Searching For Soul

The National : About Today (from the film Warrior)

2012-01-31T09:21:00.002-05:00

Mumford & Sons : Awake My Soul

2012-01-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

Buechner on Life

2012-01-05T11:37:00.000-05:00

"Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace."

- Frederick Buechner, Listening to Your Life, p.2

Hammock: Dark Beyond the Blue

2012-01-02T12:14:00.002-05:00

Sr. High Laurelville 2011

2011-12-08T12:34:00.001-05:00

MLUPC Sr. High youth group attended the Laurelville retreat hosted by the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation the first weekend in December of 2011. Its a great time for kids to get away from the hectic pace of life and focus on their faith. Many students over the years have made commitments to follow Christ as well as many have decided to recommit their lives. Its a great retreat that has been going on for 48 years. It is a great to part of something like this. Keep the faith.

Pearl Jam : Release

2011-12-01T09:28:00.002-05:00

My Dad

2011-11-16T17:05:00.001-05:00

Dad

March 13, 1951 - November 12, 2011

Dr. Alvin Plantinga on Evil

2011-11-09T10:15:00.002-05:00

Middle School Laurelville 2011

2011-11-07T16:39:00.005-05:00

Breathe Project

2011-11-07T16:25:00.001-05:00

Breathe Project

October 8th Seminars: Understanding Youth Culture & CTI

2011-10-12T14:52:00.002-04:00

Youth Training Seminar: Youth Culture & College Transition Initiative

October 8th a network of youth pastors and pastors from the South Hills of Pittsburgh, came together with the Christian Coalition Outreach, Geneva College, and other youth ministry network groups to host a seminar for local youth pastors, workers and pastors at MLUPC. Walt Mueller, founder and president, of The Center for Parent and Youth Understanding spoke during one seminar. Derek Melleby of the College Transition Initiative spoke to another group of people. It was an amazing time to come together as the body of Christ and think about how we are doing ministry for a few hours. I would love to see more events like this available to youth pastors to stay sharp and keep focused on the culture and how to become better equipped to be a witness for the Church, to families and students. Thanks to everyone involved, it truly was a great day of ministry. “Men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” - 1 Chronicles 12:32

Walt Mueller speaking at MLUPC on Oct. 8, 2011

Being Formed More & More

2011-10-12T14:06:00.006-04:00

"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind."

- Henry David Thoreau

"I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more.”

- C.S. Lewis

"I shall work on coming into a far more intimate relation with Christianity; up to now I have in a way been standing altogether outside it, fighting for its truth. I have borne the cross of Christ in a quite external way, like Simon of Cyrene."

- Soren Kierkeegard

"To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations - 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' - just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

- Revelation 2:26-29

"People don't read the Bible, they read you." - Corrie ten Boom

"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost.
The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by frost."
- J.R.R. Tolkien

Hear & Examine

2011-10-05T12:21:00.005-04:00

{From the weekly MLUPC Pastor e-Letter.}

Dear MLUPC Friends and Members,

I trust this email finds you doing well. I pray that you continue to stand firm in your faith because of God’s great love, for He alone is our hope.

At Geneva College I had the privilege and opportunity to earn degrees in youth ministry and in philosophy. For most folks philosophy class is like a toothache or a painfully boring subject to endure. However for me, it was philosophy that opened up a world of examination and wonder that drew me closer to God day by day in college and eventually led me into youth ministry. I had the privilege and opportunity to study under two incredible men of faith, who happened to be my philosophy professors: the late great Dr. Byron Bitar and Dr. Bob Frazier. I remember my first day in class and the robust question was cast out like a deep-sea fisherman before hungry and aspiring minds, “What does it mean to be a Christian?” Young in my faith and thirsty for something more out of life, I decided and committed right there in class, that I wanted to understand and know what it meant to be a Christian. How about you today, what does it mean to be a Christian in 2011?

The son of a Lutheran pastor, the 19^th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was famous for his harsh and constant critique of the Christian faith and Church. His most famous and enduring quote comes from his book entitled ‘The Gay Science’, from section 125, in which Nietzsche calls God a “madman” and says, “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.” This philosophy of God and religion continues to linger today like a bad stench. A cover of Time magazine couched the concern as a question, “Is God Dead?” The world continues to wrestle and critique the Christian faith and Church. Many are seeking more from the Church than what is presented to them. I believe the Christian faith must hear the words around us in the culture, examine our hearts and then respond in and through Christ. Nietzsche called those in the Church “rabble, the herd, a passionless bunch, or a religion of the spiritually ill.” Dr. Bitar and Dr. Frazier challenged the philosophy majors to prove Nietzsche wrong. Prove to the world that Jesus is alive. Prove to the world that the Church is the vehicle in which Christ has called the broken sinner to participate in something magnificent, redemptive and beautiful! How about you today, are you ready to prove Nietzsche wrong by living out a faith that shines with the love, grace and truth of Jesus Christ? Now is the time my friend.

Sunday we will continue to look at the words of Christ spoken to the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation, in our series called “What Christ Thinks of the Church.” We will hear words spoken by Christ in Revelation 2:18-29 and examine our own hearts. See you Sunday for a time of worship and praise. Pray for Pastor Tim while he is away for rest and that the Spirit will guide him. May you show the world what it means to be a Christian. May you prove Nietzsche wrong. May you shine with the love of Christ!

For the Kingdom,

Ben Kendrew

MLUPC Youth Director

9/11 Memorial

2011-09-12T09:51:00.001-04:00

Text HOPE to 80088 to support the National 9/11 Memorial

with a $10 donation to National September 11 Memorial .

Please check out this website: www.911memorial.org

College Transition Initiative for Students & Parents

2011-09-08T10:58:00.005-04:00

Saturday, October 8th, 2011

{9:00am - 2:00pm}

Mt. Lebanon United Presybterian Church

255 Washington Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15216

Speakers: Walt Mueller & Derek Melleby of the

Center for Parent and Youth Understanding

Register at: www.ccojubilee.org/youth

See you there!

Scot McKnight's New Book: The King Jesus Gospel

2011-09-04T21:52:00.004-04:00

Get the book : Zondervan

Why Do We Fall?

2011-08-31T14:35:00.003-04:00

So that we can learn to pick ourselves up

On the Power of Words

2011-08-05T16:02:00.005-04:00

I first watched this video at Big Stuf during Reggie Joiner's training.

It has been replaying in my mind ever since.

Volunteering at World Vision

2011-08-05T11:48:00.002-04:00

Over the last few months MLUPC youth ministry has been volunteering at the World Vision Pittsburgh warehouse in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. I love to work with this ministry because it gives local students a chance to give of their time as well as seeing all of the different places that the boxes and pallets they load go to other countries in need and domestically to those in need like those impacted by severe weather, flooding, tornadoes, etc. There are generally other groups that volunteer while we are here. Over the last few times we have sorted flip flops, donations of big store brand crocs, Steelers Super Bowl 45 Champion t-shirts that were never realized (still stings doesn't it?), book donations and balancing pallet orders to be shipped out. The picture above shows groups who have volunteered and its often updated with new photos of groups. I believe students learn more and remember serving at places like World Vision than they do at say Sunday school or youth group because they are giving of the time and energy to serving, seeing that their efforts are making a difference right now. Service in general is a catalyst for their faith to bloom into something bigger than themselves. To be the hands and feet of Jesus inspires students to be part of this Story. My hope is to continue taking students to this great ministry during the school year. Here are a few photos from our time at the warehouse at World Vision Pittsburgh.

With All My Heart

2011-07-29T15:54:00.002-04:00

Emma & Luke at my sister-in-law's wedding.
I love this picture of my kids!

On Big Stuf 2011

2011-07-29T15:49:00.002-04:00

Big Stuf 2011 was an incredible trip for many reasons! This was the last trip for the Class of 2011, a group of students I've worked with since they were in sixth grade, here they are ready to move into college and the work force. The theme this year was "Konnekt" like 'connect' engaging students to think about life in so much as they connect with God, family, friends and the world to make a difference. When it comes down to it, connection is what we all look for in one way of the other. Connections. The speakers were Duffy Robbins and Ben Crawshaw who brought a great dynamic each time we met. The worship at BigStuf is unlike anything I've experienced. It is of down with the utmost excellence but it doesn't come across as canned or fake or performance drive, rather it is Spirit driven leading the camp into something bigger than ourselves. Students singing out from the bottoms of the hearts, praising and searching for God is one of the most moving things I have experienced, save my wedding and the birth of my children...and maybe the last two winning Steelers Superbowls and the Pens winning the Stanley Cup...mystical and breathtaking! The song that was the theme was by a group called Gungor, called "Beautiful Things." (I posted it below if you would like to listen to it.) Basically it says, "You make beautiful things out of the dust, You make beautiful things out of us." Hope. Redemption. Life. The beach alone, when you are from Pittsburgh, its nice to have this environmental change of pace to bask in God's glory and grandeur with sunsets, sand and sea. Students are on a different mode of thinking and a attitude of the heart; they have a chance to unplug from the busy, break-neck pace they live back home. And a chance to be together as a youth group is an incredible and invaluable experience for students and leaders alike. Reggie Joiner led a relevant and inspiring leaders training for the adults. Thank you to Jesse, Linda, Patti, Gwen, Hope, Phil and Ryan for your leadership, you shined! Here photos from out trip to Big Stuf.

On Mission:Possible 4

2011-07-29T14:22:00.005-04:00

On July 11th - 15th MLUPC held a week long missions effort to reach out to the community. The youth involvement this year was great! Students participated in projects like: Sports camp offering basics in tennis, baseball, volleyball, soccer and football to local kids in the community while. We worked along side Mary Pitcher in the effort to get the Pitcher Park Memorial Skatepark moving forward by working to landscape a tennis court in Dormont Park. This project was good because I had the opportunity to work along side of my youth elder John; a man who leads by example! The youth also helped out at an elderly lady's home landscaping a pretty large area that was overgrown with brush and what not. And finally a project at Brookline UPC. Some students worked at hosting a VBS for a small group and others helped with two large mounds of mulch for their playground. In the evenings we held various events for students to connect with each other like a Just Ducky Tour, movie night, Pirates game, wave pool, etc. The legendary bluegrass man Del McCoury also played at MLUPC on Thursday night before he appeared on Letterman, so that was an incredible concert with impeccable sound quality. That is a picture of my brother-in-law Patrick with Mr. McCoury. It was a great week of service, hard work and a chance to do life together. Here are a few photos from my intern Hope of our week. It was a good week indeed! This is a link to the article about click here: Pitcher Park

Gungor : Beautiful Things

2011-07-28T11:46:00.003-04:00

This song was played at Big Stuf 2011 this summer. It was that one song that connected with students and with me personally. Listen to the lyrics. God connecting with us...making us new.

Toronto Mission Trip (1)

2011-06-26T21:24:00.008-04:00

Early this month the senior high youth of MLUPC attended a missions trip in Toronto, Canada hosted by YouthWorks! It was a great trip that allowed students to serve in the community. This year we were able to work with those with special needs from little kids, to adults and the elderly. We served in soup kitchens, work programs with the Salvation Army, creative arts programs and homes for the elderly. It was an amazing trip. Most of the places did not allow for us to take pictures but as you can see there are plenty of pictures to explain adventure to be different and to serve. I'm proud of this group for their service and great hearts during this trip.

Toronto Missions Trip (2)

2011-06-26T19:12:00.002-04:00

Toronto Missions Trip (3)

2011-06-26T19:07:00.002-04:00

Toronto Missions Trip (4)

2011-06-26T18:35:00.004-04:00

Toronto Missions Trip (5)

2011-06-26T18:33:00.005-04:00

Toronto Missions Trip (6)

2011-06-26T18:28:00.002-04:00

Toronto Missions Trip (7)

2011-06-26T18:25:00.002-04:00

Toronto Missions Trip (8)

2011-06-26T18:22:00.005-04:00

The City Harmonic : Manifesto

2011-06-11T21:16:00.006-04:00

Here's to the summer!

On the Search for God

2011-05-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

"We search for God in order to find him with greater joy, and we find him in order to keep on searching with greater love."

- Augustine, DeTrinitate 15.2

Jesus on Conflict

2011-05-26T14:52:00.000-04:00

15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Jesus (Matthew 18:15-20)

MLUPC Youth Min Golf Outing Fundraiser : 1

2011-05-23T12:46:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, May 14th the Youth Ministry Team held the first annual Youth Ministry Golf Outing Fundraiser at the Mt. Lebanon Golf Course. All the proceeds from this event will go to help with the summer programs, missions trips, etc for students at MLUPC and the community. I would like to thank all of those who participated in the event as golfers, our sponsors, Pastor Steve Aguzzi, students that came out to serve and the Golf Outing Team that helped pull this event together. I would also like to thank you to the Session for your support. Here are pictures taken by youth intern Phil Haddad from our event. Many thanks and blessings to you!

MLUPC Youth Min Golf Outing Fundraiser : 2

2011-05-23T12:41:00.002-04:00

MLUPC Youth Min Golf Outing Fundraiser : 3

2011-05-23T12:37:00.002-04:00

Bob Dylan : Not Dark Yet

2011-05-23T11:55:00.004-04:00

Vinyl Thief: Lights & Waves (Acoustic)

2011-05-11T09:05:00.004-04:00

Phil Haddad one of my former students and current interns helped with this video for Vinyl Thief.
Check it out.

MLUPC Youth Ministry Golf Outing

2011-05-09T11:21:00.001-04:00

MLUPC Youth Ministry

Golf Outing Fundraiser

Saturday, May 14th

8am Breakfast

9am Golf Outing Start

[Proceeds go to help support MLUPC Youth Ministry Summer Programs]

Mumford & Sons: Roll Away Your Stone

2011-04-28T15:33:00.000-04:00

Mumford & Sons 'Roll Away Your Stone' from Ben Magahy on Vimeo.

On The Agape Struggle

2011-04-28T12:04:00.001-04:00

"If God is present in the world's severity for redemptive purposes, then a vital autobiographical question emerges: am I present for God's redemptive presence? That is, am I genuinely available to struggle to receive and then to manifest God's purportedly transformative agape? Or am I preoccupied with the other priorities that omit divine agape and a severe struggle for it in my life? If God's presence involves powerful agape that includes an authoritative call to receive and obey God amidst life's severity, am I willing to be adequately attentive to listen for and receive this call? In particular, is my conscience sufficiently sensitive and receptive to this life-giving call, particularly its offer and demand of unselfish agape, in such a way that it enables me to hear and obey God's profound call? If I am sincerely receptive, I will be available to join the agape struggle in a way that resists priorities contrary to this divinely command struggle. To join this struggle is to join God's own life of ongoing struggle for self-giving agape for all agents." - Dr. Paul K. Moser (Philosophy Prof.at Loyola University Chicago)

Severity: "strictness or sternness in dealing with others; stern or rigorous disposition or behaviour; rigour in treatment, discipline, punishment, or the like" (OED, 2nd ed.,1989)

from the 2011 Dr. Byron I. Bitar Memorial Lecture in Philosophy at Geneva College //April 27,2011

MLUPC Confirmation Class @ World Vision

2011-04-28T10:52:00.000-04:00

The World Vision Warehouse in Sewickley

Some of the Confirmation Class & some parents to help out

Sorting flip flops & boxing them up

So many green flip flops

Image of Christ

2011-04-24T10:27:00.002-04:00

He is Risen!

A Portrait of Christ from Jeremy Cowart on Vimeo.

An incredible image of Christ by Jeremy Cowart. Happy Easter!

On Youth Ministry & College Transition

2011-04-13T13:45:00.007-04:00

A great resource for current seniors and juniors to utilize is the website LiveAbove.com to get plugged into are groups like the Christian Coalition Outreach, The Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ just to name a few. These are ministry organizations to connect with before leaving or graduating from high school. When students graduate there is a great chance many of them will graduate with their faith. I think that youth and student ministries are generally weaker when it comes to helping students transition from their high school experiences at youth group to preparing for college. This has been a concern for my own ministry as well. So I love that there are opportunities now that are making and supporting local churches in this effort.

College Transition Initiative Promo from Derek Melleby on Vimeo.

Other great resources out there come from the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding called the College Transition Initiative with Derek Melleby. This past winter parents and students from my church attended this seminar held at the Jubilee Conference. It was great preparing students and parents understand what is going to happen when going to college. After the seminar they were invited to participate in the larger session at Jubilee with thousands of other college students around the country. I believe this is a vital part of student and youth ministry and should be just as important to churches, boards, sessions, etc to make this effort for students and their parents as mission trips and Youth Sundays, perhaps even more so.

Get connected. Find a community to connect and do life with at college. Keep the faith.

U2: Hawkmoon 269 (Live from Sydney '89)

2011-04-11T16:39:00.003-04:00

I love this song. The lyrics are wonderful. I listened to this song on repeat over and over as a kid and still love it. The Edge's guitar intro is pretty nice at the beginning of this video. It's a great song from the Rattle and Hum album.

On Church Denominations

2011-04-05T13:02:00.015-04:00

Today in staff meeting Pastor Tim continued to lead, review and discuss the book Church: An Insider's Look at How We Do It by John G. Stackhouse. The book was published in 2003. Our topic of conversation today covered Stackhouse's look at Denominations in the greater Church. John G. Stackhouse says in this book that,

"By the year 2000, there were thirty-four thousand types!" (Church, p.133)

Thirty-four thousand different denominations in the Church, this number could be more or less today. Before Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation there were only a few denominations of Roman Catholic, Orthodox and others. Now, in 2011 there are thirty-four thousand denominations in existence. To the readers that may browse this blog occasionally, many of you are from different denominations but all of us in one way or another have been shaped by a multiple number of expressions or denominations of faith in the Church. There are rare occasions when someone is raised tried and true, blue blood Presbyterian or Baptist for example; one denomination for their entire life. I recognize there are those out there that this may be true for you being raised in one single faith denomination and expression your entire life. Kudos to you! I would say for most folks, along the way, other denominations have shaped us whether at summer camps, mission trips, schooling as a kid, education at a college, university or seminary. Each one of us, positively or negatively, have been molded and shaped by a denomination of the greater Church.

Currently I work at a Presbyterian church in Pittsburgh as a youth pastor. However, my faith journey was and is formed and shaped by a vast number of denominations like the Catholic Church, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Hollow Rock Holiness Camp Meeting, Nazarene, Reformed Presbyterian and the Episcopal church. I would also argue the many books and thinkers and theologians and philosophers and sociologists and pastors and leaders have also shaped my life through reading books over the years.

What are the roots of your faith that have formed and shaped you?

As an exercise today, Pastor Tim asked the staff to list the church experiences and denominations that have influenced us over the years in our faith journey. The picture below shows the almost thirty different expressions of faith that have influenced this particular "Presbyterian" church staff. I found this to be a fascinating list of how the staff I work with was formed over the years. Each one of the brothers and sisters I work with came from a list of around thirty different denominationl expressions.

Stackhouse continues and writes,

"Sociologists of North American religion tell us that we are moving into an era of "post-denominationalism." If that is true, then I think that's too bad, for we will lose a lot of the color and vividness and spice and power our denominational differences in favor of a few bland blends. What we need to leave behind is not denominations but denominationalism: the complacent conceit that keeps us from learning from one another, from giving to one another what we can." (Church, p.146)

I agree with Stackhouse and feel that there are so many great concepts and doctrines out there in the denominations that make up a beautiful mosaic of God's children. I think Stackhouse gets to the point of the conceit that comes from denominationalism that has the corner market on who God is, what God is like and what God will do; as well as how a "Christian" should think or act in this life. Each of the great traditions in the make up of the Protestant denominations is a beautiful thing and adds to the rich traditions of the Orthodox and Catholic brothers and sisters. I am a mut of denominational experience and embrace them all. I learned from each one and feel grateful to each of them for what I have learned along the way. I hope you embrace them as well. One body, many parts.

Good staff meeting. Thanks for listening. See you out there.

The Blurred Days of Spring

2011-03-29T14:48:00.001-04:00

I have been thinking ...from about the middle of March, right before the turn of Spring; and running through the end of the school year; I find this time to be incredibly blurred. These are the blurred days of Spring. Dutifully people keep busy with the hurried pace of life, but these things do not necessarily give life all the time, I would say that most of the things drain us. Some are vital for survival and daily life, some are for the sake of keeping busy and others are draining.

When these blurred days are slow it seems time drags on forever. Working at the office, waiting for someone and something, anticipating what is next in life; blurred between the recent past and plunging forward to get to the Summer or the next thing, come what may, the future. I personally find it hard to recover from the changing of the clock, "Springing Forward" and to finding the time to rest. This may also be the result of being a father of young kids. As I work with students in youth ministry, they seemed very drained also from school and the break-neck pace of school activities that follow. For many they seem to have become burned out or numb to everything and seem to be missing that spark or closeness in their faith. I know teens are not the only ones during these days that feel the numb and burn out that comes from the blurred life.

I have been looking at the encounters God has with people in the Bible recently. Adam and Eve walked in the cool of the morning with God, Abraham and God sharing a moment looking forward to the descendants more than stars in the sky and more than the sands on the beach, Jacob wrestled with God, Moses and the burning bush encounter that transformed him from a shepherd to a great liberator of the Hebrew people, David was a man after God's own heart, on an on we read of these encounters of people drawing near to God. James 4:8a says, "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." In the blurred times of life, I believe God speaks and wants us to drawn near to him. The difficulty is having the right heart, the proper attitude and the ears to hear and listen. In the blurred days I know that drawing near to God is what will give us purpose, identity and the energy to begin again. Working through the blurred days and slowing down, getting centered in life is the tough part. Draw near to God in the blurred days. See you out there.

C.S. Lewis on Prayer

2011-03-27T16:42:00.003-04:00

This is a great audio clip of a lost C.S. Lewis lecture from the BBC on the subject of prayer. His famous lecture on the Four Loves is the one that is the most circulated today. Much to think on here from this giant in the faith.

Jeff Buckley : Hallelujah

2011-03-23T09:52:00.005-04:00

The number three best cover song according to Rolling Stone Magazine

On Getting to God

2011-03-22T12:59:00.002-04:00

"None get to God but through trouble."

- Catherine of Aragon

I like this quote because we all go through troubles in life but if we are able to see, that it is one of the ways in which God speaks to us. I think this lady was on to something here with the lessons we can learn with struggle. Trouble, pain and suffering are ways and times that we call and cry out to God. I pray you are seeking and drawing close to God in your troubles. See you out there friend.

Drawing Near

2011-03-21T14:30:00.005-04:00

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV)

⁸Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:8 (NASB)

Muse (featuring the Edge) : Where the Streets Have No Name

2011-03-17T09:53:00.003-04:00

Thanks Mike for sharing this with me. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

The Kid Makes Me Laugh

2011-03-16T12:57:00.005-04:00

The other night my son and I were sitting down at the kitchen table to work on his homework. Our goal that evening was to practice his spelling words as well as working on his writing skills. The idea was to take three of his spelling words, he could choose the three words from the list for this assignment, and write three sentences; while illustrating one of them. As he is working on his homework, I turn and leave the table to make his dinner for the night. I turn back around to give him his dinner... and this is the work of genius he produces. The kid made me laugh the rest of the night because the sentences were beautifully random, with decent printing and artistically illustrated by a kid with a great sense of humor. He showed this to me with such pride, it was like Van Gogh displaying Starry Night for the first time! Looking at this picture makes me smile and laugh. I am thankful for these times together. Enjoy the artwork!

World Vision Japan Relief Response

2011-03-15T11:40:00.006-04:00

To help the people of Japan, join in giving to World Vision: with the disaster events of the earthquake and tsunami, help out in the relief response:Text '4JAPAN' to '20222' to give a $10 donation (this donation will appear on your cell phone bill). Pray for Japan, give and help out.

Click Here: World Vision Japan Relief Effort

Beautiful Prayer from Ignatius

2011-03-08T15:07:00.012-05:00

"Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will."

- Ignatius of Loyola

The Most Typical Person on the Planet

2011-03-04T09:30:00.001-05:00

7 Billion: Are You Typical? — National Geographic Magazine @ Yahoo! Video

On God's Grandeur

2011-02-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

God’s Grandeur
by Gerard Manley Hopkins

THE WORLD is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs—
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.

Gerard Manley Hopkins: The Major Works (Oxford Classics ~ 129)

[to the kingfishers]

The Black Keys : These Days

2011-02-25T15:06:00.001-05:00

I am a Black Keys fan and this is an incredible album...this is my favorite song on the album.

Check out their site: The Black Keys

On Doubts

2011-02-22T14:29:00.018-05:00

Sunday was an incredible night our weekly senior high youth group called Remix. Around twenty-five to thirty (not a very large crowd) students showed up for the gathering and I presented to them a talk on "Doubt" and later gave them a chance to share their doubts with each other as a group. I started with the passage from Matthew 14:22-32, the scene when the disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the water. They became terrified by this situation and Peter calls out to the ghostly figure defying the odds and boldly says he will get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus. Peter distracted by the waves and the strong wind on the Sea of Galilee begins to sink. Jesus reaches out his hand and catches Peter before he sinks. I wanted to set the image of doubt and doubting that occurs numerous times and references in the Bible. I was not saying to them, "get out of the boat and Jesus will do this thing and that, so on and so forth." I wanted them to see the doubts that occurred originally to the disciples and those in the early church. Doubt is part of the journey. On a number of occasions we read of those that doubted and the careful instruction and encouragement not to doubt. (Ex. Matt. 14:31, Matt. 21:21-22, Mk 11:22-25, James 1:6, and Jude v.23) My hope and prayer is to encourage the senior high youth group at Remix to wrestle with their doubts, ask the questions and grow into strong women and men who love God and others. My concern as a youth pastor over the years has been "the license" that some attach to doubt; this being a license to doubt God on a particular thing and circumstance and shortly afterward; they spiral out of control in their attitudes and lifestyles of destructive behaviors and choices. The line of thinking follows like this: I have doubts. I have been hurt by _______. Therefore I am going to live like hell. The unfortunate thing is that many miss, is that doubt can lead to the strengthening of one's faith and lead to helping and encouraging those that are in a current state of doubt in their faith. How many people in your life helped you work through your doubts? So there are doubts that lead us to question and wrestle with God. And there are the doubts that happen that give people the "hall pass" to go out and live so far from the original purpose and identity God had for us all along. I strongly believe that doubt is part of the journey.

There is a great book by Alister McGrath called Doubting: Growing Through the Uncertainties of Faith . McGrath says that most Christians in their lives will struggle and doubt things like: the Gospels and the Bible, about ourselves, about Jesus and about God. (Doubting, p.48) With our doubting comes an intellectual struggle and relational and interpersonal doubts. Each of us at some point has struggled with these moments on some level. Every year I have soul searching conversations with students and they ask me about their faith, the Bible, etc. Some work through their struggles and others are blown back and forth and away by them. I think identifying these struggles in our lives with our faith and with the circumstances we are engaged in will help us begin to find understanding in this thing called life.

As we gathered back together from a time of reflecting individually on our doubts, the students at Remix on Sunday night let their questions and doubts fall down like a Pittsburgh snowfall in February and shared with each other as a group. Students genuinely shared their doubts in order to let other students at youth group to know they are not alone and they can walk through these doubts together. The things the students shared, I will be as general here as possible to protect the innocent, were amazing and profound. These are the moments that encourage me to do what I do.

Here is a list of questions and doubts they shared with me: Why does God allow pain and suffering in the world? Did God create sin? Why is it so hard to trust people/family/friends? How do the dinosaurs fit into the story of the Bible? Why can some live a crazy life of sin and accept Christ into their hearts on their death beds? Will I be able to find a community like this to connect with at college? Why is there poverty in the world? Evolution? War? What is heaven like? Can we be certain that there is eternal life, really certain, how do we know? Why are there so many world religions? Are we sure there is a heavan and a hell? What about the people that do not hear the Gospel message, what happens to them? Why doesn't God just forgive us at the end of our lives? Who created God? If we are to love, why did God use war and plagues to bring about destruction? Does God really have a plan or is there a number of plans I can follow? On and on they shared...

I am not asking folks to answer these questions; so please do not give or post your apologetics class notes and answers here in the reply. Thank you for your understanding. Doubt is part of this journey my friends. I would say to you, what are the doubts that you have in your life? In your faith? With others? Ask these questions. Seek God for the answers. Find a community to do life with. Use your doubts for good. Keep wrestling and ask for the blessing. See you out there.

Neil Young : Old Man

2011-02-15T12:18:00.005-05:00

This Neil Young song reminds me of so many father-figures in my life from my grandfather, my step-father, to my uncles, to coaches, to teachers, family and friends, some of the pastors I've worked with, and the late great Pap Helsing. I am just saying, appreciate those in your life that speak wisdom and truth. Thank them when you get the chance because many times we lose that opportunity to do so and then it is too late. Thank you to all the old men out there who have spoken and poured wisdom, truth and guidance into my life. See you out there.

Charles Bradley: The World (Is Going Up In Flames)

2011-02-07T09:46:00.003-05:00

On "Being Nice"

2011-02-02T14:52:00.004-05:00

"American young people are devotees of nonjudgmental openness, self-determination, and the authority of personal experience. Religion stays in the background of their lives, where God watches over them without making demands of them. God, above all else, is "nice." "

"...Apart from "being nice," teenagers do not think religion influences their decisions, choice of friends, or behaviors. It does not help them obey God."

- Kenda Creasy Dean, Almost Christian, p.28-29

Some Thoughts on Youth Ministry

2011-02-01T16:24:00.003-05:00

September 1995. 1995 is when I began my journey and calling as a youth pastor or youth director. I started out as an intern in college learning the ropes from some veteran youth pastors and then eventually my time came; perhaps earlier than expected to take on my own church youth group as a junior in college. Looking back I probably should have waited a few years, but that is the way it worked out. Big program nights when students would come out, sometimes on Tuesday nights, Wednesday nights, or Sunday nights would be the meeting times when students would show up and hear a Message or talk, sing a few worship songs, play some icebreaker games, and have some time to hang out with friends. This is the model that has been used since I was in middle and high school back in the day. 'Back in the day' being the late 1980's and early 1990's, the same methods. This is what I was taught at college and during my internships: to host a service/gathering for students to come and hear the Good News as well as spend time in worship and fellowship or hangout time together. For the most part this model is still being used today. Students attend on a certain night with their age groups and have a large service or gathering. What I am finding out is that some students track or connect with this model still; while others are struggling to connect at all. I hear this from my other friends and colleagues in youth ministry as well. So I am not alone here. The questions I am wrestling are: Is the big youth group night dead? Is the sun setting on big event nights? Are small groups the best way to reach students and help them grow in their faith?

I ask this because I see some students connect with this model of youth ministry with no problem. Not everyone is the same and some are far more social than others. Many students prefer and would much rather attend a youth group that looks like a small group than a larger gathering on a Sunday or Wednesday night. (I do not speak from the mega-church experience at all. So perhaps this does not apply to the mega-church.) A 'small group' would be defined as a group that is made up of two to twelve students which will generally in someones home, outside of the church walls to meet to gather to discuss their faith, read the Scriptures, and pray. These small groups or cell groups seem to be the best way for students to share their faith and still have that intimate bond and connection with their friends and leaders without the potential threat of the uncomfortableness of the larger group gather at church. It seems to me, more than ever, students are gravitating to this type of ministry. There is growth that happens in their faith that is measurable and sustainable. With social media and texting ingrained and ever-present in the lives of teens today, they will seek out the best option socially for them for that particular night and decide to go with that option, more often youth group will not be an option for students. Now occasionally, parents will put their foot down and encourage them to attend Sunday school, youth group, and small group. It is February 2011 and with the boom of social media, people are constantly connected, always aware of what others are doing, is the larger group setting for youth ministry dead? Is it allowing students to grow in their faith? I think big program nights are in it's last days and things are changing right now in the area of youth ministry and progressing toward a more intimate and small group setting that is geared, at least should be geared toward a family ministry approach.

Perhaps scaling things back, doing less programming will allow students and their families to connect more and develop these vital relationships. It seems that youth ministry needs to be more "friendly" toward the family and supplement and enable these formative relationships to bloom. In these sun setting days of youth ministry and big program, competing with schools and this activity and the other is draining on families and on youth pastors. Are youth ministry programs offering too much and competing for time with the schools and family functions? My thoughts would be to hold a monthly big event that allows students to still have this social and outreach gathering to bring their friends and peers to. Perhaps run a Sunday school program that allows middle and high school students to serve the church body. And run a weekly small group program that is packed with enough volunteers to reach the students. I think things are shifting in youth ministry. Perhaps I am behind the curve on this one. I would love to hear some thoughts on these things. Thanks for listening. Blessings to you friend.

The Black Keys: Everlasting Light

2011-01-31T21:55:00.004-05:00

Thanks to SNL, Christian and Alex.
"Love is the coal that makes this train roll..."

On Identity & Who We Think We Are

2011-01-25T15:21:00.007-05:00

This is an incredible clip created by Ryan McKenzie from an interview with Peter Rollins.
Here is to year six of this blog.

How He Loves: John Mark McMillian

2010-12-31T19:56:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

December 2010 Playlist

2010-12-15T14:46:00.011-05:00

Here is my December 2010 playlist from my collection.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

1. Wizards of Winter by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

2. Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy by P.I. Tchaikovsky

3. It’s Christmas Time by Sufjan Stevens
4. Sleigh Ride by Harry Connick, Jr.
5. Christmas Lights by Coldplay
6. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon
7. Christmas This Year by Toby Mac (featuring Leigh Nash)
8. Christmas Time is Here by Tony Bennett
9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Aimee Mann
10. I Pray on Christmas by Harry Connick, Jr.
11. Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Margaret Whiting & Johnny Mercer
12. Let It Snow by Boyz II Men
13. The Little Drummer Boy by Jars of Clay
14. Greensleeves by Vince Guaraldi Trio
15. Joy to the World by Bing Crosby
16. O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Sufjan Stevens
17. O Holy Night by Faith Hill
18. Silent Night by Sarah McLachlan
19. Time by Hans Zimmer
20. Auld Lange Syne by The Lonesome Travellers

My Weekend at Laurelville

2010-12-09T11:50:00.007-05:00

I had the opportunity and privilege to speak for the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation fall weekend retreat for high school students at Laurelville on November 19th to the 21st. This was my second time speaking for them at this retreat and it was incredible weekend. I love to teach and speak. I am in my element when I am doing this. Last time I traveled to do this, I was flying solo for the weekend. This time around, I brought my family with me and it was an incredible time. We had a blast together! I am a blessed man and thank the Lord for my relationships with my wife and my two kids. All felt right with the world on this weekend retreat. The encouragement I received was overwhelming and timely. Thanks Brad for the opportunity to spend time with my family and the chance share the Good News. Here are a few pictures of our time away.

Coldplay : Christmas Lights

2010-12-02T16:53:00.004-05:00

November Playlist 2010

2010-11-30T13:02:00.004-05:00

Hey friend! Here is my November 2010 playlist at the end of the month this time around.

Blitzkreig Bop by The Ramones
Where It's At by Beck
Run On by Moby
Sweat Caroline by Neil Diamond
Float On by Modest Mouse
Plowed by Sponge
All Apologies by Niravana
Stop Whispering by Radiohead
Dream On by Aerosmith
Jesus Christ by Brand New
We Must Never Be Apart by Smashing Pumpkins
G.G.G. by Michael Knott
In My Life by Johnny Cash
Imagine by John Lennon
Wonderwall by Oasis
Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison
When the Sun Hits by Slowdive
That's Just the Way It is Baby by The Rembrandts
Untitled #1 by Spain
The Light by Sun Kil Moon
Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

Ransomed

2010-11-18T21:08:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite movie scenes of all-time. Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel Les Miserables. Liam Neeson plays Jean Valjean...the Message is loud!
A little preview. A new man.

Listening Youth Pastor (8)

2010-11-17T10:23:00.005-05:00

On a fall retreat recently I heard a few things from my students that were incredible. So I will share them with you. I can't make this stuff up.

{First scenario with students.}
Student sharing his news: My mother and father are going to become U.S. citizens soon. And because I'm under the age of 18, I will become a U.S. citizen too. They are excited.

Youth Pastor: Are you excited to become a U.S. citizen?

Student sharing his news: (thinks about it for a second) Shrugging his shoulders without a care in the world, "Ehhh...not really."

{Second scenario with students during a "cabin time"}
Student sharing his experience: Yeah we went to the Pittsburgh Renaissance Fair in August and it was alright I guess...kinda of weird. We ate lunch there and I got a fish sandwich.

Student quickly responding and evaluating the comments: Dude! Who gets a fish sandwich at the Ren. Fest?!?

Rest of the cabin: .... falling out in laughter.

{Third scenario with student}
Youth Pastor: Early in the morning around 2:30am ... I woke up from an unsettling sound. I heard this scratching and a quick dry heaving sound. Scratching and a quick dry heaving sound. About three times I heard this take place, it was very strange. It woke me up. I looked around the room using my cell phone as a flash light. All of the guys were sound asleep. I look over and one student has kicked off his sleeping bag. He was scratching at this mattress like a cat clawing at couch or something and he one more time makes this gagging and dry heaving sound. I walked over to him, afraid he has chucked all over the place... seeing he is good and clean, laying on top of his clothes, on top of an open bag of Skittles, and some leaves, I hand him his sleeping bag...and asked him, "Hey buddy are you alright?"

Student, politely responds: "Um yes, I'm just cold." he rolls over and goes to sleep.

Youth Pastor: (Monologuing in my head) "What!? Really? Did that just happen?"

Charles Swindoll on Attitude

2010-11-16T12:17:00.003-05:00

Bukowski Quote

2010-11-14T09:22:00.002-05:00

"We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that death will tremble to take us."

- Charles Bukowski

Roll the Dice: Go All The Way

2010-11-12T08:41:00.001-05:00

Middle School Laurelville 2010

2010-11-11T14:15:00.002-05:00

Teens, Hyper-Texting, and Hyper-Social Networking

2010-11-11T09:44:00.003-05:00

From CNN.com

On The American Teenager

2010-11-03T13:42:00.004-04:00

A few good quotes, out of the first chapter, from the book I'm reading right now by Kenda Creasy Dean called Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers Is Telling the the American Church. I love how this books starts. Looking forward to reading the rest. If you are reading this now or have read it, I would love to hear your thoughts.

"American young people are, theoretically, fine with religous faith - but it does not concern them very much, and it is not durable enough to survive long after they graduate from high school. One more thing: we're responsible." ( Almost Christian, p.3)

"...the religiosity of American teenagers must be read primarily as a reflection of their parents' religious devotion (or lack thereof) and, by extension, that of their congregations. Teenagers themselves consistently demonstrate an openness to religion, but few of them are deeply committed to one." (Almost Christian, p.4)

Good Website for Readers

2010-10-29T10:53:00.004-04:00

I recently found the website www.Goodreads.com and have been impressed by this exhaustive content of the site for those that like to read. It is a great way to connect with friends and find out what other people are reading and think of various books. You can also keep track of your own library through this site. I know I am probably five years late on this but I thought it might be a good site to check out. Below is a widget you can use to show different "book shelves" you develope. This one is made up of random books I've read. Friend me if you would like. It really is a good website. Read away.

Ben's Bookshelf: read

Ben's favorite books »

David Crowder Band: Shine

2010-10-27T09:53:00.006-04:00

Click to visit: The David Crowder Band Official Site

Apathy

2010-10-26T13:54:00.015-04:00

Apathy [ap-uh-thee]

–noun, plural - thies.

1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.

2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.

3. Also, 'ap·a·thei·a', 'ap·a·thi·a' - Stoicism . freedom from emotion of any kind.

- synonyms (coolness, indifference)

I guess for me, thanks if you are still reading my blog, apathy is a sneaky and elusive thing. I don't think one sets out to become an apathetic person. I believe it slowly creeps into one's life over time...through life circumstances...through a lack of effort...from hardness of heart...perhaps out of fear and insecurity, but make no mistake about it, apathy seeks to destroy. However or whenever it appears in one's life it is a leech that latches onto the soul. I don't think this is an exaggeration. I'm not one that usually uses this tone but I think it is a serious concern in youth culture. As a youth pastor I have witnessed first hand this destructive force of apathy in the lives of students I work with currently and that have been in my youth groups over the years and have graduated. It makes me sad really to think about this word. It makes me sad because of the limitless potential that each one of my students embodies, yet it is slowly corroded and weakened over time by apathy. A willingness to not engage, to not interact and connect with that God-given potential wasted by not caring or withdrawing from relationships is unfortunate. With a world at their finger tips, students apathetically decided to follow a path of one bad choice over another. Over time it just happens. Apathy. I think it happens because of a number of things. First, many students lack direction and purpose in life. Many are starving for a relationship with a parent or mentor but clearly lack one. Not having someone believe in you is brutal. Second, over time students become tired of the daily grind of their lives or the difficulty of youth itself...the broken trust and confidence in relationships brings about apathy.Third, I think the overwhelming sense of boredom some students face is frightening. I think of Alley Sheedy's character in the movie The Breakfast Club movie is a good example of this, the one who showed up at detention on a Saturday morning because she was bored. Fourth, I also think that with an overload of choices and variety and hurriedness in the lives of students, they bend their lives to not caring about things, people, family, faith, school, etc. For many they seek out an escape through the variety of options in destructive behaviors and substances. It's an easy and quick way to cope but often leads to regret and hurt I believe a relationship with God is important in this struggle with apathy. For students to realize they are loved by God is profoundly life-changing if they can get their heart and minds to connect to this great message of hope. Second I believe friendships of character are needed in the lives of students. Not one of utility or pleasure, but of character. That is to have a relationship for the sake of the relationship and not if you can gain or get something from the person. This friendship of character is for the friends sake alone; not anything in return. The beauty of it is that in having this relationship, you find how God is working in the heart of this person and how God works in and through you. Most relationships need to go beyond just sports or other bad choices, which are often chalked up to... "remember when moments"...they need to be relationships of character. My hope is that students will fight against apathy and live a life of intentionality and purpose. Apathy has been a great adversary to me as a youth pastor. I'm trying to teach and show students they need to act and respond now with their lives against apathy. I believe a relationship with Christ is the way to guard the heart against apathy. It's a tough thing really, often easier said than done. Responsibility for one's actions is important. Thanks for listening. I would love to hear your thoughts?

On Reading

2010-10-20T13:54:00.000-04:00

"No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance."

~ Confucius

On Find A Way

2010-10-08T10:58:00.010-04:00

I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I was raised to be a Steelers fan. From the time I was a kid I have been fascinated by football. Growing up in western Pennsylvania it becomes part of the fabric of the community. One of my booksheves has an entire section devoted just to football, mostly former Steelers. In football, like other sports, there are many profound life lessons. This new book from Merril Hoge is loaded with his personal story and life lessons that really impacted me. Hoge was a hard-nosed running back from the late 80's who played until 1994, the majority of his career with the Steelers and a few years with the Chicago Bears. I looked up to Merril Hoge because of his approach to the game and the way he played the game. He fought against the odds to make his dream come true. Any aspiring athlete wants to beat the odds and model for those who are also trying to fight hard to get to that same place. The reality is that 99% of athletes do not make it to the professional ranks (I just made that stat up). This book tells of Merril Hoge's story and the adversity that he overcame to make his dream of playing in the NFL come true. But it is an incredible look into this man's life and the lessons he learned while fighting for his life. One of my favorite sections in his book is when Hoge reflects on his relationship with his father, or the lack of a relationship with his father. This quote for me was a little to close to the vest if you will. I don't know if this happens to you, but reading this section gave me goosebumps. Again it was close to home for me...this is a excerpt from the book:

" "My father called when he heard the news. We hadn't spoken in seven years - since he told me he needed to focus on his new family.

His first words were an attempt to reconcile his shortcomings as a father.

"I know I didn't do everything right," he said, "but I did the best I could with what I knew."

It wasn't the first time he said it, but a part of me knew it would be the last time I heard it. Besides, there was more truth in his statement than he knew. He did do the best he could with what he knew. His great failure is that he never found a way to know more." "

- Merril Hoge, Find A Way, pg. 175

I recommend Find A Way to you. It is an inspiring and moving book well worth your time.

On Elephants & Mentors

2010-10-08T00:37:00.001-04:00

From 60 Minutes, "The Delinquents"

October Playlist

2010-10-04T15:07:00.005-04:00

Electric Worry by Clutch
I Will Follow by U2
T.B. Sheets by Van Morrison
Hello, Goodbye by The Beatles
Father of Mine by Everclear
Uprising by Muse
Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare by Matt and Kim
All is Love by Karen O and the Kids
All These Things That I've Done by The Killers
Gideon by My Morning Jacket
All You Need Is Love by Nada Surf
Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park
Everlong (Acoustic) by Foo Fighters
Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard
Southbound Train by Jon Foreman
Orange Sky by Alexi Murdoch
Destiny Blues by Eric Bibb
How He Loves by John Mark McMillian
I Need Words by David Crowder Band
Trailways by Red House Painters

Hoge on Payton

2010-09-30T09:57:00.005-04:00

I'm reading an excellent book just released by Merril Hoge, former running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears, called Find A Way. In chapter 7, Hoge reflects on a time at a Bears practice thinking about an interview Walter Payton had said something that impacted his life. This interview helped make Hoge the gritty factor back he was and helped him in tough times. I am a fan of both Merril Hoge and the greatest running back of all-time Walter Payton. Both of these guys were my childhood heroes. Here are the words of wisdom from Sweetness said that impacted Hoge.

" I immediately flashed back to watching an interview with Walter Payton when I was a teenager. He'd been asked what made him better than the rest. I'd never forgotten his response. "It's really simple," he replied. "I want it more than they do on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You just see Sunday." "
- Merril Hoge, Find A Way, pg. 131

Swimming in my Mind

2010-09-28T16:22:00.002-04:00

"Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful." - William Shakespeare
"Nature is the art of God." - Dante Alighieri
"Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and half years." - James 5:17
"Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being . . . The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation." - St. Augustine
"Better to burn out than to fade away." - Neil Young
"A man by his sin may waste himself, which is to waste that which on earth is most like God. This is man's greatest tragedy and God's heaviest grief." - A.W. Tozer

On Stuff Christians Like

2010-09-24T10:10:00.005-04:00

This book is hilarious! It is hilarious because it is true. Written by Jonathan Acuff, a blogger who turned his ideas into this book. He has a blog at StuffChristiansLike.net he posts pretty regularly on a wide variety of things. Great reading. I enjoy his style because of his honesty and look at the Christian culture. Many of the things he writes about in this book I have thought about but reading them in his style seriously made me laugh out loud. For example, Acuff writes about the stuff Christians like from Narnia (which I am a fan of), to using the phrase "faith like a child" as an escape pod from difficult theological discussion, not being funny for the Lord, swearing occasionally, losing the will to clap during songs, stealing members from other churches, war themed ministries, interpretive dance/miming, the seven people you meet in a prayer circle, and side hugs to name a few. I think this book is refreshing because I don't know of another book that takes an honest look at the things Christians do around each other at churches and in our daily lives. Some of the things we do are seriously crazy. One of my favorite essays in the book is Acuff's take on a sentiment I frequently hear as a youth pastor on asking people for help and hearing this little defense mechanism from my brothers and sisters:

Using "Let Me Pray About It" as a Euphemism for "No"

"I love when someone asks us to help out at a church and instead of saying , "No," we say, "Let me pray about it." Really? I asked you to help me clean up tomorrow night right after youth group, and you feel like that's something you need to run past the Savior of the world? He's going to give you the thumbs-up or thumbs-down on whether or not you can help me stack chairs for seven minutes? (p.60)

This is a great book and should be in your library. Check out the blog too. Thanks for listening.

September Playlist

2010-09-22T00:00:00.013-04:00

This post idea is inspired by two of my friends, Phil Haddad and Scott Kelly. Each of these guys are into music and frequently give me ideas/suggestions to listen to bands and songs. Phil often will send me a playlist of songs to check out on Facebook and my friend Scott just started a blog (check it out here: Scott Kelly) devoted strictly to music. So I thought I would give it a try and tap into their inspiration with music by posting my playlist for the month. Here is a playlist of songs I put together for the month of September. Let me know what you think. Thanks for listening. Keep it real.

September 2010 //BK Playlist

Ghostwriter by Rjd2
Sure Thing by St. Germain
Be by Common
Big City Life by Mettafix
Mercy by Brother
Wake Up by Arcade Fire
The Ghost of Tom Joad (Live) (featuring Tom Morello) by Bruce Springsteen
Golden Cage by The Whitest Boy Alive
Bullet and a Target by Citizen Cope
Ali in the Jungle by The Hours
What Is and What Should Never Be by Led Zepplin
Turn the Page by Bob Seager
Ten Million Slaves by Otis Taylor
The Story by Brandi Carlile
How Can You Mend A Broken Heart by Al Green
The Maker by Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
Knockin' On Heavens Door by Antony & The Johnsons
I Can Almost See You by Hammock

Hammock: I Can Almost See You

2010-09-18T11:32:00.006-04:00

Just Like Eustace

2010-09-14T14:51:00.019-04:00

Did you ever have one of those moments in life when you hear something and then later on you hear it again from another person, book, or song? That has happened to me recently with the story from the book The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis. It is the powerful scene in the book when Eustace, the little boy, turns into a dragon and the bracelet sinks deep into his skin as he grows into the dragon. (You can read this story in chapters six and seven of this book.) Eustace, by himself, tries to take care of this painful problem in "appalling loneliness" (VDT, p.92) but finds himself struggling to break free from this painful bracelet that has turned him into something he is not. He struggles and scratches to break free from the bracelet by clawing at the skin and scales but finds more and more layers to this problem. It is only when Aslan the Lion, comes and helps him by saying, "You will have to let me undress you." (VDT, p.108) Aslan helps Eustace by tearing into the skin to remove the bracelet from his arm. Eustace is in a great deal of pain and then he surrenders to the power of Aslan. He was thrown into the water and Eustace enduring the pain becomes a boy again. So another great story from Lewis that points to the process of life in which one goes through a struggle to remain in control, keeping God at a distance, often leading and enduring great pain to become the person we were made to be from the beginning.

My brother Jamie mentioned this story to me a week or so ago at a family gathering. Then I read it in a book and then I saw it again from a video, all unintentional. It's one of those stories in life, at least it is in mine, that reminds you of the process that is the faith journey. Our pride and fear take control of us and we become something other that what we are made to be. It is only through God's great love and grace that we are saved and transformed in this life. This story reminds me of the things that I need to stop getting entangled in that take on the shape and form of other things in my life. This story reminds me of my weak and fruitless efforts to do things my way, most of the time lead to frustration and pain. This story reminds me of the great love of God for His children and the unshakable process of making us whole and new. How easy it is to get trapped and caught in the things that entangle us. It's a great story for a children's book. I am looking forward to seeing this movie on the big screen in December. I am feeling just like Eustace these days in need of great help, what about you?

Summer Movies 2010: BK Review

2010-09-09T15:39:00.009-04:00

For what it's worth I am not a professional movie critic, just a movie fan. So ...by far the best movie in my opinion of the summer and of 2010 so far is Inception. This movie was unlike anything I have ever seen. Go ahead and try to compare it to something? It was original in a time when so many remake films are being produced. It is a first-class psychological thriller with great acting, action, and profound concepts of life woven into the story-line. The special effects were mesmerizing...leaving you thinking, "Did that just happen?" Christopher Nolan directs and he writes this masterpiece of a screenplay. Leonardo DiCaprio is amazing in the film as Cobb. Incredible, incredible movie. It was cathartic to watch something like this because it rarely happens. You have to see this film!

Iron Man 2 was my second favorite film of the summer. Usually sequels seem to fizzle out but Iron Man 2 was just as good as the first movie... Favreau delivers. It too had a great cast with Robert Downey, Jr., Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke, Gweneth Paltrow, Scarlet Johansson, and Sam Rockwell. I believe this is the best Marvel comic book series produced in my humble opinion. Great action! Good music. Robert Downey Jr. is witty and clever. What have learned...stay until the credits are over friends. Wink.

Robin Hood directed by Ridley Scott is a great movie which tells of the beginning story of the character of Robin Hood played by Russel Crowe. It's not what I was expecting going into the film but I was pleasantly surprised by what I watched on the big screen. I loved the story line and the development which leads to the familiar tales that most people know about in other films and books. The story is way cool. One of the best lines from the movie is this: "Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions." This is not your dad's Kevin Costner movie here friends. Everything I do, I do it for you. I think you will be impressed.

The A-Team. When I was a kid, this was one of my favorite shows. So going into this film I had some pretty high expectations. I enjoyed the modernized version of the film. I am not going to lie, I was surprised Liam Neeson took on the role of Hannibal...but he made it work. You can't expect Oscar-worthy performance in a movie like this...I love when people try to get all artsy with movies like this. They kept the story basically the same and kept the characters true to their forms from the TV show back in the 80's with a few new hints of orginality. It was exciting and thrilling...watch the trailer and see. "I love it when a plan comes together." The theme song is so good. I feel like I should go weld something together.

My top five ends with Toy Story 3. Pixar adds to their greatness with this one. I loved the first two. My son and daughter love these movies. As a dad watching this one with my son and following the movie along, it was making me think of how quick my kids will grow up. Be prepared for this if you have not seen it yet, it makes you think as a parent. Tom Hanks was great in the flick. The story was excellent with their brand of animation from Pixar. Sorry I just got parental for a second. But Toy Story 3 is a good movie for everyone. Also we watched this in 3D!

p.s. I did not see Salt or The Expendables or Winter's Bone...believe me I wanted to ... but I just didn't get around to it this summer. I'll have to wait for DVD. Thanks for listening.

The Chief (Art Rooney Story) DVD Trailer

2010-09-07T11:49:00.005-04:00

Click here to see the official website: The Chief

Response to the Article on "Fake Christians"

2010-09-02T14:03:00.005-04:00

Moralistic Theraputic Deism.

One of the patterns of thought in youth ministry has been the idea of students believing in or vieweing God as a vending machine, maybe even like Santa Claus, asking for certain needs or things that they can go to when necessary. Students also are said to view God as a therapist or counselor to help with self-esteem or other needs pressing on them emotionally.

I first heard of this term in the documentary film called 'Soul Searching: A Movie About Teenagers & God' that states that this moralistic therapeutic deism is the fastest growing religion in America today among youth. It's a great film to watch for parents, pastors, youth workers, social workers, or teachers to understand the various prospectives of the religious lives of youth in America. The second time I heard this term of 'moralistic therapeutic desim' used was at the Orange Conference in Atlanta this past Spring by author and speaker John Ortberg. He basically summarized the same concepts facing the Church today and the pressing need to take action by partnering with the family and the Church. Then I read this article on CNN by John Blake in an interview with youth ministry prof. Kendra Creasy Dean (thanks Ian for sending me this). Dean says in the article that "Churches do not give young people enough to be passionate about." This fake faith is contributing to why the Church for the most part is void of twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings. It is a major problem facing the Church today. I am greatly concerned about the direction the Church is going to reaching out to this age group. In the CNN article Dean tells Blake their are four things that committed Christian has that the MTD Christians do not. Dean states, "They have a personal story about God they can share, a deep connection to a faith community, a sense of purpose and a sense of hope about their future."

I think the response to this as a youth pastor is to help students discover the Story about God by providing them with an environment like a welcoming church, small group connection, Sunday school program, youth ministry, etc that allows them to grow, that challenges them to be part of something bigger than themselves. Developing these connections in community can happen through relationships with friends, mentors, leaders, youth pastors, and parents which lead and point to Christ. This I believe will allow them to see their purpose and sense of hope about the future because of the Spirit guiding and directing them through middle and high school and through the next stages of life at college, the military, or work force. I know there are other factors and situations that need to take place but at the basic level the Church has to do more and be more, not through entertaining or flashy programs but through being open to what the Spirit is doing and leading in this post-christian era. The time is now.

To read the CNN article on "Fake Christians" click here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/27/almost.christian/?ref=nf

Draft Day with Family & Friends - 9th Annual

2010-08-28T12:53:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite days of the entire year...draft day with my family and friends.

My NYC Trip with Melanie

2010-08-28T12:46:00.004-04:00

Joiner on True Community

2010-08-25T14:36:00.004-04:00

"Everyone needs to be believed in by someone,

and everyone needs to belong somewhere.

True community provides both."

- Reggie Joiner, Think Orange, p.186

MP3 - Youth House

2010-08-18T13:22:00.003-04:00

Mission Possible 3 is MLUPC mission outreach to the surrounding community. This year the youth ministry was assigned a "youth house" to work on and serve. The students did a great job landscaping and fixing up an older manse to a church; which is the home of former pastors. The students showed up each day, giving up time during the summer to give back and serve in their communities. I am very proud of this group of students who gave of their time to landscape, paint, scrape paint, drywall, and powerwash. Great job guys!

Students listening as instructions are given at the Youth House

The landscaping hillside the students worked on to clear away weeds and brush

Students cleaning up for lunch

Hillside cleared and ready to be landscaped

Summer Internship

2010-08-18T13:15:00.004-04:00

2010 Summer Interns: Christy, Natalie, & Ryan

The summer of 2010 was nothing less than exciting and full of memories, trips, and encounters with the Almighty. The summer is a fast-paced time for me but the summer is loaded with great opportunities and trips. It's a great thing to have some help on this adventure.

I have the privilege each year to work with college students for the summer to assist me in this break-neck pace in youth ministry at MLUPC. Since 2005, I have had some great interns over the years: Steve, Jessie, Kyle, Ian, Rachel, Megan, Erik, Hannah, and Stephanie all were incredible interns. I thank God for their time with me and the students they have impacted. This summer three more were added to the list that have worked as interns with me at MLUPC. Christy, Natalie, and Ryan. These three followed the tradition of the other interns, they gave their time, energy, and heart to serve students at MLUPC. About the middle of August I say goodbye to them as they head out to school or the work force. It's a bittersweet thing for me. I say goodbye and get to watch them grow in their faith but have to start over each year with a new group volunteer leaders. All this to say, thank you 2010 Interns for all of your hard work. It is greatly appreciated. Blessings to you three. Thank you again to my former interns. I do appreciate all of your work from back in the day. On to the next thing...