Friday, February 28, 2003
Caring for Your Introvert
This is a great article! It was like looking in a mirror. Read and Learn! Caring for Your Introvert from Atlantic Monthly.
posted by Kevin at 2/28/2003 07:53:41 PM
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FridayFive
1. What is your favorite type of literature to read (magazine, newspaper, novels, nonfiction, poetry, etc.)? Mmmmmm. Probably fiction novels... the kind that sweep you away into a far away time and place... where you connect with the characters and come to relate more closely with its reality than you do your own.
2. What is your favorite novel? This may reveal too much about me. :) Stephen King's The Stand.
3. Do you have a favorite poem? (Share it!) Mmmmm. Robert Frost probably....
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
4. What is one thing you've always wanted to read, or wish you had more time to read? The Silmarillion, J.R.R. Tolkien. Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: a Journey into the Evangelical Subculture in America, Randall Balmer. Addicted to Mediocrity: 20th Century Christians and the Arts, Franky Schaeffer.
5. What are you currently reading? The Bruised Reed, Richard Sibbes. From a Buick 8, Stephen King. Effective Pastoring, Bill Lawrence. The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien. The Bible, God. Soul Survivor, Philip Yancey.
posted by Kevin at 2/28/2003 05:45:51 PM
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Thursday, February 27, 2003
NEW SITE DESIGN!
Some like it, some hate it. In fact, one person said that it looks "like you are selling insurance..." OUCH!!!
Consider it my first attempt at CSS Style pages. I am impressed with the flexibility of the code, but it is an entirely different design process to make what's in my mind come out on the page. So be expecting the design to be in a continual state of 'tweak' over the next few weeks. BTW, I accept all suggestions whether positive or negative!!
posted by Kevin at 2/27/2003 07:17:27 PM
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Wednesday, February 26, 2003
FridayFive (5 days late)
1. What is your most prized material possession? Mmmmmmm. Maybe my Jeep? Laptop? Big Screen TV? Photographs of friends and family? None of these really seem right. I think that it depends on the definition of 'prized'. Possessions really don't mean much too me. I mean yeah, having stuff is nice... but what significance does it have in the grand scheme of things? Not much.
2. What item, that you currently own, have you had the longest? Well, I still have several stuffed animals and Tonka Trucks that I was either given before I was born or during my first year after birth. Probably my favorite of these is a Raggady Andy doll. It is old and cute, though a little aged and dingy... but according to Mom, it was the first thing that ever made me laugh. How cute is that?!
3. Are you a packrat? Most definitely. I keep almost everything. For two reasons (1) Who knows when I might need this again. (2) Sentimental value.
4. Do you prefer a spic-and-span clean house? Or is some clutter necessary to avoid the appearance of a museum? Well, I prefer a spic-and-span house, but for those who know me you will know that I rarely live this way. I do not consider myself a 'slob' (though my roommate might disagree), but normally I will go in cleaning spurts. Depending on what's going on in my life, I will to a greater or lesser degree keep my space clean.
5. Do the rooms in your house have a theme? Or is it a mixture of knick-knacks here and there? The theme is: Post-College Single Guy Living. A long way from Martha Stewart to be sure. I like to say that "The the theme is me!"
posted by Kevin at 2/26/2003 12:47:46 AM
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Saturday, February 22, 2003
The Mustard Seed Faith Debate
Text of a recent conversation I had with a friend....
Question: "What does the Bible verse mean where Jesus says 'if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move a mountain?' (I know he's making a point that it's not the 'amount' of faith that matters, but still... that verse is debated alot)"
My Answer: This "Mustard Seed / Faith" passage occurs in Matthew 17:20 saying "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." This was message was stated to the Disciples, a promise given to them and not directly us. From this passage alone, I do not think that we can create a doctrine that says "Today's Christian can do anything he wants as long as he has enough faith."
I think that a lot of our theological problems today come from just assuming that the whole Bible was written completely for me (i.e. all the promises in the Book are mine). Well, it wasn't and they aren't. FYI: I have the same problem with the Baptist people who quote the "If my people who are called by my name...." passage. It was not written for us and we cannot directly claim that promise. It was given to Israel, and therefore only OT Israel can legally claim that direct blessing (hearing, forgiving, healing of land) that comes as a result of prayer. But thankfully on the flip side, Israel is also the only one who can claim the punishment (associated with this passage) for NOT praying. Fortunately for us, there are other passages in Scripture that were directed toward us and these other passages DO basically say the same things as that verse and these passages WERE meant for us. Does that make sense? The principle is basically true, but the passage we use to proclaim it is a misuse of that specific text.
Back to the Mustard Mantra.... Since this wasn't given directly to us (it seems), we must put this passage into perspective using the whole of Scripture that way we can figure out the intended audience. Rather than giving a list of verses and a diatribe of convincing prose I will boil it down a little. Scripture does seem to teach that the amount of our faith matters to God and it does have an effect on the world. It also seems that many natural and even supernatural things can occur in connection with our faith.
So from the entire Scripture we must say that: YES! Faith can move mountains (whether proverbial ones or physical ones) if it is in God's Will. Matthew 19:26 and Luke 1:37. Unlike the Charasmatic picture that paints God as being our servant and doing our will according to our faith, prayer, and holiness; I think that the opposite is true. God's Will is done (mountains are moved) by His own timetable and plan instead of ours. But in His ultimate wisdom, He chooses to do it in response to our faith, prayer, and holiness. Getting a little deep now huh. I.E. We move proverbial and physical mountains that HE wants moved. He does NOT move the proverbial and physical mountains that WE want moved.
Taking my view (and what I understand to be the correct Biblical view) of the sign gifts, I presume this passage to have a double-meaning. In the original context, given to the original disciples, it does seem that Christ meant they could do 'wonders' if they only had enough faith in what God had promised them He would do through them. They had been told they could do it! God wanted miraculous signs done, but it wasn't happening because of their lack of faith. But it seems Christ that Christ was more concerned with the 'lack of faith' part than he was with the 'no miracles gettin done' part. Christ wasn't concerned with the miracles, he was concerned with their faith. For us today, I think that we can only assume Christ's broader (proverbial) meaning.... since I assume from elsewhere in Scripture that the ability to perform sign wonders was not given to the people of our time.
Scripture Interprets Scripture!
posted by Kevin at 2/22/2003 07:02:56 PM
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Thursday, February 20, 2003
Ordination Council gives their answer
Finally, I have confirmation that the Ordination will happen (in less than 2 weeks) on March 5th. And I couldn't be happier that it is finally over. The Council was a great experience, though a little unnerving. During the hour-long meeting I was asked questions about my salvation, call to ministry, goals, education, views on topics such as holiness, Baptist polity, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, God, Christ, and many other topics. Who knew that it was such an ordeal to become a minister?? I guess that it is a good thing... I mean, if we want good Pastors and leaders in our churches then want some sort of standards, I guess. It should be an exciting few weeks as that day approaches, and I thank God for the opportunity to become a Reverend!
posted by Kevin at 2/20/2003 08:51:43 PM
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Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Video on TBN
Cool thing happened tonight... a video I shot and edited aired tonight internationally on the Trinity Broadcasting Network's "Praise the Lord" program. Team Impact (formerly the Power Team), who break bricks, rip phone books, and put their heads through concrete for Jesus, hired me to edit/produce some new new video pieces. I am currently completing their new Show Opening and Promo Video, but since they were going to be on TBN tonight they asked that I get them a preview copy to play in their interview. I said, "Shoot Yeah!" They are a great group of people and I consider it a great privilege to have been to help their ministry reach people. It's not too often that I toot my own horn. :) But I am just amazed by the doors that opens for us. Eventually, the video will be on their website, and I'll link to it.
posted by Kevin at 2/19/2003 10:39:24 PM
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Reverend KEVIN M. YOUNG
An Ordination Story
posted by Kevin at 2/19/2003 09:29:47 AM
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Friday, February 14, 2003
Friday Five
1. Explain why you started to journal/blog. I started it because I was tired of having an out-of-date website. I wanted something that would be a little more personal, and updated, and a place for long-lost friends to find out what the heck was going on with me. I really wish everyone I know (used to know) had one of these, then maybe time and distance wouldn't ever separate friendships. Plus, its easy and a ton of fun.
2. Do people you interact with day to day or family members know about your journal/blog? Why or why not? Yes, and at first that really scared me. Not that I would have posted things on here that would've embarrassed myself or others. But when you are aware that church members and eight-year-olds are reading it, the thought "is the this appropriate" does cross your mind ever time you post. Maybe I will start a second blog under an alias. :)
3. Do you have a theme for your journal/blog? Well, most people think its crappy, but the theme is me. I am creative, and interesting, and funny, and smart ... but this blog does not reflect me. It is not my "online personality", it is simply an extension of me and whatever is going on in my head from day to day. It would be hard to make sense of this blog without first knowing the blogger. And frankly, I kind of like it that way.
4. What direction would you like to have your journal/blog go in over the next year? I guess I would like to learn to code it better. I know HTML, but I am still learning its relation to blog-code. Maybe someday this site will be a little cleaner contain more information of a personal nature for those who do not know me so well.
5. Pimp five of your favorite journals/blogs. Well, I have not found top many blogs yet that I read on a daily basis... maybe more friends will eventually get into this. For now though, I will 'pimp' the site that really got me hooked on this, fellow 'Villian saucyspot.
posted by Kevin at 2/14/2003 08:24:37 AM
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Thursday, February 13, 2003
Current Reading: Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry
In Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry, a 450-page tome by John MacArthur and the Master's Seminary faculty, the authors seek to help shape contemporary ministry with Biblical mandates. Written specifically for those who would enter the minsitry, this book is a requirement for the process of my ordination. It is a great book so far and has taught me much. While you may agree or disagree with MacArther (I normally tend to agree) you have to applaud his thoroughness on the topics he covers. This book is no exception and I think that I stand to learn a lot in the reading of it.
posted by Kevin at 2/13/2003 03:07:53 PM
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Monday, February 10, 2003
a Sweet Gift
Received a nice little gift from some volunteers in honor of my soon-to-be ordination. A Cookie Bouquet... we never had anything like this in Indiana.
posted by Kevin at 2/10/2003 09:02:37 PM
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Thursday, February 06, 2003
To ordain, or not to ordain
... that has been the question in our church for quite some time. Seemingly contrary to current trend, the ordination of media people to minister is a relatively new concept. Few churches and organizations have yet to begin ordaining Media Ministers. While they may put 'Minister' in the title, it does not necessarily mean ordination has or will occur.
Ordination is "the ceremony whereby those who have a vocation and have given some evidence of ability for the ministerial office are set apart for the work of their calling.”
Having a strong background in Biblical Theology and Video production, I knew that I wanted to be ordained. I consider it imperative that we continue to see the melding of 'media' and 'ministry' in our churches. The problem is that conventional wisdom in my church has been wary of that happening.
As I come to the end of Master's program, and continue to do my best to minister to volunteers and 'stay afloat' while working in a mega-church media ministry, I began to wonder whether or not PW would ordain me.
The answer came today. They will. And much to my shock it will happen next month - much sooner than I had ever anticipated. It seems that (in our church at least) the question has been answered. Media and ministry can go hand in hand. Media can now be considered a calling worth being 'called out' to.
I am still in shock... a little. This is a great day for me, and media at PW. Our volunteers have been praying for this day for a long time - not only because they know it's important to me, but because its important to them. To see their church ordain a Media Staffer means that their church sees what they do behind the camera or in the booth as being just as much a ministry as Education, Music, and Children's ministries.
At PW Baptist Church today, it is a great day for Media!
Link
posted by Kevin at 2/06/2003 03:15:47 PM
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Wednesday, February 05, 2003
Media Ministers - the Road less Traveled
We are a new species - evolution in its truest form. Were we a part of our parent's generation we would most likely be working elsewhere today, our career paths much different. Some of us would be in radio or television, maybe even some field of engineering. Others of us would have gone into pastoral or youth ministry. But we would have longed for ways to better meld our love for ministry and passion for technology. Fortunately, no matter what path we took, God has put us on a new road in our churches... a road less traveled.
It still boggles my mind that I can pursue my two loves (media and ministry) at the same time. We are able to communicate and connect in a way no previous generation has ever been able to accomplish. We are the groundbreakers... the crusaders... the forefathers, as it were, of a new paradigm for ministry. MEDIA MINISTRY.
Decades from now others will look back on these years and more clearly see whether or not media and technology really furthered the work of the kingdom or only hindered its progress. We have a great responsibility to be sure that we do not let the medium overpower the message. We must not lose the 'ministry' side of 'media.'
God has given us all a precious gift - the ability to shape and impact our churches, culture, and future through media.
posted by Kevin at 2/05/2003 12:36:18 PM
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Team Impact
Team Impact (formerly the Power Team) is at church this week, and who knew that breaking bricks, ripping phone books, bending steel, and putting your head through blocks of ice could be so cool! I know, I know. It sounds corny. But it really isn't low-brow at all. These guys are true athletes and committed Christians - and beyond that they put on a great show. This is evangelism at its best! These guys are using the gifts that God has given them to communicate Truth to anyone who will watch and listen. I wish them the best, and am proud to say that I was able to have such an integral part in their crusade here.
The video, which I have been Producer on over the past three days, will be shown worldwide and bring many to a relationship with Christ. Thank you Lord for the opportunity.
posted by Kevin at 2/05/2003 11:07:27 AM
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Saturday, February 01, 2003
Columbia
In 1986, when I was in the second grade, America suffered a national tragedy which seered itself in my memory forever. On that day Reagan (the greatest president of the 20th century) said "the crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved good-bye and 'slipped the surly bonds of earth' to 'touch the face of God.'" Today was eerily reminiscent of that fateful January morning.
As the crew of the shuttle Columbia passed over our heads here in Dallas, something went terribly wrong. Time and research will surely solve this mystery, as it did the Challenger, and so many others.
President George Bush brought a message today that was very similar to the one Reagan gave sixteen years ago. "In the skies today we saw destruction and tragedy. Yet farther than we can see there is comfort and hope. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, 'Lift your eyes and look to the heavens. Who created all these? He who brings out the starry hosts one by one and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.' The same creator who names the stars also knows the names of the seven souls we mourn today. The crew of the shuttle Columbia did not return safely to Earth; yet we can pray that all are safely home."
There is something about space flight that captures our collective imagination. But its not just space flight, its tall buildings, powerful motors, majestic buildings, beautiful paintings, and soulful music. There is something deep within that drives us to create, presses us to explore, and implores us to become more than what we are. It is God in us.
We are made in the imago dei (the image of God). You cannot stop the human spirit, but neither can you avoid the Holy Spirit. We will all meet our Maker one day. Some in a blaze of glory as American heros, like those we lost to today, and others in less dramatic fashion.
Are you ready to touch the face of God?
posted by Kevin at 2/01/2003 07:21:06 PM
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