toph-online

Learn Something New Every Dinner Party

2010-04-23T08:33:00.005+10:00

I had the privilege of having some great company over for dinner last night and we got to talk about the internet and the web and how it all works. Surprising to say it was all a little beyond me.

I found out that we have cables in the sea that communicate as one big network to basically for a large network called the web.

The thing is that this has been going on for centuries. The image below is what the Eastern Telegraph Company had in 1901... WOW!!!

This is what we have now.

Apparently this is all cheaper than satellites!!

This image is good too

Union is a Boxing Match and League is like Pawns in Chess

2010-04-17T20:22:00.007+10:00

Why I hear you ask?

Hear are a few thoughts.

One of the fundamentals of Union they contest for the ball whether it is the scrum, line out or ruck - at each of these points the defensive team has the opportunity to fight for the ball. As such both teams are attacking for the ball.

League is not like this at all there is no contest at the scrum, tap or play of the ball. However, in League it is more like the pawns in chess in that the target for the attacking team is to get the ball over the touch line (or in chess get to the other side of the board). While the opposition tries to stop the efforts of the attacking team or piece.

This is a simplification of both games and the analogies where not meant to insult
(just in case people take it that way).

Sexy College Culture

2009-11-11T14:09:00.002+10:00

Below is my comment on the following post.

http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/inside-our-sexist-college-culture-and-how-to-fix-it/

___________________________________________________________________

Firstly it is important to remember is that this culture within colleges is dominate but not the entirety of the students. I am sure that there is a group of guys that are horrified by the dealings of their fellow students.

In addition this is true of the Australian Society. This attitude of sex is not deeply ingrained into Australian Culture (even global western culture)!!!

I was a male college student. I lived on campus in a co-ed college for a number of years at UQ and the behaviour of male students is no different there. Nudie runs, published sex activity, awards for the most sexually active students.

One of to things is happening here either the College Wardens are oblivious to it or they are turning a blind eye to it. Personally I believe it to be the later. It has certainly proved the old phase "What you don't know can't hurt you" WRONG!!

As a male college student I did not value it nor did I accept it. What this leaves you in college is a social outcast.

What I believe has happened in the recent years is a devaluing of sex. Sex in today's culture is for selfish gain, personal pleasure and gratification. It is not about intimacy or marriage but is more so treated as a sport. How many touch downs has the next person scored.

Sex is pleasurable.

Sex is normal.

BUT

Sex is not about self. It is special and what has been lost in our current culture is a value of sex.

As for the fix?

Not to be negative but I am not sure that it is possible. The reason is that this is so deeply ingrained into our culture and when it comes to culture it comes from each human heart. The human heart can be fixed but most people reject the fix for the human heart.

The Migration Debate

2009-11-06T08:24:00.004+10:00

I am a migrant. I have close friends that are refugees.

I see the following debates

The Cause of the Refugees
The Processing of Refugees
The Intake of Refugees
Our Response to Illegal Migration

This is my policy.

1. The Cause of the Refugees

I firmly believe that we as Australians and as a global community need to firstly look at the root of this problem. This problem is caused by oppressive regimes, cruel leaders and civil unrest. This is where our first response should be.

Countries in this situation should be calling on the world to assist them and we should be on the look out to assist them. Regimes like Zimbabwe should NEVER have been allowed to continue by the world community and it is a disgrace that any developed nation just sits by watching.

The first response has to be the prevention of displaced peoples and that occurs by intervention or assistance.

2. The Processing of Refugees

At the end of the day most political leaders are to weak to take a stand on the cause and the UN has also not been the best example of how to act in these situations. As a result we have to deal with the current reality of refugees and it is unlikely that this will disappear in the future because there will always be evil individuals harming others.

So what do we do. We need to pour money into the UNHCR to ensure that claims are processed quickly, and transparently. But we also need to acknowledge that this is not an easy job. These people often don't have evidence of who they are and country in chaos does not have a priority on these issues. You can never assume that anyone applying for refugee status is actually a refugee.

3. The Intake of Refugees

This is simple we need to increase the number of refugees that we intake on an annual basis and in addition we should have "Emergency Intake Plans" if there is a disaster like what has happened in Sri Lanka.

4. Illegal Immigration

I think that sometimes people forget that what these people are doing is illegal. There is no if buts or maybes. They may be genuine refugees or they may not be but they are not going through the right channels (and as I said these channels need to be improved).

It is a privilege to live in Australia not a right and this is true of any country and as such they should be detained.

I think the solution of housing them in a facility that is better than most low socio-economic families live in Australia is not inhuman. Is detaining them for long periods of time desirable? NO. Again this process should be transparent and quick.

These are my unarticulated thoughts.

Chrysostom: Nothing You Can Do to Harm Me

2009-08-11T15:11:00.000+10:00

Via Ray Ortlund:

When John Chrysostom (ca. 347-407) was brought before the empress Eudoxia, she threatened him with banishment if he insisted on his Christian independence as a preacher.

"You cannot banish me, for this world is my Father's house."

"But I will kill you," said the empress.

"No, you cannot, for my life is hid with Christ in God," said John.

"I will take away your treasures."

"No, you cannot, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there."

"But I will drive you away from your friends and you will have no one left."

"No, you cannot, for I have a Friend in heaven from whom you cannot separate me.

I defy you, for there is nothing you can do to harm me."

Lateline

2009-08-05T16:38:00.001+10:00

I really enjoy lateline. Maybe I am getting too old. Have a look at this section.

God is Back

Young and Old Wisdom alike

2009-08-04T12:19:00.001+10:00

I had a very interesting chat with wise man over the weekend and a young man that showed wisdom last night.

Why do I preface this post with that?? Because I have seen that there is a great group of guys planting a church in Sydney, which might not be the best thing.

The Wise Man’s Wisdom

The wise man spoke to me about the impact of a particular reformed evangelical group of churches that have planted some great churches but in the process have ripped out of the existing churches the switched on Christians. Leaving behind struggling churches and in turn diminish the work of the kingdom.

The Young Man Who Showed Wisdom

Interestingly this young man is normally known for the stupid things he says or does but he loves the Lord. The other night I saw the true him that has and continues to impress me. It reminded me that in spite of his youthful foolishness at times he is unlike most GenY’s – he is committed to the things that he does and sacrifice his desires for what is best for others and what is true. He raised with me that some of the uni students go to particular churches because they are more attractive – they have good music, their fun and hip, etc. The thing he loves about our church is the community and commitment to the Word of God. He expressed that he would love the music at church to be better but that there are more important things.

I love Sovereign Grace Ministries the work they do is fantastic and they hold theological doctrine and ministry philosophy, which are very similar to myself. I do hold grave fears though for them and Sydney. The reason for this is that they will steal people from other churches in Sydney to build their church both in the way of establishing a core and young Christians going to a church that has it “all together”. In addition to this I am surprised that they have chosen a non- Australian to lead the church. Australians have a specific culture and I do not see it helpful to bring a culturally unaware but ministry experienced Pastor.

I would love to hear your thoughts??

When things just don't work.

2009-06-16T09:03:00.002+10:00

Here is a link to a post by Mikey Lynch. I am sad to hear that but not devestated and in some respects I think that it could be the right decision to focues on church planting rather than focusing on a church planting network.

AMEN

Video - Mighty to Save

2009-04-12T22:58:00.001+10:00

Mighty to Save from Albert Martin on Vimeo.

I am enjoying this song at the moment.

Christian Debate - Listening to those that you disagree with.

2009-04-11T02:38:00.005+10:00

Over today and hopefullly tomorrow I hope to listen to some of the debates from the Christian Book Expo in Dallas (Links to the video feeds here).

So far I have listened to part of

Does the God of Christianity Exist, and What Difference Does It Make?

Stan Guthrie moderates this panel with Lee Strobel, William Lane Craig, Douglas Wilson, Christopher Hitchens, and Jim Denison.

and the whole of

The Emerging Church

Mark Galli moderates this panel with Scot McKnight, Tony Jones, Kevin DeYoung, and Alex and Brett Harris.

I was very keen to listen to the debate on the Emerging and Emergant Church. The first 40 min is just people sharing their grips about what others on the panel had written on the issue under the gise of defining emergant and emerging.

I must say that the most impressive on the panel (to me) were Alex and Brett Harris. They at one stage lovingly 'rebuked' one of the other panel members and then went on later (@ 70:50) to talk about "astounding Biblical illiteracy" of a generation 18 to 33 year olds and parents raising children that worship a "post-modern moralistic dieism".

To be honest this is the struggle that the church continues to face - to raise boys and girls into young men and women that love Jesus and know the Bible. Parenting is the most important role I think that anyone can undertake because how that child is raised will affect (not solely though) what they do with the rest of their life.

I am going to put down a list of things that I think have affected the way children are by the time they hit 18

Parents are not at home - I am not saying that it is wrong for 2 parents to work but more so who is raising the kids. Casting Crowns - American Dream. In some case this is no the fault of the parents but a society that requires 2 parents to work to survive. Though from where I stand it has nothing to do with surviving but money and toys that will disappear.
Christian parents aren't/ don't know how to raise their kids to love Jesus - Ties back to the first point in some aspects but in addition I am not sure that parents are or know how to raise children to know the Gospel, love chewing on the Bible and stepping up to the tasks ahead of them.
Poor examples - Whether it is sports stars like Brett Stewart or Shane Warne, movie stars like Mel Gibson or Miley Cyrus, or pop music idols like Britney Spears or 2Pac. There are few good role models out there for kids and unfortunately parents in some case are either bad role models or no role model. We need people to set the standard for the kids around us.
Low expectations of teenagers - I know some may think that I am stealing the ideas of others here but long before I even know the names of Mark Driscoll, Alex and Brett Harris I was (and still am) passionate to see boys become young men. I honestly believe that there has never been a generation that we expect less of then this current one. Kids don't care - school is a joke, church is attendance and life well I don't need to aim high. What I feel I am seeing through Youth Ministry is a generation that are appathetic to life.
Liberalism of society / Post modernism - "It might not be what I think is right but it is ok for them I guess". Along with the fact that kids in Christian families are not bought up with a Chrisitan worldview everyone else out there is telling them just becuase it is wrong for you doesn't mean that it is wrong for me.

I think that I relate to this well I grew up going to church knowing that there was a God but it was all about rules to me - BE GOOD. I know that it is wordy but I like the phrase "post-modern moralistic dieism" becuase I think it fits the bill.

As a sub note I was very impressed by Alex and Brett Harris their humility and actions showed a Christ-likeness in them but this did not stop them standing for Truth.

Half of the Story

2009-04-10T19:05:00.001+10:00

Ignoring the conference ad listen to what Matt Chandler says I would like to hear you thoughts?

Do Hard Things or On Fire For God

2009-04-10T18:09:00.000+10:00

Alex Harris Author of "Do Hard Things" from Mike Anderson on Vimeo.

What do you think?

What is after Facebook? - Loopt

2009-04-10T14:41:00.002+10:00

To be honest I don't go to facebook that often any more not that I am about to delete it I think that it is a great way to keep in touch and communicate.

I found this on a blog I have recently subscribed too. It is called Loopt and I must say though I REALLY like this potential.

The reality is that social networking and "smart" phones have the capability of keeping us better in touch with each other.

That is MY King

2009-04-10T14:28:00.001+10:00

This is from Between Two Words. Go here to see the words to this prayer.

Easter

2009-04-10T12:04:00.002+10:00

I must say that I could never get and still find it hard to call Good Friday - Good.

It is a day that not only reminds us of our sin but it is a day in that we remember that our sin killed God - Jesus.

We are the ones responsible for what happened each one of us individually caused Jesus to go to the cross because HE loved us.

The following video is from Mars Hill Church and I think that it is a helpful reminder.

Good Friday Preview

Twitter Video

2009-04-06T08:54:00.000+10:00

I got this from a mate. I found it amusing.

Time to Pray

2009-04-04T15:18:00.002+10:00

There is a post on the Pray for Revival Blog that has spurred some thought I hope it spurs yours

IT's back

2009-04-01T14:02:00.003+10:00

01 April 2009

Video Preaching and Mega Churches Part 2

First, I think it is important to clarify a few things.

MULTISITE

If there are enough preachers then I absolutely agree that you could have a preacher at each location. I think this is great.

In saying that it would appear that in our current period churches when planting in the same city appear to be planting campuses rather than churches and I do see value in this. As one church in one city I think there is good reason for video preaching to ensure that all the campuses are on the same mission and are being challenged in the same way because they live in the same city. Why? Because this helps build community.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PREACHER

I would not be suggesting that your preacher is in a different country or even a different city. As said they need to be aware of the issues and resolve (some of) them as Robyn said from the pulpit.

Robyn is right in saying that relationship is “everybody’s job”. Pastors and Elders and all members need to build relationships to build community. Video preaching is preaching it is only part of the relationship and does not mean that relationship cannot be continued outside of a Sunday.

The comment that “A video broadcast is a one way relationship so that just doesn’t work.” I think this is very misleading. You relationship with your Preacher during his sermon would not change whether it is live or on a video screen. Your relationship is dependent on your Preacher and you initiating to talking, etc outside of a sermon. As such video or no video does not make a difference to the relationship.

MODEL OF CHURCH & APOSTLES

There is a real danger is saying this is unique – throwing the baby out with the bathwater – and ignoring any application into our lives.

Our understanding of church should be driven from both the OT and NT, some things have changed some things stay the same. I would be concerned to say the early church is unique so it does not have application on church today, same with the OT.

As for Apostles there is a real danger of elevating the to a sub-God status here. They were men that had gifts and fulfilled God given roles. Some of these gifts continue – Preaching – and some of the roles continue – Leadership and Discipline.

TEACHING & PREACHING & GIFTING

To me teaching is critical – and teaching occurs in a number of forms, one being preaching. I agree that the point is to point people to Jesus but if they are not eloquent will anybody listen? (the answer is yes and no). My point is there is no point in having a bad preacher when you can have a good preacher.

Better preaching is learnable. Preaching is not learnable, it is a gift, some people have it some people don’t.

NO - “Video preaching is a bad idea.”

YES - “Prayerfully and purposefully seek men to fill gaps in country churches.”

NO - “We've set the bar for teachers higher than it should be by placing the exceptional guys on a pedestal.”

YES - “Faithful teaching out of love for the congregation is all that's required”

YES - “no excuse for truly "bad preaching"”

The Bible is the one that sets the bar high for the content of preaching (as it should). You’re a true Australian Nathan the tall poppy syndrome.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Like you said terrible generalisation… The aim is not to set the bar low. We do that to well. Nor should we preach too long but people should come to be preached to… Personal thoughts on sermon length are around 30-40 min with/plus interaction.

If someone does a bad job encourage and love but be truthful.

ACCOUNTABILITY & COMMUNICATION

Just because he is not there does not mean that there is no accountability or communication. Just as I could now I could send Dave and email or give him a call. If you have interaction during the service questions can be asked. If private I don’t see that these sort of question would be asked on the night but you would make a meeting, phone call or send an email.

The myth is that video preaching does not allow the Preacher “to be approached, questioned, conversed with, etc”. This is not true the form/frequency may change but this is more than possible.

Preachers should use things that help communicate the message. I agree PowerPoint helps.

SUMMARY

Video Preaching is GOOD within boundaries.
The Preacher (video or otherwise) needs to be accessible to his flock.
The Preacher (video or otherwise) needs to be able to see the issues and deal with them.
Church should be informed by the OT and NT.
Some of the gifts and roles that the 12 Apostles carried out continue today.
Teaching is critical – Preaching is Teaching.
Have Good Preaching
You should expect good preaching – Set the bar high

Posted by Chris Inness at 1:05 PM

Labels: church

1 comments:

Nathan said...

Anyone can be taught to teach. Just like anyone can be taught to ride a bike.

Not everyone will want to. But if you can speak, and can understand the bible you can be taught to teach in an adequate manner.

Adequate is good enough for most churches - provided the church program (throughout the week/month/year) is not solely focused on preaching.

"The myth is that video preaching does not allow the Preacher “to be approached, questioned, conversed with, etc”. This is not true the form/frequency may change but this is more than possible."

That's not a myth if we're talking person to person communication and not using technology. Not all uses of technology should be applied to the way we do church - studies show that more than 80% of our communication is non verbal - you can't pastor someone over the internet. You can answer questions.

"You’re a true Australian Nathan the tall poppy syndrome."

That's bollocks. Absolute bollocks. I'm happy to call people who are exceptional preachers exceptional preachers, and to learn from them. I just don't think we should be replacing live sermons from run of the mill preachers with broadcasts from the exceptional ones.

Can you demonstrate from Scripture any justification for anything you've said without refering to Jesus preaching to the 5,000 or the apostles writing letters...

"Our understanding of church should be driven from both the OT and NT, some things have changed some things stay the same. I would be concerned to say the early church is unique so it does not have application on church today, same with the OT. "

The early church was unique in many many ways - but the instructions about how church should be done - from the apostles to the churches and to ministers they were training create guidelines - I don't see any of these justifying leading a flock by remote control or virtual presence.

Re the pedestal comment - I honestly think that the people who spend all their time listening to luminaries like MacArthur, Piper and Driscoll are likely to be unhelpfully critical of Godly, but less gifted, preachers - and that criticism sometimes means missing the point.

The fact that we're so keen to jump on fads is akin to the "I follow Paul, I follow Apollos" situation Paul mentions in Corinthians. It's unhelpful and ultimately a distraction from Jesus.

The only way we should be assessing preaching is:

a) is it based on the Bible - and faithful to the Bible's message,

b) is it helping me to understand the Bible and Christian living

c) is it encouraging me to love and serve others,

d) does it point people to the Gospel.

If you can answer yes to all those points then you've got good teaching. Better teaching than the vast majority of churches around the world today.

I'm angry because video preaching driven by the preacher is inherently arrogant, and video preaching driven by adherents is inherently idolatrous.

April 01, 2009 1:57 PM

Video Preaching + Large Churches

2009-03-31T14:26:00.004+10:00

The Article

The Initial Blog

My Original Comment

Leah's Comment on my Comments

My Response

What?!

First I will back up with scripture the giftedness aspect - this is not charismatic this is biblical.

Secondly I will expand your comment of sound teaching.

Thirdly I will disagree using Jesus as the example of the "can't be over 5000" comment (plus the one minister comment).

Fourthly application for technology in using video preaching in PCQ.

1. GIFTED PREACHERS

1 Corinthians 12:1-10 & 14 discusses various spiritual gifts among them here is preaching (prophecy). Being a gifted preacher is not necessarily about being a Mark Driscoll or John Piper nor is it about attention grabbing or being “charismatic” in preaching. It is about someone who can preach Philip Jensen, JI Packer, Dave Mc, Dave Miers, Matt Chandler, etc. It is as Calvin put it

“By the term prophesying I do not mean the gift of foretelling the future, but as in 1 Corinthians 14:3 the science of the interpretation of Scripture, so that a prophet is the interpreter of the divine will... Let us understand prophesying to mean the interpretation of Scripture applied to the present need.”

Personally, I think that there are men that need to step up to the plate here and preach because they do have gifts in this area and they are not using them. This is two found though the elders and the pastors encouraging and allowing men to do this as well as men sticking up their hand to do this.

For me I think that I would be well suited to an ‘executive/management role’ but not a counselling one. Sometimes small churches don’t allow people to use their gifts and sometimes it pushes everything on to the plate of one man – generally the pastor.

2. SOUND TEACHING

So running on from the previous section sound teachers I would say are preachers. I am also not saying that a Pastor has one bad sermon and you throw them out.

3. IS THE MEGA CHURCH EVIL? – ONLY IF JESUS IS

I think that there is a part of evangelicalism that is far too legalistic and conservative when it comes to church size.

Jesus preached to thousands – yes live (Matthew 14 & 15; Mark 6 & 8; Luke 9 & 12; John 6). So did the disciples (Acts 2 & 4).

There is no way, as you said, one preacher can take care of personally that many people. I think this comes to a flaw in the thinking of church. The preacher does not need to be the one dealing with each church member one on one. Elders and other Pastors (whether that is a counselling pastor, small groups pastor, “site pastor”, etc) have to step up the plate here. To be honest I love the thought of freeing up the “Preaching Pastor” to focus on preaching and not having to worry about the other items.

There is something fantastic about building teams that allow people to focus on an area of ministry (and I think that this is very Biblical both OT and NT). This is what happens with Dave H being the Youth Pastor he can pour his time into this and why a small groups pastor would have been great for Willows.

Getting back to Jesus, He NEVER cared for the masses on a one on one basis (as a broad generalisation) he focused on a small group of men, his disciples. It is even highlighted in Acts 6 where the apostles were set apart to pray and minister the Word (preach) putting other men into those roles.

I am not opposed to small churches but the reality is that if you have one full time staff (assuming you have supportive and active elders) I still think that you can probably only minister to no more than 150 ppl.

4. APPLICATION IN PCQ

I think that there are some great opportunities to tie various congregations through technology and more importantly to get those that are out west plugged into a church community via a TWO way video feed (we see them, they see us). This allows two way communication.

I think that there is application here in here to presbyteries. Lets break congregational boundaries and employ at a presbytery level with staff allocated across the churches. Allow people to focus on a particular area and build ministry teams in various churches. I do not see this happening anytime soon though due to stubbornness, hurt and the current differences.

Summary

Someone said to me that they think that it is sinful when people are opposed to large churches (selfish) I am not sure where I stand on this comment but I do think that there is some truth to it, though general. The reality is that you cannot say there should not be big churches - it is unbiblical.

They also said that you have good and bad large and small churches – it is not about size but health.

I agree with him entirely.

To put it simply I believe (and think that I have shown from the bible) that large churches are biblical and so are ministry teams with specialist is particular areas (particularly for preaching).

Video Preaching

2009-03-30T15:42:00.000+10:00

My comment on a blog about Video Preaching.

Photos - Bribie Island

2009-03-21T15:34:00.002+10:00

Please head to Dave Miers' blog and check out some photos that I put into his SNAPSHOP series.

Find it here.

Sitting on a $USD 5 million asset

2009-03-17T10:54:00.003+10:00

Well I have had a very big surprise today I aparantly am sitting on a $USD 4 million asset.

I could not believe it, I am still surprised and am not sure that it is quite true.

What is this asset you ask?

It is right in front of you ---- my blog.

I always look at Nathan's Blog and often check out the links. A recent blog discussed Stimator, which values the website you have. Nathan's was worth about $USD 551 so I thought mine would be a few dollars. But apparently not.

Now putting aside the fact that this may be the value of blogspot. I am pretty happy right now...

CHANGE....

2009-03-16T15:36:00.002+10:00

Here is something interesting from Mikey Lynch...

13. The pivotal point is succession. You always need a contingency plan, even when you're young. Don't be 'all windshield no rearviewmirror'. Will the movement outlive one leader. What will you honour - the founder or the future? How do you make sure that you do both? [that's exactly what we need to do in Australia!]. When a new movement leader rises up, the whole board should resign and allow the new guy to choose a new team!Sometimes the plan is to shut down the movement and disperse into tribes, that's fine, it just takes a huge amount of humility. The worst is to try to hold it together without a clear leader, for then it gets ugly.

How does this apply to Willows and the Pressie Church?? Does it apply at all?

Night Photo

2009-03-16T10:26:00.005+10:00

I took this the other week and only took it off my camera today.

How is this?

Completely manual. NO tripod!!!!

My Post

2009-03-11T13:23:00.001+10:00

A post on Christian Reflections

______________________________________________

I really like your questions from Murray.

As someone at the other end of the country from Melbourne - Townsville. I wonder how we can and will be apart of this.

I think the most important question is

How will the Church Planting network help bringing forth the Gospel through planting churches?

Personally I do care what we call it but what we do. As someone from Townsville I would hope that it would not be Sydney-Melbourne centric and to me this plays out into structure, communication and events.

Theologically I am going to be controversial and say that we should set the bar high, which is probably the wrong terminology. My thinking is that we don't make it so broad that it is just "Evangelical" but that we are planting churched that are focused on holding to certain beliefs. I think that this is something that needs a group to sit down and nut this out identify the controversies and where the network would stand. Some of these won't even be core gospel things but might be things like complementarian and egalitarian. I think it is the Gospel Coalition that has a list of things that they DO and DON'T stand for I think this is a good approach as it clarifies the boundaries on both sides. But after saying all that I think it shouldn't be too smaller a door that we don't get anything done.

TOPH

Christian Hipster

2009-03-06T13:08:00.004+10:00

I saw this on Nathan's Blog (his response) and broke it down for me.

ü it is true for me

û it is not true for me

¡ have no idea what they are talking about

? not sure / not bothered

______________________________________________________________________________

ü prefer “Christ follower” to “Christian”

ü can’t stand the phrases “soul winning” or “non-denominational,”

ü could do without weird and awkward evangelistic methods including (but not limited to): sock puppets, ventriloquism, mimes, sign language, “beach evangelism,” and modern dance.

ü don’t really have that big of a problem with old school evangelists like Billy Graham and Billy Sunday and kind of love the really wild ones like Aimee Semple McPherson.

Things Christian hipsters don’t like:

? megachurches,

? altar calls,

? door-to-door evangelism

ü John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart

? youth pastors who talk too much about Braveheart

ü Mel Gibson

û The Passion for being overly bloody and maybe a little sadistic

¡ people like Pat Robertson, who on The 700 Club famously said that America should “take Hugo Chavez out”; and they don’t particularly like The 700 Club either, except to make fun of it.

¡ evangelical leaders who get too involved in politics, such as James Dobson or Jerry Falwell, who once said of terrorists that America should “blow them all away in the name of the Lord.”

¡ TBN, PAX, or Joel Osteen. They do have a wry fondness for Benny Hinn, however.

û contemporary Christian music (CCM), or Christian films (except ironically), or any non-book item sold at Family Christian Stores

û warehouse churches or churches with American flags on stage, or churches with any flag on stage, really.

Things they like:

ü music, movies, and books that are well-respected by their respective artistic communities—Christian or not.

¡ Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas and Will Willimon

¡ Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron Sider

¡ God’s Politics by Jim Wallis

¡ The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis.

û thinking and acting Catholic, even if they are thoroughly Protestant/evangelical.

û Pope, liturgy, incense, lectio divina, Lent, and timeless phrases like “Thanks be to God” or “Peace of Christ be with you.”

û enjoy Eastern Orthodox churches and mysterious iconography, and they love the elaborate cathedrals of Europe (even if they are too museum-like for hipster tastes).

ü taking communion with real Port, and they don’t mind common cups.

û poetry readings,

û worshipping with candles,

û smoking pipes while talking about God.

ü breaking the taboos that used to be taboo for Christians.

ü piercings,

û dressing a little goth,

ü getting lots of tattoos (the Christian Tattoo Association now lists more than 100 member shops),

û carrying flasks

û smoking cloves.

ü skateboarding

ü surfing,

û many of them play in bands.

? working for churches, parachurch organizations, non-profits, or the government.

ü on the whole, a little more sincere and idealistic than their secular hipster counterparts.

They tend to be fans of any number of the following authors:

¡ Flannery O’Connor,

¡ Walker Percy,

¡ Wendell Berry,

¡ Thomas Merton,

¡ John Howard Yoder,

¡ Walter Brueggemann,

ü N.T. Wright,

ü Brennan Manning,

ü Eugene Peterson,

¡ Anne Lamott,

ü C.S. Lewis,

ü G.K. Chesterton,

¡ Henri Nouwen,

¡ Soren Kierkegaard,

¡ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin,

¡ Annie Dillard,

¡ Marilynne Robison,

¡ Chuck Klosterman,

¡ David Sedaris,

? or anything ancient and/or philosophically important.

______________________________________________________________________________

Overall I must be half hip I guess... I think my youth group guys would question that... :P

Ageing....

2009-02-28T16:36:00.000+10:00

Seing as I turned 25 on Friday I thought that this was only relevant...

Coffee Dominion

2009-02-27T10:27:00.004+10:00

As Nathan has already posted I went to coffee school last night.. Here are some of the photos from my AWESOME camera..

I used what is called a B&W focal point. It keeps colour for a specific area and outside that is black and white. (not sure that the full affect is seen)

This one make me feel soooo WARM..

Atlantis - Has Google found it?

2009-02-24T10:21:00.000+10:00

Google Earth has found Atlantis.

Is Extremely Glad

2009-02-20T16:51:00.004+10:00

In our life we see God at work sometimes in small way and sometimes in big ways.

I am really excited to see the start of the establishment of an Australian Church Plant Network. (photos)

To me this is the most exciting thing of my year so far. Seeing Aussie men stepping up and being missional in our society.

Church - for the age group?

2009-02-16T09:21:00.003+10:00

Was listening to the video in the previous post and realised again that Mark Driscoll talks about targeting young men in their twenties.

Now I not that some people (Nathan and Tim) think that I have rose coloured glasses on when it comes to Mark Driscoll. So guys prepare to be surprised.

Though I really like the fact that he is reaching men and not running a chickified church. I am concerned that they are not experiencing the blessing of having older men and women within the congregation.

The church in the Bible is described as a family old and young, male and female. I would be interested to find the demographics of Mars Hill but I wonder how they are going with reaching everyone in their community rather then just young people. Old people need Jesus too.

I suppose a good measure for a church is that the demographics of the church match the demographics of the city, town or community that they are within.

WARNING: Mark Dirscoll

2009-02-16T09:18:00.002+10:00

To be honest I like the matter of factness of Mark Driscoll.

Check out this CNN post of him I really like the last question by the host.

Separate post to follow.

More Than Just a Happy Family

2009-02-11T16:28:00.000+10:00

In light of Carly’s comment on my previous blog I wanted to discuss relationships in Church.

Carly really summed it up when she said that that if our relationship a solely nice then we are in a bit of trouble.

When I became a Christian I hated the word nice. Now that is not because nice is a bad or evil word but that for as long as I could remember I had been called nice. My problem with this word is because that word was an accurate reflection of me. I was good and kind; polite and respectful; obedient and chivalrous – all of these a good things but what people couldn’t see was my dishonesty and manipulation; thoughts and heart. See to me nice is an easy front to put up when want the people around us to think that we are ‘goody two-shoes’.

In relationships we need to connect to people as Carly said “Love runs deeper than this”. Sometimes I fear the two following things.

1. The Christian friendships are fake – this is the isn’t it a beautiful day, how are you going…

2. Our relationships with non-Christians are politically correct – there is no depth, honest or connection.

Not that every Christian relationship that you have should be soul crunching honesty but where are the conversations about sermons after church, the sin we are struggling with, what we read in our Bibles, problems we are having at home or work- the heart things.

Do we talk to non-Christians about the weather and work but not Jesus? What about their needs and struggles? What about when people turn up to Church? Do we find out where they are at? Or only ask them what they do? Do we talk about Jesus? Or only about family?

I think Carly’s comment was both clearer and shorter. Good work Carly.

Love - more than a word, more than fixing

2009-02-11T09:55:00.004+10:00

I have just read the following blog, Gospel Community and the Poor, by Tim Chester from Resurgence. Much of it is a plug for his new book called Total Church, which looks great and has definitely put it on my to buy/ to read list. The first two sentences are as follows:

“I know people do a lot to help me, but I just want someone to be my friend.” So said a single mother in my congregation.

Tim goes on to talk about how sometimes we can serve people and try to meet their needs but do not actually connect relationally with them. We try to fix their problems without loving them. Maybe in our western culture we try so often to fix the ills that we see around us that we forget that the thing that others need is to be loved. It reminds me much of 1 Corinthians 13 particularly verse 3:

"If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."

There is a part of me that wants to blame the English language for only having one word to describe love. The issue though is more one of the human heart.
In our culture and society we no longer really know what love is and the word ‘love’ has become in most cases sexual. Sex is an expression of love and intimacy between a husband and a wife but love is not exclusively defined by a sexual relationship. This is a misrepresentation of the word. I love my housemates, I love my soccer team mates (Go Gumbies!!), I love the youth group kids I lead, I love both my brothers and sisters in Christ, I love my family. Guys need to say to other guys that they love each other without freaking out. So what is love:

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

This is what is important more than fixing their problems.

As I finish off here I know that the most important thing is not saying it but actually living it in our lives. I need to be more patient and kind with my housemates, I need to be less irritable when I play badly, I need to rejoice more in the growth in my Youth Group guys, I need to not be arrogant or envious with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and I need to not insist my own way with my parents.

Let’s reclaim the word love.

Resurgence is

“Resurgence is a movement that resources multiple generations to live for Jesus so that they can effectively reach their cities with the gospel by staying culturally accessible and Biblically faithful.”

THE FRAY

2009-02-03T09:44:00.002+10:00

They are coming to Australia and I am going to go. THEY ARE AWESOME!!!!!

Which Web Browser Do I Use?

2009-01-28T15:37:00.001+10:00

Always wondered, which web browser to use? Found this helpful.

Interesting Gadgets

2009-01-28T15:31:00.004+10:00

The car that runs on air.

Well it may be compressed air but still AIR!! Made by a former Formula 1 engineer - must be good.

Ring me alarm.

An alarm clock that does not make a sound. Interesting...

Poll - Politics

2009-01-27T17:14:00.002+10:00

Here is a poll and an opportunity to comment on why yes or no..

Could you see me in politics?

Australia - The Movie

2009-01-27T09:37:00.006+10:00

Went to the Drive-In this weekend and watched Australia. It is a fantastic movie, Baz is a brilliant artist.

Though I had an extremely enjoyable night and loved the movie I left there "ashamed by the colour of my skin". To be honest I am not aware of all of the facts of that period and I will over this year I would like to have a more detailed look into the details of the stolen generation.

Over the weekend I found various accounts about the story portrayed by the movie. This one was not what I had hoped to find.

The "Mission Island" of the film is Bathurst Island, and it was bombed before the onslaught on Darwin.

I do not intend to say that the people that cared for these children did not love and care for the kids in their care but the policy by our government was disgraceful and the actions of some within our public service (police, etc) where shameful. I AM thankful that Kevin Rudd DID make an apology for the government as it is both right and just for him to have done so.

My struggle now is with the Churches involvement in this policy. Did they
1. approve of the policy and carry out the shameful actions of forcefully removing children from their families?
2. carry out care for children that were forcefully removed from their families?

As a Christian I hope that it is the second. If not I feel a sense of shame for the pain that was caused to Aboriginal families by the Church. It is a reminder that we are all fallen people that can only been redeemed by the work that Jesus did on the cross. It is my earnest prayer that what happened in that period of our history will not stop people coming to know Jesus as their Saviour.

Does Australia want their own Obama?

2009-01-23T14:49:00.002+10:00

In late 2007 Australia chose Kevin07, but Kevin Rudd is not an Obama.

My question is does Australia want or need an Obama?

I am not talking here about policy, race or religion but about bring together a nation.

2009-01-22T13:28:00.002+10:00

I have listened to and watched the following video numerous times. My question how do you actual change this is denominations where the ways are so entrenched.

Putting Things Into Context..

2009-01-21T15:27:00.005+10:00

Here is a very interesting and powerful advert that is about to air in America about abortion.

The American Stimulus Package - Obama

2009-01-21T09:24:00.003+10:00

Well Obama is a one man stimulus package..

I was watching the channel Ten news last night and was advised that half a billion dollars will be spent on inauguration memorabilia (shirts, pins, Spiderman comics).

Article One

Artilcle Two

One Man... One Day...

2009-01-20T15:04:00.006+10:00

It is with great interest that I have followed Obama.

I am halfway through his book The Audacity of Hope, which I would recommend to read. Once you pass the Americanisms and his literary form it is a very interesting insight to who he is.

Today around the World we see the whole world watch Obama. What are we expecting or hoping to see? What we will see is one man, take one job, in one country.

What the World Expects of Obama

It is hard for me to see how one man can take the weight of the whole world. He has been lifted high almost to the level that he is the one to save us from all our current problems. I find this hard to believe and impossible to accept.

Politically I am not sure whether I am a support but I am definitely a follower.

His ability to empower people to be active in seeking community and healthy change is incredible. However I am yet to be convinced of his policy, particularly abortion. I am not agreeable to see a man call himself a Christian and offer abortions to his nation? At the same time you have to chose 1 leader.

Let us all see what unfolds.