Comments for Wanting More

Comment on Creative Blackout by Ryan M

Ryan M — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:19:49 +0000

Gotcha. I’m with you. You’re right, it seems there are “acceptable” risks, and then there are unacceptable and/or unconsidered risks. The (big) question is, how do you move people to take on the latter?

Be the change Charlie, be the change.

Comment on We Show Up by Jon

Jon — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:46:58 +0000

This is a very confusing statement. At the very least it should get us realizing that something that makes total sense to use because we were in the context where it was created often is utterly meaningless to others. It’s like starting off a public speech with an inside joke and then not understanding why people didn’t laugh and weren’t engaged.

To me (in complete Olympic mode) it sounds like the slogan for the person who goes to the )lympics knowing that they are going to place between fourtieth and fiftieth in ski-jumping (or some other sport with a massive number of people in it). “Hey…we don’t offer any real entertainment value. We aren’t going to challenge for a medal. You probably won’t see us on TV. In fact…our participation in this thing means nothing to anyone other than me and my mom…she tells me I’m special! But…at least I show up. Even if I have nothing of significance to offer…I’m here!”

I’m not saying to be harsh. I’m not suggesting in any way that this is what the church had in mind. I’m just saying what it sounds like to me. Too often what we’re trying to communicate and what other people actually hear us saying can be radically different. I believe that, that problem is ours to overcome, not theirs!

Comment on Creative Blackout by admin

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:23:53 +0000

Hey Ryan

Very valid point. Very very valid.

I guess I was trying to say is sometimes we need to be open to different kinds of risks than just building a building or going on a missions trip. We need to be open to something else sometimes without thinking it’s a ridiculous idea.

Even just the risk of us as Christians walking to a truly different drum from the rest of the world. Or perhaps a different drum than other Christians. Churches are always (oops broad brush)terrified of doing anything that is different than the latest and greatest program than such and such big church is doing.

Comment on Creative Blackout by Ryan M

Ryan M — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:14:01 +0000

Hey Charlie, I’d wonder if what you’re describing is more of a human condition rather than specifically a “Christian” response. There aren’t a lot people anywhere taking risks creatively or otherwise. The risk-takers are generally few regardless of the context. That’s partly what makes them special. Think of the Olympics. Everyone isn’t jumping at the chance to go 90mph down a luge track merely inches from the ice. Most people seek out the easy path, the path of least resistance. I see it at work every day, where, generally because of the scale of the company I work at, the risk takers are frowned upon because they might upset the norm, or break something that can’t be fixed in a reasonable amount of time. Not that I don’t disagree with you – I wish there were more risk takers – myself included. However, that brings up the question, if all were risk takers, would that ultimately be better?

Comment on A Thought From Mrs. Wanting More by Jon

Jon — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:05:39 +0000

Great final question, Mrs. More! I can’t help but think of the irony in the fact that while you are asking this question to help make your choice clearer/easier…it only clarifies things because so few people in churches think with this perspective. Those who are truly asking this question want to connect with a community that has a perspective of kingdom furtherance. This leaves them with relatively few options for where to connect. If everyone was living out their life in church community with this question in mind, discerning where to connect may actually be made more difficult by asking this question because truly kingdom minded church communities would be all over.

Comment on Porpoise Driven Life? by Ryan M

Ryan M — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:51:47 +0000

“Without original fin” — ha ha ha.

Comment on I Hate Typing by Murph

Murph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:02:04 +0000

Hey Charlie,

If you ever do decide to go the podcasting route, it’s not too hard to set up. I’ll do it for you free of charge.

Murph

Comment on Discussion by Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:01:31 +0000

Jon,
Thanks for the link – would love your input based on the book you’re reading on my blog … head on over when u can, if u can!

Comment on Discussion by admin

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:57:59 +0000

Thanks for the link. I will check it out when I’m done.
My comment about it being ironic was partially based on the fact that they talk about most of the questions that were asked on the site I linked to.

I might do a bit of a review of the book when I’m done as well. I’ve really enjoyed reading it and have found it engaging but haven’t always agreed fully with their conclusions.

Comment on Discussion by Jon Limmer

Jon Limmer — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:10:26 +0000

Hey Charlie,

Once you’ve done Pagan Christianity it is worth it to check out Ben Witherington’s response to it starting with this post: http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2008/06/pagan-christianty-by-george-barna-and.html

I think he has four other lengthy posts that follow. I have not read his critique of it yet. I’m saving it until after I have read the book (which is sitting here beside me in my office about fifth in line on my “books to read” list). I’ve been told that Ben’s response is very thorough and historically rooted.

I’m not sharing this with you in an effort to question Barna and Viola. Like I said…I haven’t read either the book or the critique of it yet. I just thought you might want to see a thorough and academic presentation of the other side of the proverbial coin. Maybe I’ll jump the book to the top of my pile so we can have a real discussion about it soon!