Category: Reflections
-
Virginia Tech
When I first heard about the shootings yesterday at Virginia Tech, it wasn’t real. It was too distant. Too outrageous. Too big. But hearing the names of the victims – the students, the professors, the RA – and thinking of the hopes and dreams that were shattered absolutely breaks my heart. There’s no “good” response…
-
Christianity in vibrant colors
I’ve been listening to some lectures by Michael Frost, and want to share a metaphor he used. Most churches today paint in pastels, he said, but the world – life – is painting in vibrant, primary colors. A lot of times, to a lot of people, the church seems lifeless when compared to the spirituality…
-
The cross changes everything
It’s midnight, and I’m working on a paper about John Wesley’s views on salvation. For my breaks, I’m listening to parts of Tim Hughes’ new album. The first song, Happy Day, is about the resurrection. Greatest day in history Death was beaten, you have rescued me Sing it out, Jesus is alive The tradition I…
-
Easter thoughts …
I’m a little behind the ball on this one, but I wanted to post a few post-Easter thoughts anyway. They aren’t super spiritual. If you’re looking for that, email me. I’ll tell you which blogs you should be reading :). Nothing really compares to the energy and feel of a church on Easter. There are…
-
Why I … blog
I’m a practical person. Sometimes too practical. Things have to live up to the “so what?” measure. What’s the point? Why are we doing it? What are we saying? Why? So, why blog? Here are a few of my reasons. I’m honestly still learning. to put thoughts into words – clarity to connect with others…
-
A prayer for church leaders
God, give us wisdom as leaders of your church. Bring unity as one body in the middle of stylistic differences and theological conflict. Help us to follow you in the things we know. Help us to serve our communities. Help us to serve the least. Help us to impact the world for your name. Help…
-
Seminary recall
Before my next quarter at Fuller starts, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on the first one… I’ve heard people say things like “Don’t let ministry take your eyes off of God.” The more I’m in the “ministry” world, the more I see how important that statement is. In whatever you do,…
-
Merry Christmas …
Merry Christmas! For many, that means a day filled with presents, food, and football. For others it means a lot of travel and more meals than you could ever eat. Still others will be experiencing a quieter, more reflective holiday. Jesus’ birth was an amazing turning point in history – the Word became flesh and…
-
Life starts now
File this under the “that’ll preach” file. I love Five For Fighting’s song World, mainly because of one line: “History starts now.” In my life, a lot have time has felt like it’s just preparing me for that next thing. It’s easy to think that things will start clicking or big things will happen…
-
Thursday reflections for week ten
We spent the final day of class looking at more of the differences between modern and postmodern culture. It’s a discussion point that is very interesting, and Ryan had some new perspectives on it I hadn’t heard before. I actually wish we had more time to discuss these topics and had spent less time getting…
-
Tuesday reflections for week ten
Do a lot of the new tendencies and trends of today just stem from having time or money? Think about it. A lot of the things our “postmodern” culture values – from organic foods to nice design – are only accessible to the people who have the money to afford them and the time to…
-
Tuesday reflections for week nine
No one viewpoint The more we study different frames of reference and different ways of viewing the world, the more I’m struck by the way there really is no one “best” way to see it all. Relationships are “messy” – they cannot be controlled or figured out fully. In the same way, looking at culture…
-
Thursday reflections for week eight
Go! Up. In. Out. Connecting to God, each other, the world Interactive relationship with God, Transparent connections, Glocal impact Gathering, Growing and Going. The models have different names, but they mean the same thing. It seems there are three main movements in the Christian’s life, and all three must be happening for healthy growth. In…
-
Tuesday reflections for week eight
Professional Clergy I don’t even like that name, but it works to identify what we’re talking about. Yes – all people are ministers, but the way things look right now, there are some who are called/driven to equip and serve the body of Christ as their paid jobs. “But will there be professional clergy in…
-
Thursday reflections for week seven
Caring for the children In place of class Thursday, we had the opportunity to attend the 2006 Missiology Lectures. This year’s theme was Children and the Mission of God. I was able to attend two of the lectures, and after each one, I was glad I had been there. I probably wouldn’t have attended the…
Jon Sampson 