full disclosure. I’m participating in a blog tour with Zondervan to review a newly-published book your church is too small by John Armstrong. I ran into the author a bit when I was a teenager at America’s KESWICK. I received a pre-published copy for free.

This is not a book about making your local church bigger. It’s a book about discovering the width and the depth of God’s people, joining them and worshiping God as a result. The book is split into three different points.

past: The Biblical and historical basis for Christian Unity
John explores his own story – an spiritual, intellectual, theological journey from a sort of practical fundamentalist separatism to a fresh catholicity. He guides the reader through many  historical problems with Christians through the present-day and points out that church separatism/elitism is a great danger to the Gospel and is hurting the cause of Christ. He opens the Bible and points to Gods intent that the church be united. (I really appreciate his candor and his openness in telling his own story and ‘conversion’ experiences.)

present: Restoring Unity in the Church Today
John maps a clear direction for accomplishing unity. In a nutshell – churches become more united as they become more Christian. It’s a prideful church that emphasizes their distinctions more than Jesus. Churches should all be about Jesus and the gospel instead of “human systems”. Essentially, we should expand our idea of “church” to all Christians in areas, and work together as God’s servants. (I appreciate his emphasis on history and the critique of the present Church and her problems.)

future: The Missional-ecumenical Movement
John unveils a  new (old?) paradigm for thinking about the Church. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” (Psa 133.1) This is where the rubber hits the road – hardly anyone is explicitly against church unity, they just differ on what that looks like. His answer comes in 7 commitments.

1. a restored commitment to the sacraments
2. an increased appetite to know more about the early church.
3. an obvious open expression of love for the whole church and a real desire to see the church become one.
4. the blending of the practices of worship, devotion and prayer from the three streams tradition.
5. an interest in integrating more liturgical depth and structure with spontaneity and freedom in the Holy Spirit.
6. a greater involvement of sign and symbol in worship through banners, crosses, Christian art, and clerical vestments.
7. a continuing commitment to personal salvation, solid biblical teaching and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

My Take
First, I like this book. Its a book that some people absolutely MUST READ. Everyone should go on this journey of discovering what God has in the global, national, state-wide, city groupings of Christians. I am passionate about networking with other local churches for the Gospel. In the last week, I’ve spoke at a church outside of our tradition, I’ve planned a VBS that DHEFC will be putting on in an Urban church, I’ve been a part of a youth pastors networking group where we support each other… and almost anyone doing youth ministry on Long Island. No single church is an island so to speak. Jesus has a huge mission for us and we need each other to accomplish it.

Second – it’s a book that I didn’t need to read.  For me this idea is like a family reunion. It’s important (I guess) to realize I have relatives in Switzerland or Indiana and its nice to see them, but I’m not planning on moving in with them. What I missed in this book is an affirmation that each church’s flavor is valid and the diversity that it contributes puts God’s glory on display. I really appreciate what my former professor Peter Enns said on this - (and I wish I could quote him correctly) but he was talking about Fundamentalist churches (and i guess, on my background at BJU) – Lots of people outside of the separatist tradition would say that they’re wrong, and they need to change – their church is too small one might be quick to say. Pete said (loosely quoting) ~”Most people think about Paul’s ‘the church is the body with diverse parts’ as talking about people in a local church each being unique and gifted, but I wonder if it’s also talking about local churches in a universal church, because even churches and movements that I disagree with contribute important things to the body. Perhaps it is arrogant of us to look at certain parts and wish they were more like us”. (again loosely quoted, based on a recollection) What I didn’t like about John’s book is that it seemed to at times confuse unity with uniformity. I wish there was more of an affirmation that of unique worship styles cultures, or languages – something that can get lost in a zeal for unity. I love the Church on Long Island, but I’m also thankful that God made the churches as diverse as the people living here.

This book is an encouragement about the Gospel and I left it with renewed thanks to God for how big and expansive is his church.

Ever ended your day wanting to do just that? Enter the Gospel of Mark, chapter 3.  Meet my friend Jesus. Watch my ‘woe is me’ attitude dissipate–at least until the next time I set out to march into the “depths of despair.”

It all starts out nice and all, the man with the withered hand getting healed, but by verse 6 two major groups–the Pharisees and Herodians (in my head I always equate these guys to lobbyists)–are holding a meeting.  On that day’s agenda: how to destroy Jesus. Ouch.

In verse 11 we find Jesus is having to deal with demons. Frequently. Another day, another demon. I wonder if he found the great crowds of people to be more irritating. At least the demons admitted to his identity, his purpose and his role in redemptive history.

Hello verse 19. By now Jesus has called his disciples, the men he would be doing life with for the remainder of his ministry.  I wonder how hard it was to call Judas, who would betray him. Imagine willingly committing the remainder of your days to hanging out with your traitor.  Imagine enduring every small act of life with that person if you were going to live in community together.  I am easily frustrated with Sam when he doesn’t rinse his toothbrush off enough according to my standards and I love him dearly.  I can’t even begin to imagine eating, living, playing, talking, resting, traveling–all while knowing what he would do for some silver.

By verse 21 Jesus’ family tried to help because the crowd thinks he’s lost it, or to put it more explicitly like the ESV translation does, “And when his family heard it,  they went out to seize him for they were saying ‘ He is out of his mind.’” Translation — call Dr. Phil because we need an intervention.  It doesn’t get better by verse 22, because now people  think he’s demon possessed. The chapter ends with Jesus’ mother and brothers coming to look for him. Again.

Tonight at dinner I chatted with Sam about this. I really like this chapter in Mark. It reminds me that Jesus was walking in tension through much of his ministry.  Often I forget to really think about who Jesus was is and revert to thinking of him with my flannel graph mentality.  What I mean is, often I look back on Jesus’ ministry and see this guy walking through a dusty landscape being kind to kids and making people feel better when all of a sudden a switch flips and all of the people want him dead!

But his message was a fierce one and it bothered people and made them feel uncomfortable and I bet it was really annoying to him that his family possibly thought he was crazy after all that had happened to them with the whole Christmas story and all…I mean, come on Mary—did you forget about the shepherds, and the wise men that came and how you fled to Egypt because Herod was so scared about this child who was the Messiah? And what about how when Joseph wanted to leave you in a kind way but an angel appeared and convinced him otherwise? Didn’t you know this guy came to shake things up?

Yet here it is, almost February and I’ve forgotten who Jesus was and this truth that I’ve centered my whole life on.  I’ve let a couple of small things get in the way and forgotten this awesome message that offended some and humbled others.

Mark 3.  I recommend reading it.

The Complete NEW TESTAMENT resource for YOUTH WORKERS.

Jack Crabtree and some of his youth ministry friends (like Me, Kevin and EmLam and Jimmy)  wrote a bunch of youth group lessons complete with games application, etc – and finally the first volume is published. It’s a pretty huge publisher (that’s right dad, you will probably be able to pick this book up at Ollies soon LOL) So, I’m praying that this is a help to especially the volunteer youth group teachers who can use some guidance in knowing how to teach students.  Volume two is on its way

Publisher Blurb:

The Complete New Testament Resource for Youth Workers, Volume 1 by Livingstone Corporation, General Coming Soon!

Never before has there been a resource this comprehensive, this practical, and this relevant for teaching the New Testament to your students. With the topic overview, ideas for games, outlines for messages, study questions, and ideas to incorporate media or real-life experience into the teaching, and a searchable CD-ROM, you now have everything you need to lead students through more than 100 New Testament lessons.

Walking students through the New Testament can feel like a daunting task?especially if you’re trying to create studies that are relevant and engaging to your students. But fear not! You now have a diverse team of nearly thirty youth ministry practitioners working for you and they’ve put together more than 100 studies that will make your job easier while helping your students dig into the Bible! Never before has there been a resource this comprehensive, this practical, and this relevant for teaching the New Testament to your students. With the topic overview, ideas for games, outlines for messages, study questions, and ideas to incorporate media or real-life experience into the teaching, the Complete New Testament Resource for Youth Workers, Volume 1 has everything you need to lead students through these New Testament books:

• Matthew
• John
• Romans
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude

Whether you lead them yourself or hand the lessons over to your volunteers, each lesson is easy to implement and can be used alone or combined with lessons that have already been planned. You?ll also find a searchable CD-ROM, making it even easier to find exactly what you need to help lead your students deeper into some of these life-changing books from the New Testament.

Check out The Summer Schedule for Youth Group 09 !

There are a thousand way of painting a picture of selflessness. The Noticer is the story of Jones told from Andy’s point of view – one a ragged voice of older wisdom who can mysteriously can read people and speak wisdom into their lives. The other, a misdirected homeless kid. The story uses the best of well-established brushes and colors, such as the all-knowing sage and the classic “keep the fork because the best is yet to come”, to paint a portrait of one man who the lives of others by taking life slowly enough to notice the lives of others and the tact to speak wisely into their lives.  The book manages to blend the genre of fiction and non-fiction by teaching good principles of relationship through an interesting narrative. By the end of the book Jones has touched dozens of lives saving people from divorce, bankruptcy, suicide, etc.

I love the idea of looking outside of ourselves and to encourage people. – Andy has even taken it a step further with the Noticer Project (http://www.thenoticerproject.com/ ) – He is encouraging people to notice people who have influenced their lives and thank them publically. I love the idea of empowering people to “counsel” others. The book serves the church well to encourage people to passively notice or actively hearing problems and then thinking creatively about helping them. People can help people – and few problems are so big or complex that a concerned person cannot help.  Frankly, it’s not the kind of book that speaks to my learning style per se – and the information isn’t especially helpful to someone whose mission it to notice and help people. But I can’t be encouraged enough to notice and help people – so the book is a worthwhile, and enjoyable short read for me.

(I am a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program . )

Never fear fellow Long-Islanders, Spring is almost here.  After our six hour defensive driving course (I know, I know–how lame, but we’ll be spending 10% less on car insurance and we did not even switch to GEICO) Sam and I wandered down to Cold Spring Harbor and then made our way back to Huntington Village.  For Christmas I had gotten Sam a gift certificate for "Cocofé ," the village’s newest yuppy place to sit and unwind.  Their website boasts that they "unleash the chocolate experience" and since Sam is such a chocolate lover, I thought he might really like this trying this place out.  So here we are in March, finally finding the time to use the gift card.

Upon entering the café has a very modern and streamlined feel to it.  Although it is clean and aesthetically balanced, I was immediately struck with the complete lack of service.  Four of the café’s employees saw us walk in the door and never greeted us or clued us in-should we take a seat or wait to be shown to a table?  After a few awkward moments of standing in the doorway I finally asked what should we do and we were politely told to sit wherever we wanted.   After some time our waitress came with the menus.  While flipping through the pages, I was glad to notice that the parties who walked through the door after us had the same awkward "why is the staff sticking their noses in the air at us and is it okay to take a seat wherever we want" look on their faces that Sam and I must have had.  Don’t worry kids, the service only went downhill from there.  I ordered a British Breakfast Tea and Sam asked for a glass of water.  Never were we asked for a refill and if we had, I think the waitress’ glare could have boiled the extra hot water I wanted.  Us Long Islanders know we get better service from the local diner.

Onto the food! Service might be bad food can forgive that.  Since we only wanted a little something, Sam and I split a Margherita pizza–$15.  That’s when I decided this café serves classic "girl food."  Big price, little portions! I watched two other couples perusing the menu outside while we ate…you could read the looks on the guys’ faces: "but hunny, I’m starving.  I need a steak and lots of it! Please don’t make me eat here!"  The pizza was good…but onto what we really came for…CHOCOLATE!

After we finally got our waitresses’ acknowledgement again, we put in an order for the Double Chocolate Fondue ($15).  When our server brought out the warming dish that the bowl of fondue rests on, I noticed it was still dirty from the previous guests’ use.  There was even a chunk of left-over pineapple gracing our presence on it–yuck.  Still, chocolate covers a multitude of sins.  Finally the chocolate arrived and Sam and I spent the rest of our time dipping strawberries, pineapple, bananas and brownie bits into white and milk chocolate goodness.

All in all, it was a lot of fun and I had a great time but Sam deserves all the credit for that.  The fondue was good and hit the chocolate whole I was looking to fill.  Nothing will beat the $10/person bottomless dippers fondue Port Jefferson’s Toast spins out at night. However, the price for a "fondue night out" is under $10/person–much less than the Melting Pot, Cocofé’s local rival down 110 in Melville.  If you and your date our looking to do something in the $20 bracket, this could be a fun thing as long as you know what to expect (oh, it also helps if your date is as loveable as mine was).

Since Sam and I do not have the ability to produce money out of thin air (unlike our government) I think the much more budget friendly way to do fondue will be in the privacy of our home.  I can’t wait for our next couples’ dinner where we can try doing creating this fun and social dessert!

If you’ve been to Huntington’s Cocofé let me know what you think!

From the publisher’s description of the book:

When Jesus said to Nicodemus, ‘You must be born again’, the devout and learned religious leader was unsure what Jesus meant. It would seem nothing has changed. Today ‘born again Christians’ fill churches that are seen as ineffectual at best, and even characterised by the ‘mosaic’ generation as ‘unchristian’.

The term ‘born again’ has been devalued both in society and in the church. Those claiming to be ‘born again’ live lives that are indistinguishable from those who don’t; they sin the same, embrace injustice the same, covert the same, do almost everything the same.

Being ‘born again’ is now defined by what people say they believe. The New Testament however defines Christians very differently.

“When Jesus said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7), he was not sharing interesting and unimportant information. He was leading him to eternal life… If he does that for you (or if he already has), then you are (or you will be) truly, invincibly, finally alive.”

Hit Art

1) The remarkable battle for secularization and pluralism in the colonies well before the revolutionary war . – Marsden does an interesting bit in pitting Benjamin Franklin against Jonathan Edwards as these two great minds influenced the development and heritage of our country.

2) The strangely contemporary feeling of interchurch internal politics and struggle . Oddly the normally wise reflective Edwards does terribly at political moves that really hurt his chances for ministry. Sometimes I get this feeling that ministry should be totally spiritual – and to make moves that seem political or prudent or to “spin” things is wrong. But, it seems like those things would have saved Edwards ministry. He suffered a lot because of wrong perceptions.

3) The connection between the great awakening and the revolutionary war. This awakening influenced by Edwards and Whitfield – where salvation was more than citizenship, and perhaps even the pastor of your state church might not be a true believer – was the ideological seeds for the justification of revolution, and the foundation of the separation of church and state.

It made for a really interesting read. Read some sample pages here.

.

Understanding and Helping Those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

By Ed Welch, CCEF Faculty

People cry when they read about ADD, not because it’s so sad, but because they finally have words to describe their world. Learning about ADD helps them to understand why school was painful and why they didn’t quite fit the academic mold. It explains for them why they often feel both anger and shame, and think of themselves as losers, even if they are successful. And it gives them insight into why they sometimes drive those who love them crazy. Somehow just knowing that other people experience ADD is comforting-it’s always nice to know you are not alone.

So if someone you love (your child, your spouse, your friend) struggles with ADD, the first way you can help is by taking the time to understand his or her world. At first glance it seems like a motley array of experiences: creative, forgetful, unreliable, easily distracted, impatient with the ordinary, quick to start projects but slow to finish them, highly focused on certain tasks, and highly distractible on others. It is a package that tests the limits of your patience. But study them. Look especially for strengths and weaknesses that are different rather than simply wrong.
(read entire article here)

I n a world that declares the glory of God, each of your unsaved friends, relatives, coworkers, neighbors and acquaintances have reasons for rejecting Jesus. Timothy Keller, a NYC church planter addresses many of these reasons for rejecting God and presents cogent arguments mined from Scripture, literary classics, philosophy, anthropology, and theology that break down walls of disbelief and gives you tools for your conversation with others.

Questions like:
- Why does God allow suffering in the world?
- How could a loving God send people to Hell?
- Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive?
- How can one religion be “right” and all the others be “wrong”?
- Why have so many ward been fought in the name of God?
It’s a book written for skeptics and the believers who love them. We have two copies in our library, check it out and talk to people about Christ, and why they might disagree with your worship of Him.
Pastor Sam

Media Links:

• http://www.thereasonforgod.com/ – Video/Audio
• Tim Keller Speaking at U of Penn
• Good Summary
• Audio/Bio from Monergism