more on technology that I can't do without

Inspired by Tim Bednar's post on e-church.com I began to consider the technology that I can't do without.

Firefox defintely makes my list as the browser of choice; for tabbed browsing and live bookmarks which act kinda like a News aggregator
Feeddemon is the aggregator I use to keep up with the blogosphere.
Final Cut Express is the video editing program that makes me look like a pro (from what I have been told) at a fraction of the cost.
Flickr is what I use to share family photos as well as minstry stuff.
I am a total novice at web design, I get my help from HTML Code Tutorial

Anyway, those are the tools I am using most often right now. As an aside, with the exception of Final Cut, all were brought to my attention by other members of the blogging community.

question for B. McLaren

Below is the text of an email I sent to Brian McLaren regarding some of his views on the bible


Brian,

First, let me say your thoughts and writings have greatly helped and encouraged me in my walk with God. Thanks.

Now a question, in chapter 10 of a Generous Orthodoxy you state "...it helps turn the bible back into what it is, not a look-it-up encyclopedia of timeless moral truths, but the unfolding narrative of God at work in a violent, sinful world, calling people, beginning with Abraham, into a new way of life." Why is it an either/or situation? Isn't it possible for the bible to both communicate "timeless moral truths" and "unfold the narrative of God?" I ask these questions because the first half of the statement feels so uncomfortable and dangerous? while the second half of your statement resonates so clearly with me.

Yes, let's get back to God's story. But wouldn't participation in God's story now mean a radical realignment of the way we create our stories? In other words, to participate in God's story the way he intended wouldn't there have to be some guidelines or "timeless moral truths?"

I understand, in the context of the chapter, you were speaking of the atrocities that parts of the Old Testament so graphically depict. What of the rest of the OT? What of Jesus' own words regarding our treatment of those around us? Aren't those "timeless moral truths" to be discovered?

Trip to the mall....I mean megachurch

I found this article via a link on Church Marketing Sucks.

I am torn on this whole megachurch thing.
On the one hand, the article makes me cringe. The Christian subculture is creating consumers not disciples. The megachurch comparison to a shopping mall was confirmed by architects referenced in the article stating that it is the desired effect to create a mall-like feel in a megeachurch. The enormous offering of offerings for attenders to choose from conjures up visions of walking down the hall of our local mall until I find the store-front that caught my attention and happened to meet my particular need. There is even a food court type eating area. Programs to be consumed, atmosphere to be consumed, consumables to be consumed.

On the other hand...I have seen God move and work through and in megachurches. I have and contine to attend conferences at Megachurches. Each time I am moved, challenged, and encouraged.

What the guys at Church Marketing Sucks point out and what resonated with me as I read the article was
"...the perspective alone is what's interesting. In a sense, this is what church looks like to the ousider. One of the hardest things for churches to do is understand what it's like for a newcomer."

My concerns return from the big picture to the smaller picture. What do newcomers think, see and feel when they enter our doors for the first time? Do they see another subset of the consumers gobbling up their particular favorite flavor? Or do they see the hands of Christ reaching out to welcome them wherever they might be coming from.