Searching for Meaning and Purpose...

So, today I saw my sister in-law become an RN. It's always weird watching one of the kids I've had in my youth groups graduate college, get married, etc. but to have more invested is even beyond that. There's the pride, the hope, the joy contained in that one moment and then some because they're family. Not to say that seeing my youth kids graduate isn't emotional and full of pride, hope, and joy! There's just a difference. It's still the knowing that this is one of those moments they won't forget. It's the knowing that this is the line in the sand between one life and another. It's so MUCH! Yet, we seem to do little in the average youth ministry to celebrate. Yeah, there might be some cheesy slideshow (although note: I did not use "Friends" by Smitty this year as one of the tracks!) and maybe a luncheon, maybe even a spiffy Bible or CD or both (you know, Interlinc sells those sweet combo packs!). But, what lasting impact is ...

I know the normal criticism of rap is that it is misogynistic, but there are far more deeper evils out there! Yes, Eminem and Snoop Dogg are horrendous examples of what someone who is a misguided boy can do/say, but how far does their idiocy deeply reach? Maybe a few million? However, as I react to The Stoning of Soraya M I am struck by how much more Islam does to the fate of women! Yes, the Qur'an gives a great statement about the man's place: to protect and provide for women as they are the lesser (pertaining solely to physical strength) sex. However, the reigning "interpretation" throughout the majority of Islamic countries (meaning those with Shariah law) is extremely misogynistic! And no, I'm not basing it solely on the facts as portrayed in the movie. I went and did my research all the way down to reading passages of the Qur'an and further examining the life of Muhammed. The fact of the matter is, Islam as it stands (not necessarily as it is writ...

Resurrection: Rob Bell from The Work of Rob Bell on Vimeo . After watching this video of Rob Bell speaking about the resurrection, I was reading some of the comments, and there were the ones I was expecting: some discussing style (those who liked the effects and those who didn't, those who liked the music and those who didn't, etc.), some thanking him for posting such a great video, and then there were the comments talking about "heresy." Watch the video and let me know where you see heresy pop up. Frankly, it kinda ticks me off that people find the need to nit-pick the most important part of the story. Yes, Jesus suffered. Yes, Jesus died on a cross. But, if that was all there was, there would be no story worth reading! Instead, we get to celebrate that our God isn't dead. He rose again. Jesus is alive! That's incredible and amazing. How can that be heretical? The entirety of Christian faith is built solely on the resurrection, without that we...

As I look at all the ways the government is moving in to "take care of the 'least of these,'" I'm struck by some of the unintended consequences. Do the poor need an advocate? Yes! Do they need people to actually "do" something? Absolutely! Is faith shown by what we do? It needs to be! But, if the government steps in (a la healthcare, welfare, etc.) what does it actually do to the people who receive help? What kind of culture does it create? What unintended consequences do these people with good intentions create? First, if you look at the end result of welfare at its extremes there are two choices: become successful and get off welfare or become entitled to a lifestyle beyond your means and never do anything. Now, if you ask anyone in a major relief organization who works with people (for instance, World Vision's Haiti team), they set definite timetables and expectations. In fact, World Vision already has a date when they will no longer be...

Have you ever read a book and felt like it had been specifically written just for you, just for right now? I just finished Steering Through Chaos by Scott Wilson, and it is that kind of book! Some of the principles are familiar to someone who seems to continually be in churches that are transitioning, but some of the things he says are new, fresh, and extremely timely. Right now we're in the process of trying to revitalize a church in decline because they had been comfortable with the way they had done things and not put any thought towards the future. In fact, there was so little forward thought that the building itself is falling apart (in many cases, very literally!) because nothing had been done to change it since the '60's. Now, as their youth and worship pastor, I find myself in the middle of the transitional process as one of the major reasons we are transitioning is the contemporary service I head! If that service wasn't growing there would be no need to ...

I've been astounded at the lack of tolerance exhibited by those who claim to be tolerant. First, there was a hubbub over the Focus on the Family ad that ran during the Super Bowl: Now the same folks are mad about another simple ad that was subsequently yanked by the NCAA because they're apparently afraid of looking intolerant!. Wait, aren't these some of the same people who rail against censorship (like, every professor at every university in the NCAA), or is that just me? Oops, didn't mean to poke that hole in their bubble of illogical thought... Here's a simple question: why does a positive message from a group (any group) become something objectionable? I mean, if a group of GLBT people got together and released the same kind of ad, would the NCAA yank it because it is objectionable to people of certain faiths? Or better yet, if and Islamic family group posted a similar ad would there be the same kind of outcry against their "homophobic, anti-woman...

It's amazing what happens when something dies and is reborn. I stopped writing and have been insanely busy for the past year-ish. Has that changed? No. Should it mean I shouldn't pick back up my keyboard and type what I am thinking? No way! This is a kind of therapy for me, a bit voyeuristic I suppose, but needed. Does it mean I should air all my dirty laundry? Not by a long shot. Does it mean I need to be exposed as a bit of a fake and someone who goes through the same ups and downs as anyone else? Yes. It's one of those very needed things: "Hi, I'm Matt and I'm a youth/worship pastor and I'm a screwed up, sinful bum. I'm quite often cranky, critical, and downright mean. In fact, much of the time I don't think I have much of a basis to really teach students out of, much less lead in worship." Whew, got that much off my chest, like any good anonymous meeting. But, isn't there more? Yes, last night at our prayer vigil (we kick ...