Alexander Bryan

All New

2011-12-30T19:25:00.002-05:00

A new creation. New mercies every morning. All things new. A new covenant. A new earth. The New Year will feel old ... before we know it. Probably by the third day of work, the second day of class, or the first day we fail the resolution promised.

But here is good news: Jesus is always new. Jesus is always renewing us. Jesus is in the renewal business -- remaking our world in the way it was always meant to be. And often he renews through us, by our labor, with the strength and vision he has placed inside each of us, his children.

New is not a once-a-trip-around-the-sun experience for the follower of Jesus. New is a constant, continual, never-ending state of being. New gets older every day, yet remains new.

2012. Yet another solar swing upon an earth that is aging, and also being made new at the very same time.

Happy New Year!

The Solid Past and the Liquid Future

2011-09-15T23:34:00.004-04:00

This weekend we're considering Hebrews 12:1 and the importance of nurturing both roots and branches, past and future, old and new. It seems to me that neglect of either tradition or innovation, either conservation or liberation, either the unchanging God or the God who is always on the move ... leads to sickness, and death.

We need both: the solid past and the liquid future. When we pursue one to the exclusion of the other ... life, and especially Christian life, is in danger.

The One Project: Seattle!

2011-09-04T19:56:00.004-04:00

February 13-14, 2012.
Seattle, Washington, USA.
An Adventist Gathering.
All About Jesus.
Join leaders, thinkers, pastors, teachers, poets, and lovers from around the world.
Find out more HERE.

Brain Work

2011-08-03T20:20:00.002-04:00

Exploring the biblical/spiritual import of "critical thinking" for an upcoming sermon. It struck me: is "critical thinking" being redundant? Isn't all "thinking," in a sense, "critical?" Uncritical thought, then, an oxymoron?

Arguments

2011-07-30T11:17:00.005-04:00

I've been working this summer on seven presentations for Walla Walla University's October "Week of Worship." The topic I've chosen to bite off (and really, I've sensed God's nudge in this direction) is ... shutter ... Christian apologetics. The Big Question, in two words: Is God?

There will be some students (perhaps the majority) who have never questioned God's existence. Will this week seem like an "already got that question figured out, let's move on?" Somehow I hope their faith will find strength and greater experience as they consider philosophical reasons to believe. I also hope they will see the week as a CPR class: preparing for when others (or even themselves) will benefit from what they have learned. (This is a mature approach to listening to sermons, by the way. To learn FOR OTHERS and to learn FOR YOUR FUTURE, even if the present does not resonate with the message.)

There will be some students who've never had serious questions about God's existence, but the darkness visits them from time to time (as it did Mother Teresa, Ellen White, Henri Nouwen, and, honestly, probably the majority of God-seekers). In some ways this group will be the easiest to speak to: they know the monsters that lurk. To hear reasons to believe will be of comfort.

Then there will be some students who have explored the big questions--and now have big, big questions. They will question whether any "arguments" really should or can be made. Christianity seems illogical, non-believable. In my faith tradition (Adventism) there are, like in other tribes, many who have serious, thoughtful doubts. I have many friends (from teenagers to retirees) who simply have given up believing. The challenge with this group will also be to make arguments in an honest, mature, humble way. The church has made so many arguments about so many things--and claimed that each of these topics is of paramount importance. We have cried wolf when there has been no wolf. We have sounded a "Level Five" alarm when the emergency has not been one. And so, to those weary of constant argumentation--a challenge to make any argument.

At the end of the day, we share our stories. We speak of our convictions. Everyone lawyers. We all communicate our view of the world. We do so respecting the other point of view. We try not to overstate or understate what we think we know, what we have come to believe. I like the language of NT Wright in his "Simply Christian." He speaks of hints of God. Whispers. Suggestions. God leaves bits of himself in science, morality, relationships, philosophy, history--we can find him as we seek. But he doesn't "slam dunk" his case in our face. And perhaps we should not "slam dunk" his case in the face of others.

Ultimately, I think, belief is found in personal experience. "I know he lives. He lives within my heart." Making the case doesn't hold a candle to knowing the Christ. And so he can be found in physics and math, Shakespeare and Twain, chocolate and 10Ks, and most certainly in a life devoted to justice, to compassion, to serving the least of these, who is, Jesus.

Posting It ... Again

2011-06-07T17:08:00.004-04:00

THIS is simply a very important piece of writing.

--Alex Bryan

A Word For College Grads

2011-05-31T01:10:00.002-04:00

This is an important essay from David Brooks. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/opinion/31brooks.html?_r=1

The Pursuit of God

2011-05-28T11:02:00.003-04:00

I've been reading The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer. He wrote in the first half of the Twentieth Century. Brilliant spiritual writing. Challenging. Refreshing. Reading him via my Kindle App. A FREE download. If you haven't already checked out the FREE downloads from places like the Kindle store: there is plenty of "rough" but there are some diamonds out there as well. Including Tozer, Murray, Chesterton and other classic spiritual writers.

Authentic

2011-05-04T09:56:00.003-04:00

Authentic worship shines forth amid the glitch, glamor, and glory. My wife and I were stirred by this moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk&feature=player_embedded

Jesus: First, Last, and Best

2011-04-22T20:15:00.004-04:00

This preacher recommends these preachers: Roberts and Gillespie. These sermons in the series "Jesus: First, Last, and Best" are worth a listen or watch. http://www.lluc.org/article.php?id=97

God?

2011-04-17T23:50:00.003-04:00

William Lane Craig has argued for the reasonableness of God at many times and in many places. His writings have had a major influence on my intellectual life. Here is a debate from a few years ago. Fast forward through the opening comments of the hosts if you wish.

seth godin

2011-03-15T20:52:00.001-04:00

Exclusive interview with Seth Godin from GiANT Impact on Vimeo.

The One Project--Seattle, WA, USA

2011-03-11T00:45:00.003-05:00

You are invited to participate in the Second Annual Gathering of The One Project. Seattle, Washington, USA. February 12-14, 2012.

To reserve your place go to:

http://www.adventistyouth.org/one/view.php?item_id=1047

A Religion That Tastes Good

2011-02-22T09:26:00.001-05:00

We can all identify a particular shirt that had its heyday: yesterday. The pattern or colors quickly bring to mind some bygone era when this clothing was in. It was faddish. Everyone wanted to buy it and wear it—but now it is no longer in style.

This is also true of music, electronics, cars, language, political viewpoints and more. We often grab onto things in hopes that they will bring us happiness—only to find like sand between the fingers, they do not remain.

Religious fads are similar.

• Worship music: old, new, old/new.
• Approaches to prayer: quiet, loud, personal, corporate, longer, shorter, using these words, or those words.
• Small groups: we need to do them weekly, monthly, more often, left often. We need this curriculum or that program.
• Bible study: the meaning of life is becoming a scholar of the word. Reading the Old Testament, New Testament, or the biblical observations of some theologian, pastor, or teacher. “Get into the Word! is the cry.
• Youth ministry, serving the poor, television, radio, preaching, silence, evangelism, coming together, being separate, clean up your life, loosen up your life, work harder, work less. The list goes on and on.

I have been on some of these trips—hoping to discover the meaning of the Christian life. When others say, “I have found the secret to a wonderful spiritual life,” it seems an opportunity to good to pass up. Invitations to read a particular book, go to a seminar, join a group, get involved in the ministry of some pastor, or simply to focus private devotional time on this new “thing” are plentiful.

Religion and religions are always trying to sell us on the latest program. The secret of life has been found!

The problem—the cruel problem—of course is that these attempts to usher in some new golden age of God always disappoint. Later—or sooner—the realization sets in that what is being offered may well be good, but it isn’t magic. Banking your life on these many religious forms gets stale, and sometimes the shelf life is pitifully short.

I have discovered (though I am apt to fall back into the miracle drug addiction at times) a better way.

Jesus.

A total fascination, affection, and devotion to Jesus Christ is something that does not disappoint. Where the world (and even and especially the church) can cause discouragement and disillusionment, Jesus brings courage and a sense of grounded reality. Jesus, as the One who reveals God to us, is deeper, richer, truer, and ultimately where we find meaning.

Praying to Jesus.
Worshiping Jesus.
Reading about Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Discovering a hope for Him in the Old Testament.
Watching a community rally to Him in the New Testament.
Talking about him in small groups.
Preaching about him in large gatherings.
Caring for the poor in His name.

Jesus.

And when we enter community with one another—yes, in religion—we do not join a human group. We join the body of Jesus. Jesus is the one who is the source and substance of our congregation. The reason we gather is Him, and so we gather in His name.

And if we are to fellowship like Jesus, to eat as he ate … an astonishing thing happens.

Religion tastes good.

The Scandalous Party

2011-02-18T00:05:00.002-05:00

The implication of Jesus' table fellowship habits was crucifixion for him and the birth of the most incredible movement in human history. Christianity continues to grow around the globe 2000 years later with this message: there's a place for you at His table. The scandal for us: his radical inclusivity. The table is open and the dinner party is full of tax collextors, prostitutes, drunks, and gluttons, right-brainers, left-brainers, and even a few half-brainers like me. There are no private tables at this feast. There is room for everyone except those who insist upon an invitation list smaller than His. Jesus: unbound, unconfined, unleashed, uninhibited, untamed, unbelievable. May the party of Christ continue to grow!

ONE amazing gathering

2011-02-13T00:25:00.000-05:00

I have never had an experience quite like this before.

Last week I was humbled to participate in the first gathering of The One Project--a collection of men and women from around the world who long to celebrate the supremacy of Jesus Christ in Adventist Christianity. 170 gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in worship, prayer, communion, and public testimony to the beauty and strength of Jesus.

Tears.
Laughter.
Aha moments.
Serious theology.
Inspiring mission.
Adventism was affirmed.
Ellen White was honored.
But, most of all, Jesus Christ was given ALL ... absolutely ALL.

We now look forward to Seattle, Washington, USA where this celebration will grow. February 6 and 7, 2012. Here's an invitation: Join Us. Spots are already being reserved. The only limitation is the physical space of our gathering venue.

www.the1project.org

Death's Work

2011-01-20T00:42:00.003-05:00

Have you ever noticed that funerals--especially for those you have loved deeply--seem to make quite clear what is important and what isn't? To some degree attending a funeral for one you don't even know can cause this clarifying moment. And so can spending an hour in a care center for the elderly, a moment watching a severely handicapped child, or even watching a movie that deals with issues of life, death, love, and loss.

Mortality's moments make us see more clearly. They have a way of sorting out of the URGENT box so many trivial concerns. Not simply the usual suspects either: money, material goods, and cheap pleasures. They also seem to put into perspective what really matters in religion and what ... well ... doesn't.

The Work of Death is to elevate some things: Jesus, God's character, God's promises, God's good intentions, grace, love, patience, care, compassion, and other gold-standard convictions.

And then some things are demoted: wars about music in the church, disputes about disputable matters, wrestling and wrangling over issues the Bible is either silent or scant upon.

The siren of human frailty ought to (and generally does) put things in order. But why do we so quickly return to the confusion of making a big deal out of nothing and giving little thought and effort into the things that really, really ... really count?

Belief in the Basement

2011-01-11T17:24:00.003-05:00

I read chunks of two books yesterday.

One is a book edited by William Lane Craig--a series of essays arguing for the existence of God, the existence of a Good God. The authors are among the great philosophers alive today. As I read (slowly) conviction about the reality of God grew. The complexity of the natural world, the reality that things don't arise uncaused, the inability to explain consciousness from merely material origins, the presence of a very real sense of right and wrong, a uiniversal appreciation of the value of life--and more.

I believe. The best arguments for atheism and materialism are weak by comparison.

But.

I've also been reading Notes Left Behind, a first-hand account of parents who watch their six-year-old girl die of brain cancer. I read this book to its completion late into the night. Heavy. Cold. Heart-wrenching.

And the father of this little girl writes about the "cheap" answers Christians give for this unspeakable tragedy.

I believe there is compelling and convincing evidence for God's existence and His goodness. I also believe the horrors of this life cause questions in us that cannot be easily dismissed without care and compassion.

I once asked William Lane Craig what the greatest argument against God would be. I wanted to see if he would answer honestly. He didn't hesitate: the problem of pain and suffering in this world. Craig, one of the great defenders of the Christian Faith, being honest about the darkness we feel in this era of sin and heartache. Faith amid the darkness.

Belief in the Basement.

Anthropology: a celebration of Adventist Christianity

2010-12-31T01:41:00.003-05:00

This Winter (beginning January 8) I am presenting an 8-part sermon series called Anthropology: a celebration of Adventist Christianity. The weekly titles are: The Superhuman, Humanity, Humility, Ears and Ink, Human Bodies, Homicide, Humane, Posthumous.

I have never done a complete series on the subject of my Christian tribe--but I'm really looking forward to it. Lots of reading into Adventist History, both primary and secondary sources.

I landed on the title "Anthropology" because there seems to be a coherent view of human beings that emerges from this movement. The subtitles above may give you a clue--or leave you guessing! David Thomas, Dean of the School of Theology, has agreed to join me each Saturday afternoon after the worship service for an open conversation in response to the sermon. If you are in Walla Walla, Washington you are welcome to join us for worship and also for the afternoon conversation.

Richard Foster wrote an important book a few years ago entitled Steams of Living Water: celebration the Great Traditions of Christian Faith. It served a great purpose in showing the gift that is a particular movement of Jesus Christ. The unique gift of Adventism is what I hope we will discover and celebrate.

Theology Weekend

2010-11-08T12:06:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I participated in a theology conference in Portland, Oregon. The presenters were Dr. David Trim, historian at Newbold College and soon to be director of archives at the General Conference in Maryland, Dr. Gregory Dodds, professor of history at Walla Walla University, and yours truly. The presentations are available through the Walla Walla University School of Theology.

The subjects were apologetics, the role of reason in faith, the need to think deeply in religion, and how to address the current challenges of agnosticism and disbelief in our culture.

Some personal takeaways.

1. Biblical logic is really more than simple A + B + C = D. The Scriptures are written for wrestling. We need to do it kindly, with compassion, with respect, and integrity. But the Bible invites us into a rich, complex, meaningful world of exploration about God, Jesus Christ, ourselves, and our world. We need more thinking, not less.

2. There are two dangers: one, not to think and two, to do lots of thinking that doesn't go anywhere. A necessary alternative is to think (and ask hard questions) in the pursuit of truth, of faith. I told the group my rule for every sermon, every class, every interaction has to be this: I must build the faith of the student, the church member, the congregation, the community.

3. I long for more theology to be written in my denominational context. A theology of worship. A theology of mission. A theology of meta-narrative. I think Ellen White's Great Controversy theme provides answers to the problem of pain (sin, Satan) and the grand tension of our world. We could do more reflection (and writing!) on the battle between good and evil. This is the BIG question and this is also behind the many questions we face day by day (cancer, car accidents, loss of meaning, death, future, etc.)

Three Sermons, Fifteen Questions

2010-10-14T13:19:00.002-04:00

October 16, 23, and 30 I am preaching three sermons on discovery of God's will for your life. The students of Walla Walla University requested this topic and they are also engaging in small group discussions based on the sermons. Here I am posting some questions to help stimulate these discussions.

Oct 16 REALITY?

1. How do you live in "false realities" or "dreams" that prevent a real ... REAL! ... experience with God and life?
2. How can you become more present in the moment ... savoring each "now" in a way that finds connection with God and people?
3. A theology of text messaging and other distractions ... what would this be like?
4. How do you jump into the "larger story" of the universe's history?
5. Why is is hard to seek God's will in the moment versus some grand event in the future?

Oct 23 YOU ARE THE GARLIC OF THE WORLD!

1. How are you uniquely spicy? How has God made you to season the world?
2. What can we do to stay potent, hot, salty?
3. How do you beautify the world?
4. Where is the world (local or global) bland? Who needs to find "flavor" with your presence?
5. Who can you "blend" with to transform the world? (More than one spice together can be awfully .... nice.

Oct. 30 ORIGINALS

1. How do you simply copying whatever your culture does?
2. How can Christian create culture rather than simply copying what culture does and "editing out the bad stuff?"
3. Was Jesus an original? His teaching? His ways? How so?
4. How are you unique? DNA?
5. How are you unique? Experiences, troubles, valleys, education, etc.?

University Must-Sees

2010-09-20T11:57:00.002-04:00

Every university or college teacher, student, staff member ... and pretty much anyone interested in education and learning of any kind ought to watch these two presentations and talk about them with friends.

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution.html

A Larger Story

2010-08-16T11:00:00.002-04:00

The past few weeks I've been reading all the George Knight I can get my hands on. He was a seminary professor of mine 15 years ago and "the" Adventist church historian of this generation.

I've always liked history (and even majored in it). But now my motivation has become more personal. I want to know how my own little life might fit in the broader sweep of earth's history. I want to understand how God's Big Narrative includes even "grass" that is born green today and dies brown tomorrow.

God invited us into the Big Story of creation: "be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, create!"

Then, sin.

And so God invited us into the Big (amended) Story of redemption: "bless the world, salt the world, brighten the corner where you are, tell about Jesus and his love and his sure salvation."

We are part of what God has been up to since the beginning of Earth Time.

After sin is over, we will still be in the Big, Big Story. It will just be the drama of Creation rather than the drama of Redemption.

More exciting, not less.

In the mean time, I want to know how my brief walk on this planet connect to history and to the future. How do I honor the past? How to do equip future generations for the journey God has in mind for them?

How do I gain the humility to see that my life is not "the deal" but instead I find meaning and value in a much larger storyline?

290 pages and THUD

2010-08-04T18:05:00.002-04:00

I picked up this book not long ago because it won a Pulitzer Prize. It took me a week or so to plow through about 100 pages of darkness, sadness, hopelessness, difficulty, questions, misery.

Finally, last night, after a long work day, I decided to push through til the end. I had to know what was at the end of the tunnel.

Darkness. The End.

Even as I read pages 286, 287, 288, 289 I thought the author would release me, his reader, from hours of gray. I couldn't wait for the glorious conclusion of redemption and hope.

Darkness. The End.

I'm not a fan of Pollyanna. I don't like fake, sugary music, films, and books. I'm not in favor of religion that is "in right, out right, up right, down right, happy all the time" because this simply is not real, not real life.

But, come on.

A religion of questions, doubts, complaints, skepticism, deconstruction, depression, darkness, hopelessness ... yuck.

We need a religion that includes the entirety of Jesus Final Weekend.

The darkness of Friday Afternoon.
The uncertainty/hope of Sabbath.
The light at the end of the tunnel of Sunday Morning.

We need the reality of both cross and opened grave.

We need 289 pages of honest light and shadow ... and page 290 filled with happily ever after.

We need neither cheers nor jeers ... but Jesus.

What Spirit?

2010-07-26T11:09:00.003-04:00

"We are praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit."
"We want The Spirit to fill this place."
"May The Spirit energize our community."
"We want to be a Spiritual church."
"We want to be Spiritual people."

What does all this mean? Full of energy? Joy? Passion? Purpose? Godly commitment? General optimism? Mission-driven focus? Evangelism? Worship? Prayer? Holiness? Truth-seeking? Forgiveness? Power?

The "power of the Holy Spirit?"

The "Spirit" and "Spiritual" language can seem awfully non-specific. We know it is good, and right, and that we are supposed to pray for it. But what does it mean exactly? I've struggled with this over the years--ESPECIALLY BECAUSE ONLY CERTAINLY PERSONALITY TYPES--the outgoing, the energetic, the loud, the passionate, the hyper-holy ... these seem to be in line with "it."

But here is how this language no longer confuses (and even discourages) me.

It is the Spirit of JESUS. It is a very specific Spirit. Jesus.

The person of Jesus. The love of Jesus. The values of Jesus. The impulses of Jesus. The way of Jesus. The truth of Jesus. The life of Jesus.

We are asking for Jesus when we pray for the Spirit.

Jesus came to reveal to us The Father. Jesus defines for us who God the Father is, what he is like, what he values. We cannot know the Father in any better or more accurate way except by Jesus. He is "the image of the invisible God."

Likewise, Jesus reveals to us the nature of The Spirit. Jesus defines for us who The Spirit is, what he is like, what he values. We cannot know The Spirit except by Jesus.

Jesus came to reveal The Trinity. And so we come to know Father, Son, and Spirit ... through Jesus.

And so when we pray for the outpouring of the Spirit of Jesus or that we might become spiritual people (like Jesus) we now have a clear, wonderful, tender, challenging, fully relational understanding:

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit allows us to live like, and experience ...

JESUS.

Reading

2010-07-15T23:45:00.004-04:00

Thursday, 4 p.m. is my unofficial and sometimes unmet deadline for pulpit readiness each week. I like a day to "cool off" and let the work rest. This leaves in these final hours of the day a window for reading. Not sure if it will be a new work of fiction I picked up recently, one of two biographies, or a few more pages in James Davison Hunter's methodical sociology "To Change The World." For some reason I like to read biblical passages in the morning and find myself scurrying for non-canonical material in the p.m.

In a couple weekends my pulpit topic is called "Studying Your Culture"--the idea being that we ought to understand the people around us, the way our society thinks, feels, and acts. First, we do this by listening, I suppose. We hear what people are actually saying. Second, I think we have to ... read. Reading helps us understand people more deeply. Why do great fiction writers shape characters in the way that they do? What is it in lives of women and men famous and not so famous--that we read about in biographies--that give us a clue into human nature, the West, postmodernity, sin, old and new generations, family, etc? Books help us process humanity more slowly. And I love sociological works: well-crafted, well-researched assessments about the way we are as people, together.

Listening to real people is most important. But reading, I think, provides a rich education that helps us become knowledgeable, conversant, and, most of all, empathetic with those we live with in our short few trips together around the sun.

Listen well. Read well.

WIND: The Church Sets Sail

2010-07-11T20:03:00.002-04:00

This weekend we're beginning a seven-part pulpit series entitled WIND: The Church Sets Sail in Acts 15-28. We're examining the "Gentile Half" of the book of Acts (where the gospel is released with the Jerusalem Council's decision).

I've been thinking lately about what Christians in America think about "evangelism"--spreading the gospel. These words come to mind:

Giving Bible studies
Winning souls
Invitations
Apologetics and Argument
Conversions
Marketing
Preaching and presenting
Making the "ask
Sharing your faith
Defending your faith
Etc.

It seems to me all of these fit within the same category: I, as a Christian, go out, and try to convince somebody who is not going to church, not professing Christ, not part of my group ... to sign up. I'm don't think there is anything wrong with this so long as it fits within a wider view. This is what I've been thinking about my own experience and those Christians I know who seem to be influential beyond the Christian world.

Pray attention
Play attention
Pay attention

First, they pray for people who are beyond the moat. They pray for friends who don't seem close to God. They pray for places and spaces (I do this) where people mingle: coffee shops, restaurants, sports fields, etc. They pray for God to open their eyes and they pray for the Spirit to work in people's lives.

Second, they invest in "play." In other words, they enter the "game" of relationship. They realize influence is never remote. You can't NEVER (double negative, I know) ... You can't NEVER hang out with people and expect to be part of what God might be doing in their lives. If you and I are consumed within our own faith, our own denomination, we are kidding ourselves (and is isn't a very funny joke) if we think we will have missional impact. You have to press "play" and get involved, hang out, converse, be with. In my own faith tradition we have used the phrase "Babylon, come out of her my people" The more I reflect on this text the more I see Babylon (greed, materialism, humanism, etc.) not as something I must leave externally but something I must deal with internally, inside of my own life. Jesus never modeled disassociation with the world, with sinners, with Gentiles, etc.

Third, my friends who seem to have influence pay attention: to the Spirit and to people. They don't see opportunities for conversation has "sales calls." They listen. They listen. Oh, if I ever built an evangelism class I would spend half the time on the subject of listening. What are people hurting over? What might God be doing in their lives? We are often so arrogant as to assume that God is in our own briefcase and it is our job to give him, sell him to somebody else. God is already at work, loving and talking and connecting with people. It is our job to see that, to recognize that, to acknowledge it. And do so in the presence of others.

Pray attention.
Play attention.
Pay attention.

And see what God does.

One Thing

2010-07-03T11:08:00.003-04:00

One thing I ask of Jesus,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of Jesus
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of Jesus
and to see him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

The Only Reason I'm All In

2010-07-02T15:29:00.003-04:00

You, O Jesus, keep my lamp burning.

--Psalm 18:28

Four Presidents

2010-06-30T11:27:00.005-04:00

I've been thinking lately about formalizing a mentoring relationship with someone. Not that I am teacher. But, rather, the student. It seems to me, at the turn of my fifth decade, growing has never been more important.

This got me thinking about four relationships I have "lucked into" in my life.

#1 David Smith. My first college teacher--English Composition. Funny, deep, poetic, real. Always wore a suit and tie to class. Smart. Demanding. Supportive. I wanted to be David Smith. Later I played shortstop next to his third base in intramural softball. A deeply spiritual man. I have thought of him often over the years and wondered if I am composing my words, and most of all, my life, as he does.

#2 Randal Wisbey. Randy was professor of youth ministry and director of the youth resource center while I was in seminary. He was my faculty mentor, and boss. I don't know if I've ever met someone who loves Jesus as much as this man. And a lover of people. I watched passion personified in Randy. Passion for The Passion. A heart-ful man. Every now and then when I do a heart check, I think about the tears, the pathos, of Professor Wisbey. A man after God's own heart.

#3. Gordon Bietz. Dr. Bietz was my college pastor. Then he was my first official professional mentor. I did a yearlong internship under his leadership. And leadership it was. Lots of words come to mind when I think of this man: humor, family, voice, integrity, strength, tenderness, and confidence ... in God. But I keep coming back to leadership. His ability to cast vision, protect creativity, inspire high-quality effort, and shape a vibrant corporate culture is extraordinary. He remembers the past while imagining the future. He tells stories that avoid nostalgia, but give a sure footing for journey, for movement, for trek, for the road ahead. WWBD? has been a common leadership question in my professional journey.

#4. John McVay. I've worked alongside John McVay for the past year and change. John is whole-brained. His left brain is genius. I love to watch him analyze problems, sort through theological questions, and with the skill of the finest litigator assess the merits of a given problem. He is careful, cautious, curious. He has both gas pedal and brake in his leadership cockpit. And he seems to know which to press, when, and how much. John is also right brain beautiful. Watery eyes. Beauty in expression. A poet. A rich pastoral spirit. He treats PhDs and what the world views as the "least of these" with equal love. I've watched him sit after church with anyone--anyone--listening and conversing with patience, with tenderness. In a world of half-brained heresy, McVay is cranial orthodox.

Four men. Four mentors. And, I realized, Four Presidents. Smith, President of Union College. Wisbey, President of La Sierra University. Bietz, President of Southern Adventist University. McVay, President of Walla Walla University.

Christian Higher Education is in very good hands.

I'm Not Over It (Him)

2010-06-22T10:38:00.002-04:00

This morning I'm gathered with our pastoral staff near Bend, Oregon. This is our annual planning retreat, our important opportunity to "go to the other side of the lake" to commune with God, with one another, dreaming about the coming season of the Church of Jesus Christ, College Place, Washington, USA.

Cracked open a new book that may well become a classic. Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola. If you look on the back leaf to see their pictures, you won't find any images. The only image, the only focus, of this book, is Jesus.

I titled this blog entry "I'm Not Over It (Him)." This past Winter I invested 9 weeks preaching about Jesus. And now, it seems, to return to Jesus, it might be too soon?

Forgive me, Lord.

Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. It is all about Jesus. I'm tired of talking about worship, mission, evangelism, morality, progress, regress, reformation, church health, church success, origins, the past, the future, right, wrong, work, rest ... I WANT TO TALK ABOUT, TO HEAR ABOUT, TO KNOW ... TO KNOW ... JESUS.

I didn't fall in love with hard work, humor, skill, gifts, honor, integrity, history, hopes, commitments, attributes ... I fell in love with Nicole, my wife, a person.

And so, too, I want to fall in love with Jesus again and again. I do not flip over religion. My heart does not skip a beat over a moral code. I am not memorized with truth.

Only with THE truth. Who is, love. Who is lovely. Who loves me, and you. Who was, is, and will be.

Gatherings

2010-06-17T12:02:00.004-04:00

I just returned from (probably the 30th annual) Bryan family get together on Hilton Head Island. The sands of the Low Country have rich memories for us. Weddings (2), engagements (1), bowls of ice cream (infinite), and etc. Getting the family together (all 27 of us this year) feels almost ... holy. This is sacred time.

This weekend a regional camp meeting takes place on the campus of Walla Walla University. This is an annual religious gathering where there will be music, preaching, classes, and etc. The real value, I think, is in the gathering. That people are coming together, for a shared purpose.

Next week I head to Atlanta, GA for an international gathering--one that happens every five years. The General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Once again, meetings, music, preaching, teaching, etc. and etc. But the greatest value, for me, is in the actual act of gathering.

The Old Testament mandates all kinds of gatherings for the Jewish people. Convocations, pilgrimages, worship services, festivals. Human beings getting together is a big deal to God. There is powerful symbolism in coming together. There is something about ritualized reunions that count. In an age where house churches and anti-establishment talk is "all the rage" I wonder if what we need is NOT fewer organizations, denominations, or gatherings. What we need it BETTER organizations, denominations, and gatherings. We need Great Groups. We need get-togethers that "get it."

Ours is not the era of dying interest in denominations, fading desire for family, and over-it attitudes toward organizational life. Instead, I believe, we are longing for GREATER groups. We hope for reasons to congregate that really count. We long to be together, in beauty, truth, and love. We are hungry for the best convocations ever. And so we need renewed, revamped connecting times. From church services to town halls, from family dinner tables to neighborhood BBQs ... let's picnic together.

Parental Confidence

2010-06-12T15:00:00.005-04:00

I was amazed at the June 10 blog from Abby Sunderland's parents as they were not able to communicate with their 16-year-old daughter. Why a big deal? She was sailing around the world, alone. Abby had reported high winds and heavy seas (three-story waves). And now distress signals indicated something was amiss. And communications were out. Somewhere in the stormy Indian Ocean. Check out their calm here. Amazing. They assumed she was well-trained, well-equipped, and that, after all, risk and journey are what life is all about. You can read about her journey here.

How do we Christians handle Christian young people? Do we want to protect, guard, keep them in the harbor? Or do we want to train them well, to sail the seas of the world, with boldness, courage, purpose, and risk?

I love the Sunderlands' confidence. (Don't know if I have it as a parent.) But certainly, this kind of conviction, that we ought to send one another out ... this is biblical, Christian, Spiritual. The book of Acts (which I'm studying in preparation for a seven-part sermon series) is rich with dangerous (and often fatal) missionary adventure.

Jesus did not ask his disciples to fear the world. Rather, he told them (Matthew 16:18) that the world, and even hell itself, ought to fear them.

Figuring out new ways to avoid the world will only weaken the church. We must venture out, with love, with grace, with wisdom, with Jesus. They only way to strengthen a congregation, a denomination, is to GO ... where the Spirit Blows.

May we hoist a mainsail on top every steeple.

Faithful Till The End

2010-06-03T23:26:00.000-04:00

This is Len Sweet, once again, at his best.

Hills Not To Die On

2010-06-02T11:23:00.003-04:00

VIDEO.

Fantastic Piece by Wendell Berry

2010-05-26T17:09:00.002-04:00

http://harpers.org/archive/2008/05/0082022

2010-05-25T19:42:00.001-04:00

Solid sermon from one who walks it in the midst it. http://www.wellonthesouthside.com/media/podcast/The-Well-2010-02-06.mp3

It's All About the Restrooms!

2010-05-05T16:25:00.001-04:00

New video blog posted at http://wwuchurch.org/

Creating Relational Space

2010-04-27T16:30:00.003-04:00

Just new video interview with Paul Richardson at www.wwuchurch.org

1 Dare. 30 Days. $70,000 Dollars.

2010-04-16T13:03:00.006-04:00

Above all we pride ourselves on the education of our children. --the Jewish historian Josephus

1 Dare.
30 Days.
70,000 Dollars.
Join the revival of our
Children’s Sabbath School Space.

What will your investment do?

**Produce immediate improvements in the sacred space
where children and young adults experience God and church.

**Fund initial work on restrooms, entryways, floors, walls,
lighting, storage space, signage, heating and cooling, and more.

How can you give?

1. Mark your tithe envelope
“Children’s Sabbath School Wing”

2. To give online go to www.wwuchurch.org
and choose the online giving button.

In my office 8AM Monday???

2010-04-05T12:26:00.000-04:00

New video post at http://wwuchurch.org/

April Fools & Etc.

2010-04-01T16:01:00.000-04:00

Just posted new video blog here.

Healthcare and Joe, OR

2010-03-23T23:39:00.001-04:00

New video post here.

Inspiring Article

2010-03-23T23:33:00.003-04:00

Great stuff from Jan Paulsen, president of the Adventist Church. Read THIS. My heart, mind, and soul are encouraged by these words. A generation of young adults needs this kind of vision--of both biblical integrity and cultural/incarnational/missional insight.

Thots on Thinking

2010-03-17T13:34:00.001-04:00

Just posted new video on http://wwuchurch.org/

Barbara Brown Taylor

2010-03-15T22:20:00.003-04:00

I am a fan.

Here is a sermon (scroll about middle of the service) called Sacramental Sky. She is one of the most highly regarded preachers in America.

Nouwen

2010-03-15T02:15:00.002-04:00

I'm listening to an old sermon by Henri Nouwen. My favorite book of his is Here and Now. His insight into the vision of Jesus's God and the way we function as human beings is quite extraordinary. The sermon is in 8 parts. You Tube it here.

What's Up ... Up THERE.

2010-03-08T18:00:00.005-05:00

This weekend we bring to a close our Jesus in Winter teaching series. So, what comes next? I've got some ideas about the kinds of questions, issues, whispers and winds that might be blowing. How about you? What is God up to (up THERE) these days and what is he up to down here?

What is God most concerned about in 2010?
What are USA people most worried about?
What are the biggest issues facing 3rd graders?
What are the challenges facing graduating college seniors?
What parts of the Bible are burning brightest these days?
What have we forgotten to our chagrin?
What topics are we afraid to talk about, but must?
What are the compelling stories (metaphors/themes) that are shaping our present and future?

What ought we to talk about in the weeks and months ahead?

ZIP ME AN EMAIL AT alex.bryan@wallawalla.edu

The Winds of the Windy City

2010-02-25T00:51:00.004-05:00

Next week in Chicago I have a unique opportunity to explore the future of the local church in North America/Europe/Australia. The conference/conversation is sponsored by the Center for Youth Evangelism (Andrews University). Its called COR: Churches of Refuge. I am eager to participate in this gathering. I have been convicted for a very long time that the future of my tribe (Adventism) rests in our ability to revive local congregations. As much as I appreciate/respect summer camps, mission trips, schools, television ministries, compassion organizations, Christian publishing organizations, etc.... none of these can be the church. Only the local church can do the work of the local church--with the support of lots of great para-church missions and movements. We need:

1. Bold visions (not one, but many)
2. Empowered local leaders (who are given permission to risk and experiment)
3. Rich financial investment (the most important place for church money is the church, the local congregation)

I am praying this gathering will be the beginning of something--perhaps the start of 500 new churches in North America, for example, each with lots of leadership, money, vision, and Holy Spirit power.

Discussion questions for small groups (4)

2010-02-16T17:08:00.002-05:00

Truth.

How does it get from one person to the next? How do we evangelize? How do we teach our children? How should we function inside the church and outside of it?

Pressure or persuasion?
Law or liberty?
Argument or argumentativeness?

How did Jesus convince?

How do we practice "religious liberty" inside and outside the church? How do we seek to become a "pure church" (a biblical idea) and at the same time avoid "purifying and purging the church" (a biblical caution)?

How much tolerance should we have for one another?
How much tolerance becomes a breach of Scripture?

How do we shed light, shine light, share light?

How do we shape thoughts and also support "liberty of thought, liberty of conscience?"

Discussion questions for small groups (3)

2010-01-26T17:51:00.003-05:00

1. What does it mean to have Jesus inside of you?
2. How does Jesus influence your life? What does this look like?
3. What are the most important exercises that allow your heart and mind to be shaped, enlivened, transformed, electrified by Jesus?
4. How is it that we are all so diverse even when we are all influenced by Jesus? How do we maintain our created originality while being fertilized by the commonality of the Spirit of Jesus?
5. What "bread" is uniquely you? How does Jesus function as "yeast" in your experience?
6. What would a Jesus-drenched community look like?
7. How can we become that kind of community--over the long haul?

Michael Sandel: What's the right thing to do? | Video on TED.com

2010-01-19T00:57:00.000-05:00

Michael Sandel: What's the right thing to do? | Video on TED.com

Group Conversation Questions for "Jesus in Winter" (2)

2010-01-04T11:01:00.002-05:00

Jesus is "the way" to God (John 14). What does it mean that he is the pathway to God? What kind of path is he? Do we sometimes confuse the path of "Jesus" with what others say about him?

What does it mean that Jesus is pathway for:

Salvation?
Image of God? (Who he is.)
Vision for human life--how we live?
Priorities of God?
Non-priorities for God?
The intention of God (that he would choose a human form to be the pathway to him--versus a mountain, a rock, a saying, a proverb, an idea, or book)?

People chose a different way in this video ... why? And what does it say about Jesus??? Check it out and share it with some friends for an interesting discussion.

Group Conversation Questions for "Jesus in Winter"

2010-01-04T10:17:00.002-05:00

Here are some questions to stimulate thinking for group conversations based on the sermon of January 2, 2010.

Passage: Hebrews 1:1-2:1; Colossians 1:15-20

Can we make too big a deal out of Jesus? Is it possible to speak of Him in any way that is to grand? Are there any claims we can make about him that are inappropriately large?

What percentage of what we can know about God can be learned from Jesus?

Here are four theological quotations we used from the January 2 service. What to you make of these?

Jürgen Moltmann
The Crucified God (p. 2-3)
The crisis of the church in present-day society is not merely the critical choice between assimilation or retreat into the ghetto, but the crisis of its own existence as the church of the crucified Christ. The question of ecclesiology, however unpleasant it may be for conservatives and progressives, is no more than a short prelude to its internal crisis, for only by Christ is it possible to tell what is a Christian church and what it not.

NT Wright
The Challenge of Jesus (15-16)
If church leaders themselves spent more time studying and teaching Jesus and the Gospels, a good many of the other things we worry about in day-to-day church life would be seen in their proper light. Church leaders find themselves spending countless hours at their desks running the Church as a business, raising money, or working at dozens of other tasks, rather than poring over their foundational documents and enquiring ever more closely about the Jesus whom they are supposed to be following and teaching others to follow. I believe that each generation has to wrestle afresh with the question of Jesus, not least its biblical roots, if it is to be the Church at all. We should discover more and more of who Jesus was and is precisely in order to be equipped to engage with the world that he came to save. And this is the task of the whole Church …

Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch (Australian theologians/missiologists of incredibly high regard)
ReJesus (p. 8, 42)
[T]he only way we can truly authenticate ourselves as an expression of Christianity is to somehow measure ourselves against the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, our Lord. And it is to him that we must now return if we are going to faithfully negotiate the profound challenges of the twenty-first century.

We believe that Christology is the key to the renewal of the church in every age and in every possible situation it might find itself. The church must always return to Jesus in order to renew itself….[It] needs to find it primal identity in its founder.

Ellen White
The Desire of Ages (p. 74)
It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued by His spirit.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-20T15:18:00.005-05:00

Just posted a new video on http://wwuchurch.org/ with Audrey and I in more than a foot of snow in Asheville, North Carolina. Hope this season is filled with meaning for you. I know the story Jesus tells about God--through his life, his miracles, his parables, his death and resurrection--is THE story I'm banking my life on.

And Happy New Year ... just days away from a New Decade!

Jesus in Winter

2009-12-07T12:25:00.008-05:00

Here's an upcoming series I'm working on for the New Year (decade!) at Walla Walla University Church.

The title is "Jesus in Winter: Inviting Christ to Come in From the Cold."

1.2.10 Preamble: Christology
1.9.10 Chapter One: Jesus?
1.23.10 Chapter Two: Human History
1.30.10 Chapter Three: Religion
2.13.10 Chapter Four: Rome
2.20.10 Chapter Five: Demons
2.27.10 Chapter Six: Inside the Cross
3.6.10 Chapter Seven: Paranormal
3.13.10 Afterward: More Paranormal

Jonna Buell

2009-11-30T23:11:00.003-05:00

Just left the memorial service of Jonna Buell. The faith-force and fabric of her family--immediate and extended--is powerful. The way that Jesus is the Way of their way is weighty. Solid commitments to Christ in the face of His Apparent Absence speak, sing, and shout something very, very special.

My walk with YHWH was quickened and deepened today. Thank you Jonna and your bless-ed, beautiful family.

A Beautiful, Holy Possibility

2009-11-26T00:39:00.004-05:00

This one has been in my top-ten for years:

Let’s think of reverence as awe, as presence in and openness to the world…. Think of those times when you’ve read prose or poetry that is presented in such a way that you have a fleeting sense of being startled by beauty or insight, by a glimpse into someone’s soul. All of the sudden everything seems to fit together or at least to have some meaning for a moment. This is our goal as writers [Jesus-followers? teachers? preachers? mommies and daddies? friends?], I think; to help others have this sense of … wonder, of seeing things anew, things that can catch us off guard, that break in on our small, bordered worlds. When this happens, everything feels more spacious…. I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world—present and in awe…. There is ecstasy in paying attention…. [You] see in everything the essence of holiness, a sign that God is implicit in all creation.
Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird (p. 100)

Just The Two of Us (Not an Open Letter)

2009-11-19T17:42:00.003-05:00

The blogging, Facebooking, mass-emailing world is in trouble with Jesus. (I think.) You see, Jesus says if someone has a problem with somebody else, that person ought to go "just between the two of you" and try to work it out. (Matthew 18:15-17).

But we (and I'm speaking of followers of Jesus, who are under Matthew 18's rule) seem not to care so much about this anymore.

>I see all kinds of websites where Christians are launching accusation bombs against other Christians.
>I watch news reports where Christians are happy to blast other Christians they have never met.
>I come across open letters sent electronically, in newspapers, or simply "leaked" (oops!) that go viral all over the Internet, destroying Christians, Christian leaders, and Christian institutions. Often these means of correspondence are couched in "a concern" or "a prayer concern" terms.

It seems to me: (A) Jesus would not approve of these sort of attacks and (B) church leaders--and every Christian--hold responsibility to confront those who (mal)practice in this way.

Even if my theological cargo is orthodox ... if my delivery system is (gospel) unorthodox, I am not following the Way of Jesus.

Writing It Down

2009-11-14T10:33:00.003-05:00

Nicole and Audrey went to see family in Oregon for the weekend. So here I am, alone. I've been listening to Jesus music old and new: Pie Jesu by Sissel, Jesus, be the Centre by Frye, among other. Also reading the Passion account in Matthew's gospel, including the anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman, the rejection of Judas, and the Supper.

I am overwhelmed by the humility of Jesus. The resistance against power, position, significance. The way of Jesus is low. Caring for the poor, the broken, the hurting, the cast-aside. Success as Christians is not "how well our worship services came off" but how we visited the incarcerated, the lonely, the poor, and how well we listened to one another. Christians are known for shouting, for telling, for building, for proclaiming--but Jesus also whispers, slows, tears down, and listens.

The Passion leads to compassion. And an unwavering commitment to humility, to brokenness, to hope not born of economics, politics, or, in the church, growth. How often we celebrate God's blessing for bigger offerings, bigger buildings, bigger baptisms, more influence. Perhaps the way of Jesus ought to cause us to give thanks for less, for nothing, for the gift of freedom from progress. And for the gift of simple and quiet ministry to those in the land of suffering.

Open Communion

2009-11-10T22:43:00.000-05:00

I'm in.

2009-11-07T00:43:00.002-05:00

Sitting here in the living room ... living. Quiet, dark, and cold outside. Nicole and I have Christmas music playing softly in the background. "Silent Night" is going right now. I know, it's November 6. But these musical reflections on The Incarnation of God are so very sweet. History matters. The intrusion of God in human affairs matters. In my 40th year of life I find myself more and more aware that life is short (and 2000 years is really not that much time at all).... Been reflecting on the validity of the gospel biographies and the historical reliability of Jesus as historical human, miracle-worker, victim of the cross, and resurrected paranormal.

I'm in. I buy it. I believe it.

I'm all for honest questions and resisting a faith that is pie-in-the-sky-lies. Cheap answers and puffy, marshmallow religion only sickens the stomach and soul. Overstating and misstating "the case" leaves everyone in a pretty sorry state. Arrogance and ignorance and hyper-orthodoxy destroy.

But tonight: I find myself among the convinced, "O Holy Night" was a night for the record books. It was "Divine."

Quiet Thoughts at the End of the Day

2009-11-04T23:39:00.000-05:00

The Talkative God

2009-11-01T23:21:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I was moved by two worship services at Walla Walla University Church. The first service was bathed in contemporary worship music including guitar, piano, drums, violin and some beautifully mixed voices. The second worship service included the symphony orchestra, under the direction of Brandon Beck. They played works from Vaughn Willimas, Dvorak, Gordon Jacob, and Girolamo Frescobaldi. Powerful instrumental music. The congregation (including hundreds of college students) was deeply impacted.

It struck me how important it is to appreciate as many "wavelenghts" as possible in experiencing God. The more "languages" the better. The ability to experience God in many musical genres, both poetry and prose, in simplicity and complexity, in the majesty of mountains and man-made cityscapes.

Perhaps we don't hear God because we limit our radio dial. Perhaps we should constantly train our ears and eyes, our noses and taste buds, to detect and decode the Almighty's messages.

A Local Jesus?

2009-10-29T12:49:00.001-04:00

Deep Church

2009-10-12T18:37:00.002-04:00

&rel=0

The Nines

2009-10-09T02:26:00.000-04:00

Great stuff here.

Magnificent Maps

2009-10-05T11:18:00.004-04:00

Great website for exploration of the movements of the world. Check out these maps. Religious, political, economic, cultural, environmental. Creative way to think about our globe.

The Longest Table

2009-09-30T11:51:00.003-04:00

If you are around the College Place, Washington area this Saturday, Oct. 3 ... at 1 pm we are closing down Fourth Street and having a dining room experience over 1/4 mile long! Join us for free food!

Joy!

2009-09-19T20:49:00.002-04:00

Several Andrews University students asked for a picture of Audrey.... Here she is.

Sabbatical Meditations

2009-09-19T20:43:00.002-04:00

At Andrews University on Friday night I promised links to the three-part sermon series "The Holiday." Follow this link and look for the series in July, 2009.

Andrews University Mission Resources

2009-09-17T21:42:00.003-04:00

Here are some items I promised at tonight's presentation at Andrews University. These would be great to stimulate discussions about how to think about church, life, mission, etc.

Good videos to prompt discussions:

1. Ben Zander on Music and Passion. Classical music = Christianity.
2. Ken Robinson on Education. How does your church train people? Gifts?
3. Elizabeth Gilbert on Gifts. How does his relate to God and our spiritual gifts?
4. Malcolm Gladwell on Diveristy. How do we promote, project, celebrate church diversity?
5. Paul Potts. This is a great video and seeing the potential in others. Like Jesus did.
6. Os Guinness. Third Mission to the West.
7. Kevin Kelly. Christianity in 1000 years.
8. Group. Christianity in a pluralistic culture.
9. Unchristian.
10. Jeff Johnson. Hip-hop culture.
11. Catherine Rohr. Redeeming justice.

Peter Rollins

2009-09-07T14:09:00.002-04:00

Every speaker and author comes with an (*) ... we are all flawed and miss the mark somehow. But I like the way Peter Rollins writes with such fondness for God, such reverence. Check out his books here.

A Sermon Worth Hearing

2009-08-18T18:18:00.002-04:00

My friend Andy Nash delivered this thought-provoking sermon earlier this month.

Gospel Bridges: To Nowhere or Somewhere?

2009-08-14T01:33:00.005-04:00

Is practicing faith beyond Christian tradition okay so long as it is Bible-sanctioned? What does evangelistic bridge-building require of us? Interesting piece worth a good discussion here.

And here. How about this extralegal move.

The Most Religious University Is ... ???

2009-08-12T01:57:00.004-04:00

How is this judged? I'm so perplexed I'm posting the whole article!

'Most Religious' College Students of 2009 Revealed

The Catholic students of Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, Calif., are the "most religious" among students from the nation’s top schools, according to The Princeton Review’s latest college ratings.

Tue, Aug. 04, 2009 Posted: 09:20 PM EDT

The students of Bennington College in Bennington, Vt., meanwhile, are the least, revealed the recently published findings.

Based on a survey of 122,000 students at 371 of the “best” colleges in the country, the new lists report the top 20 colleges in 62 categories ranging from those related to academics and demographics to those related to politics and the quality of life. Among the most notable are “Most Conservative Students,” “Most Liberal Students,” “Gay Community Most Accepted,” “Top Stone-Cold Sober Schools,” and “Happiest Students,” among others.

"Each of our 371 'best' colleges offers great academics," says Robert Franek, vice president and publisher of The Princeton Review. "However, we don't rank schools academically because our goal is to help students find and get into the best school for them. Instead, we tally 62 ranking lists based how students at these schools rated their campus experiences, plus ratings based on institutional data we collect on issues important to applicants. It's all about the fit."

This year, the data collected boosted Thomas Aquinas above last year’s “Most Religious” leader, Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, which dropped to No. 2 this year. Following the Catholic school and the Mormon school was Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., the alma mater of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, which also came in No. 3 last year.

Last year’s No. 2 rated school, the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ill., meanwhile, dropped to No. 8.

All data, compiled for the 2010 edition of The Princeton Review’s annual college guide “The Best 371 Colleges,” was drawn from an 80-question survey that asked students about their school's academics, administration, campus life, student body, and themselves.

Responses from students who completed the survey during the 2008-09 and/or previous two school years were considered.

The following is a list of the top 20 schools with the “Most Religious Students” (the other 61 lists can be found at princetonreview.com):

1. Thomas Aquinas College
Santa Paula, CA

2. Brigham Young University (UT)

3. Wheaton College (IL)

4. Hillsdale College
Hillsdale, MI

5. University of Dallas
Irving, TX
6. Grove City College
Grove City, PA

7. College of the Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO

8. University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN

9. Furman University
Greenville, SC

10. Samford University
Birmingham, AL

11. Baylor University
Waco, TX

12. Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

13. Texas A&M University--College Station

14. United States Air Force Academy
USAF Academy, CO

15. Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA

16. Catholic University of America
Washington, DC

17. St. Anselm College
Manchester, NH

18. Brandeis University
Waltham, MA

19. Auburn University
Auburn, AL

20. University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

New Sermon Series at Walla Walla University Church

2009-08-07T01:50:00.003-04:00

A MISSIONAL EXPLORATION IN SIX PARTS:

August 8 Influence
August 15 The Fuel of Influence
August 22 Influencing the Next Generation
August 29 Influential Heft: A Robust God
September 5 Influential Heft: A Robust Scripture
September 12 Influential Heft: A Robust Church

Movement

2009-08-07T01:32:00.003-04:00

A couple conversations lately have reminded me that change is something we humans just can't seem to get a grip on very easily. In one conversation the person talking with me was almost a change addict. It seemed to me they couldn't get enough change in their restless experience. "What's new? Have you heard the latest? Are you up on what's going down?" This was the refrain.... But in the second conversation I felt a bit of the Ecclesiastes "the world is what it is, don't try to change it, this is the way it will always be, there is no need for new perspectives" mantra.

Neither perspective left me feeling very enthused.

But then there are people like my brother David, my friend Jeff Luce, my friend Michael Fulbright, my friend Andy Nash, my new neighbors Ken and JoAnn Wiggins (actually I'm the new neighbor), who all seem to be confident in the cyclical, unchanging nature of life but also accept and embrace change--both unwelcomed and hoped for.

There is a third way--to be neither morose nor manic, but instead, to be moving. Moving with the times, a life of movement, of motivation, of motions, of motoring along.

Marriage ... matters?

2009-07-27T15:36:00.003-04:00

One of many complex issues a salt-and-light church must navigate is the culture and its responsiveness to marriage issues. Read on.

Evangelism 2.0

2009-07-21T11:50:00.002-04:00

An article in yesterday's USA Today worth reading.

Origins

2009-07-19T13:56:00.003-04:00

I worry about Christians who either pay fast-and-loose with the Scriptures or refuse to be thoroughly incarnational in the contemporary world. So whenever I come across a group of people trying to be faithful to the "ancient text" and also to the "present context" I pay attention. I like the flavor of this conversation.

No News is Good News

2009-07-05T20:24:00.003-04:00

I didn't go anywhere this week. I think I put a total of 7 or 8 miles on my car. I walked a greater distance than I drove (at least 12 miles). I have no great tales of transatlantic travel or wild adventure. No grand missions. No wild treks. No time travel or even time zone travel.

This was a good week. Not great. Not horrible. Good.

In a world that values knowing what is going on in every corner of the globe every minute of every day--I don't even have cable TV or Internet hooked up in my new house (the day is coming soon). I received information in the mailbox for professional conferences, world travel, and work that would take me afar. I tossed it all in the trash.

I'm craving the very local. I'm reminded that Jesus kept his travels to a very tiny piece of the global land masses. He didn't preach to that many people. He wasn't a famous international speaker. He lingered. He mingled. He loved to hang out on the Galilee. He was a local.

I think there's going to be a movement soon--a movement to nowhere but where you are. I suspect we are tired of constantly going while we find the depth of our relationships and life thinning and thinning. I think we are finding Facebook to be sur-face, two-faced, and a bit of a facade. We are craving a subcutaneous situation.

Here's to being where you are, just as you are, right now.

Who Is A Christian?

2009-06-10T22:05:00.004-04:00

Christianity Today reports that 19% of evangelical Christians believe Barack Obama is a Muslim and just 38% believe he is a Christian.

I want to make a couple observations that have nothing to do with political preferences, but spiritual bias, and theology.

Given the fact that Obama is a longstanding church member of a Christian Church it is interesting that 1 in 5 Christians call him a Muslim. But even more surprising, despite his claiming the name of Christ, how can nearly two-thirds of those surveyed say, "No, you're not."

A man claims to be a Christian, participates in a Christian church ... and two-thirds of Christians exclude? Why?

Yes, I think politics are involved. Yes, I think his particular views on certain social issues, like abortion, are involved. But just how narrow are Christians allowed to draw the lines of "in" and "out"? When Jesus tells his disciples to leave alone others who are doing ministry and Paul says that he is happy whenever the gospel is preached--even when preached with poor motives--what impact ought this to have on us?

I sometimes wonder if the Protestant Tradition has so firmly drenched our Christian culture that we are now protesting everything and everyone who does not share our specific, narrow understanding of Christ and Christianity. Why are we constantly denying as orthodox those who are legalists or liberals, prohibitioners or progressives? Why, even among those who affirm that Jesus is Lord, are we apt to accuse, and disfellowship?

How do we maintain the astonishing open-heartedness of the New Testament without watering down the "narrow way" articulated by Jesus?

A Whole New World

2009-06-03T22:37:00.006-04:00

Read this article.

What if the reason we don't experience the Supernatural is we don't take time to develop the natural, or physical brain, in a way that can, in fact, experience spiritual things?

Perhaps Moses saw the burning bush because he had trained his spiritual vision over the course of four decades?

A Preaching Puzzle

2009-06-02T15:39:00.003-04:00

I'm studying this week for some late summer and fall sermons. Working particularly on a basic, age-old, ever-present, biblically-asked question: "What should I do with my life?" It is striking me that it is so very difficult to change the basic pattern(s) of your life. The influence of culture in the key areas--time, money, sacrifice, depth, priorities, relationships--is so strong, can one actually break free? What does it take for a person to live a counter-cultural life? How can we make significant changes toward the abundance Jesus envisions?

It is one thing to preach the bold and beautiful vision of Christ. It is quite another to facilitate and (I pray) celebrate bold and beautiful living. I am convinced the life God offers is higher, longer, wider, and deeper. I am befuddled why we tend to live lower, shorter, narrower, and shallower.

A preaching puzzle indeed.

The Question

2009-05-29T01:18:00.003-04:00

A reporter for Walla Walla University's student newspaper The Collegian asked me the following question:

"How will you get younger people to come to church?"

This is a good question. A very important question. The exodus of emerging generations from the church in North America is alarming.

My answer was honest, but maybe not all the reporter hoped for.

"I won't get younger people to come to church."

"That's up to the Spirit and to individuals moving in response to the Spirit. A 'hot' worship service with lots of bells and whistles may attract, but will it revolutionize? I don't think so. What I hope to do is pay attention to what the Spirit is up to and hopefully cultivate an environment that is AT RISK for an epidemic of God-charged energy. I want people--including young people--to see our church as a place where powerful, even supernatural things can happen. Things greater than a funny sermon illustration or a relaxed atmosphere."

Home Ownership

2009-05-21T23:17:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow my wife and I are closing on a house. We will become home owners, once again. We will get "title" to the house. And so we will be "entitled" to the trees, grass, flowers, floor, walls, roof, and airspace therein.

Of course, the bank will own part of the house.

Of course, the city, county, state, and the US of A will own part of the house.

Of course, should Canada invade the United States they could change the laws of "ownership" and we could be removed as property owners.

Do we really own anything? Do we own life? What does it mean to "own" something?

Perhaps we're just adopting the house. We are caretakers, we are guardians, we are stewards.

For a time, we are agreeing to properly manage ... to beautify ... this patch of God's Good Earth. My computer, my car, my clothes, the chairs in my house: all of these I have responsibility to use with beauty, with love, with purpose, with passion, with joy. Perhaps we would buy less if we saw acquisition as signing up for a serious responsibility. Perhaps we would do better with what we acquire with this vision.

Walla Walla

2009-05-16T22:05:00.004-04:00

You only have a short window to enjoy a "first impression." Here are my observations about the community of Walla Walla University, my new home and parish.

1. The first word that comes to mind is spiritual. This word gets thrown around so much in Christian circles and beyond. And so its meaning is murky. By spiritual I mean Spirit-ual. I mean a community hungry for the gifts, fruits, movements, and moments of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. There is a deep desire to hoist kites, sails, and hot air balloons into the breezes of The Beloved. This beyond-matter sensitivity is palpable. If the Space of the Spirit is the final frontier, this is a community on the final, fanciful, faith-bathed trek.

2. The second word that comes to mind is mature. I get this sense that this a group of people unafraid to move ... and yet not easily moved. It is neither the stale "been there, done that" defeatism nor the jumpiness that seems so prevalent in Christian circles these days. There's something inspiring about the maturity to both remain and renew that I find very attractive. To be ready at a moment's notice to "abandon it all" with the vision-wisdom to know The Moment.

3. The third word that comes to mind is playful. Whimsical might even be a better word. An attitude of joy that comes from interaction with the contours of life. The adventure of wild terrain. The tenderness of rural living. An appreciation for each and every human being--and his or her unique reflection of The Creator. Flaws are more the knots in the wood (that contribute to its beauty) rather than potholes in the road of the soul. A sense of humor about humanity. An appreciation for both simple and exquisite beauty. The ability to laugh thoroughly. A full inhale of the God-breathed world.

I'm glad to be.

Here.

Paying Attention

2009-05-12T17:36:00.003-04:00

I think these words (from an essay I read last night) articulate the sentiment of a significant segment of the emerging American generation. Chilling words. But words we need to pay attention to. Read with caution, with sober-mindedness, and always, with hope.

Have we really lost our religion? Is it something we desperately need to find, like our keys? Or have we purposefully let go of it when it was time, like tossing an empty Starbucks cup in the trash? Maybe we've simply had our fill in our childhoods, and see no point to return to those buildings for weekly worship while dropping 10% of our income into a wicker basket.

This is news? Sounds more like common sense to me. Each generation is radically different from the previous, or at least would like to think so. Most of us Generation X and Y-ers aren't going to work the same job for 30 years, collect a retirement package at age 65, pass go, move to Florida, and live happily ever after. All that social security we are paying into probably won't pan out for us. We traded in fat-free for organic, baggy button-downs for t-shirts, and religion for self-reflection and private practice.

My generation is waking up to faiths that preach to be kind to everyone and serve the poor, while rebuilding their multi-million dollar churches every year and abusing children. We don't always lose faith in God. We have lost it in the people clenching the velvet ropes. We see the sham, the ridiculousness, the corruptness that spiritual power raises in people. We don't need a building that runs like a corporation to talk to God. Heaven save us if we start meditating and realize that God is within us. All of us. Everything you need to know is right there inside of you. Meditation is free, you don't have to be anywhere in particular to practice, and you might just start to lose lots of things that you don't need anymore. Our generation is waking up to how things actually are.

What Ails?

2009-05-11T23:47:00.003-04:00

In our post-Christian, post-denominational, eclectic, ecumenical, anti-establishment, deconstructive age ... I wonder if what the church needs most is an affection and holy respect for the scriptures? As pastors and churches scramble to find ways (new and old) to stop the mass exodus of parish passengers out the emergency doors and down the inflatable slides--could it be that ancient scrolls and scraps might provide the way forward?

Perhaps we need to end the age of Christian clever. Do we need better music, technological toys, mission statements, and sermonic humor?

Perhaps we need to enter an era of engagement and intrigue with the ancient writings. Perhaps we need a holy hunger. And just maybe this "no frills" approach will entice a generation with faith fatigue.

"Hear the words, do the words; and the house of your life will be well-grounded in any storm."

The Secret of His Strength...

2009-05-07T14:01:00.007-04:00

... Apparently for Manny Ramirez is not his long hair. Baseball just suspended him for 50 games after a positive test for performance enhancing drugs.

I had to justify my enormous salary.

I never thought those little old ladies would lose all their life savings.

I didn't think my wife would find out.

I'm too busy to play with you, son. I have to work. I have to get this done.

I had to pass that class.

My election was worth it.

But the insurance company will pay for those extra tests I ordered, nurse.

Using his sermon bailed me out of a busy week. Besides, the gospel is free game.

Other people can pay the bills at the church. I'm broke. God understands.

Let's just round up.

Let's just round down.

Just give 'em the details they need to know.

Magazine Cover Girls: is photoshop the art of cheating, in some cases?

The church has mishandled "rules" in the past. Making silly rules and violating big ones at times. Maybe we have an opportunity to live in reality (vs. fakery) and find beauty in fair play and commitments to our vows. The "law is beautiful to me" David sings in the Psalms. Maybe he's on to something. Maybe our world is hungering for what is real, what is honest, what can be counted on.

Maybe we can taste rules anew--sweeter than honey.

Here it goes!!!!

2009-05-02T11:41:00.001-04:00

http://blog.marshillchurch.org/2009/05/01/precautionary-health-measures-for-this-sunday/

Opportunities

2009-04-27T21:27:00.001-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/27/changing.religion.study/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Some Heretics I Admire

2009-04-24T21:53:00.003-04:00

her·e·tic
Pronunciation:: \ˈher-ə-ˌtik, ˈhe-rə-\
Function:: noun
Date:: 14th century

1: a dissenter from established religious dogma ; especially : a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church who disavows a revealed truth2: one who dissents from an accepted belief or doctrine : nonconformist

Some of them:

1. Elijah

2. Jesus

3. Paul

4. Martin Luther & Friends

5. Gandhi

6. Ellen White & Friends

7. Martin Luther King & Friends

8. Brennan Manning

9. Shane Claiborne

10. Matthew Elliott

Time, Time Ticking

2009-04-20T20:12:00.002-04:00

I attended my 20-year reunion at Mount Pisgah Academy (high school) this past weekend. The class of 1989. My expectations were low going in: "Nicole, if I'm going to go to one of these things, this is the year." The weekend far exceeded my ho-hum hopes. I really had a great, great time connecting with people I have not seen in ... for some ... 20 years.

I did not feel nostalgia. I did not feel sad. I did not feel a desire to be a teenager again. But I did feel, and continue to feel, some sense of sentimentality I can't figure out. The class seemed more unified now than then. Perhaps we've all been kicked around enough--for two decades--to get the immaturity out of us. I don't know.

So many cliches. Time moves so fast. Life is short. Where did all the years go? But, wow, aren't they all so true. My friend Andy just went to his 20-year at a different school. He thought my emotion (and his) spoke of our desire for eternal life, to resist death, and the realization that time is not on our side. Time ... is not on our side. Hmmm. Maybe God really has put eternity in our hearts (as it says in Ecclesiastes).

Important Discussion on Christianity in USA

2009-04-14T21:33:00.001-04:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/vp/30151678#30151678

Packaging

2009-04-08T22:05:00.003-04:00

Interesting that Jesus did not give his movement a name. Only an identifiable relationship (friend of, servant of, sibling of, disciple of Jesus). Religious verbal "packaging" can be a problem: especially if it does not adequately represent the package Himself.

Read this interesting piece:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/188198

Deeply Troubled

2009-04-06T15:19:00.003-04:00

http://wjz.com/national/father.kids.dead.2.976262.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090404/ap_on_re_us/pittsburgh_shooting
http://www.inquisitr.com/21226/12-dead-in-binghamton-new-york-shooting/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/11/alabama-shooting-spree
http://www.worthynews.com/5119-breaking-news-pastor-shot-dead-in-pulpit-in-illinois

Read the above links. You don’t even have to go to these stories to understand what’s going on. Just read the links themselves! All are within the past few weeks.

And how about this article from a few months ago:

http://www.kcbs.com/Sharp-Rise-in-Gun-Sales/3280353

battered wives & children
al qaeda
World of Warcraft (if you don’t know what this is, you should)
nuclear warhead testing
In the top 20 most popular television shows this season are:
4. CSI(storytelling about gruesome murders)
6. NCIS(storytelling about gruesome murders)
8. The Mentalist(storytelling about gruesome murders)
11. Criminal Minds(storytelling about gruesome murders)
14. CSI: Miami(storytelling about gruesome murders)
15. CSI: New York(storytelling about gruesome murders)
16. Without a Trace(storytelling about gruesome murders)
19. Cold Case(storytelling about gruesome murders)

The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on earth, and his heart was deeply troubled…. Now the earth was corrupt in god’s sight and was full of violence…. So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them.” (Genesis 6:13)

Are we deeply troubled? If so, what shall we say, and do?

Three Lessons

2009-03-27T20:36:00.003-04:00

1. A lesson in love.
2. A lesson in the discovery of beauty.
3. A lesson in humanity and evangelism.

Cancer

2009-03-27T14:00:00.004-04:00

I spent a couple hours this morning at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga. Two church members. Each with cancer. Traveling the oncology floor really has this ... this sense of reality. All the nonsense seems even more nonsensical. Non-sense: stuff that does not sense what is real? I wonder how many of our political, theological, and existential fights are really worth it. Walk the cancer hallway where death and the threat of death loom in each and every room. I found myself thinking simple and big: Jesus, Family, People, Eternity, Death, Life.

Perhaps trivia is the eighth deadly sin. Perhaps the church fails miserably when it focuses on everything else but the biggest issues.

What I do know is that I'm pretty much ready for the era of death to get wrapped up here anytime now.