Monday, June 30, 2003
Passion, the Movie
The Passion - An interesting commentary from a Blogger who has seen a pre-release of Mel Gibson's much anticipated movie about Christ. I will withhold personal comment, and let the post speak for itself.
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posted by Kevin at 6/30/2003 07:46:59 AM
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Thursday, June 26, 2003
Perplexed
This site is more about 'the search' than it is about providing 'the answers'. In that spirit, I pose a problem that has been heavy on my mind lately.....
Many of my colleagues (Church media ministers and gurus alike) believe unequivocally that if Jesus were alive today he would use the latest and greatest of modern technology to spread His message. They say that He would use the internet, radio and television, along with scads of multimedia technology to get His message across. He would definitely be techno-savvy, they say.
The argument is primarily based upon the supposition that Christ strove to use the hottest 'media' of His day... He used the spoken word. He talked using parables and word-pictures. He used everyday objects like figs, boats, and the road in order to communicate. I've even heard it said that he used the Sea as a reflective surface to allow multitudes to hear him from a boat (re: instant PA system). This one really interested me because I had never even thought of that! But even though I think it is most likely true, I am still left with several issues that are weighing heavily on my mind.
Here's the struggle that I am having:
1) Can I assume that Christ used these techniques (and others) because they were the latest and greatest communication techniques of His day? (this assumes that they actually were the latest and greatest communication techniques of that day).
2) Even if these were the greatest/newest tools of Christ's day, does that necessarily infer that (if alive today) He would use the greatest/newest tools that we have available? Can we make that leap? I see scant Biblical support.
3) Didn't Christ come in the 'fullness of time'? Didn't God send His Son when it was most timely and advantageous? God could have sent His Son whenever He wanted to, right? If the communication tools that we have today are better than those available in Biblical times, then why didn't God wait till now to send His Son to earth? According to our logic, wouldn't that have been better?
4) What does it say about God when we say that Media is a better form of communication then the spoken word and lifestyle evangelism?
..... now that all of the Media Ministers who have read this either hate or loathe me! :) That's ok. I never told ya what I believe. I have no idea what I believe! I am just ashamed that up until this point I was convinced that if Christ were alive today he would have traveled with a remote satellite uplink production truck.
Were Christ presenting the gospel today, I am wondering if He might just go ahead and do it again on foot with 12 other rag-tags.... kinda like he did it 2,000 years ago.
posted by Kevin at 6/26/2003 11:27:19 PM
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Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Search Me!
WARNING... the following is not for the faint of heart! Search Engines are a great enigma to me. How and why they work the way they do intrigues me. One of the most exciting parts of my day is looking at my Site Stats to see how people got to my site. WHAT did they type into the search engine and WHY did they come here thinking that they would find it????
For example....
ripping phone books ..... why would someone type this into a search engine? Were they looking for an 'inside tip' in order to figure out how to do it themselves?
kevin and tommy are cool ..... what in the world were they looking for? And how did they get here!
comal river death ..... This disturbs me. Who actually wants to know these things? And do they even care that I almost was one!!
paige patterson lies ..... This is probably some news organization trying to find material to bash Southern Baptists with. Or it might be other Baptists trying to find material to bash Southern Baptists with. Note to these people: You won't find it here!!!
"when you see a guy reach for stars in the sky" ..... This person is either a fan of Guys & Dolls, or is gay.
"kevin young", christian music ..... Is there a Kevin Young in Christian Music that I do not know about?
schlitterbahn gay day ..... How the heck did they get here by typing that in?
young male foot worship ..... This one REALLY bothers me. People actually search for these things?
1800's bathing suits ..... Who cares?
wedgie ..... What possible reason could you have to search for this?
wedgie video ..... Maybe they didn't get what they needed with 'wedgie' and had to be more specific.
rate my wedgie ..... Ok, we have reached a new low! This person is sick!
french military victories ..... Have there ever been any? Shouldn't this have returned '0 Results'?
ordain me ..... Anyone who types this into Google does NOT need to be ordained.
did+anyone+commit+suicide+when+elvis+died ..... I am speechless.
"nongentile or tacky or nitrobenzole or resigned or reprehensibleness" ..... This person is obviously certifiably crazy.
Who knows what crazies will come here in the future through awful search topics, and find God waiting for them? See, this IS a ministry.
posted by Kevin at 6/24/2003 12:25:36 AM
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Monday, June 23, 2003
"Baptists are only human, after all"
GoMemphis: Faith & Values An interesting (and biting) article for those who want to be challenged.
Link
posted by Kevin at 6/23/2003 06:17:21 PM
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Sunday, June 22, 2003
Above All
Sometimes, it just gets said better and more succinctly than I ever could ever possibly hope to say it. Those who know me know that I am passionate about MANY things, theology probably being at the top of the list. Recent discussion with the Roomy reminded me that these discussions are not simply unimportant fodder for debate. Where we stand on these issues really does matter! And it's not that we should be overly argumentative or opinionated, but because it effects the way we view God and our relationship with Him.
Enough of the intro, here is a paste from a longer post from Geoff the Roomy of Geoff was Here fame....
"Kevin and I had a discussion last night about the song ‘Above All’ by Michael W. Smith. Kevin said the line ‘he took the fall, and thought of me, above all’ had always given him pause, that he had deep seeded theological problems with making humanity the number one thing in Christ’s mind when He was on the cross. It reminded me of John Piper at One Day ’03. Piper said that the greatest disservice that his generation did to ours was putting humanity at the center of the Salvation message. It reminded me of Louie Giglio saying that God does not value us most, He values Himself most and to say anything else is to make God an Idolater."
....Couldn't have said it better myself. And what do I do when that line comes up in "Above All"? I simply substitute 'Thee' for 'me'. What a difference a word makes!
posted by Kevin at 6/22/2003 07:12:17 PM
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Wednesday, June 18, 2003
Update from SBC 2003 - #6
Ministry and Madness.
That is really what this week has been. A mix of ministry and madness with a healthy side of mayhem.
The Convention took this afternoon off between noon and 6:00pm.... most people drove to local malls or golf courses. Other took time to drive to Flagstaff or swim in the hotel pools. I slept the afternoon away with Jurassic Park III three playing on the room TV. It was a GREAT time.
Paige Patterson did NOT announce his resignation of Southeastern Seminary's Presidential post, but his BIG announcement actually included a seven-legged turkey and the Monday Night Football theme music! Don't ask... but it was WAY funny.
There have been some pretty serious audio problems tonight, but it does not seem to be dampening the spirit of the Messengers (those who are sent from member churches to attend, and actively vote in, the Convention's proceedings.) There has been a ton of ministry to the Messengers and also to the town of Phoenix. Nearly 1,000 decisions from area ministry within the last week. There was even an enormous youth conference that rocked the house yesterday.
This afternoon I did get a chance to stop by the book sale and bought several books that I think are gonna be a great addition to the library.... Reel Spirituality, an early book by Len Sweet called A Cup of Coffee at the Soul Cafe (whom I have wanted to read for a LONG time), and a book for Mom and SammyG. I am trying to keep from going back there because I know that I am going to buy the place out if I do!!!
This has been such an AMAZING experience. I am SO grateful to have had the opportunity to come and do this. I am not sure if I will get the chance to do it again, but it has been such a phenomenal time of ministry and madness in my life. And that was EXCITING what I needed.
posted by Kevin at 6/18/2003 08:54:07 PM
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Update from SBC 2003 - #5
Today is the final day of the Southern Baptist Convention. What a ride it has been, but there is still a lot to do today. The business continues here as the largest Protestant denomination in the world attempts to put its business affairs in order for another year.
Interesting to me is the process of conducting business in a gathering of 6,000+ opinionated Baptists. They are in an enormous convention hall passing resolutions, carrying motions, and arguing for their positions whilst voting on amendment and approving orders of business. Robert's Rules of Order is king here, and it is fascinating how it all works.
I also got the chance to finally say hello to Dr. Paul Dixon of Cedarville University fame. Today, the announcement was officially made that Cedarville is aligning with the SBC and becoming approved by the Convention. That is great for the Convention and great for the school! I know that I am making a sweeping statement here... but I truly believe what I write: Cedarville University is quite possibly the finest Christian liberal arts college in the nation. Dr. Dixon actually remembered that I worked at PW in the Media Department, and even gave me a hug. I love that man... how special he is!
Interestingly enough, David Jeremiah (graduate of Cedarville University) is Pastor at Shadow Mountain Community Church in CA and a popular radio personality. Dr. Jeremiah and his congregation are becoming members of the Southern Baptist Convention!!! How exciting.
Speaking of education, Paige Patterson (of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary fame) is speaking some tonight and it has been announced that he is making an important statement during his time. Paige is one of the most phenomenal speakers that I have ever heard, and has an amazing personality. It is expected that he will leave his post as President of Southeastern to accept the President position at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. Politics, Politics, I know.
For those of you who have been reading this, you might think that I am an SBC nerd. Half of that is true, but not the SBC half. I am about as Baptist as they come... but I've never really been up on the politics of it till now. And it is VERY interesting.
BTW, They are singing one of my favorite songs right now: "Who Can Satisfy".... "There is a fountain, who is the King, Victorious warrior and Lord of everything!" Dr. O.S. Hawkins, who spoke at my Ordination, is getting up to speak right now. He is a character!
What a great time it has been here. I am NOT looking forward to it ending. Gotta run for now. There is an ENORMOUS book sale in one of the the Exhibition Halls, and since I will soon have a library, I figured that I should go!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
posted by Kevin at 6/18/2003 01:30:20 PM
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Update from SBC 2003 - #4
There were more protestors out tonight when I came back into the Convention Center from lunch. These people were from a group called SoulForce (I am not including a direct link cause of the kiddies). It seemed as though most of them were young, nice looking, individuals attempting to convince the attendees that the SBC is anti-homosexual, but even more than that the SBC is destroying families by its being anti-GBL. Interesting. They sang hymns and other songs... in an eerie kum-bay-yah style... and held signs that said "STOP Spiritual Violence." I thought that it was interesting that they were making sweeping assumptions about what Southern Baptists believe, and how we treat people. I think they were a little uninformed... but they are entitled to their opinion. And personally, I think that we are a LOT more loving than we get credit for.
Today was a great day. The first official day of the Convention and it was electric. As you know from my posts, I have been pretty hopping all week. But just when I thought that I had it all together God reminded me that I should be more humble. It was the final segment of the evening and included both the choir and a video roll. It was a no-brainer, or so I thought. The video rolls, then Taps is played and a short video thereafter. Well, just so happens that halfway into the video the video loses tracking and starts jumping on the screen. The music went it a minor key and drug out like a bad cassette tape being played in an old Pontiac. It was a little embarrassing. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT HAPPENED. Come to find out the tape lost control track due to a dubbing error and since the 'truck' hadn't QC'd their videos, the problem was never caught... so a day that started with lots of conquests ended with a stupid mistake that really should have been caught. Oh well, only 6,000+ people saw it. :)
Though my days have been busy (and filled with time spent allaying our Exec Pastor and Teach Pastor's fears and problems), it has also been profitable. I have been able to have some great conversation with church staff that I rarely am able to sit and talk to at length. I also have met many wonderful Pastors and staffers from other churches. I have Press and Backstage credentials so I kinda have the run of the place.... and the Press Room is THE place to be! Free drinks, free internet access, free pics, etc... and lots more.
Oh yeah! I've also seen Paul Dixon several times, recently retired President of my alma mater Cedarville College. Cedarville is aligning itself with the SBC (sweet!!) and Paul is here helping to make that happen. I love that place!
There was also a very nice shindig/reception/party for our Pastor tonight, who has been reelected to the post of SBC President for a second term. It was a nice time, and included LOTS of notable guests... but you know me... I am not a social animal, and these types of things tend to bring out my introvert inside, so I ducked out after awhile needing some time to unwind in my room anyway.
All in all, this has been an AWESOME experience. I am glad I had the opportunity to come, and I think that our church staff have also been (mostly) glad that I came too. And really, isn't that the point? I'm here to serve and there has been a LOT of opportunity for that.
posted by Kevin at 6/18/2003 01:40:51 AM
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Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Update from SBC 2003 - #3
Yes, there were (er, ARE) protesters here. Its kind of funny... people who are protesting the SBC stance on homosexuality, animals, red-meat, women, and other issues are all here in fierce (er, force). I must admit, I understand that they hate us, but I hope that they will see that we love them.
So the video to introduce my Pastor (and President) was finally finished by around 12:30am last night and I sauntered across the street to the hotel to die. I knew today would have its share of foibles and fabulous successes, and I would have to be up at 6:30am to meet them.
Minor issues cropped up today that caused us to have make some minor changes. One notable one was an audio issue at the last minute that almost caused the "Introduction Video" not to play. The choir was finishing their song and the techies couldn't get the audio on the video to the front-of-house position. The Exec. Pastor ran to the Music Minister and told him to 'Sing another one!" That bought us a little more time. By this time though, the Video Truck had given up and said to skip it. Getting on the Clear-com as quickly as I could I yelled "We are NOT canning this video. Keep trying!" I prayed to myself that God would make it work somehow... I mean come on, I had spent SO many hours making this video happen, editing it, and trying to make Pastor's introduction as good as it could be under the circumstances. They kept trying, but to no avail. The end of the second song came and there was still no audio. I have NO idea what I was thinking, but I instructed the truck to go with the video anyway. (This is totally outta character for me to do something that is destined to failure with no safety net). They agreed and I got on the horn to the Exec. Pastor and told him we were gonna try it, and that if the video came up and there was no sound, then the 7,000 people in the house would have to settle for a live introduction. I said another quick prayer, yelled "Roll Video!", and it played at the right moment..... and there was sound!!! God only knows how there was sound, but there was! And I collapsed in a puddle of stress and relief. Game Over!
There are still many things going on, and many things to be sure that happen correctly, but it seems as though the hardest part is over. Maybe I can enjoy it a little.
Pastor was just nominated and elected President of the Southern Baptist Convention for another year... and I am SO proud of him. It was a great moment to experience and I hope God will use him, my church, and me to minister to the world over the next year. It has been quite a roller coaster so far, and I look forward to getting to continue working in the greatest church on the planet.
(and that is NOT an understatement)
posted by Kevin at 6/17/2003 04:45:31 PM
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Update from SBC 2003 - #2
WOW. So much has happened in the last 24 hours that it seems almost impossible to relate all of it. And I am SO physically strung out but spiritually uplifted!
The judgement came from 'on high' that we needed to shorten an 8:30 (length) video to under 5:00. Unfortunately, it was a completed project and I had none of the original footage with me... so fixing it would not be easy. After several impromptu meetings with our Pastoral staff, we came to the conclusion that we could do the edit IF we could find an editing system on-site. God opened another door and a contact I had made a few weeks ago from a local church in Fort Worth happened to have a Final Cut Pro editing system on site!!! Thank you Jesus! He was SO helpful in helping us get the project done (even staying till midnight to see it through to the end). Now our Pastor, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, had a proper introduction for his Convention Presidential Address... and it was less that 5:00 minutes.
This was not the extent of the madness though. We also had to produce Graphics for his message at the last minute. That went fairly well... just one more thing that I had to do.
Unfortunately, I have just been called to backstage for some other business for the Teaching Pastor.... so I will continue this later....
posted by Kevin at 6/17/2003 03:26:54 PM
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Monday, June 16, 2003
Update from SBC 2003 - #1
The flight to Phoenix was wonderful... it was a great trip (and Zig Ziglar was on the plane too!). Before the plane landed I had received several calls making me aware that there issues needing cared for. No Worries... I was still very positive that God was in the middle of this trip. The airport here in Phoenix is nice enough, but I was having a little heartburn trying to figure out how I was going to get to the downtown hotel now that I was on the ground. I was in a strange city, with no more information other than the name of the hotel.
Hail a cab! That seemed the right move, but I had never done it before. Should a 25-year-old be ashamed of that fact?? I got to the 'taxi area' and a limo pulled up. I thought to myself, "This is interesting." The guy hopped out and said "Anyone going to the Hyatt!?" I responded yes, though rather sheepishly, and the couple standing next to me said the same. The guy said "Hop on in, its a $10 ride and we're on our way."
IN A LIMO?!?!?!?!?! Yip. In a Limo, and I was ALL OVER that! So I hoped in, only to find out the couple I was with was also from my home church. This should not be surprising since over 20,000 people attend my church (that is not a misprint) and over 600 of them are coming to Phoenix this week for the Convention (that is not a misprint either). SO we talked for awhile, arrived at the hotel, and I found my room. This is a BIG place... and the Convention is HUGE. Over 6,000 Baptists here from across the country. Crazy.
I've spent the rest of the day in several impromptu meetings, at a great little lunch with my boss and some other church staff... and heard some great music and preaching already. In case you were not aware, my job is to help facilitate the use of media at the Convention. Since my home church is in charge of most of the programming at the convention, we are using some media elements. I am here to help make it happen. Keep me in prayer!!!!! We already have a video that we have to shorten, and it looks like some of the videos might have minor audio problems (but that may be my trepid personality kicking in). All in all though, it has been great so far. And by tomorrow at this time we will be sailing. For now though, just gotta get the ship outta the dock.
From Arizona, God Bless!
posted by Kevin at 6/16/2003 07:50:35 PM
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Southern Baptist Convention
In a couple of hours I hop a plane and head to Phoenix, AZ where the Southern Baptist Convention is being held. I produced about a dozen videos that will be shown there, and I will be spending my time making sure that these get played (and probably being gopher). I am VERY excited about the opportunity to get to go to this. I have become quite enamored with the SBC over the last few years. Growing up Independent Baptist left a bad taste in my mouth for the SBC for many years. How stupid people can be!
May God bless the Convention, its Messengers, and it's President (my pastor).
posted by Kevin at 6/16/2003 12:49:08 AM
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Father's Day
Another Father's Day has come... and gone... and I found myself thinking about my Dad a lot today. In fact, I find myself thinking about him a lot lately. I often describe myself by saying that I am "an enigma wrapped in a puzzle". I think that I got this from Dad. If you can figure him out, please let me know! :) Seriously though...
Growing up, Father's Day was not always a happy time around our house. My Dad lost his father as a teenager and that always kinda shrouded Father's Day every year. I never knew my grandfather, but Dad always said I would have liked him... and that he'd of liked me. I'm not sure if that's true, but it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. :) So other days became 'Father's Day' to me. There was always the Memorial Day parade and our position right in front of Grandview Elementary. I also spent 'Father's Day' watching fireworks with Dad at the park on the Fourth of July. Some years we even spent 'Father's Day' at a car show or tractor pull.
Its been 7 years since I moved out my parents house. The roller coaster ride of these last years has both strained and strengthened my relationship with Dad. There were times when I was frustrated as heck with him, and other times when he was the only person that I wanted in my life. Growing up, I always thought that I wanted the perfect Dad... but what I actually wanted was just someone to be there for me when I didn't know I needed him.
I'm not sure if he ever really fit either description when I was a kid... but today I am pretty sure that he is doing his best at both. And that impresses me.
posted by Kevin at 6/16/2003 12:39:06 AM
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Sunday, June 15, 2003
Blogs4God
Blogs4God featured me on their main page this weekend. Get a peek at it here. How exciting!
I am constantly amazed at the number of quality people are out there posting thoughts and content concerning Christianity. One of my Blogrolling links, Dr.G's Blog, was listed in that same article. What an AMAZING site his is, and obviously a scholar!
Thanks to Blogs4God for their community!
posted by Kevin at 6/15/2003 12:26:35 AM
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Saturday, June 14, 2003
The House on Arbor Lane
The deal has been agreed on, the lease signed, and for the next year my new digs will be in a sweet pad on Arbor Lane. This primo house features 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and an awesome neighborhood down the road from the church. We have a guest bedroom! How cool is that?!? Also in on the deal are SammyG and the Roomie from Geoff Was Here fame.
For some pictures of the place, visit here... they will be up for a short time.
posted by Kevin at 6/14/2003 10:44:40 AM
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Friday, June 13, 2003
5 Questions
I was recently sent five questions from a friend. Dealing with the problem of sin (and Christians being the greatest among those who do), these questions deserve a response. So I will do it here over the next week or two. I will not answer them completely nor satisfactorily, because the truly important issues in life always defy simple answers. But I will spend time on them just the same. And if I may say so to all who happen by... sometimes it's not the answer but the struggle itself that makes a question important.
Love ya man.
posted by Kevin at 6/13/2003 01:02:40 AM
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Finally Reading Potter
I will not apologize for reading it or try and convince you of its worthiness. Nor do I intend to support it or decrie it. I am simply reading it because I made a promise... to Beth and to myself. Either way, this 25-year-old has rekindled his love children's literature.
I had not initially planned to blog about the book at all... but tonight I found myself at the end of Chapter Ten (seven to go, mind you) and confronted with a statement as profound as any I have read of late. Rowling has up to this point captivated her reader with many colorful stories and characters but the adult in me has been most interested in the relationship between the love/hate relationship of three young friends: Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Up until this point Ron and Harry have been on-the-outs with Hermione to the point of not having spoken to each other in weeks. But a chance encounter with a Troll forces these enemies to work together in order to beat the beast. Down come the walls. Rowlings writes "...from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other..."
There are several people who come to mind, and one in particular. You know who you are... and I say thanks.
posted by Kevin at 6/13/2003 12:57:50 AM
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Tuesday, June 10, 2003
The Clerical Collar
The clerical collar has always fascinated me, to try and convince you otherwise would be a lie. Growing up Baptist meant that my Pastors' never wore any sort of 'religious garb'. The standard tacky suit and awful decade-old tie were the clerical clothing of choice in my denomination. My Pastor always looked like everyone else, and if you didn't know he was a Minister then it would be difficult to pick him out of a crowd. As I child I never gave it another thought... a Pastor was supposed to dress like everyone else and anything more (or less) was ungodly.
The clerical collar was indelibly tied to the Catholics and they were evil sinners, I was taught. Other people who wore 'the collar' were just as bad as the Catholics. The whole lot of them were steeped in tradition and lies, destined for an eternity in Hell. So from as early as I can remember the clerical color was associated with sinners. I am ashamed to admit that... and while I doubt anyone ever directly made that connection, for a child it was a short logical leap from doctrine to dress.
Age has brought with it equal amounts of shame and maturity.
Trust me... I know that this is a VOLATILE subject. I am blogging about an issue that is never openly discussed in Baptist polity. But isn't the point of a blog, to challenge us? Neither do I intend to argue the doctrinal differences and distinctives of Catholic and Protestant dogma. What I do intend to discuss is the typical American Protestant view of clerical attire.
Nowhere in Scripture do I find any support for the belief that the clerical collar (or other vestments) are ungodly. Neither do I find any direct support for the use of them. The Bible is characteristically moot on the point, making it an amoral issue. Seemingly, the on-going rouse in the American church seems to be the close link between the idea of clerical garments and the Catholic church. While this should give us pause, I am not entirely convinced that it is reason enough to completely abandon the use of the collar.
Past decades have brought sweeping change to society and the church. Previous generations of Protestant ministers shunned these garments in favor of a dress more similar to their congregation. The 'collar' was replaced by the tie and the cassock by a suit coat. Even the new millennium has seen further progress as the suit and tie are replaced by the polo shirt. (In Indiana it is even acceptable for a minister to make hospital rounds in Nascar t-shirts!) The pervading paradigm is an attempt to meet the laity on their level, to be be able to minister to them without the vestments of ministry getting in the way.
I wonder if we have become too common in our clothes though? Is it truly better (and create more trust and brand recognition) to carry out the call of ministry in standard social attire? I openly ask because I admit that I am not sure I could fully place my life in the hands of a doctor without a white coat... a policeman without a badge... a soldier without camouflage... a judge without a robe... or a Pastor without a collar??. Even typing it seems odd! But I am afraid that what we may have gained by 'dressing-down' has been overshadowed by our inability to be recognized (and hopefully respected) by the average person in the street.
Have we abandoned the collar because we want to open ourselves up to broader ministry, or have we abandoned the collar because we want to do ministry on our terms, on our time, and in our own way (hiding and blending in most of the time so as not to be disturbed by a chance encounter)? For most of my Pastoral colleagues I am glad to say that the former is true... but for me I am all too afraid it is the later.
The clerical collar does not scare me anymore... but being so obvious and open about my call to ministry kinda does.
posted by Kevin at 6/10/2003 10:14:48 PM
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Friday, June 06, 2003
Subscribe!!!
I may be in Indiana, but that doesn't mean that I can't update my site from the cornfields. Actually, I can think of nothing more relaxing than laying on my waterbed with no sound in the house except the tick of the clock and the occasional creak from the house. Outside the crickets are chirping and lightning bugs are flashing their behinds in a dance that tells of summer in the midwest.....
Anyway. To the left you will see a box labeled "Subscribe" that will allow you to enter your e-mail address and receive notification of updates to this site! It really is as easy as that. Once a day, during the night hours, you will receive an e-mail listing any new posts I happen to place on here along with a short snipit of the content. It makes it easy to keep up-to-date.... and best of all its all handled off-site and effortless. So no chance of me messing it up.
Subscribe away!
posted by Kevin at 6/06/2003 11:49:28 PM
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New Resume Posted
My boss is flipping cartwheels right now. Actually, though its an updated resume, all that has changed is the picture and the deletion of "expected graduation" before "May 2003" in the Education section. Nothing important really.
Speaking of sections, let me line something out here once and for all. Many of you have asked "Why the heck is his resume so stinkin' long?" Others of you have not asked but I plan to tell you anyway!
First, I am NOT an idiot. I know perfectly well that you only use one side of a sheet of paper for your resume if you have been in your field for under 20 years. Only those with 20+ years of experience, or a Doctorate, are allowed to add a second page--and even then only 2 pages max. Further, I also am aware that this has come about to be sure that the most important gets noticed, and you are supposed to hide as much information as possible so that they will have to call you in for an interview to find out more. Then, in the interview you talk their ears off for 75 minutes trying to sell yourself to the employer.
Church Ministry is COMPLETELY different. And the longer the resume the better (though it usually best to keep it under 8-10 unless you have been a Minister for 30 years, or have a Doctorate). Here's why....
In the religious world you want to put as much information in your resume as possible. And if you make sure that the information included is very in-depth, divisive, and hard-core then you receive double points!!!) I suggest including your political party, voting history, views on the doctrine of election, and favorite version of the Bible too! Also, if you are able to discuss homosexuality, ordination of women, and the TNIV then you are on the right track. The point is, tell as much about yourself as possible. Give the reader a true taste of who you really are.
In Ministry, you want to know right off whether or not you are going to fit into a church. This isn't a corporate job where you want to get your foot into the door and put down talons as quickly as possible so they can't fire you. This is ministry... and if you aren't going to be a good fit for the church then you want them to trash your resume immediately. Nothing in life is worse than working in a church where you do not click with the other pastors, members, or boards. (Ask me if you want references, I know many people who will back me up on that one!) You also do not want to waste your time and money, nor the hiring church's time and money, if it is not going to be a good fit. So the resume is the first line of defense to weed out the bad apples.
Therefore, you will notice that my resume is a little lengthy (and odd to those of you in corporate America). If you think about it though, you might just realize that its a much smarter way to sell yourself.... and in the end, isn't God in complete control of who hires and fires us anyway? Maybe someday I'll give you my rant about asking for raises and why I think its unBiblical to do so in a church environment.
.... and why do I even post my resume here? For those of you who need to know what a good one looks like!!
posted by Kevin at 6/06/2003 05:52:20 PM
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Thursday, June 05, 2003
Off to Indiana...
In several hours I will be boarding a plane destined for the Miami Valley located at the conjunction of Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Over the past few months my life has changed a lot... ordination, graduation, and other events have quickly come and gone. But there are other things about me that have not changed. My love for Indiana, longing for family, and need to re-connect with my home church ever endure.
This weekend will bring rest, relaxation, and graduation parties. A guy I have mentored is graduating high school and leaving for (thank God for making it possible) Cedarville in a couple months. I also will be able to revel one last time in my own graduation. This is somewhat of the last hoorah.... the ability to walk before my home church, robe and all, and celebrate the accomplishment.
Connersville Baptist Temple has been a steady and tremendous support for me through the years. They have allowed me to preach from their pulpit and minister in their midst. They have supported me through monthly love gifts and notes of encouragement. Most importantly, they have prayed for me and shown me love. I am proud to call them family and consider that church home. No matter where I am, it will always be my 'home church'.
Odd is it may seem, I consider this weekend a line in the sand. Behind it is my past... filled with education, lack of direction, and a life spent building the inward man for ministry. After it is my future.... filled with adulthood, new passions and endeavors, and a life spent using the inward man for outward ministry.
posted by Kevin at 6/05/2003 01:01:04 AM
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