Advancing

"Sandals Church" Pastor Starts Blog

In January of '98 Matt Brown, a GGBTS graduate with a Masters of Divinity, planted Sandals Church in Riverside, CA.  The previous summer he resigned from his YP position in Fountain Valley.  In a June/99 interview with Next Wave Matt envisioned a church of thousands over the next decade, with Xers leading the way in a revival of obedience.  Sound cocky?  With three years to go the 34 year old has a great chance of reaching this ambitious goal.  The church has met in 13 different locations: Pastor Matt's home, a cabana club, a board room, an office building, a church basement, 3 Church sanctuaries, 2 Gymnasiums, a theater, a high school and many times outdoors. 

Heard of JC's Girls, Girls, Girls?  Heather and the team attend Sandals.

Check out Matt's new blog.  His online sermons are available here.

(HT:  CW)

Suffering With Hope

Nothing reveals the impotence of words like human suffering.  When the devastation of acute pain hits most of us Bible memory verses temporarily fly out the window.  All we can do is grieve and feel the pain.  Yesterday morning Rick McKinley (left) of Imago Dei Community in Portland, OR preached a great message on Romans 8 and the consequences of living in a fallen world.  Something painfully beautiful happens at the end of the sermon.  Please download the mp3 when you get a few minutes of free time.  It's worth it.

John Van Deusen in EMP Sound Off Finals

John Van Deusen (left) is a teenager with a vision.  Our family had the pleasure of hosting the Blue Tree Recording artist last December while he was in Moses Lake playing at the Noon Moon Coffee House and Desert Bar.  His playing was raw and passion filled, even extraordinary at times with thoughtful lyrics.  It wasn't surprising to learn that John's band, John Van Deusen and the Lonely Forest, made it to the finals of this years Experience Music Project (EMP) Sound Off competition.  Sound Off is the Pacific Northwest's biggest battle of the bands for musicians 21 and younger.  To get to this point the band had to win their respective semifinal round.  Now it's down to 3 bands.  The prizes are huge.  The finals are tomorrow!  John, we're rooting and praying for you guys!

Have a great weekend everybody!

(UPDATE: 02-25-06)  

Props go out to the band, the families who supported them, the fans, and EMP!  Support the band Labor Day Weekend at Bumbershoot 2006 in Seattle!!!

My Best Day

I'm taking my kids through the book of Matthew.  Last night we looked at 26:1-16.  3 things stood out to me:

1.  High priests and religious leaders are conspiring to kill Jesus by stealth, eventually with Judas Iscariot's help.

2.  The disciples get furious with a woman for anointing Jesus with costly perfume, labeling her act "criminal."

3.  On my best day I'm susceptible to the same wicked reasonings that so displeased God and eventually led to Christ's crucifixion.

It's so easy, isn't it, to look down on these unrighteous authorities, wagging a knowing finger as benefactors of "prophetic hindsight."  As the years pass I'm growing more and more sympathetic to these religious scoundrels.  Would I not share the same indignance if some maverick "preacher man" from Nazareth threatened my authority by dissing me in front of my peers?  Would my blood not boil with jealous hatred watching this Miracle Worker infect the masses with His influence?  And how bout' the disciples?  Weren't they right, after all?  Feeding and helping the poor and the needy trumps a smell-good bath for Jesus every day of the week, doesn't it?  I mean...what were you thinking, Jesus?  How can you receive such a lavish expression of affection?  This isn't right.

Stewards of the Gospel

One of the preachers God has used to speak into my life over the last few months is Dr. Adrian Warnock.  Adrian is a reformed charismatic lay preacher at Jubilee Church in London.  He serves enthusiastically under lead elder Tope Koleoso.  Paul Schafer (not Letterman's band leader) recently blogged an outstanding Q&A with Adrian which helped me understand what makes this guy tick.  Adrian has a genuine gift from God and is faithfully stewarding it.  Who better to share an important message such as the one he did last Sunday.  I highly recommend you download Stewardship:  Entrusted With The Gospel.  Sermon notes here.  Our family listened to this message over the last couple days during our devotional time.  The kids enjoyed the plethora of illustrations Adrian employed to drive home the main idea.  We loved his English accent and gracious disposition.  Enjoy!

New Friends

Saturday afternoon came with an unexpected email.  I learned that Justin Ross, a fellow blogger, and wife Nicole would be in town Sunday visiting Nicole's grandmother.  We were fortunate to be in town so they could stay with us.  We talked till midnight about the Seahawks, politics, family, jobs, ministry, church search committees(lol), jobs, and more.  Monday morning we had a warm beverage at the Noon Moon together and learned more about each other's families and upbringings.  We introduced the Ross' to Paul Loeffler, our local Youth Dynamics Director who gave us a tour of the facility.  Our time together came to an end at Pastor Doug and Peggy's home for a short visit.  It was cool to finally meet the Ross' in person.  We hope to have more opportunities to hook up soon.  Perhaps at Tall Timber?

Justin is the Youth Director of Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor, WA.  His blog, Let Wonder Replace Worry, is one I enjoy reading regularly.

Imogen Heap

She's the 6 foot tall London based singer/songwriter with the cool Dickensian name.  A self proclaimed geek, she enjoys merging melodic compositions with computer generated soundscapes.  This makes her interestingly unique.  NPR World Cafe recently interviewed Immi, recording a cross section of her latest CD, Speak For Yourself. 

Heap Factoids:

1.  Her live debut was pinned between Clapton and The Who before 150K.

2.  Mortgaged her London flat to finance Speak for Yourself.  Produced it!

3.  Has opened for Coldplay and Norah Jones.  Was in Seattle last month. 

(HT:  KC)

Steve McCoy On Mark Driscoll's "Confessions"

Steve McCoy received an email from Mark Driscoll a couple of months ago asking if he wanted to read and blog review his new book Confessions of a Reformission Rev: Hard Lessons from an Emerging Missional Church.

Steve approaches the review in three phases:

I. The Boring Details: how long, when published, etc. 
II. Themes, Quotes & Content: themes and highlights.
III. My Take & Recommendation: why you MUST read.

"This has been one of the most important books on church and ministry I have read, and I think (it) will hold a unique place among books about ministry.  My advice?  Get this book.  Read it.  Reread it.  Give it away.   It's most helpful for pastors and planters since it deals a lot with dealing with preaching, logistics, pastor's family issues, church growth, etc.  But I highly recommended for all church leaders and thoughtful Christians."  Thanks for the review, Steve.

Boardercross Gold

So...what does USA's Snowboard Cross (a.k.a. "Boardercross") gold-medal-winner do for fun?  Nope.  He doesn't "go to Disneyworld."  In his off-time Farmington, Maine native Seth Wescott (right) hops on helicopters and elevates high into the Alaskan mountains.  Once he finds a summit that satisfies his appetite for danger, a spot unmarked, like a desolate grave, he makes his descent.  Watch the avalanche video.  It rocks!

Mark Driscoll on Rich vs. Poor

Mark Driscoll gives Bono some props as the brutha' waxed prophetic at the National Prayer Breakfast.  Then his post turns pastoral as he cautions us to avoid the pitfall of making "money" the primary issue (instead of righteousness) as we look at how to best serve the poor.  Mark breaks humanity down into  4 socio-economic groups. 

UPDATE:  Mark (right) just preached a great sermon Sunday on the themes of discipleship and maturity in the Body of Christ.  I Corinthians 2:1-16

My Funny Valentine

One of the best nights I can remember in a long, long time.  We chose to go casual.  Ate at The Emperador Azteca.  Yum yum.  Stevie set the mood on the way to Blockbuster with You Are the Sunshine of My Life (and as you can see....she is!)  Rented three episodes of Monk.  Absolutely hirarious. We're addicted!

Thanks Babe for the sunshine.

UPDATE:  Funny Valentine story from Los.

The Hidden Land

Bela Fleck, Victor Wooton, and John Coffin (great surname!)comprise the Flecktones.  Their new CD/DVD, The Hidden Land, will be available in stores tomorrow.  After only a couple listens I recommend it highly to Dave Matthews fans or those who can imagine enjoying skilled jazz improvisation with a banjo fuse.  A few years ago Deea and I were fortunate to see Michael Card in Spokane.  Michael told us a story of meeting Bela as a young man.  The DVD side of the disc will probably be worth the price tag for any church serving musician who just "might" be reading this.  It features a short, "Long-Way Home:  A Flecktone Journey" as well as a full-length concert video.  Based on the price we shouldn't expect much.  Still...a nice bonus!

The pic is of Bela pickin' in what appears to be an Asian airport.  Click on it.

The Cure

Super Bowl disappointment still hovering like a dull headache?  Looking for a quick fix?  Look no further than Gonzaga Bulldog Adam Morrison, perhaps the wildest and most dangerous thing to put on a jersey in the history of Washington state college basketball.

To me nothing is more exciting than watching one of God's image bearers functioning at their highest capacity.  The infectious confidence that says, "Nothing is impossible."  Combine this with the perennial madness that is the NCAA tournament and fellow Washingtonians, you have something very special to look forward to.

ESPN's Andy Katz explains why some NBA teams are concerned about Adam's health.  Meanwhile, his heroics continued against Stanford Saturday night.

UPDATE:  SI reports on Gonzaga "dog kennel" Brokeback Mountain chanting.

The "Official" Super Bowl Story?

Probably not.  Read this Seattle Times article.  ESPN and FOX comment too.

HT:  JR DS

Los In Translation

Carlos (Los) Whittaker just churned out podcast #3 over at Ragamuffin Soulcast.  I love listening to this guy say his name in Spanish!  I listened via my SanDisk M230 while cruisin' the streets in my Acura CL.  (It's a 1998 with only 58K miles...it drives like a new car!  The previous owner (a good friend) took fantastic care of this beauty.  His name is Lyle and he traded it in on a brand new Candy Apple Red Accord Coupe.  Oh...by the way...did I mention I sell Hondas for a living?  Check out the new Fit!)

It's evident by the preparation and quality of helpful information in this podcast that Los isn't just flirting with the whole podcast "thing."  He's serious about facilitating a gathering of worship leaders.   I can picture a forum down the road.  Forums are a great way to meet others in your own region.  Another benefit would be the exchange of ideas and resources with musicians from other continents.  Amazing! Forums interface nicely in a podcast environment.

Podcast 3 started with a couple CD reviews.  Then Los jumped to the topic of music DVDs.  I swear this guy is a kindred spirit.  Sorry, that sounded gay.  No, Los and I are not Brokeback Worship Pastors.  But we both share a passion for live concert DVDs.  He references the U2 Elevation DVD on the show.  I own it!  Love it.  It not only rocks, it takes on a spiritual dimension at times.  In short:

Jesus + (The Edge) = spiritual transport!!!

The only resource mentioned on the show was worth the price of admission all by itself.  www.worshipplanning.com is the brainchild of Tom Metz, a brother with an obvious passion for church planting and stress free church admin.  The site functions as a hub for everyone associated with Sunday morning prep.  With an online administator the senior pastor and worship pastor can use their time much more effectively.  A side benefit IMHO would be a peaceful Sunday morning environment.  Most churches that I'm aware of invite disruptive tension into the mix for lack of communication.  This adds to the performance (read:  "show") mentality that's crept into the North American church.  I would speculate that it's much easier for worship musicians and pastors to relax and allow Christ to shine through them in an authentic manner when the team they're leading is organized and well prepared.  Preparation - Communication = Aggravation.  Ohhhhhh, I've learned this lesson the hard way!

Thanks Los for your hard work and enthusiastic spirit.  Enjoy Nashville!

O Sister, Where Art Thou?

I still remember being introduced to her music in the living room of good friends, Les and Sue Stierwalt.  The Stierwalt's cozy two bedroom/1 bath had one huge draw:  a kickin' stereo!!!  The speakers themselves were worth a couple "large." You remember her debut album, Kansas, don't you?  It starts acapella.  There I was.  Eyes closed.  Just me and those speakers.

Nearly four years ago Jennifer Knapp slipped off into a highly publicized sabbatical/retirement.  Why did she feel the need to change careers?  I've heard rumors.  I hope she's OK.  I hope Jennifer's continuing in the grace of God she so poignantly wrote and sang about.

In the wake of unanswered questions comes a welcome surprise.  A live album has surfaced thanks to producer/guitarist Mark Townsend.  If you're a JK fan I highly recommend this collection of 2001 concert recordings as it reveals aspects of her personality and character that only a great live performance can.  My favorite "Knappsters" are here with fresh arrangements.  This album rocks.  Hear why Christianity Today calls Jennifer "one of the most important singer/songwriters Christian music has ever had."  I couldn't agree more.

Bono At National Prayer Breakfast

Do you think this man has influence?  Put aside your personal opinion of U2 frontman/political philanthropist Bono for a second.  This guy is appealing this morning to the most powerful leader in the world on a national stage to increase US spending an extra 1% GDP to help fight global poverty and disease.  Will it work?  Probably not.  But listen to him speak.  Bono strikes me as a humble man who really wants to please God by helping people.  Nobody has this kind of audience.  Perhaps we would do well as the church by following his example of "doing" something about the problems surrounding us instead of debating whether or not he's saved.  God, forgive me.  Watch Bono's complete 20 minute speech.  I would love to hear your opinion.  HT:  DP

Tip:  If you experience difficulty with the full length video stream, try clicking the pause button and leaving it for a few minutes.  Or read the transcript.