::Leading With A Limp::

Addicted to Technology

A recent report shows that people are very easily becoming addicted to technology, especially mobile technology.  Blackberry phones and other devices (I carry an HTC 8525 with Windows Mobile 6), keep people so connected, that very often that connectivity interferes with more than regular life...connectivity to their job can actually cause problems with the job itself! One researches says,

"Those who are addicted will get up in the middle of the night and pick up messages on their PDAs two or three times a night."

Wow, that's pretty bad.  I can't throw stones however, I have to fess up to constantly checking my email when it comes in.  Against the compulsory want to do so, I have forced myself to quit checking in the evenings and early morning.

You can read the entire article here.

How hooked are you?

Message: Trust My Power

Pastor Mark gave a great message this last weekend, about the Power of God.  If you want to check it out you can hear the audio by clicking here.

We're working on getting our video podcasts up...hang in there, we'll have them for you soon.

Things We Used To Do For Ourselves

This last weekend, after going through the Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in my wife's car, I watched a guy load groceries into the back of his SUV then push a little button inside the back hatch lid so that the lid would mechanically close by itself.  Very cool.  But then I started thinking about the things we used to make an effort for but don't anymore, either choosing to pay somebody else to do it or by having something electronic/motorized do it.  Are we harnessing technology and money to make life better, or are we just really, really lazy?  Here is my short list, am I missing anything obvious?

• Change car oil (Hello, Jiffy Lube)
• Make our own coffee (Hello, Starbucks)
• Open doors (how many stores don't have automatically opening doors these days?)
• Close doors (that cool little button I mentioned on SUV and minivan doors)
• Cook BBQ for real (goodbye briquettes, hello propane)
• Read (book on tape/cd.  I know, I know...you like to use them for long car rides.  Do you still read real books though?)

Those are the first things that come to mind.  I feel lazier already.  What did I miss?

Evangelical vs. Christian Conservative

From the mailbag:

In a conversation the question has come up of what the definition of an Evangelical and that of a Christian Conservative might be.  Is there a difference?  If so, what would your definition be? I would be interested in your opinion.  This all came up in a conversation about what is an Evangelical church?  Why is that different?  Is this just a new term to describe a traditional service and that of a contemporary one?

Here is my answer.  I typed it all in one sitting, just pretty much spewing off my thoughts. Let me know your thoughts.  If you have a lot to say on the matter, write it up on your blog and provide us with a link in the comments section, or a trackback.

Interesting question.

Those words are being used today in a context that isn't necessarily accurate, so I will answer based upon what I hear those in churchland using.

"Evangelical" is most often used in Presbyterian circles as churches that live by sola scriptura, that is, the Bible is the complete and authoritative word of God, and that the stories are not metaphors but actual events, literally written down. A good example of this is Jonah and the whale. Many churches would consider stories like this, and many others in the bible, not as literal transcriptions of actual events, but as allegorical stories used to convey a message or moral. Evangelicals (again, as is used in the Presby sense these days) would say that the story is 100% accurate, and that Jonah literally was in the stomach of a giant fish.  Sola Scriptura states that the Bible is sufficient authority for all teaching and understanding.

The opposing view to this would be "liberal" or "progressive" when referencing Presby churches. To put it into modern context, the biggest issue on the table right now is that of homosexual relationships. Evangelicals often state that this is contrary to what the bible teaches as it was condemned in scripture. Progressive churches teach that homosexuality was being rebuked because of the cultural and sociological implications of the time that it was written, however in today's world it isn't a big deal, that God loves everybody equally, and taking that argument out further, that homosexual relationships are not condemned.  Please note that this is not a post about homosexuality, this is a post of definitions.  I personally feel that there are far bigger issues to deal with these days rather than homosexuality.  It's sad to me that the church is so known for what it is against, not what it is for.  Back to the thread...

A "Christian Conservative" is more of a political term I think. Whereas "Evangelical" is most often used in the context of conversations within the church, "Christian Conservative" is used in context of conversations outside of the church. Rarely (if ever) have I heard one church person refer to another person or church as Christian Conservative. I have however heard that used very often in the sense of the type of political views a person or group of people may hold. "The Christian Conservative base is supporting Mike Huckabee". I have been to Presbytery meetings, session meetings, small groups and informal conversations, and within those groups somebody may mention "conservative" or "liberal", but it generally assumed that the person in question is also Christian. To prove this point, how often do you hear the term "Christian Liberal"? No doubt it exists, but it isn't common vernacular. Therefore, "Christian Conservative" is a particular class of like-minded political people.

So...wrapping this up. "Evangelical" is a term used within the church to define a theological state, whereas "Christian Conservative" is a term used outside of church to define a political bent. I'm sure that one could use these terms within church, but I don't think it would be accurate. It's apples and oranges.

Of course the problem with these terms: "evangelical" should refer to all Christians, as we are called to spread the word to all nations. Too bad it's being used to define a particular way of thinking. Likewise, "progressive" simply means "forward thinking" or "changing" or "reforming". It should also be used to define all Christians, as we should be thinking of ways to share the Gospel of Christ with everybody, in new and exciting ways.  If you are the type of person that absolutley must use labels, pleare refer to me from now on as an Evangelical Progressive.  That ought to confuse some people!

There, that's my two cents, or at least all I can write for now without my hands cramping up. :)  What are your two cents?

 

How To: Create a Rotating Blogroll

Warning: Really geeky stuff ahead.

Thanks to Pete for the nudge to put up the code for the rotating blogroll.  What's that?  Look at the top of the middle column (as of this writing) of my blog, you'll see a section called "Blogroll (rotating)".  If you refresh the page the names will magically change.  Go ahead and try it, it's true.

I've had a lot of people ask me how to do this, so this is a quick and easy tutorial.  This is just javascript, so it should work with just about any blogging platform.  I found some code online and then tweaked it for my purposes, I think you'll like it. I think I have written the code so that it's easy enough to use, you only have to change a couple of things.  If you have questions, put them in the comments section because other people probably have the same questions, I'll answer them if I can.

First of all, let me answer a question you may be wondering:  why would you want to have a rotating blogroll in the first place?  Simply answered, I have so many people that I want to link to, the list would be really long and thus really ineffective I think.  I don't want to clutter my page with 100 blog links, and I think people are more likely to click on something in a short list rather than a long list.  So, let's get right into it:

Here is the code

<script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8">

/* list all blogs, put a \ before single quotes */
var church_blogs = [
'<a href="http://www.mattsingley.com">Matt Singley</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.someblog.com">Blog Link</a>',
'<a href="http://www.thelastbloglink.com">Last Blog Link</a>'

];

function randomize (a_items, n_count) {
    var n_index, s_html = '<ul>';
    while (a_items.length && n_count) {
        n_index = Math.ceil(Math.random() * a_items.length) - 1;
        s_html += '<li>' + a_items[n_index] + '</li>';
        a_items[n_index] = a_items[a_items.length - 1];
        a_items.length = a_items.length - 1;
        n_count--;
    }
    return s_html + '</ul>';
}

// call randomizer
// 1st variable - list of blogs in the form of a variable. I named my variable church_blogs
// 2nd variable- number of blogs to display. Currently set at 5, change to however many you want
document.write(randomize (church_blogs, 5));

</script>

You can copy and paste that into a text document, then modify it as necessary.  You can also click here and download this snazzy little code snippy in a pre-existing text file.  Here is what you will need to modify...

First, make sure you keep my name on the top of the list.  The code won't work without it. ;) Plus, order doesn't matter, these names will be listed randomly.  See all of the links below mine that have a URL and a name?  Simply change them to the information that you want to link to.  For example, if you want to like to Amazon, in the first part of the line you will want to have between the quotes http://www.amazon.com and then between the > and < you will put a friendly name, in this case just type Amazon. 

Easy, isn't it?  Now do it on each line for the rest of your links.  There is something very important to note here:  there is a comma at the end of each line EXCEPT the final link.  If you don't follow that rule then your code will NOT work, so don't forget.

Second thing you need to do is change your variable randomizer.  Huh?  It's easy, it's the second to the last line, and it has a number.  Right after "church_blogs" there is the number 5.  So in this case, five random links from above will be displayed on the page.  If you change that number to 3, then only 3 links will appear.  If you change it to 25, then 25 will appear.  Do whatever you want, but I went with 5 because I have this code on my page three times, so a total of 15 links appear, which is plenty per page load.  I did that in TypePad by creating one typelist (Notes), but three different "items".  Then I put the code into each of the items, as pictured to the left.

That's it!  Easy, isn't it?  Now go out and build rotating blog posts. If you are successful, drop a comment so we can all go check it out.

Compassion International: Helping Olivia

Have you been following the blogging tour with Compassion International in Uganda?  I have.  A lot of people are participating, including FlowerDust and Ragamuffin Soul.

How many days will I read their posts without sponsoring a child?  How many days will I think to myself, "that's a great idea, I should get around to that"?  How many days will another child go through the day without my help? Today is the day that my excuses stop.

Me and my family are now sponsoring Olivia Idionyi.  She is a 6 year old girl in Uganda.  I hope to meet Olivia someday before we come together in Heaven, but even if I don't, I will support her from afar, both prayerfully and financially.

How many more days are you going to make excuses for yourself before you sponsor a child?  It's just $32 per month. Go and do what is right.

Technologies for Worship Magazine: BAPC

A magazine (printed and online) that focuses on technology around church has featured Bel Air Presbyterian Church in it's most recent issue.  It talks about some of the lighting and sound designs that BAPC recently went through, and highlights some key points by two of our staffers, Kevin Watkins and Imrie Anderson.

Click here and check it out!

Archive: 7 Big Questions Part 7: Culutural Impact

I am going to finish off my series of old entry re-posts with one of my more popular strings of entries, seven in all. I have a pretty new audience reading my blog now, so many of you probably didn't see these originally.  Feel free to comment away, the comments got pretty interesting last time.  For those of you that did comment before...have your feelings changed at all?

Originally published 1-10-07:

This represent the final post in a seven part series called "7 Big Questions". I pulled these questions out of Relevant Magazine (which you really need to check out if you haven't already), and then I also put down an answer or two from one of the original seven panel members. I then answer the question myself and then open up comments. We've had a lot of diverse opinions in this series, and I'm almost sad that it is coming to an end! I have received dozens of personal emails about this series, and they all have one common element: these are some of the best posts that I've put up over the last year. So agree or disagree, you have to admit these things make you think. Here we go...

Question #7: Where and how do you feel Christians can have the most impact on culture?

Erwin McManus said: We are presently in a cultural tide pool: music, fashion, art, film, church. Culture is in an imitative frenzy. Imitation is good as long as it moves us to emulation, which should move us to innovation, which is where we begin to express and experience our uniqueness. It is time to risk and create the future. This is where we can have the greatest impact on culture. We can choose to create a compelling future...That's how movements start. Someone decides there needs to be a tear in human history. The past as we have known it needs to come to a close, and a new future must be created. And isn't this the ultimate calling of the Church: To create the future?

Mark Driscoll said: The key is to get wise Christians upstream running record labels, TV stations, businesses and other places to be a force for good, like Joseph and Daniel.

Matt Singley said: I agree with Erwin's statement, although I don't think he directly answered the question. However, he is quite a visionary and is very inspiring to listen to...I admire his views greatly.

I guess I find myself being quite a missional thinker as we go through this series of questions, because when I first read "where" my gut reaction was "anywhere but inside the walls of the church". Please don't misunderstand me...I feel that the physical structure of the church continues to be the meeting place for Christians, and probably will be for some time. I personally feel just as complete...and sometimes more so...worshiping outside of the traditional church building, but I know that for now that is where most Christians will choose to gather. However, will we impact culture there? I'm afraid the answer is "no". We may imitate culture, but we will not impact it.

Mark Driscoll touched on this a bit, although I think that his statement is incomplete, IMHO. I don't think the cultural impact is simply left to those "upstream" (in other words, the presidents and CEOs), I think it is just as likely to be in the hands of the downstreamers...the baristas, the cubicle rats and the delivery boys. We most go into the world and influence culture through our actions and ideas. That doesn't mean that we force our ideas down people's throats, because that hasn't worked and will never work. No, instead we are to be lights in the darkness. Go create a beautiful painting, but do so with Christ in your mind and in your heart, and then tell people about it when they ask. Create music that is excellent and creative and beautiful...but doesn't talk about Jesus in every verse. Then maybe it will be played on mainstream radio! And when it is...and when people ask what the song is about and how you were inspired to write it...tell them. This of course also answer the "how". The how is simple: live a life that reflects your passion and new life in Christ Jesus, but do it out there...not in here. Christians that hang out only with other Christians eventually develop a culture of incestuous Christianity, and then their church/movement/gatherings die. (Side note: I've been using the term "incestuous Christianity" for some time...not too surprisingly it doesn't sit well with some folks. However, I think it's quite descriptive and easily understood in context. No, it has nothing to do with sex, yes it has everything to do with refusing to look outside of the "family". BTW...maybe I've coined the phrase. A quick Google search reveals nothing...I thought I had also coined the term "incestuous blogging" about those who only read their friends blogs, but apparently some others beat me to it...and now back to my regular post. And yes, you can comment on how rude you think this phrase is...but you have to admit it is descriptive.)

Then, when people see that you are not an uptight, judgmental, stone-throwing, holier-than-thou Christian they will want to talk to you. They will want to know what makes you tick. They will see that your music is awesome, that your art is incredible, that your passion for your job as a cubicle rat is too good to be true...and they will want to know more. And then culture will shift.

Remember this...always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within you. If you don't step out of your comfort zone nobody will ask. Don't you want people to know? Don't you want to impact culture? Go be a light in the darkness.

Archive: 7 Big Questions Part 6: Social Justice

I am going to finish off my series of old entry re-posts with one of my more popular strings of entries, seven in all. I have a pretty new audience reading my blog now, so many of you probably didn't see these originally.  Feel free to comment away, the comments got pretty interesting last time.  For those of you that did comment before...have your feelings changed at all?  Today's question is interesting because we have had some very famous social justice advocates at Bel Air Pres recently, Shane Claiborne and Os Guinness.

Originally published 1-9-07

An excellent article in this month's Relevant Magazine asks seven prominent church leaders seven big questions.  You may not agree with everything said, but you have to admit, they are thought provoking!  I list the question, then an answer or two from the original seven leaders, then my own answer.  After that the comment section is wide open for YOU to weigh in.

Question #6: How can a Christian fulfill a passion for social justice as a middle-class American?

Frederica Mathewes-Green said: "After the 2005 election I heard a pollster say, 'We Democrats used to be the party of the poor. . Now we're the party that identifies with the poor.' That's worth meditating on. I'd say, choose a cause that is deliberately uncool, just to be on the safe side."

Matt Singley said: Simply put, quit talking about it and do it.  What is it?  I don't care...you choose.  Just start doing it!

I get really frustrated when people talk about social justice...and then talk...and then talk some more.  I'm not talking in the hypothetical here, I know people like this.  A lot of them!  And most of these people are the ones that would judge me as a "Christian conservative snob" that only cares about myself and not really about the poor.

Case in point.  A couple of years ago I was in a hot tub with several people that I know well.   My wife was there too.  We were talking about socio-political problems, and the issue of state welfare came up.  I was pretty well attacked for not wanting to support welfare.  Why was I attacked?  Because I don't care about poor people.  That was their reason, anyway.  My very direct question to them was, "what do you do to take care of the poor?  I mean, personally, what do you do?  When is the last time you interacted with the poor?  When is the last time you personally gave them food or built shelter for them?"  Their answer?  They couldn't come up with a time that they had ever done anything like that.  My answer? I do it all the time, and I wish that I could do it more.  We started talking about my trips to Mexico, building houses for the poor.  They thought that sounded like a good thing to do.  Yet they still just talked about it, never actually doing anything.

That freakin' kills me.  Shut up and do something!  So my answer to how a Christian can do something for social justice is the same answer as to a non-Christian.  Quit talking about it in your groups of friends (that's what the political post from yesterday was for) and start doing.  Words without action are hollow.  We must go into the world.  Can we completely stop the terrible living in Darfur?  Doubtful.  Can we end world hunger?  Probably not.  Can we get potable water to all those that need it?  I don't think we can.  But can I change one life with my actions?  Yes.  Can you?  Yes. Will each of these "one at a time" efforts add up very quickly?  You bet.

Let's quit talking and start doing.

Archive: 7 Big Questions Part 5: Christians and Politics

I am going to finish off my series of old entry re-posts with one of my more popular strings of entries, seven in all. I have a pretty new audience reading my blog now, so many of you probably didn't see these originally.  Feel free to comment away, the comments got pretty interesting last time.  For those of you that did comment before...have your feelings changed at all?

Originally published 1-8-07:

Continuing the series of 7 big questions from Relevant Magazine...

Question #5: How should Christians be involved in the political system?

Rob Bell said: At our church we bring out the fact that the Gospel is obviously political, yet we are aggressively nonpartisan.  We are interested in being a voice for those who have no voice. Too often the party line becomes, "If you're a Christian, then of course you're voting like us," and that's crazy.

Matt Singley said: wow, what a hot button.  This should be interesting. The mere mention of "politics" at church is enough to make some people scream "what would Jesus do...what would Jesus do?!?"  Some people think that you shouldn't even acknowledge a voting cycle within the hallowed walls of church, while others think that the pastor should be practically filling out the ballots for the attendees.

I like Rob Bell's stance on this.  Talk about it but don't force people to vote a certain way.  How can you ignore something that is happening in the "real world"? You can try, but I think it's foolish to ignore the world around you.  I'm going to have to go ahead and say that my view right now is that politics should be discussed from the pulpit.  There, I said it...I put the bullseye on my chest.  Fire away!

What makes me angry, however, is when the politics being discussed start leaning toward, "this is what Jesus would vote for".  How could we possibly know that?!?  In some cases, yes, it's obvious.  But with most it is not.  How do I know?  Well, two totally different views from two totally different pastors on one subject are not uncommon.

However, far more importantly than from the pulpit, I think politics should be discussed in small groups.  The most prevalent issues in society today (politics, money, sex) are the very issues that everybody is so danged afraid to talk about.  Why? We don't want to offend anybody.  Ugh.  One thing I do know about Jesus...he wasn't concerned with offending people.  In fact, he upset just about everybody that he came across.  Except for the truly lost.  Those people loved him, that's for sure.  Those that were so offended, those that felt they had it all together and knew all the answers, those people were always upset.  I would be lying if I said it's a lot different in today's church.

Okay, back to the original question.  The question is NOT "should it be preached from the pulpit", it is "how should Christians be involved?".  I'll quit ranting and just say what I think: we need to talk about issues, candidates and other political activity not only within our small groups, and not only at church, but with our neighbors, friends and co-workers.  This is just like anything else in life, I think it's healthy to talk about it as a Christian, not from a "I'm better than you because I know Jesus" attitude.  How should Christians be involved in politics?  The same way they should be involved in their kid's schools, on sports teams, in neighborhood groups and at parties.  We should be there, and we should be involved.  Only then will people see that we are different, that we are full of light.  We need to be in the world, but not of the world.

Oh, one last thing.  I talk about all kinds of things in my blog.  This particular post is about politics, so please don't get off track by telling me we should be sharing the love of Christ with people UNLESS you can tie it into your point about politics.  For real.  I already know about sharing Christ with people, I do it all the time, I'm sure you do as well.  Stay focused on the objective! 

Now go vote for something.