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An apostle

As I was growing up I heard some really silly "Christian" things. One of those things always baffled me; the idea that apostles don't exist anymore. (I actually had a pastor tell me this last year)

As I've been studying missiology I've discovered something I always knew at a subconcious level . . . of course apostles exist today. Paul was an apostle, in spite of never having walked with Jesus or having been trained by Him personally.

And that calling didn't end with Paul. Anyone that steps out in an entreprenuial sense to bring the story, the life, and family of Jesus to a community is an apostle.

Kinda like the movie . . . 

worship styles and philosophies

Hey Everybody.  So this weekend at River Valley was amazing, and it felt great to work with our team to pull together something that felt so groundbreaking and unique.  I'll planning to write more about that tomorrow or Thursday.

But before I do that, I want to write about something that's come up over the last few days.  In a post I wrote a few weekends ago a new friend challenged me on what authentic worship should sound like and look like and feel like.  Over the past 14 years I've share many similar conversations.  Most of them begin as discussions about musical styles, but it you stick with them long enough you'll find something deeper under the surface . . .

Easter Plans

And just when you thought your church's plans for Easter were out there . . . Mission Bay Church in S.F. is launching their Easter series entitled "Come and Follow Mii."  If you look closely in the graphic you can see the Easter Bunny doesn't think much of the Mii Jesus, as his thoughts are so dark that the can't even be articulated. 

I would really love to know how this one works out.  Anyone else trying something 'out-there' for Easter?

willow creek's apology

Some of you have written me in the last couple of weeks about Willow Creek's recent apology to it's church for some of the ways it had pursued ministry.  After conducting a monster study of it's community, the leaders of Willow Creek found that high participation doesn't equate to creating disciples.  You can here the Senior Pastor, Bill Hybels, talk more about it click here. 

It's cool to hearing them reaching some of the same conclusions that I'm reaching in my own life and ministry.  I've been involved in churches of 60 and churches of 6,000, and yet some of the very best ministry I've ever been a part of is happening in my small group right now.  It's making me reevaluate the way I'm spending my life, and it's awesome to know that God's moving in other Christian's hearts the same way.

(by the way, please don't leave comments bashing Willow.  I have a huge amount of respect for these folks and this 'apology' only makes me respect them more.  I've never deleted a comment on this blog, and I'd hate to start now!)