worth a listen (or re-listen).
I don't think I've linked to this yet (and it's late), but Tim Keller had a Christmas article in Christianity Today: "The Advent of Humility."
JD Greear:
Todd Hiestand: Books of 2008 - Leadership
Barnabas Piper: 22 things I admire about my parents on their 40th anniversary
Tim Chester has a new book coming out - The Ordinary Hero: Living the Cross and Resurrection
Virtual church leader hangout at www.churchstaffbreakroom.com
Brief Molly Update: We are going to Molly's neurologist today. He will hear that the medications are not working so far. Then we will hear whether Molly's EEG shows us anything worth knowing. And all of this is contingent upon the weather not being so bad that we can't go since it's in Crystal Lake and a snow storm is coming.
Jonathan Dodson: Four Church Planting Manuals Reviewed
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary now offers a PhD in having a quiet time
David Allen has a new book, Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and Business of Life
This 9Marks video is kinda funny. "It's calligraphy. I can't even read it."
Stephen King lists his 10 best movies of the year
Keller and Powlison: Pastor's Self-Evaluation Questionnaire
John Frame: Christ and Culture audio
Trevin Wax wants you to have some good books...for free
Very excited about Jerram Barrs' newest book coming in May of '09: Learning Evangelism from Jesus
I got an email from my buddy, Marcus, at TheHighCalling.org and he told me one of my articles is now listed as a Best of 2008 article on their site. Very cool.
Brief Molly Update: Molly is spending the night awake tonight so she can have an EEG test in the morning. If you think of it, pray for her. She is already exhausted and struggling the last few days with sleep. She is sleeping longer but not better. So tonight is going to be rough for her.
I've started to add music recommendations as well as poetry recommendations to my Amazon Store. Shop there and help the Reformissionary!
David Fitch discusses Dan Kimball and missional vs. attractional...and Tim Keller comments a couple of times. Fun.
Jeremy Pryor is thinking about the centrality of the prayer meeting.
Ligon Duncan has some good thoughts on a gospel culture in the local church.
Justin Buzzard lists 20 books to read in your 20's.
John Piper on why God is not a megalomaniac in demanding to be worshipped.
Sam Storms is starting to list his recommended New Testament commentaries. Right on so far in my estimation.
Joe Thorn tagged me in Facebook and said I'm this, uh, person. If everyone on Facebook who even remotely likes me and who is Joe Thorn's Facebook friend would tag Joe Thorn in one random, funny, or odd place, I would be eternally grateful.
We are both and to pretend otherwise is to be disingenuous. The leader who fails to face [his] darkness must live with fear and hypocrisy. The result will be a defensiveness that places saving face and controlling others as higher goods than blessing others and doing good work. Clearly, the biblical model of leadership is odd, inverted, and deeply troubling. It is so troubling that most churches, seminaries, and other religious organizations would never hire a 'chief sinner.' The only one who thinks to do so is God.
Dan Allender in Leading With A Limp, p 57.
Quick Molly & Elijah Update: Molly has had a few really great days. Better balance, more energy, more driving with less danger, etc. Very excited. Maybe finally catching up on sleep is doing something. Elijah had a 102+ fever for 6 days, which included several hours at the hospital for IV fluids, but is back to his normal self. So glad for that.
In 2 days the Catalyst One Day Conference hits Granger, Indiana. If you are nearby you should go. Should be great, and I believe registration is still open. I'm actually still considering going, but haven't decided yet.
I've been dealing with male leadership in the home with some church members recently. Here are some complementarian resources I've found helpful on this issue from The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood website...
Fifty Crucial Questions (John Piper)
Summaries of the Egalitarian and Complementarian Positions (Bruce Ware)
We Need Some Leaders! (Bob Lepine)
Download Driscoll's Porn-Again Christian in full.
Desiring God's 2009 Pastor's Conference is on evangelism.
Tim Chester has provided a narrative statement of faith. (HT)
Resurgence; Six ways to engage culture.
Dan Allender in Leading With a Limp, p18.
Quick Molly Update: Molly is about to lose it. She is averaging somewhere around 3 hours of sleep a day or less for the last 6 weeks. No joke. She has maybe had two nights where she slept at least 6 hours. She has had several nights where she didn't even doze off. We thought it was the steroids taken in the first few weeks. It's clear that it's so much more than that. This morning was a breaking point. She has gone from acting sluggish and tired to wanting to punch me in the face. That's not all that uncommon, but it's much more than normal. Let me explain how bad things are...
This morning we sat down to talk and she started to tear up. I said what I always say when Molly cries, "You know, Jesus didn't cry" (my "Away in a Manger" reference). Most of the time that makes her laugh and then we figure things out. Not this time. This time she barked back at me right away, "MAYBE JESUS DIDN'T CRY, BUT JESUS SLEPT!" Touche.
Links...
Lessons from a failed church plant (HT)
I know it's last minute, but if you are near Columbia, Missouri you need to check out Karis Church's Theology Weekend. It's this weekend and the speaker is Bruce Ware.
Jonathan Dodson: Deacon Training I, Deacon Training II, Increase the community in missional communities, Wisdom for planters, especially bivocational
Speaking of missional communities, consider Alan Hirsch's four points: INCH
The art of thank you note writing
Election Night stuff...
I enjoyed Obama's speech last night. It gave me goosebumps. It was like a Disney moment. I watched a sea of people who had the Obama-shaped hole in their hearts filled and wondered what the next four years will look like.
I just hope that Obama doesn't continue in the direction of his voting record. It's remarkable to me and deeply ironic that our first African-American President will be our country's strongest defender of treating unborn babies as less than fully human.
And I'm sorry, but Michelle Obama's dress was awful.
Did you see the CNN election night hologram? Pretty cool...
Anyone miss Dan Rather? Me too...
John Piper's verbal biographies are wonderful. I'm listening again to his bio of Spurgeon and just had to throw up a few quotes. They are rocking me today in the midst of all the stuff our family is going through. Here's the Piper audio, and the manuscript.
Another...
Quick update on Molly. She is finishing up her third round of steroids tomorrow, so we hope that will have a good result. But as of today she has had more numbness/tingling in her legs than ever before. Her balance issues are dramatic. She is sleeping a little better, but not nearly enough yet. It's still very worrisome around here, but God is our refuge (we read and prayed Ps 52 with our kids this morning).
Links...
Kung-Fu Election. "Huck-uh-beeee!"
Good Wendell Berry website that I wasn't aware of until a few weeks ago. New Wendell Berry Poetry. New Billy Collins poetry. Poems for autumn.
JD Greear - Multi-Site vs Church Planting. Bill Streger - Great Questions for Pastors. Jonathan Dodson - Redefining Evangelism.
Questions to ask before confronting. Powlison on Friendship Counseling.
BibleArc. Tom Schreiner taught me this at SBTS. Could be a cool resource site. We'll see.
I have this ESV Study Bible. Haven't used it enough to say too awful much (though I like what I've seen), but I do really dig the online version that is available for those who buy a hard copy. Place for notes, highlighting text in different colors, and the full content of the study Bible. I will use the online resource several times a week. You should get one! Westminster is a great place to buy books, especially ESV Bibles.
New book in the mail, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas
A church thinking missionally...Benched (via)...
Convention speeches as seen through Wordle. Very cool.
Christianity Today has a bunch of "Culture Making" stuff: Andy Crouch article, Andy Crouch interviewed, Andy thinking about his next book.
Craig Groeschel: The Power of Questions part 1, part 2, part 3.
Tim Keller's preaching notes. Good luck.
Jeremy Pryor: Your Discipleship Tools Are Too Weak (don't miss the helpful dialogue in the comments).
Tim Keller in byFaith Magazine: The Case for Commissioning (Not Ordaining) Deaconesses (via)
Trevin Wax: Bedtime Prayers With Our Children
Here's why my SBC Greensboro photo with Joe is legit: The History and Nature of Man Friendships
Kent Shaffer: Top 10 pet peeves about worship leaders
9 year old can't play baseball because he's too good
Are you following Josh Harris as he puts up preaching notes of notable preachers? Dever. Mahaney. Pretty cool. Looks like some coming from Keller soon.
Brad Lomenick from Catalyst: Turning Ideas into Reality
The Blazing Center: 7 Tough Questions to Ask Your Friends (via)
Molly has just started reading Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Alsup. Interview with Wendy.
Do you ever get in a slump? Or do you grow tired, or skewed, or frustrated, or apathetic, or sapped, or bored? Me too. I have some things in my life that I use to hit "refresh." When I say "hit refresh" I don't mean getting away from ministry as much as I mean righting the ship, getting back on track, reorienting myself to my calling and direction. Though there are more, here's 10 things I do to "refresh".
1. I read 2 Timothy. It's "my" book from God. It's about me, for me, and it resonates with me in a big way. So many verses ring in my ears during different circumstances in my life and ministry. I just put the text into my Sprint Centro for reference and memorization. I have few places in Scripture that God uses as often as 2 Timothy.
2. I pray under the stars. I go outside at night (late) and stare at the stars until I remember who made them. The stars speak loudly about God for me, so I look until I feel the wonder again and then I pray with a heart full. I love to walk and pray, and that's what I do. A wonderful refresher for me when I fell "cold" spiritually.
3. I have a long talk with Molly. My wife is the best. She knows how to listen and lets me bounce stuff off of her. She is helpful in so many ways, but probably is used most to throw out my new ideas to see if they make sense. Her advice is always a great guide to seeing the good vs seeing the bad. Clarity and Molly are often in the same thought, and I always look forward to the next long ministry-centered conversation.
4. I rewrite my "roles and goals." This was introduced to me through the Franklin Covey materials. I have 7 roles with 2-3 goals under each. My roles as I currently define them are 1. disciple, 2. husband, 3. father, 4. pastor, 5. evangelist, 6. writer, 7. learner. My goals change all the time. I have my roles and goals listed in my Sprint Centro for regular reference and consideration. And when I get my hands into too many unimportant roles, this helps me eliminate what isn't important.
5. I read/reread/reskim books on faith or with chapters on faith. Like Timothy I think I gravitate toward timidity, so I need to look at good stuff on risky faith, confidence in God, etc. Piper's stuff is always good. Some of McManus' stuff is helpful. Obviously I could mention a lot from Scripture that I turn to as well.
6. I call Joe and vent. Everyone need a lightning rod, a person to talk to so we can get it off our chest, talk it through, scream, whatever. Joe Thorn is that guy for me. He absorbs much of my frustrations so that it doesn't build up in me or get vomited on someone else. Often just saying stuff out loud helps me realize when I'm being a whiny baby, or when I'm thinking wrong about something. And, obviously, Joe's opinions are some of the most helpful in my life.
7. I re-listen to John Piper's "Running with the Witnesses." Ugh. I need this thing every few months. In my best Piper yell: "Does it help me run!?" Exactly. So much in my life doesn't help me run the race with endurance. Piper reminds me of that often, and usually gets me out of the muck I've waded into.
8. I listen to Chevelle. Ok, not always (but often) Chevelle. There are certain bands and singers who get my blood pumping and my head bobbing. And sometimes when I'm just in a bit of a funk and need to get a kickstart, I throw it in my headphones and regain some energy. And yes, I'll admit. Sometimes it's even "Christian" music that invigorates me in other ways. Maybe Indelible Grace stuff, or Phil Wickham, or Dave Crowder, or Derek Webb. Sure, this isn't much of a "fix," but it's for the easy stuff.
9. I re-skim my favorite books on the topic at hand. For example, if I'm struggling with something in my personal walk then I'll revisit the underlined and starred sections of my favorite books on or around the subject. I mark up my books a lot because I know I'll revisit them. Even the ones that aren't that great often are helpful in a few areas and worth revisiting.
10. I stand in front of a blank whiteboard. Actually sometimes it's a notebook, a yellow pad, a blank sheet of white paper, an index card, or something else. But most often, when I'm in a work-based funk where I'm struggling with how to fix something that keeping me frustrated, I like a blank whiteboard, a marker, a locked office door (in my house), maybe some music, and the freedom to write anything I want. The freedom of it allows me to get creative and figure my way out. I do this almost as much with a Moleskine I keep and work in over a Starbucks mocha. I also do this on occasion with a digital voice recorder, though it's more limited.
There's mine. Let me know what you do to hit "refresh."
Quick update on Molly & Chiari. Her MRI's haven't happened yet as our local hospitals don't have the equipment to do the specialized ones she needs. So we either have to go closer to the city or wait until her appointment with her surgeon in September. Dunno what's going to happen just yet. I'll let you know.
Some days are better than others right now. The last few have been pretty bad, though the worst of symptoms from last year haven't shown up yet. Glad about that. Thanks for praying for her.
Here's David Ford's "Song for the Road," which I put up here as a tribute to my wife who is in constant pain, hourly frustrations. Should she ever wonder if I will be there when she needs me...
Now I know someday this all will be over
And it's hard to say what most will I miss
Just give me one way to spend my last moments alive,
and I choose this, I choose this, I choose this.
Recently on sub•text...
Neighborhood Diversity | Smaller Cities and Towns
Male, Middle Class, and White | Suburbs vs. Christianity
Other links...
Joe Thorn is rebooting his prayer life. I'm actually planning some extended prayer in the near future. Good thoughts from Joe.
Al Hsu points to more Andy Crouch Culture Making stuff. Excerpts and more.
New Wendell Berry short story in The Atlantic.
David Powlison on Breaking Pornography Addiction.
Jonathan Dodson: Dark Thoughts from The Dark Knight
Ben Arment: How to Attract High-Caliber Leaders to Your Church
William Willimon: Pastoral Wisdom
Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat audiobook FOR FREE! Get it now, only a few days left.
Kay Ryan is the new U.S. Poet Laureate.
JD Greear: Writing Stuff Down
Paul Tripp has a potty mouth, and he's right on the money...
Quick update on Molly & Chiari. Her MRI's haven't happened yet as our local hospitals don't have the equipment to do the specialized ones she needs. So we either have to go closer to the city or wait until her appointment with her surgeon in September. Dunno what's going to happen just yet. I'll let you know.
Some days are better than others right now. The last few have been pretty bad, though the worst of symptoms from last year haven't shown up yet. Glad about that. Thanks for praying for her.
Here's David Ford's "Song for the Road," which I put up here as a tribute to my wife who is in constant pain, hourly frustrations. Should she ever wonder if I will be there when she needs me...
Now I know someday this all will be over
And it's hard to say what most will I miss
Just give me one way to spend my last moments alive,
and I choose this, I choose this, I choose this.
Recently on sub•text...
Neighborhood Diversity | Smaller Cities and Towns
Male, Middle Class, and White | Suburbs vs. Christianity
Other links...
Joe Thorn is rebooting his prayer life. I'm actually planning some extended prayer in the near future. Good thoughts from Joe.
Al Hsu points to more Andy Crouch Culture Making stuff. Excerpts and more.
New Wendell Berry short story in The Atlantic.
David Powlison on Breaking Pornography Addiction.
Jonathan Dodson: Dark Thoughts from The Dark Knight
Ben Arment: How to Attract High-Caliber Leaders to Your Church
William Willimon: Pastoral Wisdom
Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat audiobook FOR FREE! Get it now, only a few days left.
Kay Ryan is the new U.S. Poet Laureate.
JD Greear: Writing Stuff Down
Paul Tripp has a potty mouth, and he's right on the money...
