Recommended Reading

Since the Christmas holidays, I have spent quite a bit of time reading. In fact, my reading has been a source of escape from the day-to-day pressures of life, as well as an opportunity to broaden my horizons through various literary works.

In the span of a month, I have read eight books, not including Bible reading and biblical commentaries. Having done this reading, I thought it might be good to make some reading recommendations.

Prolific writer Dean Koontz has written a trilogy surrounding a character named "Odd Thomas." These three books are some of Koontz's best writing. In Odd Thomas one finds a character that is open, accessible, and to which anyone can relate. Koontz takes a short-order fry cook and turns him into an unforgettable character. In doing so, Koontz is able to deal with the deep issues of life: love, death, suffering, perseverance, courage, etc. Odd Thomas is not a super hero, rather, he is an ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances. If you are looking for some good, suspenseful reading (with a little taste of The Sixth Sense), then check out all three books (in chronological order):

Odd Thomas
Forever Odd
Brother Odd

By the way, I am willing to loan these books out to any interested parties.

More recommendations later ...

Ministry Focus

What is the focus of a minister? And how does that focus gel with the expectations of the congregants? Such questions are important, because there appears to be a disconnect between the two. Consider the following excerpt taken from a book by Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, two respected and well-known ministers:

"Pastors come to despise what they are and to hate the community that made them that way. Because the church is not a place to worship God, but rather a therapeutic center for the meeting of one another's unchecked, unexamined needs, the pastor is exhausted. Only a few months into his first pastorate, the new pastor realizes that people's needs are virtually limitless, particularly in an affluent society in which there is an ever-rising threshold of desire (which we define as 'need'). There is no job description, no clear sense of purpose other than the meeting of people's needs, so there is no possible way for the pastor to limit what people ask of the pastor. Not knowing what they should do, pastors try to do everything and be everything for everybody. The most conscientious among them become exhausted and empty. The laziest of them merely withdraw into disinterested detachment. Not knowing why their pastor is there, the congregation expects the pastor to be and do everything. They become unrealistic critics of the clergy rather than co-workers, fellow truth-tellers. Self-hatred is inevitable in someone who feels abused, prostituted, unfairly criticized. The burden of being a generally good person, open and available to people of unbounded need, is too great for anybody to bear. Self-hate and loneliness result."

"The pastor becomes nothing more than the court chaplain, presiding over ceremonies of the culture, a pleasing fixture for rites of passage like weddings and funerals, yet rites in which the pastor's presence becomes more and more absurd because the pastor is saying nothing that we do not already know. Or else the pastor feels like a cult prostitute, selling his love for the approval of an upwardly mobile, bored middle class, who, more than anything else, want some relief from the anxiety brought on by their materialism."

Being a minister is not a vocation merely to help people. We are called to help people 'in the name of Jesus.' And that's the rub. In fact, we are not called to help people. We are called to follow Jesus, in whose service we learn who we are and how we are to help and be helped."

Bulldogs and Wolves

The basketball season is once again upon us. This past Saturday, the Bulldogs (Hannah's team) and the Wolves (Drew's team) kicked off the season.

The Wolves started the season with a double-header. In the first game, the Wolves were unable to completely overcome their first game jitters and dropped a 12-8 decision.

However, in the second game the Wolves played tenacious defense in route to a 24-6 victory.

In other action Saturday ...

The Bulldogs started the season with a 16-9 win over a tough opponent. Once again, the Bulldogs defense and rebounding set up their offense, which enabled them to overcome a sluggish first half.

Both the Bulldogs and Wolves are back in action this Saturday.

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

When we first moved to Bossier City, you could not pronounce "Bossier." Instead, you said something that sounded like, "Boossieeer." Of course, you were only 2 1/2 years old. The way you pronounced Louisiana was just as funny. You said, "Looseaeanna." Regardless of how you pronounced Bossier City, Louisiana, you were excited to move here. And I am so thankful that you were here.

Since our time in Louisiana, we, as a family, have made it through many transitions. I remember your first day of preschool at First Friends. You were so excited at the opportunity for more social interaction. You have always been a "people-person." You love to be around others and other people love to be around you.

As if you leaving on your first day of preschool was not hard enough, soon it was time for your first day as a kindergartener at Stockwell Place Elementary School. You were excited, but a little hesitant. There were big kids at school, and so your excitement was tempered by a little trepidation. But it only took a day before you loved school. I remember all those days waiting in the car line after school for you to exit the school building. You always had a smile on your face and seemed to have so many exciting stories to tell. You made me remember just how special each day can be if we stop to ponder the wonder of the moments we are given.

In first grade, Mom signed you up to play soccer. Even though we did not win any games, you had a blast and wanted to play again. Well, unknown to you and me at the time, your Mom signed me up to be your coach! So we began a new adventure. I managed to learn a little, and despite my lack of knowledge, your joy at playing brought me joy.

Then in second grade, you played basketball for the first time. You really liked it, so you played the next year and I was blessed to be your coach. Those first two years were tough, but I think your excitement and simple joy at just playing made the season even more fun.

In the first ten years of your life, we have enjoyed so much together. Hannah, you are so much fun to be around! Our love of music (and karaoke), reading, sports (Go Steelers!), running (remember the Turkey Trot?), and most importantly Jesus, has really created some special moments.

Hannah, the best memory of all is December 25, 2005, when you confessed Jesus as your Savior and were baptized! My heart overfilled with joy on that day, because my deepest desire for you is that you have a relationship with Jesus.

You are such a joy to have as a daughter and I am so thankful that God gave you to me and your Mommy! Today, January 20, you turn 11-years old. Wow!

Happy Birthday, Hannah! Being your Daddy is one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive. Thank you.

I love you, Hannah!

Steel Curtain Loses One

Ernie Holmes, who was one member of the front four that anchored the Steel Curtain defense for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s has died after a one-vehicle crash.

Holmes (#63) joined Dwight White, L.C. Greenwood, and Joe Greene as part of the most devastating defense ever to take the field in the NFL.

During his playing career, Holmes wrestled with various problems (physical and emotional), but put his life on track and had been serving as a minister for a number of years previous to his death.

Here is what Dan Rooney (Chairman of the Steelers, and Steelers President when Holmes played) had to say about Holmes (also nicknamed "Fats"):

"Ernie was one of the toughest players to ever wear a Steelers uniform. He was a key member of our famous Steel Curtain defense, and many people who played against him considered Ernie almost impossible to block. At his best, he was an intimidating player who even the toughest of opponents did not want to play against."

Charles Beckham

Yesterday was a very emotional day at the congregation where I attend. Two of our elders, Charles Beckham and Larry Kirkeby, resigned. Both of these men have been at Airline for many years (Charles from the beginning in 1960, and Larry for 30 years). Both of these men are godly servants who have served with honor. They have given so much to so many others, and for that I am immensely grateful.

When my family first came to the congregation 1999, both of these men were already serving as elders. They both welcomed my family. Charles and his wife Jane spent so much time helping us find a house. Actually, they helped me find a house. Mendy was eight months pregnant with Drew and unable to travel to Louisiana to participate in the house hunting! (talk about major stress!!!!!)

Of all the elders, I know Charles the best and he knows me the best. We meet once a week to have coffee. And although I have learned to drink coffee, it is not coffee that makes me anticipate these moments. Rather, it is the conversation. Charles shepherds me. He listens to me, counsels me, and makes me want to become a better husband and father. Charles has seen me at some of my best moments and he has seen me at some of my worst. He has protected me and shown me unconditional love.
That kind of relationship is hard to find outside the bonds of family.

I know that Charles and Jane will continue to serve God in other ways. They will continue to be an inspiration to me and to the rest of the church. My prayer is that God will revitalize Charles during this time away from the eldership. I hope that Charles will feel a rejuventation as he steps away from serving as an elder. Charles has dealt with so much stress and he has handled it so well. Of course, as a young minister, I have contributed to that stress.

When I look at Charles Beckham, I see a man who desires what is best for the church. I see a man who is totally committed to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. I see a man who exhibits patience and shows love to others.

Charles inspires me and I am so thankful that he is willing to invest so much time in a person so much younger than he is :)

Thank you, Charles, for being Jesus to me.

Place of Healing

Dad went back to Cleveland yesterday for a post-operative check-up. Everything looked fine, and he will return to Cleveland the end of February for his next check-up.

Thanks again for the prayer and expressions of concern (cards, calls, e-mails, and conversations). Last night at church, a number of people asked me how he was doing. I really appreciate the concern.

It reminds me of one of the beautiful pictures of church. God has many purposes for the church (to name the sickness in the world and offer a better vision for people is at the top of the list), including support. When I was younger, the congregation where my Dad preached had a practice of singing a song at the close of each Sunday morning worship assembly. The lyrics included this line, "when one has a heartache, we all shed a tear; it's because we're a family ..."

The Bible contains a number of "one another" passages -- love one another, bear one another's burdens, confess your sins to one another, pray for each other ... These are all things that should happen in church. Loving, praying, bearing, confessing, are all functions of the church. Nowhere does it say, harm one another, dispute with one another, get rid of one another, hate one another. These are not functions of the church.

The church is called to emulate Jesus. To seek, to save, to restore, to forgive, to help, and to love.

Whatever you may feel about another Christian, as members of the church you are both members of the body of Christ. Jesus brings us together, and He alone is the source of our unity. His blood purchased the church (Acts 20), and so when we seek to draw up lines on one another (as happens so often throughout history) we are saying that Jesus' blood is of no effect. We are saying that we know better than God.

That last statement is a part of what one could term blasphemy or heresy.

The church, as someone has said so well, is a hospital -- a place of healing.

Let each one of us continue in that sacred tradition of proclaiming to the world that the church is a place of second chances, restored lives, and a place where grace permeates the atmosphere.

Christ-like Christianity

The influence of the world has placed the church in a type of quagmire. The erroding effects of the foundation-less method whereby the church caters to its surrounding community has produced a church very much unlike the one we read about in the New Testament.

So, church leaders meet to discuss how they can better "reach out" to their community, and instead of following the Jesus-model, they slowly succumb to a model that resembles methodological atheism more than it does Jesus. Hence, the church has learned to practice a Christianity that is almost Christ-less.

Each Sunday the church calls her members out. She calls them for the purpose of gathering together to worship. She beckons to them from their homes, and reminds them of the primacy that Christ must hold in the hearts of Christ-followers.

And the language she uses is unknown and misunderstood by the surrounding culture -- as it should be. The church does not use the language of the world and nor should it. The church and the world will always remain at odds.

This is why the belief that Christianity has "tamed" the United States is so deadly. If we ascribe to this belief, then we con ourselves into believing we have no enemy. All the remains for us is to smooth out some rough edges and integrate our faith into our lifestyle. What?! And if we no longer believe that we have an enemy then we melt into the world and the church ceases to be the church. Remember, God has not and never will reconcile with sin. God has provided for reconciliation with the penitent sinner, but never with sin.

What now stands before the church is a call reverberating from the pages of history. It is a call to walk in the path marked by Jesus. The voices from the saints of old echo throughout the ages, and the call us to a painful journey.

Language, as someone has written, is practice more than verbage. When we begin to practice the faith, we will shed a Christ-less Christianity and begin to embrace a Christ-like Christianity.

But how?

Back in LA

We got Dad home from the hospital Thursday night. The drive from Cleveland to Dayton was not too comfortable for him, but he is glad to be home.

Friday morning we left Dayton and arrived back at our house a little before 10 p.m. It was a long day and, needless to say, our heads are swimming a little bit right now.

Although it was an emotionally-exhausting trip, it was a good one. Families are supposed to support one another, and we had the opportunity to support my Dad and Mom during this difficult time. My parents have always been there for me, so it was a little strange with the shoe being on the other foot. But I am thankful that I had the chance to help out.

Dad goes for a post-operative check-up next Wednesday. Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

Thanks again for the calls, cards, and most importantly prayers.

Still in Cleveland

Okay, it did snow in Cleveland (about five inches). It provided a nice relief to the stress we have all felt in the days surrounding my Dad's surgery. Drew and Hannah had a blast playing in the snow, so even in the middle of the serious matters we are dealing with, watching the children enjoy the snow provided plenty of smiles.

Dad had a bad day today. Join us in prayer as we pray that tomorrow is better. He had hoped to get discharged today, but the doctor said that tomorrow evening will be the earliest. Mom has done really well, but tonight I think we are all emotionally-exhausted.

Thanks for the prayers, calls and cards/messages. They really help.

Keep praying!