The YS conference ended last evening for me. Walking away from the convention center there was a sense of fatigue and joy and too much good food and circles under my eyes from crying and great conversations with friends and giggling and hope and promise and one too many coffees and God time and late night pizza and talks with Paul and lots of just us time. And it was everything I didn't know I needed and yet everything I wanted at the same time. It was invigorating. Here is just a little snippet (okay, a ridiculously too long one) of random treasures.
In Margeret Feinberg's talk, I was challenged to listen to God's voice and to pursue the passions He has written on my heart. My joy is my God and my family, without question. But my joy is also listening to stories and hearing God's heart within them. I want to give credence to voices who have drenched their pillow with tears, but are waking up to restoration and beauty each new day. I want to serve a broken world with words of hope that communicate love winning in the end. I want to point to Jesus, I want to point to Jesus.
Andrew Marin, founder of the Marin Foundation, is a guy who has committed his life to loving Jesus and living right in the middle of the largest gay and lesbian community. His intention is not to change his neighbors with an end agenda in mind. Quoting Billy Graham, he stated that it's the Holy Spirit's job to convict, it's God's role to judge, it's his place to love. Clearly through his stories, it was more than his place, it was his honor to love those that the Christian community has despised for far too long, to our shame. (It's always hate the sin, love the sinner, but geez... we sure can't seem to extricate that hate from individuals whom God longs to pursue.)
Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love, took the stage Saturday night. And dude, he took the stage. He convicted and challenged and said just about every hard thing I didn't really want to hear. If you haven't seen this guy speak or read his book, please do. He is as authentic and true to the word of God as it gets. One of my favorite quotes was, "Teach in such a way so as not to cheapen the gospel." Oh, and "When salt goes bad, it's worthless. So worthless that it ruins manure." Yep, manure. I don't want to be the one to ruin manure. (Luke 14: 35)
Phyllis Tickle spoke at some point - at this point everything is a blur- and she was this wondrous genius, this spitfire of a sage. She gave a history lesson and covered the Great Reformation, the Great Schism, the Fall and Decline of Rome, Jesus' arrival, etc.... Her premise was that every 500 years the church goes through some type of major deal. And it's that time again. We're at the precipice of another 500 years, so there are crazy implications to this cycle that we'll see in our lifetime. God does have a funny thing for numbers in His word. Strange stuff, but great thing to be aware of.
Mark Yaconelli spoke about the soul and disco balls. I sorta wish he had dove deeper into the word, but I did love how he said that joy is always, irrevocably connected to suffering. Joy is an expression of healing. And he gave a great object lesson to boot. It's why people found it easy to celebrate around Jesus, because he was connected to their pain. It's also what I can stake the last 2 1/2 months on. I would've never understood this concept, had we not lived through it (to a minuscule degree.) Deep joy finds a reservoir in wells of suffering. Those tears were worth it for this joy now.
Beyond the general session speakers, I attended a few seminars, two of which I would highly recommend - Jim Burns' seminar on Marriage and Youth Ministry and Andy Root's seminar on Rethinking Relational Ministry.
One comment from Jim Burn's seminar really stood out to me. In speaking to a teenage girl (whose dad was very effective in young life), the girl said, "I hope you do things differently than my dad. He saved other kids. He didn't save me." Ughhh... our families, first and foremost, need to know that we are for them. "For them" (for our kids at least) translates into lots of time playing, laughing, hanging out, listening, praying for, and inviting them to be a part of what matters most. I will leave this weekend with a million strategies in working with teenagers, but I will also find myself playing tag a whole lot more in the leaves with my kids (and being more intentional about date nights with Paul!) Playing tag is of infinite value.
Andy Root's seminar on Relational Ministry had like no one in it, but it was really like this gem. Here's this little soft spoken preppy guy who learned what he knows from working with gangs in LA (I think, I could be totally lying about the LA part.) What I got out of it was that students can sniff out agenda from a mile away. So if you've got this goal of getting an unchurched kid to sit quietly in a pew with a collared shirt on, he will never ever get anywhere near you. (Bad goal anyway) But if you meet him where he's at, in his place of deepest need/vulnerability/weakness and communicate that you care about him - well, then that is the framework for a relationship. Yes, you can still speak the truth in love, but you listen more than you talk. And you let Jesus do the saving anyway.
Gosh, all of this plus Crowder and Matt Maher (fabulous worship leader), Shane and Shane, a Compassion graduate, Kendall Payne, and the Skit Guys. Oh yeah, Tony Jones was there too. I really didn't get his whole beginning ditty and frankly didn't find much value in it. It bothered me a lot, especially the prayer mocking of sorts. But what the guy had to say was great. He spoke on not cheapening the gospel, getting into the word of God, and letting the person of Jesus Christ (with dirt under his work worn hands) be our example. Can't argue with much of that.
Well, it's late and I need to get to bed. It was a long day of work today. I am thrilled about spending tomorrow with Selah and Adden. I missed them immeasurably while we were gone. (And huge thanks to Paul's amazing parents for loving them the whole weekend and giving us this retreat!)
Can't wait to play tag in the leaves....
Showing posts with label youth specialties conference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth specialties conference. Show all posts
10/31/08
My Brand of Christianity
Paul and I are attending the National Youth Workers' Convention in Pittsburgh this year. Yep, just down the road. So far it's been phenomenal... thought provoking speakers, great dialogues, amazing food (dulcet beem en bop at Sushi Kim's... ahhhh...), hanging out with our team, and lots of soul searching.
One of last evening's speakers was a guy by the name of Dr. Soong-Chan Rah. His premise was that the American church is held captive to western white culture more than the gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, he spoke of the insidious racism hidden deep within the Christian community. Two of the most recent explicit racial attacks have been committed at the hands of followers of Christ. Does American Christianity really perpetuate racism?
I had never entertained the notion that I could be prejudiced. In regards to religion, I grew up with a best friend who was Jewish. In regards to race, my years in Korea gave me a sensitivity and a compassion for wanting to understand others. In regards to economic divides, I do what I can to fight injustices and to help right wrongs.
Yet the more I listened to God speak through Dr. Rah, I realized that all is not what it should be. I have tolerated racism before. I have put up with hatred and sly remarks though I have been sickened with disgust. And in remaining silent, I only perpetuate this problem.
Not only that, but my brand of Christianity carries a privilege. I understand God from the perspective of a middle class white American woman. Like it or not, I see God through a particular lens, a narrow one at that. I have made no concerted efforts to surround myself with non-white voices and that is to my disadvantage, to say the least. The kingdom of God is not a white one. It is gorgeous in its' brilliant array of colors.
When I neglect to hear the rich stories of others, I also miss out on different facets of God's radiance. It's almost as though pieces of His beauty go un-mined. It's no less than a travesty - for me, for those voices who have been silenced far too long, and for our children who deserve to hear the wonders of God spoken from different tongues and heritages and perspectives.
Before one of our Compassion children was old enough to write, I corresponded with his mom Gina. Gina and Rodean (and the rest of her children) live in the Philippines. It is one of my fervent, crazy, almost unattainable prayers to be able to meet Gina one day on this earth. I always told Paul that Gina knew something about God that I didn't. Her letters to me were so rich and thankful and warm and giving. They were authentic and pure and almost shocking in their understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. Though we were the ones who were supposed to be giving of our wealth, I was the recipient of her riches. And hers were of far greater worth...
All that to say, that I have a lot to learn. I have a lot of questions to ask my unbelieving Dad, my neighbor, the youth group students, the homeless guys from the shelter, my co-workers, our Compassion children and their parents. My first question out of the starting blocks will be, "What does my life communicate to you about my Jesus?"
One of last evening's speakers was a guy by the name of Dr. Soong-Chan Rah. His premise was that the American church is held captive to western white culture more than the gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, he spoke of the insidious racism hidden deep within the Christian community. Two of the most recent explicit racial attacks have been committed at the hands of followers of Christ. Does American Christianity really perpetuate racism?
I had never entertained the notion that I could be prejudiced. In regards to religion, I grew up with a best friend who was Jewish. In regards to race, my years in Korea gave me a sensitivity and a compassion for wanting to understand others. In regards to economic divides, I do what I can to fight injustices and to help right wrongs.
Yet the more I listened to God speak through Dr. Rah, I realized that all is not what it should be. I have tolerated racism before. I have put up with hatred and sly remarks though I have been sickened with disgust. And in remaining silent, I only perpetuate this problem.
Not only that, but my brand of Christianity carries a privilege. I understand God from the perspective of a middle class white American woman. Like it or not, I see God through a particular lens, a narrow one at that. I have made no concerted efforts to surround myself with non-white voices and that is to my disadvantage, to say the least. The kingdom of God is not a white one. It is gorgeous in its' brilliant array of colors.
When I neglect to hear the rich stories of others, I also miss out on different facets of God's radiance. It's almost as though pieces of His beauty go un-mined. It's no less than a travesty - for me, for those voices who have been silenced far too long, and for our children who deserve to hear the wonders of God spoken from different tongues and heritages and perspectives.
Before one of our Compassion children was old enough to write, I corresponded with his mom Gina. Gina and Rodean (and the rest of her children) live in the Philippines. It is one of my fervent, crazy, almost unattainable prayers to be able to meet Gina one day on this earth. I always told Paul that Gina knew something about God that I didn't. Her letters to me were so rich and thankful and warm and giving. They were authentic and pure and almost shocking in their understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. Though we were the ones who were supposed to be giving of our wealth, I was the recipient of her riches. And hers were of far greater worth...
All that to say, that I have a lot to learn. I have a lot of questions to ask my unbelieving Dad, my neighbor, the youth group students, the homeless guys from the shelter, my co-workers, our Compassion children and their parents. My first question out of the starting blocks will be, "What does my life communicate to you about my Jesus?"
11/18/07
Of Junk and Treasures
So I guess I’ve been walking around with some heavy bags of late. You know… envy, pride, selfishness, apathy, excuses and the like. Never really even realized that junk was there, (sorry to all of you who did!) but thank God it’s getting tossed as this weekend has progressed. I’m sure I’ve got a ways to go, but at least it’s a start.
While I’ve been at this conference, I’ve attended most of the main speakers – Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, and Doug Fields. I missed the lady because I slept in and splurged on Dunkin D’s. Also missed Shane Claiborne due to my son going ballistic. (But that’s okay, little buddy. I would too if I was being starved.) I was disappointed initially because my husband adored the message (that’s just one reason why I love him), but I am relishing spending time alone with God and Matthew 5-7 later.
I have gone to a few seminars- Lauren Winner on Talking Chastity in a Sex- Crazed World. (Youth group girls reading this, can you tell what’s coming? Lots of awkward stuff, but hopefully we can dialogue about it so that it’s not too excruciating.) I loved her take on everything – very up front, refreshing, brutally honest, and totally different than anything else I’ve ever heard on the subject. She had this dry, sarcastic, intelligent wit that was strangely engaging. I would highly recommend her book on the subject, based on the insights shared at the seminar.
Also went to Engaging Youth Culture by Walt Mueller. Though I wasn’t dragged there by my husband, I didn’t really see the point. Thank God thank God thank God I went. So informative! Not sure who I thought I was thinking that I understood what kids are going through these days. 18 years younger? I have been grossly ignorant and for that I ask their apologies. I will attempt to be a better listener. I will also make every effort to see this world from your eyes. Call my bluff if I fail, guys, because I know I will.
Mueller shared this jammin’ quote by John Stott. “We stand between the Word and the world with consequent obligation to listen to both. We listen to the Word in order to discover even more of the riches of Christ. We listen to the world in order to discern which of Christ’s riches are needed most and how to present them in their best light.” There isn’t anything else more that needs to be said on the subject.
Today I forced myself not to attend Lori Solierno’s seminar on prayer, because I’ve been to the thing twice and have listened to the cd probably 5 times. (I easily get addicted to stuff, I am a slow learner, and I forget everything.) Instead Paul and I started accumulating wisdom from Doug and Cathy Fields about marriage, ministry, and family. Truthfully, I am clueless about how to raise my children to love Christ and His church. And if the world gets the best of me and they don’t, then everything will be for naught. Paul and I are hoping to continue to pursue wisdom from those that we look up to for counsel in this area. I’m sure it will be a journey filled with millions of mistakes - but Selah and Adden - even though almost all you can comprehend is the word “yummy” right now – know that we’re going to give this effort all that we’ve got. We love you two little rascals.
Besides all of these gems being excavated, we have enjoyed the warm Atlanta weather (it’s snowing in Pittsburgh), Paul’s parents who have loved on our kids and freed us up to learn, Starbucks brews, debriefing at night, little mints by the bed, Olympic Park, conversations with our maid, David Crowder and Tomlin, David Crowder and Tomlin, and David Crowder and Tomlin. (Though I can’t worship with Crowder without thinking about squirrels on a rampage.) Anyway, it’s been a great weekend and I am exhausted, but renewed.
While I’ve been at this conference, I’ve attended most of the main speakers – Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, and Doug Fields. I missed the lady because I slept in and splurged on Dunkin D’s. Also missed Shane Claiborne due to my son going ballistic. (But that’s okay, little buddy. I would too if I was being starved.) I was disappointed initially because my husband adored the message (that’s just one reason why I love him), but I am relishing spending time alone with God and Matthew 5-7 later.
I have gone to a few seminars- Lauren Winner on Talking Chastity in a Sex- Crazed World. (Youth group girls reading this, can you tell what’s coming? Lots of awkward stuff, but hopefully we can dialogue about it so that it’s not too excruciating.) I loved her take on everything – very up front, refreshing, brutally honest, and totally different than anything else I’ve ever heard on the subject. She had this dry, sarcastic, intelligent wit that was strangely engaging. I would highly recommend her book on the subject, based on the insights shared at the seminar.
Also went to Engaging Youth Culture by Walt Mueller. Though I wasn’t dragged there by my husband, I didn’t really see the point. Thank God thank God thank God I went. So informative! Not sure who I thought I was thinking that I understood what kids are going through these days. 18 years younger? I have been grossly ignorant and for that I ask their apologies. I will attempt to be a better listener. I will also make every effort to see this world from your eyes. Call my bluff if I fail, guys, because I know I will.
Mueller shared this jammin’ quote by John Stott. “We stand between the Word and the world with consequent obligation to listen to both. We listen to the Word in order to discover even more of the riches of Christ. We listen to the world in order to discern which of Christ’s riches are needed most and how to present them in their best light.” There isn’t anything else more that needs to be said on the subject.
Today I forced myself not to attend Lori Solierno’s seminar on prayer, because I’ve been to the thing twice and have listened to the cd probably 5 times. (I easily get addicted to stuff, I am a slow learner, and I forget everything.) Instead Paul and I started accumulating wisdom from Doug and Cathy Fields about marriage, ministry, and family. Truthfully, I am clueless about how to raise my children to love Christ and His church. And if the world gets the best of me and they don’t, then everything will be for naught. Paul and I are hoping to continue to pursue wisdom from those that we look up to for counsel in this area. I’m sure it will be a journey filled with millions of mistakes - but Selah and Adden - even though almost all you can comprehend is the word “yummy” right now – know that we’re going to give this effort all that we’ve got. We love you two little rascals.
Besides all of these gems being excavated, we have enjoyed the warm Atlanta weather (it’s snowing in Pittsburgh), Paul’s parents who have loved on our kids and freed us up to learn, Starbucks brews, debriefing at night, little mints by the bed, Olympic Park, conversations with our maid, David Crowder and Tomlin, David Crowder and Tomlin, and David Crowder and Tomlin. (Though I can’t worship with Crowder without thinking about squirrels on a rampage.) Anyway, it’s been a great weekend and I am exhausted, but renewed.
The Conference
All I can say right now is that God is speaking to my heart and I need to be quiet for a change. I hope to be able to sit down and reflect on everything that He is teaching me soon. I love Him more than I could ever express - ever.
11/16/07
We have arrived and are movin' on up
First off - our apologies to the youth workers who visited our blog tonight with the intention of hearing thoughts on the convention - and were instead hit with "Mole Update." Lovely. I adore that your first exposure to us is in the form of my moleage issues. Anyway, 15 van hours later, we have arrived in Atlanta - with our two traveling tikes, a pair of gracious grandparents, frazzled nerves, and anticipation for this year's conference. Our thanks to the YS staff for putting this whole shabang on. We wouldn't be here if we didn't think it was worth our while.
Anyway, before we head to bed, we wanted to instill some jealousy at our brushes with fame this evening. In the midst of the insane R. Kelley traffic, the first celebrity spotting was Paul's mentor - Dave Barr. Dave is an amazing youth pastor who lives just about 45 min away from our own home. If you're looking for wise veteran counsel, find this guy, and buy him and his son lunch this weekend. It would be so worth it. The second guy we bumped into (actually, we were holding up his limo, but he was quite gracious), was the little cute man from the Jeffersons. He waddled right past Paul with his entourage and actually said hi. Paul and his parents were dumbfounded. Wow... the Jeffersons guy... There couldn't be a better way to kick off this conference.
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