Archive for November, 2006

Lipscomb University

Published
by
Mike
on November 15, 2006
in Church of Christ
. 18 Comments

I just finished speaking in chapel at Lipscomb University in Nashville. This is such an impressive place. I’ve written before about Randy and Rhonda Lowry and what great leaders they are. (Randy is now the president of DLU.)

Last night, I got to eat with several of their students. A great bunch–close, fun-loving, passionate about the mission of Christ.

I’m reminded again of what a great Bible department they have here: Mark Black, Terry Briley, Lee Camp, John Mark Hicks, Gary Holloway, Earl Lavendar, John York, etc.

As I’ve said before, I look for great days ahead for this school.

What Happened to the Name Brittany?

Published
by
Mike
on November 14, 2006
in family, missional and politics
. 72 Comments

Knowing now that a granddaughter is coming . . . and awaiting word on what her name will be, I’ve been curious about names.

I can’t even remember exactly how Diane and I settled on names for our three children. Somehow, Matthew just fit the first one, as did Megan the second and Christopher the third.

We didn’t go far outside the box, I guess. I noticed that the three most popular boys’ names in the 90’s were Michael, Christopher, and Matthew. That covers the three guys in our family. (Of course two of us weren’t born in the 90’s!)

I believe the most common girls’ name in my class at ACU the past couple years has been Brittany. Lots of Brittanys were born in the 90’s. It was the fourth most popular name. Last year it wasn’t even in the top hundred. (Could that have anything to do with a less polished image of a famous Brittany/Britney? Does stuff like that really effect babies’ names?)

Whatever her name is, she will be eagerly welcomed by two parents, four grandparents, eight great grandparents, two uncles, two aunts, and two older cousins.

- - - -

Wow! Big coverage of Farmer’s Branch today. Surely the arguments of the people pushing for anti-immigration legislation (including making English the official language of their town) aren’t what they’re being depicted as in the media. Especially in light of what scripture says about how to treat aliens (Lev. 19:10, 33-34; Jer. 7:5-7; Ez. 22:29; etc.). Too often such debates have pushed emotional buttons of racism and of “there’s not enough for all of us” and “they’re taking over our town.” (I’m not at all saying that’s what has happened in Farmer’s Branch. I’m guessing it has more to do with the process and the problems of ILLEGAL immigration. The folks I know in that city are avid Christ-followers who I’m sure have a concern both for the struggling alien and for the legal process.)

While some focus on keeping illegal aliens out, I love hearing of churches that are figuring ways to care for them and to draw them into community: providing basic needs, language assistance, teaching, and friendship.

I try to imagine what I’d do if I couldn’t even feed my family and I knew that there was a place I could go work so that food, clothes and shelter could be provided for my children.

- - - -

An example of how bad theology can impact international policy.

- - - -

An amazing report on wholeness in a city (in this instance, Dallas) is available here from the J. McDonald Williams Institute.

Receive It As a Gift

Published
by
Mike
on November 13, 2006
in grief
. 42 Comments

When my daughter died, I was given some very wise words a few days later.

Another man who’d lost a child told me that when his son died he made the decision to receive everything as a gift. He decided to accept every comment, no matter how inane or inappropriate, as a gift — as the best that person had to offer at that time.

It’s advice I tried to practice and that I’ve now passed on to so many people.

So many insensitive things are said: “She’s in a better place.” “You must be glad he’s no longer suffering.” “God must have really needed her.”

But they’re usually said by caring, loving people who just don’t know what to say. And in saying SOMETHING, what they’re trying to say is this: “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say. I’d like to comfort you. I want you to know that you matter to me.”

Even if their words are lacking, perhaps even theologically suspect, it’s so helpful to receive the intentions of the heart and to say to yourself, “That’s the best they had to give at this moment.”

Sometimes there just are no words that truly comfort. But a person’s mere presence — an incarnational statement that you won’t have to go through this alone — is great comfort.

ACU Lectures

Published
by
Mike
on November 10, 2006
in General
. 15 Comments

Yesterday I got to hear Professor Margaret Mitchell from the University of Chicago, who delivered the annual Carmichael-Walling lectures at ACU. Her book on Paul and the Rhetoric of Reconciliation is such an amazing background book for the study of 1 Corinthians. Her lectures were on biblical literalism in the ancient Antioch/Alexandria schools and in the modern Religious Right.

- - - -

I’m off to the see the orthopedic guy. I was getting close to scheduling surgery on one of my knees before the wreck (January ‘05), and have put it off since then. The time has come. Chris is consistently beating me in one-on-one in the driveway. I’m living under the illusion that a new knee will fix that.

Please: Don’t Confuse Abilene with Malibu

Published
by
Mike
on November 9, 2006
in General
. 39 Comments

There is one week a year when Abilene is — and please, don’t laugh — actually quite beautiful. Not Malibu. Not Estes Park. Not Vermont. But beautiful nevertheless. This is that week. My spirits are high. If it were thirty degrees cooler (high of 89 today), I’d be soaring.

- - - -

Is it possible to have love without freedom? I think so much hangs on that question.

Consistency

Published
by
Mike
on November 8, 2006
in family and missional
. 55 Comments

Sunday Chris and I went through a routine we’ve been through since he started kindergarten. We went to buy new shoes. Tennis shoes, of course. Just in time for 8th grade basketball. (Better to start the school year with worn out shoes but to enter the basketball season with fresh tread.) And once again, he said he thought he’d like something different.

So off we went to Academy. He looked at different styles, different colors. Tried several pairs on.

Then he made the selection, picking the all-black tennis shoes that look exactly like every other pair he’s worn since he was five.

There is value in consistency, right?

- - - -

Diane’s favorite present for her 50th was (aside from my constant love and companionship, of course!) finding out through the color of a baby bib whether she is going to be the grandmother of a little boy or a little girl. Our ACU niece was down in Houston for the weekend, and was sent back with two bibs, a blue one and a pink one. Then yesterday, after a Houston visit to the doctor, a call was made to the niece telling her which one to put in the package. So now we know. . . . and we’re VERY excited . . . .

- - - -

I spoke with two men.

One is unhappy at church. Some changes have him feeling uncomfortable. He just doesn’t like it. He doesn’t want to be so uncomfortable. He doesn’t care for the way the church is heading. He’s exploring other options.

The other has never been happier. He was lost and is now found. He was unemployed and through a ministry of the church has just been hired. He is pouring himself into outreach. He, with his broken, difficult past, has become an informal leader of the church. The shade of his skin, the level of his education, the type of home he was raised in — all are quite different than many others at the church. But he smiles and laughs as he talks about his new family. He grins as he introduces me to others as “my pastor.”

Both men matter. Both deserve pastoral care.

But if we continue to find our neighborhood, if we continue to join God in what he’s already doing in our city, then our faith community will look less and less like a gated community where access codes are required.

I’m afraid it won’t be comfortable. But it should be exciting.

Tight Jeans

Published
by
Mike
on November 6, 2006
in family, marriage and memories
. 51 Comments

Warning to Matt and Chris: DO NOT READ THIS POST. IT WILL FREAK YOU OUT.

When I share with people about how Diane and I met, I sometimes mention how I saw her at the College Church of Christ. It was a Friday night and there was a special focus on evangelism. It was a small crowd made up mostly of Bible geeks. An unaccompanied, beautiful, blonde elementary education major sort of stood out.

That’s the official story.

The real story is that that was the second time I’d seen her. The first was in a gym. She was playing volleyball with her club.

And she had on tight jeans. Not tight like painted-on tight, but like most jeans were then: tight at the top (which is, of course, the bottom) and bell-bottomy in the legs.

Though I was a pristinely pure Bible major (cough, cough), I, ummm, noticed her. Five foot, two. Eyes of blue.

So, yes, looks matter. Not like the heart, the personality, the character of a person. But when you’re finding a spouse, physical attraction often is what gets your attention. (More on that below in the 13th comment.)

She’s still hot. Even though she’s 50 today, she doesn’t look a day over, say, 35. (Is that still a compliment for a woman?)

All right, all this confession to say this: there was a zip and zowie back there that helped bring us together. But through all the many years together, so much more has come in the warp and woof of marriage. In daily routines, in shared chores, in deep sorrow, and in great joy. In faith, hope, and love.

It’s a great mystery, this marriage thing. But a mystery which today, on my Beloved’s 50th birthday, I’m very thankful for.

Ted Haggard

Published
by
Mike
on November 5, 2006
in Church and General
. 88 Comments

Like many people caught and exposed, Ted Haggard began by covering his mistakes with more mistakes. He’d never met his accuser, he said at first.

Then when voice experts said that it was indeed Haggard’s voice on the answering machine of the accuser, he said that he had gotten a massage from the man and had bought meth — but that he’d never used it because it was wrong.

Now, with a few days and the help of his spiritual friends, Haggard has come out with this powerful statement to his church.

November 5, 2006

My Dear New Life Church Family,

I am so sorry. I am sorry for the disappointment, the betrayal, and the hurt. I am sorry for the horrible example I have set for you.

I have an overwhelming, all-consuming sadness in my heart for the pain that you and I and my family have experienced over the past few days. I am so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment to all of you.

I asked that this note be read to you this morning so I could clarify my heart’s condition to you. The last four days have been so difficult for me, my family and all of you, and I have further confused the situation with some of the things I’ve said during interviews with reporters who would catch me coming or going from my home. But I alone am responsible for the confusion caused by my inconsistent statements. The fact is, I am guilty of sexual immorality, and I take responsibility for the entire problem.

I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I’ve been warring against it all of my adult life. For extended periods of time, I would enjoy victory and rejoice in freedom. Then, from time to time, the dirt that I thought was gone would resurface, and I would find myself thinking thoughts and experiencing desires that were contrary to everything I believe and teach.

Through the years, I’ve sought assistance in a variety of ways, with none of them proving to be effective in me. Then, because of pride, I began deceiving those I love the most because I didn’t want to hurt or disappoint them.

The public person I was wasn’t a lie; it was just incomplete. When I stopped communicating about my problems, the darkness increased and finally dominated me. As a result, I did things that were contrary to everything I believe.

The accusations that have been leveled against me are not all true, but enough of them are true that I have been appropriately and lovingly removed from ministry. Our church’s overseers have required me to submit to the oversight of Dr. James Dobson, Pastor Jack Hayford, and Pastor Tommy Barnett. Those men will perform a thorough analysis of my mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical life. They will guide me through a program with the goal of healing and restoration for my life, my marriage, and my family.

I created this entire situation. The things that I did opened the door for additional allegations. But I am responsible; I alone need to be disciplined and corrected. An example must be set.

It is important that you know how much I love and appreciate my wife, Gayle. What I did should never reflect in a negative way on her relationship with me. She has been and continues to be incredible. The problem was not with her, my children, or any of you. It was created 100% by me.

I have been permanently removed from the office of Senior Pastor of New Life Church. Until a new senior pastor is chosen, our Associate Senior Pastor, Ross Parsley, will assume all of the responsibilities of the office. On the day he accepted this new role, he and his wife, Aimee, had a new baby boy. A new life in the midst of this circumstance—I consider that confluence of events to be prophetic. Please commit to join with Pastor Ross and the others in church leadership to make their service to you easy and without burden. They are fine leaders. You are blessed.

I appreciate your loving and forgiving nature, and I humbly ask you to do a few things:

1. Please stay faithful to God through service and giving.

2. Please forgive me. I am so embarrassed and ashamed. I caused this and I have no excuse. I am a sinner. I have fallen. I desperately need to be forgiven and healed.

3. Please forgive my accuser. He is revealing the deception and sensuality that was in my life. Those sins, and others, need to be dealt with harshly. So, forgive him and, actually, thank God for him. I am trusting that his actions will make me, my wife and family, and ultimately all of you, stronger. He didn’t violate you; I did.

4. Please stay faithful to each other. Perform your functions well. Encourage each other and rejoice in God’s faithfulness. Our church body is a beautiful body, and like every family, our strength is tested and proven in the midst of adversity. Because of the negative publicity I’ve created with my foolishness, we can now demonstrate to the world how our sick and wounded can be healed, and how even disappointed and betrayed church bodies can prosper and rejoice.

Gayle and I need to be gone for a while. We will never return to a leadership role at New Life Church. In our hearts, we will always be members of this body. We love you as our family. I know this situation will put you to the test. I’m sorry I’ve created the test, but please rise to this challenge and demonstrate the incredible grace that is available to all of us.

Ted Haggard

I just read a poll saying that 65% of the people who’ve heard of his confession believe it’s insincere. I don’t think so. Just because he got caught, and just because he wasn’t forthright in the beginning doesn’t mean that he’s insincere. (Of course, I don’t know for sure.)

Here, especially, is an incredible statement: “The public person I was wasn’t a lie; it was just incomplete. When I stopped communicating about my problems, the darkness increased and finally dominated me. As a result, I did things that were contrary to everything I believe.”

Can we all learn a lesson from this broken man? “When I stopped communicating [presumably to spiritual friends] about my problems . . . .”

Are you surrounded by friends who will support you, listen to you, pray for you, and have compassion toward you without being overly kind? (Kind, yes. But not sloppy “hey, everyone does it” kind.) And are you that kind of friend to others?

Sunday School Teachers

Published
by
Mike
on November 3, 2006
in Church and General
. 48 Comments

I still remember many of my Sunday school teachers. I don’t remember much about how they taught (though, yes, I can still see the flannel graph); I don’t remember the curriculum; I don’t know how much of it soaked in.

But this did soak in: a passion for the story of Jesus. They introduced me to those sweeping stories: Noah, Abraham, Gideon, Elijah, Daniel, Mary, Paul. They led me through scripture. They prayed for my (our) faith. And they did it week after week after week.

Some of the heroes of faith are those who spend their time teaching children these stories. I’m guessing many of these teachers would love to be in an adult Bible class or in a small group meeting during that time.

But there they are. Prepared. Smiling. Ready to receive children and teens.

Anyone remember a Sunday school teacher who stoked the fires of passion in your faith journey?

Did the Early Church Have a Honeymoon?

Published
by
Mike
on November 2, 2006
in Baseball and missional
. 27 Comments

Here’s a great piece by Scot McKnight entitled “What is the Emerging Church?” (a copy of his lecture at Westminster Theological Seminary). It would be worth printing off. He looks at the strengths and weaknesses of this movement that he identifies himself with. Seems to me he’s right on target. (Thanks, SP, for the link.)

- - - -

Found these insightful words from N. T. Wright that relate to Monday’s blog:

“Meanwhile, there seems to have been a fourth ‘party’ — claiming that they were the real Messiah-people! Everyone else was following this leader or that leader, but they were simply following King Jesus! This, too, alas, is a well-known power-play in the church. . . . It’s a sobering thought that the church faced such division in its very earliest years. People sometimes talk as if first generation Christianity enjoyed a pure, untroubled honeymoon period, after which things became more difficult; but there’s no evidence for this in the New Testament. Right from the start, Paul found himself not only announcing the gospel of Jesus but struggling to hold together in a single family those who had obeyed its summons.”

- - - -

As you know from comments on an earlier entry, Terry and Dusty Rush wound up with tickets to the Cardinals’ winning game. How fitting. Dusty is a Cardinals’ fan, as am I. His dad is an obsessed stalker of the Cardinals, though. He’s not a Cardinals fan. He is THE Cardinals fan.

When he got back to his office at the Memorial Drive Church of Christ in Tulsa, his room had been decorated by the staff. There are pics here.