crisis of transformation

Spiritual formation, as Dallas Willard puts it, is the redemptive process of forming the inner human world so that it takes on the character of the inner being of Christ himself. "Until Christ is formed in you" (Galatians 4:19) is the eternal watchword of Christian spiritual formation, fortified by the assurance that "the letter [of the law] kills, but the spirit of the law gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:6)

In this sense, and rightfully so, transformation is more than growth. We are not just expanding, or growing, we are becoming wholly different people. Most of the time, as a privileged people we don't think we need to transform...grow a bit perhaps, but not choose to become a changed person.

And yet, unless a seed falls into the ground AND DIES (transformation) it remains just a seed, but if it DIES (transformation) it [becomes something totally different- a plant or tree and] produces many seeds.

Pete Wilson from Crosspoint Church in Nashville spoke about this at the Nines Conference:

The problem is inertia. We have become a 'settled' people instead of a 'craving' people. We're content with our religious routine (even if it lacks power, and presence and perspective) and our lives. We live through our weekdays as best we can, enjoy our weekends, sing about revival and compassion and truth, but never truly experience the interruption of our lives by a dangerous and beautiful God. 

Some of us are engagingly and obliviously humble...a rare but refreshing person to be near.

Some of us are transforming. 

The glorious mess continues. 

ahhhhhhh weekend

stereotype

to worship or not to worship

Watch this opening from Survivor a few seasons back and tell me, is it worship or welcome?

what?

that's my kind of veggie burger!!

STOP THE INSANITY!!!

Evangecandy? Puhleese! 

Somehow we have this notion that we can actually 'win' people for God's Kingdom with this kind of kitch. Since when is sharing our lives about winning anything? Is this a game? Do we honestly need 'lead-ins' and tricks to manipulate conversations? Isn't it about sharing our life and living our faith and journeying with people in a relational way so they experience the triune (community) God's relationship and love?

As Danny Devito (Phil Cooper) in The Big Kahuna says:

It doesn't matter whether you're selling Jesus or Buddha or civil rights or 'How to Make Money in Real Estate With No Money Down.' That doesn't make you a human being; it makes you a marketing rep. If you want to talk to somebody honestly, as a human being, ask him about his kids. Find out what his dreams are - just to find out, for no other reason. Because as soon as you lay your hands on a conversation to steer it, it's not a conversation anymore; it's a pitch. And you're not a human being; you're a marketing rep. 

Stop the insanity! 

Spiritual slight of hand

Watch these three commercials for Ally Bank and see if you can discern an applicable truth to the Church and/or the Christ-like life...

The bike,


The pony,


And my personal favorite. This guys expressions are PRICELESS!!


What do you think?

effective or annoying?

Love wins.

The Breakfast Song

Convergence Worship

Many people (if not most) have never even heard the word "convergence" used in relation to worship before, and yet convergence worship continues to be one of the most fascinating phenomenons within the realm of worship renewal.

A starting point might be to understand convergence worship as part of the Convergence Movement:

The Convergence Movement refers to a move among evangelical and charismatic churches in the United States to blend charismatic worship with liturgies from the Book of Common Prayer and other liturgical sources. The Movement was inspired by the spiritual pilgrimages of modern Evangelical writers like Thomas Howard, Robert E. Webber, Peter E. Gillquist and the ancient Christian writers and their communities. These men, along with theologians, scripture scholars, and pastors in a number of traditions, were calling Christians back to their roots in the primitive church (cited from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convergence_Movement).

In Appendix 1 of his Signs of Wonder, Robert E. Webber posits the following principles as "The Be-Attitudes of Convergence" (restated):

1. Be exposed to traditions of worship other than your own.
2. Be open to the active presence of the supernatural.
3. Be focused upon the celebration of an event.
4. Be sure to set aside time exclusively for worship.
5. Be participatory in order to experience worship.
6. Be aware that the rule of prayer is the rule of faith (faith comes by doing worship).
7. Be careful to include the opportunity to experience divine action and human response within the four-fold order (gathering, ministry of the word, Eucharist, sending).
8. Be aware of the role your style plays in relation to the contribution of other sytles.
9. Be insistent to use the arts as a vehicle for worship.
10. Be aware that space communicates.
11. Be inclusive of many musical styles.
12. Be aware of the power of drama.
13. Be free enough to use the body in worship.
14. Be committed to the evangelical possibilities that lie within the Christian Year.
15. Be convinced of the power of sign and symbol.
16. Be attentive to the symbolism of baptism.
17. Be hungry to recover the presence and power of Christ through the symbols of bread and wine at the table.
18. Be in a spirit of celebration and thanksgiving when participating in the Eucharist.
19. Be open to the recovery of the practice of laying on of hands for healing.
20. Be sensitive to the way in which authentic worship relates to all areas of the church's ministry.

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts regarding any of the above-stated principles and whether or not your faith and practice has been influenced by modern charismatic or traditional liturgical experiences.