Mark Andrew Pope

Does this make me feel better or worse?

2010-07-02T16:29:00.002-05:00

I was reading a blog post by Derek Sivers (a recommended source of general good ideas and musical thoughts) and he had a really interesting blog post titled "I assume I'm below average". It was very interesting and enlightening. It basically explained (or at least began to explain) why there are some among us with crazy out of control egos. And, it also explains why sometimes I find myself at each end of the spectrum - either feeling very competent or the opposite.

Basically, due to the "Dunning-Kruger Effect", people who are less competent at something fail to see that they are incompetent because they simply don't know enough about what they are doing to understand that what they are doing is incompetent work. Or, perhaps they simply don't possess the aptitude at all to understand their own context in the area that they are working. (I think the Wikipedia article explains it better - so, best go back up and click the link!)

Hope this makes your day a little better... it certainly gave me something to think about!!

Noun or Adjective

2010-05-07T08:48:00.003-05:00

Ok - usually I'm not a big advocate of titles or how things are phrased. It doesn't matter if you're singing the "Doxology" or if you call it "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" or if you're standing in the narthex or if you call it a lobby...

But, I wonder what it says about our self-perception if you use Christian as an adjective or a noun. For example, if I consider myself a Christian musician, doesn't that mean that I primarily see myself as a musician that is filed in the Christian category? Does it even matter? Or does it tell us more about who we are or how we see ourselves than we recognize?

Beer and Bible

2010-03-23T16:44:00.001-05:00

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this... what do you think??

Choir Fun Facts #4

2010-03-16T10:27:00.004-05:00

Singing fun fact:

Taking a breath. Easy! I do it all the time…right?

Well – let’s take a moment to consider breathing for singing versus “regular” breathing. This is a “crash course”, so I’ll get right to it. First of all, when you breath for singing, never breathe only through your nose. It is too small and you end up working too hard to get the air you need. Think about breathing in through your mouth and nose at the same time! Secondly, there shouldn’t be much or any sound when you take air in through your mouth. If you can hear a “rasp” in your throat, then you’re doing it wrong – relax your throat and open up. Finally, If you want the best possible breath, then shape your mouth into the shape of the first vowel that you’re going to sing. That will help you sing a good vowel sound AND get a good breath!

Music Theory fun fact:

Notation – time signature

Time signatures are important in that they tell us how many beats are in a measure and how to count the rhythms. (A measure, by the way, is determined by the notes in between the vertical lines in the staff.)

The top note tells us how many beats are in the measure. (This can be ANY number.)

The bottom number tells us what kind of note “gets the beat” (This can be only: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, etc… - the most common by far is 4 and next is 8)

	This means that there are 4 beats in a measure where the quarter note gets the beat.
	This means that there are 3 beats in a measure where the quarter note get the beat.

Philosophy fun fact:

Is singing hymns/songs for the purpose of preparing our hearts for worship?

This is an easy one… NO! Singing doesn't prepare our hearts for worship... Singing IS an act of worship. One aspect of worship isn’t any more important than the other. They should all support one another –not simply prepare you for another act of worship.

Choir Fun Facts #3

2010-02-04T08:00:00.009-06:00

Singing fun fact:

What use is a conductor? Do we really need one?

There's actually a fair amount of contention about whether conductors (for choir or orchestra) are really needed. Sure, everyone agrees that there needs to be someone who rehearses the group, but some would say that once the ensemble knows the music, the director is not as necessary.

I disagree (and not just based on job security)! I believe that the best "performances" are those where all of the musicians are not only bringing their best musical prowess and gifts to the table, but where wherein their vision of the music that they are playing is unified in the moment. I celebrate all musicians having their own view of the music - and that should be explored in solos. However, an ensemble, each interpreting the music to their liking, is like telling everyone in a business to do whatever they'd like to do to make the business run the best it can. Although the business may survive, there will be no real vision.

Also, conductors are like good insurance - when things go horribly wrong - that's when you wish you had one!

Music Theory fun fact:

What is a clef? And why should I care?

There are lots of musical clefs. You see a picture of a treble clef (on the left) and bass clef (on the right) here. Basically, a clef is put on a staff to tell you additional information about how high or low a note is. If we didn't have clefs, our staffs would have to be at least 10 lines tall! That would be confusing!

But, to address the most common clefs (treble and bass) - basically, treble is meant for higher notes and the bass for lower notes.

Philosophy fun fact:

What's wrong with status quo?

A church choir should always be striving to become a better choir and to grow spiritually, in commitment and otherwise. A choir that is satisfied with the status quo is not in any sense a church choir. Would we be satisfied with missionaries that are fine with the status quo? What about if we sent people on mission trips (say, for example to Haiti) that were satisfied with the status quo? We don't even want politicians that are interested in the status quo. So, why would we, as choir members, be satisfied to do a sufficient amount of work to be average, luke-warm and do little more than to satisfy the musical status quo of the church/community/Kingdom? Note: It's not ministry if you're not trying...

Choir Fun Facts #2

2010-01-28T08:00:00.003-06:00

Singing fun fact:

What is the most important part of keeping one's posture good for singing?

I'm going to go slightly out on a limb and say the spine. I think if one keeps their mind on having a "tall spine" then most of everything else clicks into place - especially if you consider that the spine continues up your neck all the way to the skull. I don't necessarily think of a "straight spine" as healthy, because in making the spine straight, I think one might tense up the muscles in the torso in order to make the spine rigid - which is not healthy a

t all. So, a "tall spine", although not at all the end of posture conversation is definitely a good starting point!

Theory fun fact:

What do those 5 lines mean?

Those five parallel lines are the "staff". Most, not all, but most of Western music can be expressed some way on the staff. It basically is like a measuring cup - you have lines that tell you how high or low a sounding note is and it gives the horizontal space (side to side) to allow for duration of that particular note. We'll talk about it more, but, if you see these 5 lines, then you know that you're looking at a musical staff!

Philosophical fun fact:

Is it important which hymns/songs we sing on a Sunday morning?

I, personally, feel that it is very important which hymns and songs we sing during our worship times! It is my strongly held opinion that our hymns and songs must magnify the message that the pastor is presenting in worship. I've heard some say that they felt that it was not important to relate the songs to the message for the following reasons:

#1. People aren't paying enough attention anyway, so it doesn't matter what songs we sing.

#2. If we only sing about one theological issue or "subject", then someone may feel left out and need or want to hear something else that day.

#3. If we limit ourselves only to music that connects specifically to that Sunday message/scripture/season, then we may find ourselves having to sing music we aren't wholly familiar with. And, who wants to do that?

I will address these very quickly:

#1. First of all, give something for people to pay attention to - if the words they sing are meaningful and connect to something else, people can and will pay attention to that.

#2. If all the different thing we did in worship were completely disparate, then people will walk away confused and dissatisfied - not happy because one of the songs we sang that day seemed relevant.

#3. Yes, we may find ourselves singing texts and melodies that aren't familiar to us. But, I personally believe that congregations are smart enough and capable enough to learn new music and/or texts. And, I'll reiterate that if the content connects together in a meaningful way, then people will make the effort to understand and connect to every part of the worship time.

Choir Fun Facts #1

2010-01-21T08:00:00.007-06:00

Singing fun fact:

Do you ever yawn especially when singing?

If your answer is "yes" - then consider this - it is primarily because there is air in your lungs that isn't getting used very well. Either you're not breathing deeply enough or you're not exhaling all of the "used" air. To remedy, make sure that when you sing musical phrases that you are expelling all of our air (in a healthy way) and not taking too many shallow breaths. You might also notice that you are having to breathe every measure or two - if so, you're not breathing deeply enough!

Theory fun fact:

"I haven't read music all of my life in choir. Why should I learn to read music?"

The way I usually address this is to ask that you imaging that you were going to have an extra room built on to your house and you already had the plans all drawn up. What would your reaction be if the person that you hired looked at the plans and told you that they didn't read blueprints - but not to worry, he/she has done this a long time and they were sure it would look something like what you had in mind?

I know what my reaction would be... I'd send them packing! Just because church choirs are generally volunteer, that doesn't affect the importance of having the tools necessary to do our very best job. If doing our very best involves learning to read music, then that is what we should be committed to doing. Also, I can promise you that if you learn how to read music, even rudimentarily, you will learn all of your music faster, more accurately and feel much more confident about your singing altogether.

Philosophical Fun Fact

"We've got so much music already! Why should we learn more?"

One of the most reiterated verses in the entire bible is "Sing a New Song..." There are dozens of Psalms that mention that - once... twice or sometimes even thrice or more. That's not to say that singing the "old" or familiar songs is bad - not at all! However, I think we need to be cognizant that we don't get caught in a rut just singing those familiar songs simply because they are familiar. (There's a lot of good reasons to sing familiar songs - but comfort level isn't one of them...)

Mr. Pope, That Ain't No Good English!

2010-01-20T14:20:00.000-06:00

Several years ago, I spent a year teaching school... one day, a young girl we'll call "Sally" informed me in front of the entire class that I had broken some grammar rule and thus shouted, "Mr. Pope, that ain't no good english!"

I was so shocked by the intense incorrectness of her comment that I was speechless. Despite trying to figure out what I had said that caused her to call me out, I couldn't even get my mind around what she had said and how to begin to correct her grammatically foul utterance.

But, it got me thinking... how many times have I declared another's fault when my transgressions were worse?

Choir Fun Facts

2010-01-20T12:49:00.007-06:00

Well, in order to try to make our church choir about more than just music, I'm instituting 3 new "moments" into our rehearsal. Each will last only a minute or so, but hopefully will be something that expands our understanding of singing, music and sacred music philosophy. Not to overly trite, I'm using the overall heading of "Choir Fun Facts"...

Each week I'll post a blog on Thursday detailing what I presented in choir on Wednesday night. I hope that you'll find that there's something to add to each of these ideas that I'll be presenting and I'll be looking forward to your input!

2010 To-Do List

2009-12-30T12:16:00.001-06:00

"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." - Ghandi

Ok, so I saw this quote and I thought a rather condemning thought of some of our society's mega-church superstars. Joel Osteen, for example. If one were to make a list of the attributes of Christ and then compare them to Mr. Osteen's attributes, how would it match up?

Then, I immediately thought of myself. How would I measure up? Probably not much better than Mr. Osteen, perhaps. But, I thought, I'm not exactly sure where to go to "measure up". So, I did what any 21st century scholar does, I went to Google.

I've found innumerable websites that either deal with the attributes of Christ as God or websites that talk about the attributes of a Christian, but nothing that dealt with the attributes of Christ as a person.

I'm looking for a list of attributes of Christ from a biblical perspective that concretely names what Jesus actually physically DID to distinguish himself in this world. To see if my hypothesis about how, as a society, we think of Christ was accurate, I did a search and found countless lists of what Christians should NOT do.

My hypothesis is basically that we (21st century society) like to think about Christianity as a "you shouldn't do this and you shouldn't do that" sort of religion. It gives us an odd comfort to know that those around us are committing heinous acts of heresy as we restrain from our list of "shouldn'ts" and live a "Christian" life.

Ok, here's my thought on this - those sorts of lists are POINTLESS!! It is kinda like deciding what I'll do today by listing everything that I shouldn't or wouldn't do. NOT helpful!

I actually want something that says in black and white - (for example) "Jesus has compassion on and fed the hungry - Matt 15:32-34". This way, if I see someone asking for food, I don't turn away without compassion for them, but I would be lead to feed them - even if that's just bringing them a meal from McD's.

I think as Christians we all have many opportunities to minister to people and show Christ's love to them in ways that we don't even consider because we're just trying to live the "good life" of "don't drink, don't smoke, don't gamble, don't cuss, etc..." As if avoiding these activities made one more Christ-like.

I want a to do list for 2010. I want it based on what Jesus actually DID! (Not what he did not do...which, would be pure speculation because just because it didn't mention that Jesus did something, that doesn't mean that he didn't do it. If its not in the bible, then Jesus could have done something, it just wasn't recorded.)

I actually want the concrete "Jesus did _________" and therefore, as Christians, followers of Christ, we should do the same.

Am I crazy? Does this seem reasonable? It seems DOABLE to me!

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Bose L1

2009-12-04T13:55:00.003-06:00

Here's another blog that has to do with some of the new equipment I've been getting. I sold my Mackie 1521's and Mackie 15" sub and purchased the Bose L1. In some ways, it is a crazy switch. If you've ever seen the Mackies (click here), they are fairly large speakers and when you add the sub to them... well... wow! Great sound. But, consider that anywhere I would go, I'd have to lug these large (over 100 lbs each) speakers. And, they take up quite a bit of room in the car.

So, I read up and found the Bose. Now, Bose is not exactly seen in the professional loudspeaker world as being very respectable loudspeakers. Not at all. As far as the home theater world, Bose is top o' the line, but when you put them next to Mackie, QSC, JBL... Bose gets a few sideways glances.

Why did I get the Bose, then? Well, for one, it breaks down into a few light components in a matter or minutes... or less. Check out this video.

And the sound? Well, think "movie theaterish". It is full, clear, responsive, has a great dispersion... all in all... perfect for a traveling performer in smallish venues. I say small"ish" because I took the Bose to a sanctuary that sat 350-400 people, and at half volume more than filled the place up.

I could see getting an extra sub at some time - but, since I don't typically perform hip-hop, R&B or electronic music, the really low range isn't quite as important to me. And, it is a mono system. There is no stereo ability on the Bose L1. So, if you want stereo... buy 2 or more.

I look forward to many years of traveling with my Bose fitting easily in the trunk or back seat of my car. Bose - it ain't cheap, but it is very satisfying!

Finale vs. Sibelius Cage Match Update (Part III)

2009-10-20T11:00:00.002-05:00

This blog should maybe be called, "Paradise Found". I've purchased Sibelius and I've notated a few things in it so far. What is amazing to me is that without practically any knowledge of Sibelius, I've created scores that I'm not ashamed of sharing with others. That is to say, even with a very basic working knowledge of Sibelius, some good looking work can be done. It probably took me twice as long as it would have in Finale, but, very quickly the learning curve is flattening out.

I don't know that I would have caught on to Sibelius as fast as I am without knowing Finale - I mean, Finale allowed me to know what to expect to find in a notation program and my time in Sibelius seems to be trying to chase down what I'm looking for.

So, I directed my time to some study - but, let me assure you that my "study" tended to be more exciting and inspiring and not boring and drag-through-the-muddish... I think the best advertisement for Sibelius, at least for me, was some short videos that Daniel Spreadbury, Sibelius' Senior Product Manager, placed on the web. It goes very quickly through some of Sibelius 5's features. Although it is featuring the previous version of Sibelius, they are still very helpful.

http://www.sibelius.com/products/sibelius/movies/index.html

Another great resource is Daniel's "Sibelius Blog" (found at: http://www.sibeliusblog.com/) There, you can read about interesting things that are happening in the Sibelius world and learn about how Sibelius is being used in "the industry".

Meanwhile, I've found that Sibelius offers numerous opportunities for webcasts to learn more about their product. I could be wrong, but I never found any advertising for Finale to do the same. I participated in one of these webinars and found it extremely helpful and enlightening.

And, if you are thinking about using Sibelius, check out James Humberstone's "Learn Sibelius in 1 Hour" video series. (Also, find him at: http://www.composerhome.com)

This is a very informative series for the beginner. I watched all of it, even though much of it I had figured out on my own. I found that in each video I learned something new - and usually something that made me want to shut down the video and go try it on Sibelius.

Learn Sibelius in 1 Hour Link

I'm still very much learning Sibelius, but I'm finding quite a bit of joy in the exploration of it. The scores are smart and clean and the interface is intuitive. However, the most exciting part for me right now is wealth of startup support and videos. Daniel never waits a moment to steer me in the right direction - and, where else do you have any access to the Senior Project Manager? Fantastic!

My next hurdle with Sibelius is going to be programming voices so that it plays exactly the sounds that I want it to. I'm sure there will be more to come!!!

Go buy your copy of Sibelius NOW! (And, if you currently use Finale, look for the crossgrade discount!!)

Finale vs. Sibelius Cage Match Update (Part II)

2009-10-05T09:21:00.003-05:00

Ok - I have officially ordered Sibelius. They won me over with an AWESOME crossgrade promotion. Usually, Sibelius is $600, but if you will kindly defect from Finale-land, they will give you 2/3 off the cost. So, I picked this jewel up for a paltry $200!

Unfortunately, Sibelius was delivered to my door on Saturday morning and, wouldn't you know, the serial number provided proved to be invalid. I was able to contact a Sibelius representative pretty quickly through Twitter - however, it is the weekend and there was no way to get a replacement serial number. :(

But, assuming that they get me a serial number sometime today, all will be forgiven. Really, I could just use this time to review the tutorial videos online. (BTW - if you have a great product, make all of the tutorial videos available for free online. When someone watches them and sees what your product can do, they'll buy it ASAP. That's what happened with me and Sibelius.)

So - I sit here jonesin' for the Sibelius serial number... so very ready to strap on my boots, get my walking cane and hike this learning curve (which I'm assured is much less steep than "other learning curves" I've heard of... and experienced).

More updates to come....

BTW - tomorrow, I'm going to check out Logic to use as my new DAW. I guess when I go for a change, I'm going head-first...in the deep end...

My Finale vs. Sibelius Journey (Interlude)

2009-09-18T18:00:00.002-05:00

Ok - so, I've used Finale for the last 16+ years. I know it well... but, I've heard good things about a little program called Sibelius, too. So, lately I've really been concentrating more on my writing and arranging and I think that I either need to upgrade to the latest version of Finale or make a break and start using Sibelius.

I just downloaded the 30-day free trial of Sibelius (which, by the way does not allow you to save anything... bummer!!) and I've done little more than look at some of the samples that they have included in the download. My observation so far is that Finale has a much smoother playback feature. Now, I understand that Sibelius doesn't come with the Garritan orchestra and Finale does. ($200 pricetag on that, BTW) That, notwithstanding, from what I heard, the crescendos and other articulations sounded a bit terse to me in the samples that I listened to on Sibelius.

I use my notation program quite a bit for demos to send to prospective publishers and performers - so, I need something that is really going to give me what I need as far as that goes. I'm unsure if adding MOTU or Garritan (or any other VST) to Sibelius would give me that satisfaction of performance that I crave.

But, that is my full understanding of the Sibelius platform at this time. So, I sent out a tweet/Facebook status/email to basically everyone I know and asked about what they use, why and if they had made a switch between either program. I have anonymously posted my replies below....

Reponse #1

We just bought finale because that is what my accompanist and choir members are using and they will be the ones using it here.

Good luck

Response #2

I use Sibelius. I really like it. I can't compare it to Finale because I've never used Finale, but I've found Sibelius able to do all the things that I need to do quickly. I've always used Sibelius since I attended an AGO conference and they had a Sibelius vs. Finale seminar in which guys from both companies were given a task to perform and the Sibelius way of doing the task was much simpler and faster - they blew the Finale people away. [A friend of mine] always liked Sibelius too so I guess I just picked it up from him. The downside (maybe it's positive) is that Sibelius often seems to be issuing upgrades and it can get expensive after a while. I have stopped doing upgrades because I don't use it that intently and haven't had any troubles getting it to do something I want it to do. I highly recommend it! But, bear in mind that I've never used Finale so I don't have anything with which to compare it.

Response #3

I used Finale for years, but when I switched - I swore I'd never go back. Sibelius was much, much more intuitive than Finale. Once I started with Sibelius, I rarely ever had to open the manual because you can find almost anything you need with a mouse click. I understand that Finale has made great strides trying to emulate all the features that Sibelius has developed, so I don't know if the difference would be as great now as when I switched over 10 years ago. However, I still think that Sibelius may be the way to go. I think many, if not most, publishers have switched to Sibelius.

There would be a brief learning curve any time you switch from one soft ware to a different one that basically does the same thing. However, if you were to take the short time to go through the tutorials and videos, you'd be cruising with Sibelius in a matter of a couple of hours. I highly commend it to you.

Response #4

I've only ever used finale. It was such a time consuming thing to learn that I never tried anything else! I've always thought of Sibelius as having less capabilities ( by design) than finale. Have they added more stuff ? Let me know what you decide!

Response #5

I learned on Finale, so I stayed there. I have tried my hand at Sibelius for a project with the school. It took me a few minutes, but I started to get it. Their goal is to get your hand off the mouse and on the typing keyboard. You can certainly use a midi keyboard as well, but Sibelius shines (from what I could tell) when you invest the time to learn the short cuts, and type your brains out. If I were starting from zero, knowing what I know now, Sibelius would be my choice.

Response #6

I use Finale. I've never used Sibelius. My recollection is that when I first started using Finale (about 15 years ago) Sibelius did not have a PC version, although I'm old and what I could actually be remembering is that Finale did not have a Mac version. In either case, I think that may have been the original Finale/Sibelius divide.

In talking with other songwriters/composers/arrangers it seems to me that at this point more "serious" composers use Sibelius while songwriters and arrangers use Finale. In an informal poll here - which means I just yelled out in the lounge - everyone says they use Finale. All three of us. For whatever that's worth.

I just bought the Finale 2010 upgrade. I've been very happy with the improvements over the years, primarily because they seem to make the things that drive me crazy or take the most time a little better and easier every time they release a new version. Plus, I love the integration of the Garritan sound fonts.

Response #7

I don't really use anything for notation, but I have friends that do and they recommend Sibelius. My composer friend says Sibelius is much faster and easier, and is better for playback. He says there are fewer keystrokes for nearly any task. He says that if you are great on finale and love it, stick with it, but if you are good on finale you will be great on sibelius. He has both and prefers Sibelius. His composition teacher is really big into finale, and can't tell that [composer friend's] compositions are not done in Finale.

Response #8

I've always used Finale but do find it a little perplexing/complicated sometimes. We have a friend who switched to Sibelius, but she's such a "light" user that I've not put too much weight into her decision.

Response #9

i haven't done an arrangement on finale in a couple years. before that, the last time i upgraded was in 2005. if i was to do anything at this time, it'd be to upgrade and stick w/ finale because praisecharts.com, with whom i purchase a TON of music, is now putting their stuff out in finale so their files can be edited, keys changed, etc...

So, there you have it, my highly unscientific commentary on Sibelius vs. Finale. I am sort of sensing this "I've used Finale for a long time and so I'm not switching now" viewpoint from Finale users and a "Wow, I love this, it is easy and very good" from the Sibelius side. But, this is not the end. I really want to learn more about Sibelius and before I sink more $$ into Finale, I want to make sure that I'm going to be really happy with the direction I take here.

If you have anything to add, please let me know... right now I've got 28 days of free Sibelius and all the time in the world with my Finale 2006!

Proof That Worship is Counter Cultural

2009-09-09T13:18:00.004-05:00

America is known for it's opulence. For it's buffet-style choices in everything that we do. Cars, houses, clothes, movies, glasses frames, restaurants... you name it, we've got it with a ton of different customizations.

We also, no doubt, have dozens, if not hundreds, of choices of churches within reasonable driving distance from our homes. And, in that initial choice, we have a grand luxury. We can choose the EXACT church we want to attend.

However, that is where our freedom of "buffet-style" church stops, in many cases. Once we join a particular church, prepare for years of a mono-stylistic approach to worship. Some churches do have choices on Sunday morning - traditional or contemporary - and some even offer "blended". But, let's be honest, few church goers change their Sunday schedule each week to experience different styles, and, furthermore, "blended" usually ends up being a less of a true blend and more of an average between the two "mainstream" styles.

So, exceptions noted, my point is that I think it is interesting that in a culture that craves choices and (as the Barna Institute points out) 2 out of 3 adults (not just Christians) in America are considered "casual Christians", we, as American Christians, seem to get very protective about the style of music and flow of service in our worship times. [Casual Christians are minimally active Christians or moderately active, but theologically nominal Christians.]

I'm not making a judgement call on this - let me be clear about that. I just think that it is interesting that inside the church walls, we crave consistency and regularity, but, outside those walls, I hear people say things like, "No, let's not eat Mexican tonight, I had that for lunch yesterday."

My prayer is just that in the mono-stylistic mode in which churches ultimately find themselves, they are truly creating an atmosphere that allows their congregation to (1) express worship to God in ways that allow individuals to connect their life to their worship, and (2) worship God above all else - most of all, worship God more than we worship our own preferences.

Am I Post-Modern, or What??

2009-09-08T10:38:00.003-05:00

Ok, so over the last few weeks (and really, probably more like months or years) I've been struck by the "interesting" approach that the "Church" has taken to the term postmodern. It has, for most, become a curse word. I would probably come out better in some churches if I started throwing around 4-letter words while leading worship instead of ever using the "P-word".

The problem is, I think, that most churchy-types feel that postmodern is a theology and not a worldview filter. And, some people would argue with me that I'm wrong and that postmodern is, indeed, a theology because it directly affects one's view of God.

And, I'll admit that I think that postmodernism is the cultural filter through which we view - well - everything. I also think that to deny the existence of, or even membership in the postmodern culture to be dangerous to the church.

My hypothesis is that because the people that loudly claim "I'm a Postmodern - and here's what I think about God!" often times have views of God that are contradictory to someone else's viewpoint, the whole "postmodern pool" is soiled.

It is pretty clear to me that moderates have little or no voice in the world - much less in Christianity. And, generally, fanatics and far left or right wingers tend to capture the public's attention. So, this is true in the case of postmodernism as well. No publisher is going to publish a book by someone who basically says that "postmoderns" don't by nature crave a rearrangement and/or customization of the Truth in order to believe - they simply need Truth to be held to standards that are meaningful to them.

Again, some would argue that this view is unfit for Christianity, and some even feel that it is somewhat heretical. My problem with this is that is the Truth is really the Truth... and you really believe that - then, don't you believe that the Truth will stand any test? If you're scared that the Truth has weaknesses, then I can see that holding different criteria up to the Truth could be frightening. If your understanding and faith in the Truth is secure, then why would you not want these new "whipper-snappers" (aka Postmoderns) to kick its tires, so to speak?

Now, to be clear, I would not say that I agree with the all of the theology in the books by the now famous "postmoderns". Many of them not only come from different faith backgrounds than I do, but also tend to be far left or right wing. That is to say that the reason they get "air time" is not necessarily because it is true, but because what they say has some controversy to it. If what they are saying were simply helpful and edifying to our faith, I doubt that the Christian media and publishing "industry" would find it lucrative enough to publish.

So, yes, I'm "postmodern". I hold the Truth to different measuring sticks than did my father and father's father. But, I still believe the same Truth that they believe in. I may make different demands on church leadership than generations before, but, more is expected of me as well. For example, I expect the leadership of the church to do more than provide a warm body for a title. I respect authority, but, as one can see by the many, many, many, many church leaders that have shown themselves to be human, I simply don't see that a title gives one absolute power, authority and some immunity to scrutiny. That seems a little to me like the views of the Pharisees. (But, I'm getting off of task here...)

Is being postmodern bad? Not as I see it. It's human. God isn't, however, postmodern... or, if you want to think of it this way - God IS postmodern... and modern... and ancient... and everlasting... I think God will stand the test of time, don't you?

Praise the Lord (Part 3)

2009-08-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

Maybe we shouldn’t walk out of church asking each other, “What did you think about worship today?” That almost sounds like worship is something that happened to us for the last hour. But maybe we should be asking, “Hey, how did I do??” If we ask ourselves that question, then it seems that we’re putting the right people on the spot.

Now, enough of this serious stuff… let’s talk about my favorite verb… worship.

The Where of Worship…

The woman at the well said to Jesus that the Jews told her to worship at the synagogue. And Jesus replied that soon there would be a time when God’s worshippers would understand that they are to worship Him is “spirit and in truth”…

From Psalm 150: Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise God in His mighty firmament.

That is everywhere… in spirit and in truth – outside and inside – it is more important that one worship than where one worships.

The Why of Worship/Praise…

From Psalm 150: For God’s mighty deeds…

He is the creator! He made all that is!

The "How" of Worship/Praise…

A few years ago I was talking at a church service about worshipping together. I made the point that it really brings the whole church together for one purpose. I used the band as an example. All of the musicians were EXCELLENT! But, if they all played their own thing when and how they wanted, it was a mess. And, I had them all play their favorite song. It was a mess! And it wasn't even that each musician wasn't playing their song very well. They were.

Then I asked the band to play a single song. It was awesome!

The same is true in our church. We are all fully capable for ministry. We are all wonderful in our talents and gifts and who we are as people of God. However, a church where we don’t worship together IN ONE SPIRIT… can be a mess. Everyone WANTS something out of the church- when we come together, like these musicians, everyone has to give up just a bit of themselves, but when they do the result is so much greater than the sum of the parts.

Now for the final part of the Psalm 150 – “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!” That means no one is off the hook!!

God wants us to break the surley bonds of our own self-conciousness and get all wrapped up in the worshipping of God Almighty. I want you to sing out because when you sing out you give the person next to you the courage to sing out.

God wants YOU to praise His name! With everything that is going on in your life – it is YOU that God wants! We all have troubles in our lives right now – loss of family, sickness, problems with spouses, problems with children, trouble with work, trouble finding work… and God will give you great joy if you’ll praise His name. It takes YOU doing it to make worship pleasing in God’s eyes. Don’t let anyone do this for you… don’t be lead into thinking that I’m going to praise God for you – or the band, or the singers… Just like if you went home today and everyone in the sanctuary here called you up and gave you a compliment… none of them are any less valuable than any others – but the difference is that God knows your name and your heart. God knows what thrills you and destroys you. God wants YOU to worship Him. You personally.

As you finish reading this and go on with your day, don’t stop worshipping… worship isn’t something you attend – it is something you do… take that with you into the world – let the joy of worship thrust you into the world to live among it as Christians. Remember that God loves us all enough to sacrifice His only Son for your salvation – for your eternal life. Don’t stop worshipping… don’t EVER stop worshipping…

Praise the Lord (Part 2)

2009-08-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

So you might say to me – hey, all of the rhetoric about worship is great, Mark. We can talk about this all day. We now realize that you are infatuated with worship and you think we should all be a part of it. But, tell me how to do this.

Gladly!

Let’s first answer a question… a big question – Who is worship for? Is it how WE feel about worship or what GOD feels about worship?

John Calvin said that any time worship is given to any part of creation rather than the Creator, then the glory of God is diminished.

That is heavy stuff! Do we need another burden as Christians? But, if we don’t raise him “high and lifted up”, then who’s going to?

If we come in here on Sundays worried more about how we feel about worship rather than how God feels about worship, then we need to re-evaluate, don’t we?

Here’s another thought, then… what is our role in worship?

Wrong Answers Right Answers

Audience? Congregation God

Actors? Pastors and musicians Congregation

Director? God Pastors and musicians

I'm not the first to come up with the chart above - Soren Kirkegaard was the first, or one of the first to put worship into this kind of perspective. We are, as a society, taught that we are the audience (TV, movies, plays, magic shows, etc... are all devised with us as the entertainee). And we are taught that people on the "stage" are the entertainers... furthermore, anyone backstage and not seen are the directors/producers, etc... That works fine for theater - but, works poorly for church. Because in worship, God is the audience! Yep - he's listening to and watching us! So, we are the "actors" or the entertainers, in this analogy and surprisingly, the pastors and musicians are really like the director. This is because the director's job is simply to help the actors do their best for the audience. That really should be the role of the church musician and pastor!

Now, thinking of worship that way...

Let’s say that you paid $120 for a ticket to your favorite musical. What would you think if it started 10 minutes late, half of the orchestra is talking amongst themselves or falling asleep and midway through your favorite song the lead singer took a quick cigarette break? You would be furious – you paid $120 for your seat!!! Then think about worship in these terms. What price God paid for us to be here as Christians – worshipping. He paid with His son! Did you know that he seriously loves us that much? He loves us enough that in our lives that so often turn our back on His love, grace and glory, He sent His son to turn us away from the dark and to the light. He paid a huge price and deserves us to give our best!

We are the “actors” folks – for an audience of ONE!

Praise the Lord! (Part 1)

2009-07-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

Several years ago I gave a sermon that spoke about the fact that we are made for worship. I haven’t changed my mind – not one bit!

In fact, I believe it now more than I did a few years ago. Why? Because I discovered something – that we need to learn to live a life of praise everyday. If we simply enter the sanctuary once a week to “praise” then we are missing the point. This hour of praise should represent the beginning and the end of a week of continual praise.

“I will extol the Lord at all times” – Psalm 34:1

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised” – Psalm 113:3

Being a Christian and only worshipping on Sunday is like saying … well, ok, let’s say that I tell you that I’m an athlete. That’s all well and good, but when you ask me how much time I put toward athletics… doesn’t it sound a little weird if I tell you that I put an hour to two hours a week into it? You and I both know that to call one’s self an athlete, you must have an overwhelming passion for athletics. You want to do it all the time! To be a Christian, you must have an overwhelming passion for Christ and praising His name is how we express that passion… and we should want to do it all the time!

In 1 Peter it says, “But you are a chosen people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 (Peter 2:9).

It doesn’t say that we are a chosen people that we might make our own lives and at some point during the week we praise God.

What is the first commandment? “Thou shalt not put any other Gods before me” –(Exodus 20:2) Gods can be anything, folks – our jobs, our spouses, our children, even our problems can become Gods – if they become something that we feel is more important than God. And to say something is important in our lives, don’t we have to take an inventory?

I have heard that if you want to see what is your priority in life, look at your checkbook. Yikes! What about our time? Where we put our time is a priority, too. What about our thoughts? Again – if we spend more time thinking about how we are going to make money than we do about God – doesn’t that mean that money is more important to us than God?

I said a moment ago that even our problems can be a God. If we spend more time dwelling on what is wrong in our lives than we do praising God – isn’t that putting our problems before God?

Well, that is my first core value of worship – that we should do it more. We aren’t serious enough about the work of praising God… yes, the WORK of praising God. “Liturgy” comes from a Greek word meaning “the work of the people”. Anything we do in worship is liturgy. Nowadays, “work” has a bad connotation, doesn’t it? It conjures up thoughts of sweat and toil. For example, my idea of “work” is being out and working with wood, hammers, saws, etc… just like on Mission Trip. However, let me tell you two things about that… first of all, not everybody has the same feelings about wood working that I do… there are thousands of people who can’t wait to get off of their jobs each day so that they can go spend it in their garages building things with wood. They find total joy in that work. My uncle is like that. He works in a hospital 40+ hours a week and can’t wait to get home to his wood shop. But, let me also tell you this… when I think of the mission trip – I think of hard work – sweating, hot, waking up too early to get out and hammer – WORK. But, I’m addicted to it – why? Because it gives me a chance to do the work of the Lord in the world… And I guess that is why praising God, to me, is doing the work of the church - another reason that I think worship is so important.

Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore I urge you brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, WHICH IS YOUR SPIRITUAL SERVICE OF WORSHIP.”

You see, I guess I see worship as the “hub” of the church. See our church as a wheel- with spokes coming to the center… I think that center should be worship. Now, again, I might be stepping on a toe- but let me tell you how I see this. I think that it should be mandatory that all church members attend worship. When worship is viewed by the church as the center of the church a number of things happen. First of all, you can see around you the community that is Christ in our world. We are gathered in one place for one reason – to worship. That creates energy – an excitement. And I guess this is where my analogy starts to take off – at least to me…

What happens when a wheel spins? Do you know what kind of energy is produced? It is centrifugal force. When a wheel spins, what happens? The energy creates an outward force – and that is what our worship should do… it should excite people to a place where the energy sends them out into the world to be ministers of Christ – to create and inspire Sunday school classes, to work in the missions of the church, to simply go and be Christians and PRAISE GOD!!!

You know, my aunt told me a story about her granddaughter – my second cousin, Emma. She’s 4 and my aunt was up visiting her in Alaska where she lives and they were going to go to church. Emma, got so excited and exclaimed to my aunt that she was so happy because they were going to church to “see God”. Now, chagrined, my aunt had to explain that they weren’t actually going to “see” God. And at this point, I have to say that I would be scared to death to “see God”… but she was excited. Bubbling up with joy about it. We should all be so excited to “see God”… I guess that is what they mean by coming to Christ as a child. But, she was looking for an actual glimpse of God. I guess my point about all of this is that I think that if we worship like we should – by putting God first, that we do create glimpses of God.

Just about everyone that I have ever met that was drawn into a serious spiritual journey through their church’s worship tell me that what inspired them to join a congregation and really “understand” worship is when they walk in, they are greeted warmly and then – the important stuff – they ALL participated in the worship. The place people meet God in worship is when they are invited into that worship by being swept away in the actual act of worship. When everyone is worshipping, then there are glimpses of God. When the Bible says that “where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am also” however, that doesn’t mean that in an room of 100 people, if there are only 2-3 that are gathered for praising God that God’s spirit would descend and be felt by all…

But I think that in a room of 100 that 2-3 is a great start! If 2-3 will fully participate, it is contagious… don’t be scared – sing out… it doesn’t matter if it is on key or in the wrong time… I have been in congregations where everyone sings… a group of 50 can sound like 100 and 100 can sound like 500… and in that moment, I see a glimpse of God…

You see, in these congregations that everyone is participating, it is understood that worship is a VERB!! NOT A NOUN!!!

Here’s my analogy for this. Have you ever noticed that if you blow into a dog’s face that it just annoys the dog? They usually won’t run away from you, but they usually get a little twisted about that. But, if you get into a car with a dog and roll down the window, they’ll hang their heads out the window in like 50 mph winds?? That is what we need to do folks! We don’t need to have people to worship and expect that someone else is going to sing – that someone else is going to welcome then. That is the same as blowing in a dog’s face. Because when a few people are singing, when a few people are paying attention to the sermon, when a few people are “as a VERB” worshipping, then we aren’t opening the window of Christianity and letting them hang their head out the window?

I mean – for those of us that are conscientious about singing, wouldn’t we all agree that surfing is easier in the ocean than in a bathtub??

Nothing Relaxes Lake Time

2009-07-10T13:22:00.001-05:00

Here we are @ DeGrey Lake in Arkansas and Lib & I had to abandon the
boats and head for the cabins for Reid's all important afternoon naps.
Downtime is really nice! To consider a nap and just listen to the hum
of the AC is such a blessing...especially in this day & age of a
fairly all-encompassing "go go go" mentality of 21st century life.

We are also surrounded this weekend with family and friends. Libby has
known the families that come to the lake every year for her entire
life. So, really, it's more like one big family reunion every year.

Nothing could replace what this "family" does each year by getting
together. There is no amount of card sending, email sending or phone
calls that would allow everyone to bond like we do here. I've just
been doing this for 5 years now and I feel like part of the clan.

I hope that everyone has the opportunity to connect
with people like this. Even if it's just once or twice a year, what
a difference it makes. I'm honored to be part of this!!

The Trip to DeGray Begins...

2009-07-08T13:38:00.000-05:00

Each year, Libby's family-and three other families-head to Lake
DeGray, just outside of Arkadelphia, AR. this has been a tradition for
over 20 years at his point! Wow! Except for managing to stay alive, I
don't think that there's anything I've done for 20 consecutive years!

So, we're packed ip in the car and heading to AR as I write this. Reid
is napping with Hilda (as you can see by the picture) and Libby's
taking a turn driving. I'm trying out blogging via email. Basically, I
write an email, send it to a certain addess, and it posts to my blog.
And, I can do this from the comfort of my cell phone. Awesome!!

I'll be updating this all week & weekend as practice for our trip to
Alaska in a few weeks. Meanwhile, I'll also post to Facebook... So
there should be no shortage of Pope media for you!!

Big Thanks!

2009-07-03T16:09:00.003-05:00

Hey! I just need to throw out a big thanks to my friend, Aaron Medina, who recorded accompaniments for some new French horn music I've written...

Check them out: Click here and scroll down to "Horn Music" - you'll see the "New" emblem there. Let me know what you think...

(Bear in mind that the French horn hasn't been recorded - and, usually, is the melody... enjoy anyway...) :)

Philosophy

2009-06-30T05:54:00.000-05:00

It should be no surprise that I'm a Ben Folds fan. (If you are not familiar, you should be - although, I'll warn you that you will be seeing quite a few of his songs with an "explicit" rating - usually for language.) What I really like about Ben Folds is that most of his songs tell someone's story. In fact, that is pretty much, in my mind, a hallmark of his writing. And yet, I find at least one alternate meaning to all of his songs. As he explains the plight of someone's story, somehow he connects to my story as well.

I was outside doing a little work the other day when I was listening to "Philosophy" - probably one of Ben Folds' more popular songs (and family friendly, too!) And, the bridge of the song really hit home to me. You see, the premise of "Philosophy" is that basically, he's an architect that has a really clear and ambitious view of the skyline... (small nutshell version of the song). But, the bridge goes like this:

"I pushed you 'cause I loved you guys, I didn't realize you weren't having fun. I dragged you up the stairs and told you to fly, you were flapping your arms, you started to cry. You were too high..."

Bam! It hit me! Every time I've interviewed for a job, the question has come up - "What is your greatest weakness?" And, now I have at least a partial answer for them. Really, every church I've been at - to one extent or another, I've felt this tension. It was a tension that dragged me down over and over. It made me tired. Which, really confused me because I am very passionate about music ministry. I also care deeply about the people with whom I worship - the choir, praise team, etc...

It took a line from a Ben Folds song to point out to me that I sometimes push people beyond what they think they can do. I really feel that people can accomplish much more than they think that they can. Much.

But, I don't really spend a lot of time making sure that they are enjoying this ride to "musical excellence" or whatever you may wish to call it. I assume that others get a great deal of satisfaction out of accomplishment. This is not always the case.

I feel like Ben Folds' character in "Philosophy" sometimes. I can see this incredible time when a church is worshipping and each element of that worship is done with the highest integrity, enthusiasm, and respect for God. However, I either don't do a good job of casting that vision, or I just forget that for so many people (and I'm not even saying they are wrong) are much more interested in what they can contribute today - with little interest of what tomorrow may bring.

So - again, life comes back to... balance. My greatest weakness - I tend to push people towards a magical, perhaps even unattainable mountaintop without making sure they are having fun hiking the trail. The trail is important!

This time away from "parish ministry" life is really teaching me a great deal about what I need to do to be a better music pastor... not just a music director. And, I think I'm better for it...

Thanks for listening!!

"Thou Shalt Not" Isn't Good Enough

2009-06-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

I was at a church the other day and heard a pastor preaching about relationships. I'm "borrowing" his main premise here - because I think it is really cool. I hadn't heard relationships with each other framed quite like this before.

The pastor said that there are a number of things that people don't do in relationships. If you love someone, you don't lie, cheat, steal, murder them... Etc... And, a healthy relationship has a lot of "thou shalt nots" to it. And, they are good and important - but they aren't everything.

His main point was that simply not doing these things to people doesn't put you in a relationship with them - I would assume - mainly because to simple not do these things just means that you haven't offended or hurt anyone. If the "thou shalt nots" were all important in a relationship, then you would have a great relationship with most of the world - simply because you haven't assaulted them at some point.

That's not good enough - or as Ben Folds and William Shatner would say, "I can't get behind that." To truly love someone you've got to be pro-active. You've got to DO something.

I think this particular message was good for me because it points out that when Jesus said, "Love thy neighbor", he meant an active love. Because, after all, I could sit in my house all day, never see anyone and have the rationale that I didn't lie to anyone today - so, I must love everyone. (Can't get behind that!!!)

When Jesus said, "Love thy neighbor", he meant to get out of our comfort zones and boxes and actively love our neighbors... and, by the way, that is everyone.

It's a tough request that Jesus makes of us. Tougher still if you consider that Jesus probably really meant for us to follow it....

I've gotta get on that....

The Name Game

2009-06-27T14:20:00.005-05:00

There's a trend right now going on in denominational churches across the US - perhaps across the world - I don't know. The trend is to eliminate your denominational affiliation from the church's name as well as internal and external printing. The idea being, I suppose, is to distance the church from any stigmas. Each denominational church has their own "media personality" based on the denomination with which they are associated.

I think that the churches who are dropping Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, etc... from their name feel that having that denominational name or logo on the outside of their church may intimidate or put off people who may be looking for a church.

Well, before I start espousing my views, I have to say that I've worked in and worshipped in

churches that have done just that - eliminate to a large extent their obvious connection to their denomination. And, furthermore, at one time, I was even a proponent of such a public relations move for a church.

However, I have begun to think more about that. And, I have several opinions. Let me restate... OPINIONS about it. These are not theological statements or judgements of any kind!

Having said that, I wonder if churches do this "denominational stripping" to circumvent an image problem for the church. If a church is seeking to get rid of its affiliation in order to allow those in the community to believe that the church either has no affiliations whatsoever or is simply not a standard "Lutheran Church" (or whatever the case may be), then I think I have a problem with that.

Removing your affiliation in name only in order to deceive people or trick them into visiting your church because overall your denomination has suffered some public relation problems is severely problematic. First of all, eventually, people will discover your affiliation. True, they may have discovered that your church is "different" and not the stereotypical church - and they very well may stay and be long time members. However, I really feel that if your church has an image problem, that your are either perpetuating that problem or your are helping to remedy the problem. If you truly believe in the doctrine, theology and practices of your denominational background, then aren't you just abandoning ship? You would rather save your local church than try to help those in your community see that the "Methodist Church isn't so bad"?

If the ministry you're going to be doing really is life changing for a community, why allow anyone in your community to think that the church from which you glean your theological perspective is so rotten that even you don't want to be associated with it? If there's an image problem, then I say - fix it! Put more than 2.5% of your budget towards advertising (which is roughly the average amount that churches put towards advertising) and then do something outside your church's walls that allows people to see that your denomination isn't like the poor image that your feel your denominational church has!

Ok - so, what about some other issues I have with "denominational stripping"? I come from a church background. I may be in the minority - but, when looking for a church to worship (whether it be for the long term or just on a Sunday when I'm out of town) I know which churches most strongly practice Christianity in the way that I understand and believe it. Therefore, I tend to seek those sorts of denominations out. So, by not "advertising" your denomination, to me, you have abandoned publicly associating yourself with the theology that makes you, you.

Now, as far as I see it, there's at least two good reasons to abandon your denominational associations. Perhaps your church really isn't very closely related to your denomination and so therefore, you'd actually be deceptive to put your denomination on your sign. Or, perhaps your church is returning to a Biblical perspective of the Church... that is to say that the bible never mentions denominations. Therefore, by one rationale, denominations aren't endorsed by God or Jesus and shouldn't even be in existence. And, if this your reasoning, then I'd really like to hear more about it...

Perfection

2009-06-21T12:18:00.002-05:00

So, I was thinking today about perfection. Not our American ideal of perfection - meaning "without flaw"... but, more of a spiritual meaning.

A few years ago I heard a preacher - very theological type - mention that spiritual perfection is different than simply being without flaw. His analogy was a book. Perfection for a book is simply to be read. So, perfection, in those tems, ends up being simply doing what you were designed to do.

I've fought this intellectually for a couple of years now. Not because I thought it was wrong based on some sort of theological basis - but because it was too easy. There's not enough "pressure". In my mind, perfection is difficult. It takes hard work and

most of all, to be deemed perfect, one is heavily scrutinized. Perfection, in our daily lives, is judged by others. Not just one or two people, but there must be a general concensus of "perfection" (i.e. flawlessness).

But, I think I've turned a corner. Because God did not create us with the intention of living flawlessly. Giving us free will shows that to be true. God didn't design us with the abilities that allow imperfection. Literally, our DNA doesn't allow for perfection.

However, I believe that God did design us with purpose. And, it is in that purpose that we can live with or without perfection. I think there are universal purposes - to love God and love others. This is enacted in our lives through worship and Christian community - which, in my opinion is more than just living without disagreement with others. (More on that in a later post.)

So, if we live without moving toward fulfilling our purpose in live, then that is sin. I don't think that this understanding of perfection lessens the reality or penalty of sin - but it, at least for me, more clearly defines my role in Christendom. My role isn't to try not to make mistakes - my role is to fulfill a purpose in this world.

For me, anyway, it is a lot easier to feel like I'm living towards spiritual perfection by having a goal to aim for (keeping my eye on the prize) versus trying to live spiritual perfection by not making mistakes in my walk.

I read an interesting article recently posted by Derek Sivers. It would about quantity vs. quality. I recommend a reading of the blog - but, the basic idea was that there were 2 groups. One group challenged to make one perfect piece of pottery and one group challenged to make as many pieces of pottery as they could. At the end, there was a judging of the best pottery based on design, quality, etc... All of the best pieces of pottery came from the group that was tasked with quantity. Mainly, this was due to the fact that those who made many pieces of pottery learned from their mistakes and had many outlets for their creativity and ideas.

This is a beautiful illustration of Christianity for me. Mainly because I would much rather have lived my life making many mistakes but, along the way, having gained a great deal of growth and experience. This is much better than a life spent simply spent trying not to make mistakes at all.

Moving Day

2009-06-17T11:45:00.001-05:00

OK - so, today was basically "moving day" for my blog. I copied and pasted over all of the blogs that I wrote and shortly, I'll be transferring the ones that my partner in crime, Aron, wrote. Sadly, the comments didn't come with the posts because there is no way to transfer the comments over.

I suppose Blogger.com didn't really see fit to import from WordPress... or, perhaps WordPress doesn't give the option of exporting a file that Blogger.com likes... well, whatever the situation, I've lost that part of my blog. Most of the time, I consider the comments my favorite part of my blog. After all - I already know what I know. Sure - sometimes writing my thoughts helps me discover new ideas or ways of thinking about things. But, primarily, I write to get comments.

Believe it or not, I even enjoy comments with which I disagree. Call it a challenge!

But, I began to think about this whole "moving day" idea. When we move on to a "new" part of life, don't we lose something? I mean, when I moved my blog, the core of the blog is still there, but in the face of "moving forward", I've lost some of what I cherished. But, isn't change good? Isn't moving forward what we're supposed to do?

When leaving Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's wife turned back to look at the city she once called home. She turned to salt. Isn't that true for us today? When we live our lives looking back at what we've done and where we've come from instead of moving forward, don't we turn to salt?

When we live missing what we had instead of looking forward to what is to come, I think we become salty. (Not the good kind of salt, either.)

That is not to say that our past and traditions don't make us who we are and we should honor that, I'm saying that when the past is how we live, we miss the delight of the present and the excitement of the future.

It always seems that when someone is in a fragile emotional state, it's because of something in their past that is haunting them. (I know that's how it is for me!)

So - I will miss the comments to my blog posts - but, I delight in the making of new posts and the excitement of reading comments to come!!!

Blessings and peace!

Why I Love to Talk About Worship

2009-06-17T11:45:00.000-05:00

I was thinking today what I would say at an upcoming retreat for which I'm leading music. I was thinking about how I might introduce ourselves. And, as often happens as I'm running these scenarios in my head, I start to figure a few things out for myself.

Today, I started thinking about why I love to talk about worship. To this point, I think that churches often trap themselves with words. We label ourselves: traditional, contemporary, blended, liturgical, ecumenical, high church.... these are all words that have very little connection to the person walking in the doors looking for a relationship with Christ. However, because I've been in these situations, this is how "church people" describe themselves, as a worshipping community, to other church people and to those outside the church that ask. None of these terms describe a relationship with Christ.

You might argue that they describe the "means of worship" - that is, they communicate the way we approach God in worship. However, I don't think that is a very good argument either. The two "worst" of these words are "traditional" and "contemporary". Now, I use these words... everyone uses these words. And, it so happens that they are terrible for describing worship at all. They are vague words that tell you nothing of the content of the worship time nor, even, do they describe the music (which is usually how these terms are used).

I wish I were such a wordsmith that I could fashion words or phrases that could succinctly describe worship in an adequate way. But we can't. We can generally describe worship - in an extremely general way. It is a bit like describing to someone what it is like to run. You can describe the motions, the length of the stride, how the shoes feel on your feet, how your legs feel after a half a mile. You can describe that there is running fast or slow - running up hill or down - on sand or concrete - running on a track, through your neighborhood or on a beach. But, unless someone actually runs some distance in each of these situations, it is really difficult to really get the feel for each method/means of running. And, if you run with poor form, not giving it your best or without attention to doing it well, you can actually hurt yourself. (Yes, I believe that "poor worship" can hurt you.)

Before I go any further, perhaps I should explain that last sentence - I would define "poor worship" when several foundations of worship are not present. A few of these are: one must give their best in worship (talents, presence, participation), worship must be focused on God (not on one's self or sense of well being) and a sense of the Holy Spirit as a presence (not relying on one's ability to change the heart and soul of those in attendance - this one is usually violated by the "leader" of worship feeling as if the words he or she speaks or how well he or she "performs" has one little bit of difference as to someone else's spiritual life).

Anyway - I do want to get back a bit to my original statement - Why I love to talk about worship. Talking about worship doesn't make worship "better". It can help people understand how to give themselves more fully during worship, but the talk itself is lame unless there is some follow through.

I love to talk about worship just like a couple in love like to talk to each other. They are passionate about each other. They want to share the details of their thoughts and ideas and dreams with each other. Talk engages both people in the relationship. It strengthens the relationship - indeed, without talk, communication becomes very difficult.

The same is true with worship. If you are passionate about worship, you want to talk about it. You want to share your thoughts and dreams about worship. It engages you. It strengthens your understanding of what you are doing in worship. I believe that if you attend worship one hour a week - even good worship and it never enters your mind or actions again until the next time that you "attend", then you may ask yourself if you are passionate about displaying love and gratitude to your Lord and King.

Ok - well, something to think about until next time...

-mark

This seems so wrong... but....

2009-06-17T08:16:00.001-05:00

Ok - here's a fun little video for you to enjoy!!!

Bright Shiny New Churches....

2009-06-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

Aron and I have put down another scintillating podcast - this time about how important it is... or isn't... to have new churches popping up all over the place.

Is this good because it helps spread of the Word of God? Or, is it just segmenting the overall church body?

Catch the podcast here....

An Interesting Financial Experiment

2009-06-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

So, I had this idea tonight while I was washing out the rollers from painting my son's room today. I was thinking about how churches are always trying to find ways to motivate people to give money to the yearly church budget.

I often hear the statistic that if each family were on welfare and tithing only 5% (vs. the "recommended" 10%), most church budgets would easily double, if not triple.

Well, what about turning that around - take the amount that a congregation gives, multiply it by 10 and then divide by the number of families in the church. This should give you the average family annual income. How's your church doing?

As I was patting myself on the back for turning around this little statistic and making a new numbers game that churches could use during their stewardship campaign, I realized that churches, for the most part, have the whole "tithing issue" completely backwards.

So many churches present stewardship in the way that the congregation's giving meets the church's financial needs. WRONG. While the money that people give usually gets used keep the church's lights on, staff salaries, etc..., tithing - or offerings - giving is, in the end, about meeting the needs of the giver.

People work 40+ hours a week to earn money to meet the financial needs of their families. The government forcibly taxes us for about 1/3 of that and so, with the remaining 2/3rds, we have to feed ourselves, pay insurance, medical, rent/mortgage... all of that and to have a little fun, too.

So, unless tithing meets the needs of the congregation member, then guess what? 99% of the time, churches aren't going to get their (pretax) 10%.

My vote is that churches should stop squeezing their congregations for cash. Teach them about giving. Not giving to the church - but just giving. How does that meet the need of an average Joe?

I'm not claiming to have the methods to teaching that - but I know it starts with prayer... and it definitely doesn't end in a stewardship campaign where we spend literally hours teaching and telling people how their money is spent and how much the church needs it. Spend those hours teaching them about giving their time to homeless shelters or on a mission trip. Teach them that giving makes a different. That it just doesn't meet the church's needs - it meets every Christian's needs....

WordPress vs. Blogger

2009-06-09T20:35:00.000-05:00

Ok - I'm making a switch from WordPress to Blogger.com. Some would say that is a little crazy! WordPress is the king-mac-daddy of blogging. That may be true! However, WordPress doesn't allow me to post directly to my blog, either...

So, conundrum solved... I'm a Blogger.com guy now!

--mp

Is Some Music Not Appropriate for Worship?

2009-05-25T16:56:00.000-05:00

Realizing that both Aron and Mark come from more traditional backgrounds - we find that we actually have some interesting and unexpected views on music and worship… Listen and see where your weigh in...

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST.

Links to included music in this podcast:

Best Loved Hymns

Lamentations of Jeremiah

Marvin Matthews

Iona Community Worship

Shekinah Glory Ministry

Sing Ye Heavens

Does the World Need Another Book About Worship?

2009-05-13T16:57:00.000-05:00

For years now I've wondered if I should write a little book about corporate worship (that is, worship in the midst of others or a congregation). I don't know that I have any incredible insight into worship that isn't seen by anyone else - but, it is infinitely important to me that people have a passion for corporate worship and approach worship in a way that glorifies God. I think that stems from the fact that I see corporate worship in the "Church" (that is the worldwide church) becoming a place where we explore our human needs, wants and desires in the context of church, to the exclusion of putting God first in our lives.

I've heard preachers talk about "achieving" the peace that only God can give by repeating mantras and praying certain prayers. And, I've heard how I can make my life less stressful, my marriage better, or how I can become wealthy - all using "Biblical" principles. The problem is that either (a) I'm hearing that I have the power to do things that really only God has the power to do, or (b) my life can be easier and more comfortable with help from the Gospel.

I have to be honest to say that I don't really care for either of those philosophies, to put it mildly. But, regardless of my beliefs, are those really the topics that we should talk about on Sunday morning (or whenever you worship together as a community of believers)?? Is there not enough about Jesus to talk about? Is there not more in the gospel to challenge us than there is to comfort us? (Or at least a balance of the two??)

So, I've always wanted to write a small book - a relatively quick read - about corporate worship. Perhaps a handbook of some kind would be helpful to people when dealing with the topic of worship. Something that relies on a shared wisdom about worship. Something that inspires people and challenges them to step out in faith and really worship. Not something that sets up a template of worship. Hands up or hands down doesn't really impress me one way or the other. It's the... well, heart of worship. It's the "why" that is so important. Someone can stand in silence or sit and pray or... whatever they may choose to do as an act of worship if it is, indeed, an act of worship. I'm not so hung up on the outward manifestations (although I think that if you are worshipping, there will be outward manifestations) as I am about why we worship.

I'd like to put a tool in the hand of worship leaders and worshippers that would at least get us talking with the same vocabulary when we discuss worship. (I don't mean more "Christian-ese"!) That is to say, give the congregation and leaders some common ground and common topics that they can discuss. Worship will not look the same at every church. It shouldn't!! But the presence of the Holy Spirit is palpable. It's all at once a feeling, emotion and spiritual awakening. That is universal.

Maybe I want this book for myself. They say that a lot of counselors become counselors because they have problems that they need to work out in their own lives. I think that I could use a good handbook about worship. Something to read and refocus. Maybe it's already out there and I just haven't found it yet...

Besides, I think if I wrote a book, it could easily become a rant-book. And, those with similar soap boxes would love it...

The Song Finished, the Crowd Roared... and Now the Sermon

2009-05-12T16:58:00.000-05:00

Ok - so here's a hot-button topic for you... applause in church. First, I know that no matter what I say, I'll have those who disagree with me. There are those who feel that the only time one's palms should touch is in the gentle moment of prayer. And, on the diametrically opposite side are those who feel that worship is a time of celebration, applause, etc... So, which side is appropriate? I actually hold a fairly moderate view on this topic - except to say this...

If you are clapping for something that those up on the stage/chancel/altar area just did, then I IMPLORE you to cease and desist in your clappage. If, however, you are clapping as an acknowledgment of something that God is doing, has done in someone's life or as an act of praise to God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit, then I applaud your applause.

You see, it comes down to this - you didn't turn out for a talent show. Worship is not karaoke or open mic night. Worship is NOT meant for us to come and celebrate each other's achievements and pat each other on the back. Sunday morning worship services/gatherings are meant for just that - worship... of GOD!

Being a part of a community of faith should afford plenty of opportunity for us to support one another and love one another. In a church setting, if the only place that we have the opportunity to communicate care and support for one another is during a worship service, then we need to seriously rethink how we are "doing" church. Fellowship isn't supposed to be the time when we grab coffee. To use the term "fellowship" in that sense is a gross perversion of what the Bible refers to as Christian fellowship. Christian fellowship means living your life together - bearing each other's burdens, etc...

The term "worship" has also had its fair share of perversions. We have begun to define it as simply the time when Christians gather on Sunday morning. If we call it "worship" we feel free to provide a full on "self help" group session with contorted scripture references to make us think that the Bible was put here to make our physical lives easier and better. (This is, of course, a worst case scenario.) But, still, I think that this sort of frame of reference that makes us feel like church on Sunday morning should provide for us a good show. We feel that it should be entertaining... entertainment at the expense of spirituality. (Because, believe me, really good worship willentertain you!!)

So, when a song finishes, we clap. When someone does something amazing, we clap.

We MUST be discerning about this!! We have to make sure that what we are clapping for is the work of God. The praise of the Almighty... not just because Alice practiced really hard with her autoharp and we should clap to make her feel good about herself. Alice should have put in those hours of practice as a sacrifice of praise for God - not to earn your admiration.

Let's face it, we're going to clap in worship. It is fitting and appropriate to do so... but, let's not just get into a non-thinking habit of doing so.

For example, I've done a piece before called "Majesty and Glory of Your Name" by Tom Fettke. (If you've sung in many church choirs, you've probably done it... it is wonderful!!) And, it ends softly and gently. I've done this work a lot. And, a few times, my heart has sunk at the end of the piece - because of applause. This piece simply doesn't call for it. It doesn't provoke a spontaneous act of praise. It evokes a feeling of meditation, of calm and surrender... but, I can almost name you every time that I've conducted it that people have clapped afterward. To be honest, it makes me feel as if my work as an artist to glorify God was hijacked. It makes me feel that people are praising the choir for the work we've done. We don't want it, folks!

Once I was directing a choir in a church that was definitely a "clapping" congregation. One Sunday, we sang a song that ended softly. I think that it was probably the best that I had ever heard that choir sing. Ever. And the congregation didn't clap a bit. It was an incredible moment in the worship life of that church. However, afterwards, one of the choir members came up to me with a downcast face and asked me how we could have sounded so bad. Bad?? Yes, she thought that because the congregation didn't clap, that meant that we did poorly. That made me so sad. By our mechanical, incessant clapping, we had trained the choir into feeling that no clapping equalled something bad in worship. Is that the kind of environment we want to instill in worship?

It's like when I had put together a slide show of families in the choir. When the pictures of some of the pillars of the choir came up, people clapped. But, it created a problem - because from there on out, everyone clapped at every picture. (There were like 60+ pictures that went up.) You could tell after about 20 that people had regretted clapping during the slideshow because they had to clap every time not to hurt someone's feelings. If we start a environment where clapping accompanies human accomplishment, then prepare to clap at things you don't even like. Does that add value to your applause? Not really - it cheapens it!

I don't think that the congregations around the world clap to be openly disrespectful of God or to each other. I don't hold even the clappiest of congregations in disdain. But, I certainly want everyone to know where I stand. I just ask that you be discerning. Don't cheer for what people are doing - but rather, what God is doing, has done and will do.

Are Church Events and Abomination of Evangelism?

2009-05-08T17:01:00.000-05:00

That's right! I used the word "abomination"! Now you may be asking yourself - what is this so called "church event" and why could it be an abomination of evangelism?

Well, I'm defining church events as anything that isn't defined as your "classic" church outreach. Typically, handing out tracts, going door to door, picking up hammer and nails for mission work for the poor is considered evangelistic outreaches from the church. In a very Microsoft Excel world, you can easily connect the dots between these sorts of "events" and filling the rolls in heaven.

However, there is another sort to church event altogether. What I'm talking about when I say "church event" are things like music concerts, outdoor ice cream socials, trunk or treat, children's festivals... you know, that sort of thing. The fact is that these sorts of events are getting some mixed reviews these days. There are some churches that are completely eliminating them from their church's calendars and there are other churches that make these sorts of events the cornerstone of their evangelistic outreach.

I was talking to Jenna Bolerjack (wife of singer, Black Bolerjack) and she mentioned a church that was not going to schedule any more "events" because the church wanted to focus on improving the relationships of the people in the church instead of being distracted by things like concerts. (Forgive me if I've stated that incorrectly, Jenna!) Furthermore, she says that in the case that she knows about that they are not comfortable with having to provide the lights, sound system and whatnot that would elevate the concert to something that would be considered high quality in the secular world. After all, it is the church and we should be in the world, but not of the world.

I also know of churches that have stopped some of their "church events" like the "Trunk or Treat" that they participated in every year. The rationale there, I suppose, is two fold. First, Halloween is in no was a Christian holiday and it only promotes children thinking of things like Harry Potter and magic. And, it may conflict with other church activities that were already scheduled (Bible studies, small groups, etc...)

Well, let me begin to really show my bias to this issue. First of all - let me answer the question of building relationships within the church. And, I'll answer with a question. What does a couple do when they are dating? You know - to get to know one another... Well, I can tell you that my wife and I went out to eat together, to movies, to concerts, etc... The very sorts of things that churches would consider "events". It allowed us to have experiences together that we could recall and share. Also, it allowed us to meet new people. I can't say that we made friends on each date - but we definitely did along the way! How then, do churches think that they will build relationships with their existing members without these events? How are they going to really get to know the community in which they live?

As far as the issue of needing to provide the same "quality" of "entertainment" as the secular world... hey, how many times have I heard churches use that same exact argument when they want to build a new building or purchase new equipment (whether it be video equipment or a sound system)? When is the last time that a church was in a building campaign and someone said - "Hey, we could save a lot of money if we cut a lot of corners on the new sanctuary! Who needs carpet? Just stain the concrete? Oh, and pews? Let's just do folding chairs... yeah, those metal ones..." No, of course not! But, society has set certain levels of acceptability in many areas of our lives and the church, being made up of people from that society, must come to terms with the dichotomy of doing all things in a way that provides a level of excellence that says "we care about you" and a level of respect that says that "but we are also a people of God".

You see, I think that is what, sometimes, churches are scared of. They are scared that if they host a concert and it looks too slick that God isn't in it. Or, if they put on a children's carnival for the community and it looks a little too fancy, that we've wasted money... I'm NOT advocating throwing money around willy-nilly. However, consider the alternative situation - you host a concert at which people walk away wishing that they'd stayed home and watched "Lawrence Welk" because they sound was terrible and the lighting was distracting. Or, a children's carnival where the kids are ready to go in 10 minutes because it is, in their words, "Lame".

: Mt. Olive

I'll close this little rant with a situation that I think answers a lot of those sorts of questions. When I was in Arkansas, I went to a church called Mt. Olive. It wasn't a big church, but they did a lot in the community. It was a fairly new church, so to be fair, the congregation wasn't established in any way, really. They had lots of children's carnivals where there were probably a dozen little games and 2-3 bounce houses, as well as freshly grilled food for anyone who came by. Totally free! (Of course, not to the church, it was kinda pricey.) They had live music provided by their in-house band.... people come to these events and stay a while. It's great! Barry Morton, the pastor, has a lot of time and opportunity to meet people - as do the other members of the church. They also do a GREAT "Trunk or Treat". They used to do it with a larger church, but the larger church pulled out of that event. Now it is pretty much the "Mt. Olive Trunk or Treat Event". Several hundred children and adults come by this little church parking lot and get a smile and some candy in a safe environment. What an amazing outreach!! (I haven't even mentioned their community-wide monthly potlucks or the arts festivals they've hosted!!) They have one of the most connected and caring congregations that I've been associated with!

You want to talk about people experiencing the love of Christ? Take Mt. Olive's cue! They are out there... with their "church events" - feeding the hungry, clothing the poor and loving the unloved. I don't see them being able to do it without their commitment to excellence and above that, their commitment to share Christ and make Christ known!!

I Said It... But Did I Mean It?

2009-05-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

Quandary - should you say something you don't mean?

It seems like a simple question to answer, doesn't it? My gut reaction is to say, "Of course not. That's called LYING! Lying = bad." But, I have been struggling with all that we say and sing in church during the worship service. We sing songs like "I Surrender All" or "Here I Am to Worship". We say prayers of confession for our sins and creeds that outline what we believe as a church, etc... Even if you aren't a part of a church that does a lot of "congregational reading", most churches do sing together - so my point is that there's a lot that we say in a group setting that is some pretty incredible stuff.

Let's just look at a couple of the songs we sing. I mentioned "I Surrender All". Just take the first line or so: "All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give." Do we really? ALL?? FREELY? Or what about, "Here I Am to Worship"? "Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that You're my God." Bow down? Again... really? (I've seen some, even many physically bow down... but I've seen a lot more sing that while waiting for the first chance to take a seat...)

What about the Lord's prayer - there's that line: "An forgive us our trespasses/debts, as we forgive those who trespass against us/debtors." Do we really mean that we want God to forgive in the same manner that we do? I don't know about you, but sometimes I forgive kinda poorly. Sometimes it takes weeks, months or years for me to really be able to say in my heart that I've forgiven someone.

This, my friends, is the tip of the iceberg. Take a moment in church on Sunday (or Saturday, Wednesday... whenever you go) and notice how many strong statements of faith, belief and personal action that we say or sing during a given worship service.

I don't know about you - but I can't live up to them... so am I lying when I say/sing them? Am I really trying to deceive God into thinking that I'm doing these things? Or, am I trying to deceive those around us that we are "there" spiritually??

I actually don't think so. And, I don't think it is any sort of blasphemy to say or sing things that you might not totally understand. This is why. The first time that I ever said "I Love You" to my wife, I believed that I meant it! I really did. But, when I look back at how much I loved her then as compared to how much I love her now, I almost laugh at how much of an "infantile" stage our relationship was in. The love I had for her then doesn't compare to the love I had now. So, one could argue that you really shouldn't say "I Love You" to someone until you really really mean it. So, I should have waited until now to even tell her that I love her because my love is greater, it is solidified and more than ever before in my life.

The problem with that is, that if we wait until we are perfect Christians to profess our beliefs and claim our identities as Christians, we will be waiting until our deaths. (And only after would we see, still, how infantile our relationship with Christ really was while we were here on earth.)

However, I do think we should be discerning about what we say and sing in church. To be on your spiritual journey with Christ and profess full belief is one thing, but to blindly say anything in the context of worship because you think you have a "loop hole" on truth is irresponsible, at best. Say and sing what you mean in church. Do it at home.

I once heard someone say that in a marriage you will wake up somedays and will have to make the decision to love the person next to you. But, if you'll treat them with the love, kindness and respect that you aspire to in your relationship with them, then eventually, the feelings will be there and you will, indeed, feel love.

It matters what you say, sing and do in worship (and not just worship in church... at home, etc...) I think that what you do to worship can very well help define the relationship that you have with our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I CAN'T... and Why That's a Good Thing

2009-05-06T17:04:00.000-05:00

You know, sometimes there are people who say - "I don't use the word 'can't'! " Well, that's fine and all. Good for you!

I find myself often saying, "I can't..." (finish the sentence in just about any way that you want.) But, let's be honest. There's a lot of things that we can't do as humans. But that's not where the story ends. Because I as often as I say that I can't do something, I'm also trusting God that he'll make up the slack.

There have been countless times that I couldn't write a song... without God's help. That I couldn't make it through a hard time... without God's guidance. There's a lot of things I can't do without God's help.

I think that if we don't recognize that we can't do something, then we crowd God needlessly out of our lives. I welcome God often into my life to do a lot of those things that I can't do. Phillipians 4:3 doesn't stop at "I can do all things...". The most important part of that verse is... "through Christ who strengthens me."

I can't imagine living without his help and hope. Now that's something I really CAN'T do!!

On the Seventh Day, God Did Some...Yardwork(?!?)

2009-05-04T17:05:00.000-05:00

Ok - so, I suppose that the title could be considered a bit heretical. Sorry about that! But, I have been wrestling with what role the Sabbath plays in the life of Christians. Do we ignore it because it is part of the "Old Testament"? I mean - it is literally one of the 10 commandments. The "10 big ones!!"

We get a view of Jesus doing things like healing people on the Sabbath - so, does that give us the right to do pretty much whatever we please because Jesus "did something" on the Sabbath? I mean, I think that most of us (yes, I'm including myself) regard Sunday morning as a holy time - but once we get home and have some lunch, the day's wide open for go-carting, going to the park, laundry or... ugh... yard work. (Which is what I spent some of my Sabbath doing this week...)

Is this "kosher"? Are we to keep the Sabbath holy? And by that, I mean the whole thing?!?

Aron and I talk about this on the podcast. Check it out here!

Why Prosperity Has Nothing to Do With the Gospel

2009-04-20T17:06:00.000-05:00

We came across this rather interesting video about the prosperity gospel the other day. Mark actually put it on his blog - and then we decided to talk about it. John Piper did an EXCELLENT job summing up exactly what the "Prosperity Gospel" is, how it effects Christianity and exactly how he feels about it. Check out Dr. Piper's website! And let us know what YOU think about this....

CLICK FOR THE PODCAST HERE

Aron Betrays Popecast and Co-Hosts Another 'Cast

2009-04-17T17:07:00.000-05:00

Hey! You need to check out the Back Seat Producers! When Aron told me that he was guest hosting a movie review podcast, I immediately narrowed my eyes and asked... "A movie review podcast??" "Yes!" said Aron!

Ok, so it turns out that BSP is reviewing "The Last Temptation of Christ" - that's right up Aron's alley! And, so, I HIGHLY recommend that you take a trip over and listen to this podcast on "The Last Temptation of Christ".

WWJT (What Would Jesus Twitter?)

2009-04-15T17:09:00.000-05:00

What Would Jesus Twitter?

We ask pretty often WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? (Or, at least we did a decade or two ago when everyone had those "jelly bracelets" that had WWJD emblazoned on them.) And, I mean, it is a valid question that we really should be asking ourselves.

But, it's the 21st century folks. Haven't times changed? It's not just what would Jesus do... but what would he blog about? What would he micro-blog about? What would the home page on his website look like? Would he use a Flash site or traditional HTML? What would his username on Wordpress be?

If Jesus were alive would he use Twitter? I think he might - but I'm pretty sure his #1 Tweet would be something like - "Hey - get together @ your place tonight." Or, "Do you have time for some coffee @ *bux?"

You see, I don't think that Jesus was face to face with people on accident. It wasn't just a function of the historical time he was on earth. I think if Jesus had an iPhone, (and make no mistake, Jesus would choose an iPhone over a Blackberry. Trust me) he would only be using it as a tool to get face to face with people. I'm pretty sure that you wouldn't get return calls from Jesus - you'd get return visits. He wouldn't just tweet back about praying for you during a hard time, he's show up with a fruit basket (or maybe even some Chick-Fil-A - unless it were Sunday).

I think that, for me, Twitter and Facebook are guilty pleasures of sorts... mainly in that they let me off the hook more often than not. I can make a comment in response to a status update and feel as if I've made a valid contact with that person. I don't think Jesus would agree.

Maybe if Jesus tweeted me, it would say - "@markandrewpope Put down the iPhone and go spend some time with someone." Ouch.

How To Talk About the Gospel Without Offending Anyone...

2009-04-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

You can't.

You're going to offend someone when you talk about the Gospel. I reason I think this, simply, is because the Gospel is offensive to our sin nature. There's a part of each of us that wants wealth, power, status, fame... you name it. We all want things that we think will make us independent and self-sufficient.

A few years ago our church did the "40 Days of Purpose" campaign (Rick Warren) - and the bar that Rick Warren set for each of us to live our lives was Jesus Christ. I mean, that makes sense, right? If each of us could do that, we all would be kind, caring, totally unselfish, honest, etc... and, the best part of that would be a complete and full relationship with God.

I thought the book was written in a very positive tone . However, I was a little surprised at the number of people who got pretty upset during the campaign. Some people didn't get past the first page - "It's not about me??? What's THAT supposed to mean??" (Imagine also a sour face.) They were certainly offended.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus tells parables that are highly instructional about our sin nature. For example, the prodigal son parable, I think, is in large part about the brother. I hear so many people talk about finding themselves relating to the brother because they have been loyal to the church and God their whole lives. I've even hear preachers talk about that. But the important part about the brother in that story isn't the attribute of loyalty. The point of his existence in the story is to point out the error of the Pharisees. His loyalty and steady service to his father actually hardened his heart to the ability to rejoice at the return of his brother. He felt that his loyalty bought him all sorts of entitlements.

How many times have we felt entitled to something? Anything.. Whether it was the favor of a friend or a promotion at work... Anytime you feel like you deserve anything - think about this... As hard as you may work, as smart as you are, as "good" as you think you are, Jesus matches just about any of us in just about any part of our lives. He went to the cross for us. Did he deserve this? No. But, where were his sour grapes? Did he point out those who persecuted him and say, "I don't deserve this! You're gonna pay!" No - he blessed them. He forgave them.

There are so many parables that humble us, if we read them right. None of Jesus' parables are just nice stories. They aren't just lessons for those in the Bible. They are lessons for us. If we read them and really take them to heart, they are going to step on our toes. They are going to offend us. Hopefully they offend us into prayer and reflection and with God's help, someday we're no longer offend-able - by the Bible or by anyone.

This being said, the Gospel is still the best news that the world has ever known. It gives hope to a lost and dying world. So, share the Gospel throughout the world! Also follow the example of Christ - Jesus didn't share the Good News by telling people what they were doing wrong, he loved them. That's our call. Love others as we love ourselves. That, of course, only second to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind and strength. So, don't take this as a good reason to go pointing fingers (one should never) - but, as you go deeper in your walk, be aware that the Gospel isn't about good times and a world through rose colored glasses.

There's so much more to talk about with this! There are some great passages by Paul that really demonstrate this point...(e.g. 2 Corinthians 7: 8-10)

And hey, our sin nature needs to be offended... maybe it will just pick up its ball and go home!!

Holy Week, Batman!

2009-04-06T19:13:00.000-05:00

This week in our podcast, Aron and I talk about Holy Week - some of the traditions and themes...

Also, at the end, I share some of my favorite Lenten music. Here are links to the music that I shared:

Pergolesi: Stabat Mater
Rossini: Stabat Mater
Rutter: Requiem
Sing, Ye Heavens (Hymn Collection)
Lloyd-Webber: Requiem
Hymns Through the Ages (Hymn Collection)
Beyond Chant (Collection of Renaissance Choral Music)

Hope you'll check out this music and observe Holy Week with a new found depth, understanding and spiritual fulfillment.

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST HERE.

Worthy of Our Praise...

2009-04-03T07:36:00.000-05:00

OK, well the other day I "retweeted" a quote from Leonard Sweet regarding something he said. This is his quote: ""You are worthy to receive my praise" songs drive me bad crazy. As if I'm in a position to tell God that God is "worthy" of me?"

So, after I retweeted I got a couple of responses and I tried to respond in a Twitter format (140 characters). I did so unsuccessfully. I have trouble expressing myself well with a blank slate, much less with 140 characters! So, I thought that I might give my 2 cents.

First of all, I originally disagreed with the statement. I think it is a good "thought provoking" or philosophical question. It obviously created some conversation with me and my folks. But, I don't know that it stands up very well in light of our relationship with God.

Let's say that you are hanging out with a friend. At some point, the friend gives you a compliment saying how great they think you are. Although it would most certainly give you a "boost", does it change your value as a person? Does the praise that your friend bestows effect your worth? Were you worth less before the statement than you were after? My response is that "no" - your worth is inherent in your being.

Our relationship with our creator, as I understand it, is not one where we are filthy, despised worms relating to high-sitting and disconnected God. If this were our relationship, then I would lend full credence to Leonard Sweet's statement. Because, in that understanding of relationship, is there anything we could say to glorify God that doesn't sound as if we are talking "above our status"?

And, my guess is that Mr./Dr. Sweet didn't at all call for such a severe interpretation of his quote. But, I think that even at face value, the quote doesn't fully recognize our standing as freewill agents. God gave us freewill, it is commonly believed, so that we have the choice as to whether or not to attribute value in our lives to our relationship with God.

We have the choice not to recognize God's worth. We can ignore God's presence in our lives and we can live life completely unaware of any manifest presence of God at all. We can choose not to worship and glorify God. We can even choose to worship other gods. (Note that none of this effects God's actual worth - just our recognition/acceptance of it.)

I suppose we could insert the word, "indeed", into the quote, thus making it "You are indeed worthy of my praise" and this would remove our attribution of worth from ourselves. This insertion makes the statement of God's worth "fact" instead of "opinion". But, doesn't that weaken our expression of praise?

I was once hired to a church by the pastor calling and saying, "The SPR committee and choir wanted me to call and offer you this job..." (or something like that). Immediately I knew two things. First, I was being offered the job. And secondly, this pastor accepted the fact that I was being offered the job, but he didn't necessarily agree. Now, obviously, this is a different situation than in the context worship, but I think the sentiment is the same. God not only wants to be praised for what God is and can do (of which I'm sure he's already aware) - the one thing that God can't control, upon mandate of human freewill, is our opinion that God is as great as God is.

I think our opinion matters to God. I think this because we are in a personal relationship with God. If we were in some sort of feudal relationship with God, then our opinions would not matter. But, we are sons and daughters of God. We are invited to the table - a banquet with overflowing cups of grace, mercy and love. Our opinions matter because our personal praise is one thing that we can give God that God can't give to God's self. (This is, after all, by God's own choosing.)

So, let's sing and cry out to God not only the fact that God is great, but our opinion of that as well... not because we are worthy, but because God is!!

Working in the Yard...

2009-03-31T07:38:00.000-05:00

: Not my yard.

Ok, so I'm not gifted in the gardening arts. But, I think I should be dictating during my outside work. I have a lot of time to think and my mind just goes and goes. It's nice, really, to just have to be moving rocks or whatever. There's no real thought to that. So, instead of focusing on any one thought, my mind wanders from one thought to another. Following rabbit trails wherever they may lead.

Today, I was outside and a few thoughts really dominated my thinking. Those will be the subjects of my next few entries.

The first is the idea of church unity. Or, really Church unity.

I'm the first to admit that there are doctrinal differences to denominations. There are even pronounced style differences to our worship lives in these different denominations. And we have LOTS of really good reasons why "we" are right and the Christian church down the road is wrong. You know, the Bible doesn't talk about denominations. It doesn't endorse them or command them. Why then, do "biblically based churches" (which, if I'm not mistaken, ALL Christian churches claim to be), profess a denomination? Even "non-denominational" churches have become their own denomination.

Have you heard the term "divide and conquer"? Has it entered anyone's mind that the devil (AKA Satan, the powers of darkness, etc...) has got this one down? Individual churches split all of the time. We think of "a house divided shall fall" as our church. As in - the "First Metho-byterian Bible Church" needs to make sure that all of their members stay together. In reality, Jesus was defending His actions after He cast out demons from a man. Jesus goes on to say that if "Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come." Jesus said this in the context of Satan, but how much more true is it for us? I don't think that Jesus was just talking about a church. He was talking about THE Church.

I know it is a pipe dream to think that all of the churches of the world will take the signs down in front of their church and just put on the sign "Church". We've become so in love with our doctrines that we don't have enough love for one another. I've seen people so enamored with their "Methodist Pride" or "Baptist Pride" that they instantly alienate others. Others who ALSO happen to believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth and died for our sins. Isn't that the basic tenant of the Christian faith? We believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Right?

What else is so important that it separates Christians from each other? Is it the way we interpret salvation? Is it so important for us to know who's saved and who's not? (I thought that was God's domain.) Is it whether we baptize with full immersion or sprinkling? What about getting baptized more than once in your life? Should that make so much difference to us that we put up fences between adjacent churches so that we don't even use each other's parking lots? (I've seen it happen!)

I know it's not popular, what I'm saying. And, I've probably blown getting invited to some churches because of what I've written here. But I can't help myself. I've done enough "church bashing" for my life. I'm going to stop. I'm going to love and support every person I meet - Christian or otherwise. It's a promise I make - not that I'll never break it (I'll probably break it today) - but I'm going to try not to.

A kingdom divided shall fall.

NEXT POST: How to talk about the Gospel without offending anyone. (Spoiler alert! It's impossible!!)

Open Arms (Followup to Podcast)

2009-03-30T07:38:00.000-05:00

I don't know that there's a lot more to say about welcoming visitors than what has already been said by hundreds of authors and thousands of pastors. But, if there's one thing that the PopeCast can do, it's reiterate and recycle! And, hopefully we do it in a way that is entertaining and yet, powerfully informing and effective.

So, this week, I just want to point you towards the podcast and hope that you enjoy several minutes ofPopeCast bliss that you've come to expect.

Worship IS an Action Verb (Followup to Podcast)

2009-03-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm not going to try to pretend otherwise, this is one of my soapboxes. And when I say "one of", I may be understating - this is one of my favorite subjects to discuss about worship. I'm not sure if I talk about it and take it on as "my cross" because I'm trying to convince someone else or just because it is so important to me. I'm not really sure. I mean, I can tell you that when I stand in front of a congregation and we are singing some great hymn of the faith or newer praise chorus, I guess I just assume that everyone - or most everyone will be singing. And, sometimes that's true. But, more often than not, I see what I would estimate to be 30-40% of the congregation is not participating in the singing part of worship.

Now, I don't assume that all of those people don't care - just like I don't assume that everyone that is singing is worshipping fully with their heart. I'm really not making a judgement call there... because there are so many facets to corporate worship (prayer, scripture, singing, meditating, listening to the sermon, etc...), certain parts of worship can engage people in different ways. So, the person that isn't engaged by singing may be very moved and heart-full of worship during the prayers. And, there's nothing wrong with that, either.

I guess where my "beef" comes in is where I start to understand that corporate worship isn't supposed to be a buffet. My understanding isn't that you come to corporate worship for an hour a week and choose to participate in your favorite parts. I hardly ever see anyone during a prayer time just looking around... on the basis that they really don't get into the prayer time.

And, on the other side of the spectrum, I also understand that some people aren't singing for physical reasons (sick, cough, bad lungs, etc...). And, furthermore, some people are too caught up with emotion or filled with the Spirit to vocalize. Sure. That's understandable... but 30-40% of the congregation??

I used to direct a smallish church choir. We'd have 12-20 any given Wednesday or Sunday. But, with 20 members, when you're missing 8 people on a Sunday it makes a big difference! I talked to a friend of mine at a bigger church - bigger choir. Sometimes they miss as many as 10 members on a Sunday - and that's a choir with 75 members. At first it didn't hit me, but 10 members from his choir only affected the choir by 13%. And, 10 members gone was almost as many as I had gone on a Sunday. That same number of people gone impacted my choir by nearly half!

All of that was to say that there might have been something inherently different about the makeup of our choirs. The foundation of his choir was a lot stronger. Each person likely felt a greater responsibility of using their gift to worship than did the people in my choir. It wasn't a matter of talent, or probably not even desire, it was a matter of understanding.

You see, I don't really blame those people who don't sing or sketch during the sermon or plan lunch during the scripture readings... 1 Corinthians 14:15-17 says, "I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified."

I think this is a charge to Christians everywhere that not only should you worship in spirit (quietly, without outward emoting or in ways that others do not understand) but, it is our charge to praise the Lord outwardly and clearly through prayer and song as a testimony to God's blessing in your life. That is to say that not only should you worship actively to praise God for what God's done in your life, but so that others may see your testimony of praise for your thanksgiving.

We should all bring a sacrifice of praise! For some, this is truly a sacrifice. It is difficult to overcome the shyness, the self-criticism, and the boundaries of our own comfort zones. We must sacrifice all of those so that others may see our joy in the Lord. And, it is necessary that we actually have joy in the Lord. Faith without works is dead - but works without faith is just plain heresy.

So, hopefully these few words will be some sort of blessing to you and that you might be interested enough to listen to the podcast "Worship IS an Action Verb".

Blessings and peace!

21st Century Tech @Church: with frikkin' lasers (Followup to Podcast)

2009-03-17T07:40:00.000-05:00

[For a full podcast with details about this topic, click here.]

Well, a big issue in churches these days is how to use technology for good and not evil. And, it is so easy and tempting to make a big show in the sanctuary with Pink Floyd-ish laser shows, fog machines, elaborate dramas, and all of the other bells and whistles that fairly inexpensive technology can afford us. Where is the line between flashy and effective?

The other issue is that there are certain technologies that have been accepted, so, most every church has these technologies, but how does a church use these technologies for ministry. These sorts of technologies are like websites, screens/projectors, email, etc...

The podcast really deals with each of these topics in depth. I'm going to try to sum up some of what Aron and I talked about on the podcast and add a few more thoughts... (Topics and points not necessarily made in order of priority!)

Topic 1: Screens in Sanctuary
1. Keep graphics on topic and avoid silly humor (e.g. the Holy Ghost represented by the PacMan ghosts)
2. Not much text on the screen at any one time - even minimize long scriptures (gets daunting to read and the fonts get small, too)
3. Keep in mind the "DNA" of your church - if videos that are "MTV" edited (quick images, lots of effects and fast music) be sure that is a medium that your congregation responds to
4. Do use the screen to aid visual learners
5. Don't use the screen to merely keep people's attention. If your content wouldn't keep them engaged without the screens, then don't try to make up for the weakness of the message by pumping up the graphics.
6. The graphics must serve the message - not the other way around.

Topic 2: Other Audio/Visual Techs
1. Other technologies/gadgets can also be used for good!
2. I can think of a few, but not many techs that would serve no purpose for a worship setting. But, almost all of the techs I can think of can be used in a way that detracts from worship and creates an environment for entertainment. Be CAREFUL about how you use any tech in your worship service!!
3. I just experienced a GREAT use of technology in a service this last week. A Flip camera (very small camera) was used for "man on the street interviews" and the video was played in the service. It was used in a way that magnified the message - not to just get people "awake" or entertained. That was an easy way to really boost the message.
4. If you are going to use technologies, remember that you get what you pay for. This isn't to say that you should buy more than you can afford! Don't! But, know that with technology, people in our society have very high expectations. If you're going to play videos, have a smooth and workable way to play those videos in the service. If you are going to have amplified sound, train your sound people (who, by the way should be musicians to begin with) and train your A/V people, too. Technology "blips" in worship are usually far more detrimental than the benefit of using the technology in the first place.

Topic 3: Videoing/Recording Worship Services
1. This is not a necessary function of the church - unless you, again, have the ability to do it with excellence!
2. To be used for ministry, recording the services should then be put in a format that is easily accessible to the public and congregation.
3. Be sure that you have licensing for all of the music used in recordings, or, without licensing, just record the sermon (for archive OR distribution). Copyright laws do not allow for any unlicensed recordings. Period.

Topic 4: Websites and Blogs
1. Websites should at least: give location, service times, child care availability, and some form of contact to the church or pastor.
2. Websites, at best, should be a ministry to not only the public at large, but the congregation. If possible, include:
   a. photos of the worship space and worshipping congregation
   b. photos of the staff
   c. pastors blog and bio
   d. information about all available ministries (youth, children, music, etc...)
   e. links to spiritually enlightening materials (books, videos, etc...)
   f. discussion boards
   g. church calendar
   h. video message from pastor or video of clip of a worship service
   i. the list goes on and on... as long as the pages of the site don't get cluttered, a website can be very dense with information
   j. Here's an example of a church website that has a lot of information that doesn't tend to get too overwhelming with too much info on each page
   (http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/)

Topic 5: Email
1. Incoming: #1 rule - ANSWER ALL NON-SPAM EMAIL!!!
2. Outgoing: (for mass mailing) make it fairly short, with few small graphics, if necessary. And make sure that everyone that you send email to has "opted in" for the email or has given some for of consent. Don't be a spammer.

Topic 6: Texting
1. This is a new phenomenon that has hit the world! Senators do it during presidential speeches... but, if you want to allow texting during the service, or at least encourage it, direct the congregation to text questions to the pastor to be answered later. If texting (or Twitter, etc...) becomes a problem at your church, try to focus this sort of activity towards a ministry benefit. I, personally, don't see a bunch of positives to encouraging texting - but, if it can work for you and not against you, go for it. Let me know how that works out for you.

Topic 7: Podcasting
1. Podcasting can be great!! Record your sermons, bible studies, an "audio blog" - and make them easily available to everyone for free!! You can do just audio or make it fancy with video, even!
2. This process used to be difficult, but is easy now with services such as Podbean. Also, the services are VERY affordable and can allow people to "subscribe" to your podcasts and get your message delivered to them every week!
3. I'm a huge fan of this for several reasons, a few of which are: people enjoy podcasts because of easy access, it costs the church very little, you can add unlimited content throughout the week or month. It is a great way to connect with people!
4. Just purchase an inexpensive voice recorder, transfer the mp3 to a podcasting hosting site and BAM! You've got a podcast!
5. A pastor could literally spend 1-2 hours a week and record a 5 part devotional study, in 10 minute segments and release a podcast each morning that delivers straight to a congregation member's computer. A pastor could do this and reach hundreds of people on a daily basis with very little effort!

Topic 8: Social Networking
1. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Friendster, WordPress Blogging, Etc... can be very useful is used well. Don't go out and add your church to every site overnight and expect to keep up with all of them. Add one a month until you feel like you have maximized your time. You can also find ways for these networks to work with each other - so that you can change your status on one and it will update the others.
2. Churches can use this for ministry by adding pictures, videos and blogs from the week's events at the church or the upcoming messages or scripture study.
3. Generally, people check these networks often during the week, it really is a social outlet - you can use this interest to keep them not only thinking about church and church activities, but connecting with you and each other throughout the week - so that at the church isn't the only place that people that attend your church communicate.

I hope that some of these ideas were good ones - again, I only skimmed the surface on this blog, I think that Aron and I went into much more detail in our podcast! Let us know if this was helpful to you!!

Blessings and peace....

Remnants of Ash Wednesday

2009-03-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

Ok, so last Sunday, we had just picked up Reid from the nursery at church (which, incidentally, he loves). Libby was carrying Reid and he started looking at Libby with a puzzled look on his face. (With him being 20 months old, he doesn't really have much a vocabulary for more than: car, more, dada, and several animal sounds) So, he looked at Libby and then at me, and then back at Libby. He was obviously checking something out. Then he pointed at my forehead and Libby's forehead. Oh! He was looking for the black crosses that we had on our head after the Ash Wednesday service. I remembered that he had noticed them on that evening and I guess, a week and a half later, he wondered why we didn't have them again after we left the sanctuary.

Aside from thinking that my son was a near genius at 20 months, I started thinking later - there are really very few immediately recognizable outward signs that someone is a Christian... except on Ash Wednesday. I mean, wearing crosses says nothing of your faith these days. So, it is left to clergy wearing collars and a few brave souls wearing Christian themed shirts (with scripture and whatnot) that are left in the grouping of people who show a sign of their faith.

I caught myself in a conundrum. Although it is not custom of the Christian church to outwardly advertise one's self as a Christian, I wondered if I would be brave enough to wear an ashen cross on my forehead - even after Ash Wednesday. Perhaps simply as a sign of "Lent". Biblically, people would dress in sackcloth and ashes and repent or grieve. I mean, the worst that could happen is that someone points out that I've got a smudge on my forehead - and that would be a great ice breaker... even for those Christians who might point it out to me.

Still, is that too close to standing in the street and announcing that I'm fasting and praying and letting everyone know how holy I think I'm being? Is this something to be done in the "secret place"?

Where is the line to be drawn between sharing my faith and simply calling attention to it?

I'm still wrestling with that....

House of Love (Followup to Podcast)

2009-03-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

I pray that all is well with everyone! I'm writing this blog to be an accompaniment to my podcast "Writing a Song". I actually took a couple of days and documented my work on a new song. I wasn't sure that I'd finish - I usually get hung up on a bit of a verse or chorus for a few days as I'm writing. But, this song came fairly easily. For that, I'm truly thankful to God because to be quite honest, I spent very little time writing... maybe only a couple of hours. My weekend schedule was pretty packed with household projects - and the weather was absolutely beautiful, so it was easy to be outside a lot, too.

I think one of the reasons that the song came so quickly is because it was based on what is such a common topic - choosing our own way through life or listening to and following God. I don't think in the end analysis of the song that this is the over arching theme - I think that the theme of the song actually ended up being more about comfort and provision. Granted, the song strongly points to God's provision and the comfort that only God can bring to one's life, but I think the subtext is that by choosing self and relying on self only builds towers of loneliness and separates us from each other and God.

Overall, I think it was a fairly successful songwriting venture - especially one written "in public"... I think my main source of regret is in the recording. It was a fast and furious recording and, what I consider my greatest Achilles Heel - my voice - just wouldn't do what I wanted it to - and further, I recorded what I consider to be a harmony line (and too high for me) as the melody for the second chorus. Yes, it was supposed to be higher than the first time - but maybe by a third or fourth - not by 5ths, 6th and octaves! Oh well - right now it is what it is and perhaps someone with a great voice will, at some point, want to record it and all will be right with the world.... :)

Blessing and peace...

Listen to the podcast.

Feels Like the First Time (Followup to Podcast)

2009-03-02T11:24:00.000-06:00

Visiting a church for the first time can be a daunting task! To walk into unfamiliar territory with the intention to find a worshipping community into which you can fit comfortably is a scary task. But, let me also submit that being a church that is really ready to receive a first time visitor is equally as challenging. For one thing, those who are "in charge" of setting the stage for first time visitors are usually people in the church who have been a part of that community of faith for years and years. It has been a long time since they have been a first time visitor to a church. I don't mean that they never go to a new church when visiting family or whatnot - I'm talking about the fact that they haven't gone to a church looking for a church home in a long time. I know... I've been a staff member at churches. I've been in the situation of being on a team that was striving to create welcoming avenues into our church. It is hard!

But, I make a very rough analogy when I refer you to Dr. Temple Grandin. She is an autistic woman who has used her insight to create better ways to herd cattle because she has the uncommon ability to sort of "see through the eyes of the livestock". She has autism and because of her experience with dealing with that, she has gained the ability to design ways to herd cattle that promotes a calming effect in the cattle instead of fear and dread.

I reference her because that is what a church must do if they are to create an inviting atmosphere for a visitor in a church. The church must "see through the eyes of the visitor". Too often, the strategy that the church has for welcoming a visitor looks a lot more like a plan to get that person hooked in to the ministries of the church, Sunday school classes, or just as a regular member. The goal sometimes is to simply get them back for another week. To be successful, churches must start to see what the visitor sees.

People don't hunt out a church because they are looking for some place entertaining to go on Sunday morning. They don't search for a church home for the latest "get rich quick scheme" or for self-help. They come to a church for something deeper that all of that - something spiritual. Of course, it doesn't stop there - they are looking for community. Those are the two main things that visitors are searching for. Community without the spirituality aspect makes the church a social club (and I do mean that in a bad way) and the spirituality aspect without community... well, frankly, people could get that at home on the TV or in a book - and probably better than what we give at church sometimes. We are MEANT to gather together as a worshipping community!

So - what now? What are churches supposed to do? Is there a formula? Is there a list of things that we must do in order to be welcoming and genuine to visitors? Yes and no. I think there are ideas that can be used. Do I think that using all ideas that are out there will make your church the ultimate welcoming machine? NO! But, failing to try new ideas and constantly "tweak" your current "procedures" can be a mistake!

Here are a few ideas that Aron and I pushed around on the podcast (and maybe a few more) - in no particular order...

Make sure that the person/people that you have staffed to welcome visitors is actually friendly and makes a good first impression. (Just because someone wants to be a greeter, doesn't mean that they should be. Use only those who have a real gift for hospitality! Be discerning!)
Don't ever sacrifice the message that you're giving or the Word of God to bring in visitors! They don't want to be coddled, they want to know what you believe/teach!
Resist the urge to latch onto visitors, no matter how wonderful they may seem. Be friendly, introduce yourself - but don't invite them out for lunch 3 sentences into the conversation. This is bad form no matter where you are!
Don't make them stand up or sit down when everyone else is doing the opposite. Nobody wants to be singled out.
Don't swing the other way and ignore a visitor so that they don't feel singled out!! :)
Do offer free coffee and doughnuts/breakfast foods!
Do offer a free CD of a sermon or your church's music or a gift to remind them of their visit.
Do make a lot of information about your church available for pickup and carry home at some designated area of your church. (Don't force them to take all of your brochures - but every ministry area should have one! They should be, if possible, in full color with lots of photos of actual church members and give some contact information.)
Have someone at the front door of the church or sanctuary who will give a smile, handshake, or offer assistance. (Don't have someone in the parking lot, at the front door, in the hallway AND at the sanctuary door. This feels like one is running the gauntlet. I've been here... it's creepy.)
Do have an updated website that includes: location, service times, contact information, common attire worn by congregation, child care, and a few words about your church's beliefs and practices. It is best to have lots of pictures and/or videos of the worship services, and much more information that is interesting to visitors as well as the members of the church - but in today's world, a bare minimum is a nice, neat up-to-date website with a few bits of important information.
If someone - ANYONE - who is not a member of your church calls or emails you. Write back!! Even if you don't know the answer or it is someone selling something, answer them or refer them to someone else! I have known sales people who have visited a church because they were so nicely treated on the phone!
During the worship service, either explain what is happening and why you are doing what you are doing (in a spiritual sense) or have literature in the seating explaining it. For some, your church may have some very arcane practices. Watch your Christian-ese. You don't have to "wash out" the service of any religious vocabulary, just make it plain to those who might not know what you're talking about.
Staff members and clergy MUST not be scared of new people. They MUST greet them and talk to them. The congregation will model the staff's interactions with new visitors!!
Encourage your church members to wear nametags. This helps a visitor see names of people instead of a sea of faces!
Do have close and convenient parking for first time visitors. This is very nice! Be sure to also have some parking for your own elderly/disabled . Encourage your church members not to use the parking designated for visitors.
Be careful about how you follow up with visitors! A call later Sunday afternoon may seem a little aggressive. However, a letter, or even a quick visit to their home to drop off a small gift (one church I was at gave out hot apple pies to new visitors) can be appreciated. Any way you do it - FOLLOW UP!
Genuinely love your neighbor.

This is not a comprehensive list - and, perhaps someday I'll try to write a more extensive list, if anyone is interested... but this is a starting point. And, check out this site - Church Marketing Sucks for a very informative 9 part blog on this very topic!

Do you have any good "first time visitor" stories?? If so, share here on the blog. We'd love to hear them and share them!!!

Blessings and peace -

-mark

Failures

2009-02-24T11:25:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about failures lately. My own failures, to be exact. When I've failed to reach out to someone in need, to be a good son, to be a good father and spouse, to be a good friend, to keep promises I've made. I've got a truck load of failures under my belt. I've let down so many people in my life. Few of those times were intentional. Very few. Yet, they weigh just as heavy on me as if I had been malicious about them.

As many relationships that have been harmed because of my incompetence at forming them - as many awkward situations that have been made worse by my mismanagement of them, I find myself in a shame spiral, believing that there is no possible way that I'm at all lovable.

The only thing that truly stops that spiral is going back to the Bible. The default answer is that Jesus loved us so much that He died for our sins...and that is true and a source of strength in our faith. But, I also find solace in Genesis 1:31a "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."

ALL that he had made! That includes us. God made us in his image and breathed his very breath into is. It helps me remember that we're not here by accident - that out mistakes aren't simply a function of natural selection.

We are born out of the very heart and imagination of our creator, God.

Can I greive that I've not always walked in the pathways that God has set forth? I can... but I'm sure that I shouldn't greive. In Jeremiah, the Lord says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful."

Obviously, God has tremendous love for his creation! God will rebuild his creation! We may crumble, we may fail. God will rebuild his creation! We may fall short of every earthy goal that we've ever made... But, God WILL rebuild his creation!

So, yes, I've failed in so many ways. But, I know that I am God's creation and if I'll just let him, God will turn all of my failures to victories and all my weaknesses to strengths. Praise be to God!

Revision...

2009-02-16T11:26:00.000-06:00

Over the last few weeks, I've been going back through some old music and revising it and editing it to try to get it out to people. The problem is that I've found that the older the song, the harder it is for me to revise. I've been looking at music that is maybe 15 years old. I don't know that it was all that great to begin with, but even as I look at it again after all of these years, I find myself reluctant to change a note or rhythm. There's something about those tunes, melodies and harmonies that just get ingrained into my head. When I start to revise, I feel like I'm just chopping up ideas and confusing the form, etc... But, the truth is, that at the end of the process, I usually find a better piece of music in place of the old. Also, I find that I've been much more conservative in my revision than I thought I was at the time that I was revising. Changes that I thought were HUGE sometimes make very little difference to the overall feel or sound of a piece of music.

But, as I sit and do this day after day, I start to realize that I approach a lot of things in my life like this. There are habits and traits that have been around for a very long time. As far as I'm concerned, they are just on the shelf and part of who I am. But, in times of crisis or when I can feel ol' Satan creeping in, I have to re-examine who I am. And, I see the old me and realize that I need to revise. Sometimes, I need some serious revision, actually.

So, I set on revising - through prayer and scripture and help from my spouse and friends... and I think that I'm making huge strides. But, sometimes my revisions don't make a big difference in my overall person. And, unlike my music, when I make self-revisions, those revisions can slowly work their way back to the original. One step forward... ______ steps back. Ever felt that way?

Here's the lesson that I have to learn over and over and over.... I can rely on scripture, prayer and just about who or whatever else I want to, but God is the Master Revisor. Until I give my life to Him and allow God to be the Editor in Chief of my life, all of my self-help and self-evaluation is like the tiny revisions that I make to some of my old music. It is still my old music - just all polished up. That's the best I can do for myself. I can take my old self and polish it up. Make it look good on the outside - and feel good, for a short while, on the inside. But only God does complete overhauls.

I just pray that God writes a new symphony with my life. Not to take all of the old material and patch it together differently - but to constantly make me new through Jesus - to continually renew, refresh and strengthen me in His Word.

Freezing Garage Sale

2009-01-26T11:27:00.000-06:00

Ok - I don't have any particularly witty or pithy things to add to the blog today (except that we dropped a great podcast about Weddings today) - but, this weekend, we had a garage sale. Last Friday was a beautiful sunny 80 degrees in Arlington, TX. And, Saturday, the day of our garage sale, it was an overcast 35 degrees. (With a daily high of about 38.)

We had arranged to have this garage sale with our neighbor. He warned us that it was going to get cold. We ignored all warnings and trudged ahead. So, the wife and I woke up Saturday morning at 6:00 AM and dressed and headed outside. There were already people waiting for us (a perk of listing your garage sale on CraigsList as starting at 7 AM). But, we found out later that our early risers were just out looking for guns.

: The fam at the garage sale.

So, we bundled up and braved the cold for 5.5 hours and sold a whopping $80 worth of "merch". How fulfilling. (We gave the rest of our stuff to Goodwill - a surprising amount of pretty good stuff, if I do say so myself!)

Next weekend will probably be beautiful and Al, our next door neighbor, will certainly have more luck with his 2nd weekly garage sale. Good luck, Al!!

PS On a positive note, it did allow us to dress Reid up in a winter coat that he had not yet had a chance to wear. (We even took off the tags Saturday morning.)

Worship Manipulation

2009-01-22T11:31:00.000-06:00

I had talked to Aron about whether he'd like to talk about manipulation in worship on our podcast. His reply was basically, "What is that?" So, I said something to the extent that there are those who, instead of doing their best to provide a spiritual experience, do their best to provide an emotional experience for worship. He had no idea what I was talking about and claimed that he had not experienced this. I think he probably hasn't. I mean, he's Episcopalian and they, as a whole, are usually a more intellectually driven group and worship in a high Anglican setting that doesn't really allow for much "razzle dazzle". Generally, it is a highly liturgical church and follows either Rite One or Rite Two, which are not overly flexible to restructure and addition of elements that might distract from the flow of standard order of worship.

That being said, I suppose I need to talk a little bit about what I feel "manipulation in worship" is - rather than expounding about what it isn't. I think that manipulation in worship can come in many forms, but generally sprouts from a common seed. That seed is the desire to make people feel a certain way during worship so that they leave feeling as if they have had a spiritual experience. I'm the first to say that I'm guilty of it. I've certainly chosen music - not based on whether it was spiritually enlightening or whether it strengthened the scripture or topic of that Sunday - but rather, I chose it because people would like it and it would "pep them up" before the sermon. I've had drama presentations in worship that pulled on the heart strings but had little to say about our spiritual lives.

Now, I know it is starting to sound like a confessional in here - not everything I've done has been what I would consider manipulation. Not by a long stretch. But, I see churches and have been to churches whose motto seems to be "sit back, relax and enjoy the next hour of worship" (which is an actual quote from a local mega-church's Sunday morning handout). I'm not saying that you shouldn't enjoy worship. It SHOULD be the most enjoyable hour of your week. However, I take strong offense at "sitting back" to enjoy worship. Are they doing me a favor by worshipping for me by proxy or something? You couldn't be doing me less of a favor, if that is your intention.

Nobody - NOBODY can praise God for what God is doing in your life better than you can.

But, as planning pastors and congregants, we get sucked into thinking that what makes us feel good is good for the soul. I can think of a dozen things that are fun but not spiritually enlightening. Many of these things aren't even "bad" - they just don't have any intrinsic spiritual value. I like riding roller coasters. It is very fun for me. And, when I finish, feel a rush and a desire to do it again and again. And, I suppose that if I didn't know any better and someone told me that the feeling I had was a spiritual response to my activity, I might believe it. Especially if I were in a Christian themed amusement park and the ride were named "Jesus Saves."

Here's where the discernment has to kick in. You see, I think that genuinely spiritual experiences are amazingly emotionally charged. I don't think that you can separate a spiritual experience from an emotional response. The conundrum is that you can separate an emotional experience from a spiritual one. That is to say that you can very much lead people to feel a certain way without any strong spiritual foundation.

People walk out of church every Sunday with a strong emotional response. It think it is the responsibility of the clergy, in any setting, to be the shepherds to the sheep. You can't always give people what they want (no matter how much money you throw at the production of a worship service) but, you can alwaysgive them what they need. I believe that approaching the planning of worship with a pure heart to worship God, first and foremost, is of utmost importance. If one did nothing more than to pray and read scripture with a congregation, God would be praised and would have dialogue with those there. Now, I think there's a lot more to worship than just that - but let's start with the basics.

Be sure that what we do isn't to please us - but to allow us a chance to engage. The music isn't there to pep us up or to help us feel intimate and warm and fuzzy - it is there so that we might engage our voices and hearts in the worship of God. The same should be true with any other part of worship. It's WORSHIP. I know the pressures to tailor the service for the crowd. It is much better to tailor it to the worship of God and engage people with the elements of worship to allow them to express their worship.

If we don't allow people to express their worship, then we have cheated both them and God.

If you are a lay person (non-clergy) pray for discernment that when you go to church to worship - that you do just that... worship. Worship is not for self help. It is not the place that you learn the stories of the Bible. Attending worship once a week does not give you the right to check off religion for that week. There are other ministries of the church for some of those things.

Let's have a worship revival. Let's worship for the sake of worship. Let's use the tools of worship (music, etc...) to praise God - not control the crowd.

I'll say it again - Nobody - NOBODY can praise God for what God is doing in your life right now better than you can.

"God Is Great" - not such a bad prayer

2009-01-18T11:32:00.000-06:00

"God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food - Aaa-MEN!"

Yes, we've all heard this little ditty of a prayer over and over. Usually, we even associate it with a child's prayer - and, at best, an irreverent sort of prayer to be grouped with the likes of "Over the teeth and through the gums, watch out tummy, here it comes!". However, I submit that we have greatly underestimated this little prayer. When I think of some of the knuckleheaded prayers that I've prayed over food, this little "ditty" actually comes out sounding more theologically significant.

I mean, if nothing else, when thanking God for our food, what should we do but praise Him? I've found myself asking for a ton of stuff at the dinner table. Prayers to keep my family well, or for traveling safeties often work their way into my dinner table prayer. (Not to mention when I throw in for good measure a prayer that I do all things to glorify God!)

Don't get me wrong - these aren't bad prayers at all. But, perhaps when I sit down and enjoy what probably 80% of the world doesn't have the provisions to enjoy - maybe I should take that moment to do nothing more than to praise God and let Him know that I am, indeed, thankful for my food. Amen.

Tapping the Gavel

2009-01-11T11:35:00.000-06:00

Ok, you can officially file this in the "rant blog" folder. I'm tired as a Christian. I think what I'm most tired of is the division that Christians seem to find between each other. Strike that - the division that Christians seem to CAUSE between each other. I've been profoundly affected in my life by other Christians. Some of these effects have been wonderfully good. But, I would say that most of the "set backs" in my faith have been by seemingly well-meaning Christians who have done their best put up huge and offensive borders between me and God. In this blog, I'll keep the subject matter to issues that I have, myself, been affected by.

When I was in college, I used to see the music building as a microcosm of the Christian world. We were all "musicians" - studying music. And, all the while, we spun philosophy about how it wasn't about "us making it big" as much as it was bowing at the altar of music and giving our best so that the masses would understand the deep art of music. A Brahms symphony can't be played by 75 soloists - it takes a symphony. But, the reality of our existence in the music building was that the factions didn't mix. There were several groups: orchestra types (strings), band (brass/woodwinds), choral/singers, pianists and "jazzers". You simply didn't mix groups. Especially the band and choir people couldn't stand one another and, for the most part, didn't talk. (It made for miserable camaraderie for opera rehearsals and performances, much less concerts where everyone was joined together for major works.) As a result of this, I believe, at the time the music building was one of the shabbiest buildings on campus. It was old, the practice rooms had mostly trashed pianos in them and the elevator was demonically possessed, some thought.) Had we banded together, I'm certain that we would have gotten more respect as a group and we could have really impacted our immediate surroundings as well as the community at large. But, we were so busy fighting each other that we had no time for community service or to seriously positively impact anyone.

Well, as I said, I feel like Christians do this. I think we all read Matthew and Luke and can "agree" that we aren't to judge others. However, we are clever at finding ways in which we can judge others.

I know of churches that "definitely know" the formula of salvation and if you haven't passed through all of the prescribed stages and felt a certain way during each stage, then you, my friend, are not saved. Furthermore, by the way, (some churches add) God really doesn't listen to your prayers until you are saved - except for the prayers asking for salvation. So, they'll ask if you've undergone the "salvation experience" - and if you've not - then *poof* you're judged as not saved.

What about those who do not exhibit certain spiritual gifts. I have had the unfortunate experience of being asked by someone, who was becoming a good friend to me, if I had exhibited a certain spiritual gift. I replied that I had not and that instant the relationship changed. I was no longer "Brother Mark" - but simply "Mark". And, I was no longer in this person's "inner circle". I was judged "not saved" or perhaps just not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in me...

Even something as simple as musical style has come between me and my and Christian friends. Traditional choir and organ vs. worship team and band has wrecked several of my friendships. (I, by the way, am firmly in the center, stating that worship music comes from the heart, not from a particular instrument or style....)

Of course, you may say, "but these are doctrinal issues of the church and some or even most can be backed up with scripture". Perhaps - but I can back up just about what ever I want with scripture. Just about anything....

And, we [Christians] don't stop there. We could take the "high road" of complex Theological doctrine in order to reconcile our need to judge. But, we don't just judge on the "internal" part of salvation. We judge others by their actions. Do you drink? Smoke? Play cards? Play any game involving dice? Dance? Go to movies? The list goes on...

There are Christians that believe that doing any of these things are sins and therefore, you are living a life outside of God's plan. Let's take drinking for example. (That's a nice hot-button topic.) I'll say very little about this except to say that if you really feel like Jesus was for temperance, wouldn't he have turned the wine into water instead of the other way around? Or, was that miracle an instance of Jesus being an enabler?

Ok, what about dancing? This is truly an situation in which one church's heresy is another church's spiritual gift. There are churches that see dancing as sinful and others that see it as an expression of worship. And these two sides of the coin won't work this out?? Why? They just won't.

I've had friends who wanted me to say aloud that Jews will not go to heaven. I won't do it. Even if, as they say, "there's just some things you know". Really? I mean, I believe the New Testament, but am I really going to be the one that thinks I know the limits of God's grace? Are we to assume that we are so wise that we've understood the Bible so well that we know who God will send to Hell?

Now, I'm not promoting a free-for-all religion where everything goes and we should stop governing ourselves. However, I am submitting that we are to stop governing others AND stop governing ourselves. As Christians, aren't we supposed to make Jesus our Lord and Savior? Perhaps I don't have the scripture in front of me, but I never saw Jesus saying, "Oh, Peter, you're such a Methodist. Hmm... who are we going to get to start the Presbyterian church?"

I know that I'm not changing anyone's mind. I'm not even saying that Christians, if we would drop the doctrinal issues, would all get along. We are people. We're not all going to get along. But, I just pray that one day we can put our judging gavels aside and get to work being CHRISTIANS.

[polldaddy poll=1261706]

"Liturgically Correct" Music

2009-01-03T11:37:00.000-06:00

Ok, we all know about politically correct speech and practicing "gender correct-ness" (listing "he, she and/or it" each time an indefinite pronoun comes around) So, what exactly do I mean by liturgically correct music? It is pretty simple, basically, for liturgical churches or churches that use the lectionary, a prescribed use of the scriptures the use of which is to strive to enhance the liturgical year by telling the story of Jesus' life and story of the church throughout the calendar year, it is customary to use music that, itself, enhances that time of year as well.

: A Worshipping Congregation

For example, one might avoid the use of songs with "Alleluia" during Lent and lean towards telling the story of Jesus' journey toward the cross ("O Sacred Head Now Wounded", "How Deep the Father's Love For Us", etc...) Or, during the Advent season singing songs about the prophecy of Jesus arrival and/or return ("People Look East", O Come, O Come Emmanuel", etc...)

But, there are definitely churches that don't really follow the lectionary. They certainly observe some of the "high holy days" - Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost, to name a few. But, aside from those sorts of days, is it really important to hold fast to connecting music to the scriptural readings of the day? What about making sure that your choir anthem matches the topic for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost?

I've talked to some who feel VERY strongly that it is important to connect and interweave the topics in the scriptures and the sermon with the music during a given worship gathering. I have also talked to those who feel vehemently that it is, at best, marginally important to do so.

A small portion of the arguments are as follows: those who feel it is important to connect all parts of the service consider the music and spoken word (and any silence, for that matter) to be part of one whole "movement". That the beginning to the end of any given worship gathering should magnify one central topic so that the experience of worship is not only God-focused, but also is educational to the congregation because the congregation is lead in a way that only requires them to absorb one main focus throughout that hour (or more, in some cases).

The opposite view is that such a focused "manipulation" of worship denies the acts of the Holy Spirit and it is through a variety of expressions of worship that a congregational body can truly express the spectrum of gratitude and praise to God. One might say that the experience of worship isn't necessarily a linear progression of ideas, but a free and flowing dialogue between creator and creation. Certainly, if you trust that God has a plan for your entire life, then you can allow the Holy Spirit to guide a congregation for the course of one hour!

But, the opinions differ - and I'd certainly like to know yours!!

[polldaddy poll=1244096]

Blessings and peace,

--Mark

Also - check out my podcast and website:
Podcast: http://markandrewpope.podbean.com/
Website: http://www.markandrewpope.com

Significance

2008-12-30T11:40:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I was doing something completely menial the other day and started thinking about "significance". Like, how significant am I compared to, say, Brad Pitt or Ghandi. (Name me another time those guys have ended up in the same sentence.) I had convinced myself that no one is any more significant than another. Merriam Webster defines significant as: having or likely to have influence or effect (among other sorts of definitions). However, this definition was most closely related to "important", so I figure that what I'm talking about.

I had gotten myself past the issue of whether significance is relating to something positive or negative. It's not. It is kinda like Time's "Person of the Year". They aren't saying that they endorse that person, just that the chosen person had a profound influence on the world that year. So, "significant" can be good or bad...

But, what I'm wrestling with is whether a person is more significant based the volume of people that that person effects. My desire is to say each person is equally significant. Every person has either a positive or negative effect on those around them. Decisions made by someone may be extremely significant in the long run - even if the decision of that person was to leave a situation or to remain neutral on a subject. For example, how are we to say that if Barack Obama's father had chosen to be an active participant in his life that we might not have ever seen Barack Obama as our president elect? It was perhaps his father's absence that directed B. Obama's future toward the presidency.

And when you think of someone like Ghandi, he didn't in any way personally talk to me or do something to me in order to effect my life. However, he effected those around him. He influenced a relatively small group of people who were then changed in some way and inspired to influence others and those people influenced others and so on.

I guess to some extent I'm proposing the "butterfly effect" in a social or even spiritual context setting. That, again is why I think that any one person isn't more significant than another. We all have significance. Who's to say that your decision today won't influence someone to change the world tomorrow. Or, perhaps someone will influence you and you'll be the one to do the world changing. This might be a decent post for the new year - a thought that might help motivate you to keep a resolution to be a "better person" - whatever that means... But, I think that it has a more profound effect on our lives.

You see, I think that Jesus is the only person I can think of that has more significance than the rest of us. True, some of the influence He has is because others "pass it on" - but He is the only person that I know that even after His earthly death, you can have a personal relationship because of His resurrection. Jesus can have influence on you, personally. Jesus' presence in your life will effect you in a very real way, today. Jesus doesn't fix your financial situations. Jesus doesn't necessarily heal and mend your every flaw. Jesus does love you and Jesus will heal you spiritually. Not by proxy. He will come and He will be there for you.

If you are a Christian, you are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. To love others before they love you. To do for others before they do for you. To care for others and give them a small glimpse in to the life of Christianity. And you've got to do this before they know Christ. Our good deeds aren't to stay within the four walls of the church - our sharing Christ with the world must be just that. It will not be your deeds that make someone a Christian. It will not be how good you are or how nice you are - only that you strive to bring Christ into their lives. Because it is only Christ and the Holy Spirit that can change someone's life.

That is the ultimate significance.

Door to Door

2008-12-30T11:39:00.000-06:00

: Hello, this is Jesus, can I interest you in a Bible?

We've seen this painting before. I saw it the other day and thought - maybe that's Jesus going door to door selling Bibles to raise money for His ministry*. I mean, it is certainly what we do today. We try to sell the Bible to people. Not only that, but I think that we get caught up in a manner of thinking that if we can get the Bible into the hands of people, then we can move on to the next person that needs Christianity. I was once put off from Christianity for a while - mainly because a friend, although well intentioned, was trying to "sell me the Bible" instead of just loving me and telling me about the love of Jesus. It's fairly easy to "sell the Bible" in lieu of being in a relationship with someone.

It comes in other packaging, too. I've even seen churches that will put together a Spiritual Gifts class/retreat, etc... For the most part, it is a tool that churches use to get people who are not active in the life of the church on a pathway to being a full "member" of the church and not just an attender. The problem is that, except in a few cases that I've seen, the follow up stops there. And, even when there's good follow up, people tend to fall away from where ever they are placed due to the Spiritual Gifts analysis. I've been through 2 of such classes and seen the "curriculum" for a couple more and I've found that these indicators can be a great way to find out what I like and what I'm good at - but I have yet to have it emphasize my actual Spiritual Gifts. I can't say that they've been fully developed in my case, but I can tell you that I've gotten a lot closer to finding them in the midst of being involved than I have from one of those retreats. What I mean, is that those classes/retreats are not a waste of time, but people will tend to stay involved if they will just get involved. If you get someone involved because it is something they like to do, they will find less fulfilling if they'll simply do something that someone else needs them to do. I love music and dislike "handyman" work - but have seldom felt more spiritually satisfied than when I was on a church mission trip, building a shed for someone who needed it and couldn't do it themselves.

I guess what I'm getting at is that Jesus wasn't going door to door selling the Bible - he was going door to door to meet whoever was on the other side of that door. He wasn't selling anything - but rather, He was giving of Himself whatever the person on the other side of that door might need. Usually it was love and acceptance - forgiveness, perhaps. Sometimes just the Truth.

God will provide for you anything that you need to help others. (Usually, that's mostly a lot of love and patience.)

-map

PS Know that when I use the word "we" I'm generalizing - I don't necessarily mean YOU. Although, if it offends you, it is possible that I do mean you... think about it.

*Yes, I know that it comes from the "knock and maybe they'll let you in" scripture...don't be silly. (Lk. 11:9)

Family vs. Jesus

2008-12-22T11:41:00.000-06:00

Ok - perhaps my title is a bit over dramatic - I'm not actually going to debate the point as to whether Jesus or family is more important. It's Jesus.

BUT - I heard someone on NPR (that's right, I'm a Christian AND listen to NPR)... anyway , someone on NPR was talking about the fact that they don't care for the actions of those people who send out their Christmas cards that are printed with photos of their family on the front.

His point being that if you're sending a card to celebrate something, shouldn't the card highlight that which you are celebrating?? Good point, guy. Now, I've got to retract the last 3 years of cards and apologize to several hundreds of people that while my intentions were good, we are much more interested in celebrating ourselves and our misadventures of the year instead of highlighting the birth of our One True Lord and Savior. Have I really committed such a heinous crime against religion?

I asked my friend and podcast cohort, Aron, last night if he agreed with the man from NPR. I'll be honest, the reason I asked Aron is because I expected him to agree with me - that although the holiday was truly, a "holy-day", it was perfectly fine to put our family's photo on these once-a-year mailings. However, Aron informed me that he and his wife send cards celebrating the birth of our One True Lord and Savior and stick a family photo inside the card. Traitor.

I suppose the point is good - for example, if I were to get a birthday card and on the front of the card were snapshots of the people who sent it to me, would I feel that their intention to raise me to their highest priority on the date of my birth was a genuine intention? To be honest, I'm not sure. I think, in a way, it would be nice to see updated pictures of my friends and have the smiling face (assumedly) of a loved one looking at me on the front of the card as if to say, "here's a smile just for you on your birthday".

But, what we're talking about here is a little different. And, I'll submit, a little more complex. First of all, we've got to assume that we're talking about Christian believers here. Because, even I have come to terms as to what extent Christmas has become a primarily secular holiday. I would imagine there's a lot of folks that don't at all believe in Jesus as the Son of God that send Christmas cards. So, let's say that these "rules" really don't apply to them. Ok, so now that we're talking about Christians - is it a Christian's responsibility to make sure that Jesus is (I hate that I'm even writing this tired, hackneyed phrase) "the reason for the season"? I think that most Christians can agree that liturgically speaking, Christmas isn't the most important Christian holiday. It pales in comparison to Easter, which is in so many ways, the crux of our faith. But, we don't send Easter cards, do we? (Maybe we should!)

But, is it a part of our witness to other Christians and non-Christians to send a card with the baby Jesus on the front during this time of year? Are we performing a sacrilege by sending pictures of ourselves (with perhaps a Christmas tree or maybe even a silhouetted nativity scene as background) to others for Christmas?

I think next year my family might be sending out cards with the baby Jesus on the front - including, of course, a photo of ourselves tucked inside for a personal touch. I think that Snapfish, or whatever service we used will go on existing without us. But, without us, vigilantly putting the baby Jesus out in front - all of the time - will the true spirit of Christmas exist? Or, will we give in to the "fact" that Christmas is slowly all the more slipping away from Christians and we will someday, just embrace that?

Christmas Jesus

2008-12-15T11:42:00.000-06:00

I heard a really interesting point made yesterday. It had to do with Ricky Bobby from "Talladega Nights" and his fascination with praying to the little baby Jesus, "Oh, little 8 pound, 4 ounce Jesus - Jesus with the golden fleece diapers - little baby Jesus that doesn't even know how to talk yet..." and so forth. Well, the point was made the Ricky Bobby prayed to the baby Jesus because the Christmas Jesus was his favorite. And, if we are really honest, the Christmas Jesus is probably the favorite Jesus for all of us. This is the Jesus that hasn't yet spoken the challenging words, "love your neighbor" or "pray for those who persecute you". The Christmas Jesus is sweet and lovable, but He doesn't challenge us to live any differently than we are living now. He doesn't really challenge us to live a life of unconditional love...

I don't think this means we shouldn't enjoy the Christmas Jesus - but we need to enjoy Him with the expectation that He will, indeed, grow up. Meanwhile, may this season be a sweet and peaceful one for you. (Although, this holiday probably has the potential for exactly the opposite of that!)

Also - on my website, you can download a newly recorded Christmas song that I wrote titled, "He Is Born". I hope that you are enjoying the PodCasts - and, I hope that you'll email Aron or me, or both of us and give us some feedback...we'd love to hear from you!!

Friends and Handbells

2008-09-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

Well, last weekend Libby, Reid and I headed to Dallas for the first of what I hope is many workshops that I might lead. This workshop entailed handbells. I think I probably enjoy directing handbells more than playing them - but, that is exactly why I direct them. And, at St. John's Episcopal (set in a beautiful, historic-esque neighborhood in Ft. Worth) has a wonderful group of devoted ringers that I really enjoyed working with! (or, for those of you that are very grammar-minded - "with whom I enjoyed working")

We stayed with some friends of ours, Aron and Suzanne Head. They turn out to be incredible hosts - cooking nearly from scratch both dinner and breakfast (and they even harvested part of their garden for the meal!!) So, the bar has been set! And set high!

Their accomodations were quite acceptable (which, by the way, is as high as the Pope scale goes) and they didn't even complain when the boy cried in the middle of the night. (as I said, incredible hosts) I don't think it would be unheard of for the Head's to teach some sort of course on hosting guests at a local community center or even junior college.

Also, they have quite the trivial knowledge on all things entertainment. Libby mentioned a guy she went to school with in Atlanta, TX who has been on a few shows... and BAM! Suzanne knows all about him. We were both quite impressed. Quite.

Anyway - I'll sign off tonight with a huge thanks to Suzanne and Aron for a wonderful visit!!

-map

www.markandrewpope.com

Smells and Bells

2008-07-27T11:43:00.000-05:00

The rather glib phrase "smells and bells" popped across my mind this morning and it occured to me that the past, yet again, has something to teach us about our current state of worship.

For those unfamiliar with "smells and bells", it basically refers to the [most characteristically Anglican] practices of burning incense and rnging bells at certain times in the worship service.

: A Smelly and Belly Church

I think that "emerging", "contemporary" or "post-modern" worship folk (which, by the way, I dislike all of these sorts deliniating words) would probably rebel if you were to tell then that a lot of what they are talking about in the worship services could be gleaned from a more "high church" mode of worship rather than being perpetually "creative" about how they set the stage for worship.

You see, the high church concept really has to do with engaging people's senses through musical and vocal sounds, bells and often, silence. Also, incense is burned to engage the sense of smell, which by the way, is scientifcally proven to the #1 sense that evokes memories. (!!!!) The high church "concept" also highly values symbols as a way to communicate deeper and longer lasting ways for people to not only engage people in acts of worship, but for people to remember the mysteries, truths and faith that drives their Christian spiritual lives.

I think that we sometimes think that we are being very creative and smart to pepper the sanctuary with subtle signs and hints of the faith, when in reality, I think that we would be a little surprised at the depth of symbol used in ancient cathedrals. We may hold the opinion that those symbols don't connect to our lives in the same way that they connected to the lives of people in the 14th century - but I think to believe that is to underestimate your own ability to understand and connect to symbols and to also underestimate those who designed those symbols however many centuries ago.

By definition, symbols must by explained and understood over a long period of time. If they were literal and immediately understandable, they would inherently NOT be symbols.

I have scarcely ever been to a church that didn't have symbolism all around the sanctuary. Sometimes it is as subtle as the number of stairs leading to the chancel area (perhaps... I don't know... 3?!?) and if there is any stained glass, the patterns are almost always deeply rooted in symbol.

: Very modern...

I disdain churches who remove the symbols of the faith from their worshipping area. I don't really care about the reasons. I've even heard of a church that removed the cross because it might offend someone.... IT MIGHT OFFEND SOMEONE??!!? Seriously??? (Unfortunately, that comes from a true story!)

Anyway - the "new trend" is to bring back "smells and bells" - heck, I'm all for it - the old is new again. Yet again, a resurrection story.

www.markandrewpope.com

Potter's House - worth the hype?

2008-07-20T16:52:00.000-05:00

My family and I went to the Potter's House this morning for church. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd not listened to a lot of T.D. Jakes - definitely knew the name and persona, but I was a bit sketchy on his Theology. I had heard of his new book, "Reposition Yourself" and had read a quick synopsis of it in the bookstore. Was he preaching a prosperity theology? (I'm not too keen on that, myself.)

I know that abundantly on the internet, you can find that Jakes is referred to as a "prosperity gospel" preacher - and I really can't speak to what he has preached before, or really even what his book is about (although the title is a little suspicious to me) - but today, he said a lot of things that would discourage and disprove his supposed bent for prosperity gospel preaching. He said that we can't follow God for the blessings but "surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life". He never mentioned those blessings to be financial. Not once.

And, I have to say that he went through the scripture, Romans 6:1-7, verse by verse and opened up some wonderful truths from that Good Book. He didn't distort the truth or spindle the words of the scriptures to some self serving cause - he preached so that people would give their lives to Christ.

I've listened to more sermons than I could ever count - and few rang as true and scripturally revealing as this one did. He didn't approach it from a "academic" viewpoint - he never discussed the original Greek or cross reference each verse/word until the scripture was 100% exegeted. But, he did make the scripture come alive in ways I haven't heard before.

Do other pastors speak poorly about Jakes because they are jealous or does he truly belie the gospel and speak against the truth of scripture?

All I can say is that he has helped God to open up a door in my heart and create a new stream through which God speaks to my soul.

Worth the hype? Well, let's just say that there's a reason that Potter's House is full every week.

-www.markandrewpope.com

Spiritual Fast Food

2008-07-19T16:49:00.000-05:00

My wife and I have just recently started watching a little better what we eat. Actually, watching MUCH better what we eat. It is SO easy in today's world to grab something out that is fairly tasty and cheap. But, most of all, it usually kinda fatty. And, everyone seems bent on giving healthy portions. Too "healthy", if you ask me!

But, I started wondering about our hunger. Our bodies cry out all the time for food and we oblige. We will put inside us anything that seems like it will assuage those little pangs of hunger that come around. We stuff ourselves until we are silly-full and start to plan our next meal/snack/dessert.

I'm not trying to take a social or health stand here - but what I wonder is why we don't pay attention to our spiritual lives like we take care of our bodies. We stumble through our lives, most of us trying to fill our time and attention with all sorts of distractions that keep us from feeding the deep spritual hunger that we feel.

There is a lonliness that I think many of us feel and we fill it with movies and TV, email, and a number of other distractions. Last night, my wife and I sat down to do our devotion time. We started it at about 9:45 pm. I was literally yawning through the entire thing. I was SO tired. I just knew that once we finished (usually about 30 minutes) that I was just going to go to bed and crash. But, I found time to read another book (spiritual in nature, but still not Bible study) and then I got up and worked on my website until midnight.

I wasn't tired. I was just tempted by these other distractions. To be completely honest, it has been a while since I've done any real Bible study - so maybe I'm just not accustomed to feeding my soul "the right stuff". It is kinda like when I start a diet - at first it is hard to count the calories and choose vitamin-rich foods. But, after a while, I'm feeling better and I'm sharper...

I'm just going to give myself some time. I'm going to keep studying the Bible with Libby and I pray that the hunger that I've felt for the Gospel in the past will return and I won't be pulled down by these distractions... the distractions sure are "tasty" - but they, no matter what they profess, do not satisfy.

-mark

www.markandrewpope.com

Life in the Fast Lane

2008-06-18T16:45:00.000-05:00

Things are happening! We just got back from visiting our "vacation home" in AR. I became my own contractor to get some work done on my house and I got a lot of stuff done this week! (Don't know what it was taking my previous contractor so long to get anything done....hmmm.)

My calendar is starting to fill up and I'm even talking to a church about doing some interim work.

I'm still quite passionate about local church ministry and want the very best for each and every church. I just have some big decisions to make about how God really wants me to use my time - between ministry and family. In many ways, my family is a HUGE ministry!!

The only thing that keeps me wondering is that I've gotten several job offers without really searching for them. I just keep thinking of that old joke where there's a guy trapped on his roof with a rising flood around him. One boat comes by and he says that he'll not get in because God will save him. This happens 2 more times and when he finally drowns from the flood, he asks God why God didn't save him. God responded that he sent 3 boats...

I pray that these job offers aren't boats. (Or at least the discernment to know the difference.)

Marketing??? Really??

2008-06-10T16:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here I am researching MARKETING. Do I really have to do this??

You see, there is a myth in the "Christian world". Generally, in my community of churchy people, there are all the stories about how easily everyone "makes it big" that has God on their side. It is almost to say that if God is on your side and you are doing what God has in store for you that it will be easy and God will do most of the work. The opposite would be that if I'm doing something outside of the plan of God, everything will come very hard.

I can't buy that. That would mean that the mafia and porn industry is in God's plan. They seem very successful and profitable endevors.

I know, I know, we've all read stories in the Bible that when God liked a righteous person they prospered in wealth and stature.... I just don't know that one necessarily follows another. In fact, if you think about it, things didn't really work out all that well for Jesus (in a secular success sort of way).

I don't hear motivational speakers talking about Jesus very much because he didn't live a very fashionable life. He wasn't rich or very popular. His critics were many and mean.

Or what about Paul??? Actually, I think you'll also find that many of "God's people" didn't have the red carpet treatment.

So, people that teach that propserity gospel... you are on notice!! STOP IT!! You're setting up people to feel that they are being rejected by God because they are being as faithful as they can be, but the money doesn't roll in.... fame doesn't come knocking on their door. News flash! None of those things are indicators of the favor of God.

So, poor, faithful people, unite!!! For you are the people of God.

-mark

www.markandrewpope.com

Big (?) Weekend

2008-04-15T16:32:00.000-05:00

Hey there!

Ok, so I only seem to be able to post things on my blog about once a month. That's for those of you who only check your email once a month, too! :)

Well, this weekend was exciting. I had a concert at Mt. Olive on Saturday evening. That was fun! What I really enjoyed was having band practice with the guys (and one girl). I think I'd like to put together a band someday... good times!

Anyway - it started off with an ill-fated Sonic run before Friday's practice - I spilled a little of Sarah's coffee on my hand, that caused me to cry out in pain and then my drink (large cherry diet Dr. Pepper) that I was holding in my lap began to tip - so, I tried to catch it, using my inner thighs... that just caused the drink to spill faster all over John's passenger side floor... meanwhile, because my drink fell, I spilt even more scalding coffee on my hand. (Don't worry, Sonic, I'm not suing.) Things went wrong. They went horribly wrong.

But, John was gracious and the rehearsal was excellent!!

Saturday, I found out that a friend of mine had passed away a few months ago. Glenn Burleigh was only 58 - great mentor and friend - wonderful person and brilliant musician. I will miss him deeply.

I learned a lot from the concert on Saturday -

The order of the songs on the CD is not necessarly the best order for a live setting. Too much sitting and down tempo music at the beginning - 30 mins in I wanted everyone to get involved and sing a chorus... perhaps clap. Everyone was in "concert" mode by then...
More/Better advertising - there were 40 people there - which is fine in this setting - especially for a "first full concert of exclusively my own music"...
When using a spotlight (and probably even when not using a spotlight, have a stand light for your music - my music became nothing more than a grey blob on my stand... good thing I know my own music... :)

Anyway, all in all, it was an excellent weekend and I can't thank those that were involved enough - the band, Daniel for speaking, Jason for running sound, Kim for running the computer, Barry and Sarah for letting me use Mt. Olive, Dustin for getting everything ready and to my wife for being the best, most supportive wife in the world...

It might not have been the biggest weekend ever - but it was really, really good!

-mark

A Walk to the Edge

2008-02-26T16:27:00.000-06:00

Ok - so how many of you have found yourself at a certain place in your life and you think, "How the heck did I get here? And... what now?"

I think I'm at a place like that. Six months ago I resigned from my full time church position where I made a decent salary and had definite direction of what I should be doing at any given time.

Now, I'm a stay at home dad and freelance Christian musician. I just finished a CD and now I rely on churches or organizations inviting me to come and share my music and to worship with them. And, to sell my CD's, background tracks and printed music in order to "put food on the table". Although we are incredibly blessed that my wife makes good enough money that we can do this for a while without me making much money, it has come time for "daddy" to pony up and do his share. (My wife assures me that I'm doing just fine and I contribute by taking care of our son and getting everything in order to sell these CD's and go sing at churches... but, I have these instincts... that I at least need to be contributing a bit to the family income... silly me.)

So, I am at one of those moments when I feel that God has lead me to a very high precipice and now I must trust Him to take me from here to the next place He wants me to serve. This place I'm at is scary and the path in front of me is dimly lit...

His Word is a lamp unto my feet... it's not just an Amy Grant song anymore.

-mark

www.markandrewpope.com

Blog or BLAH-g... you be the judge...

2008-02-07T16:36:00.000-06:00

All right - I have made a point of blogging. However, when I compare my non-word-smithy self with blog monarchs like my friend Aron Head, I feel vastly unacceptable. But, I will continue to write and perhaps something interesting will be gleaned from my ramblings.

Right now I'm actually dealing with some minor computer issues. My laptop's LCD backlight has gone out and so we're using my 6-7 year old monitor since the cost of fixing/replacing the laptop is a little too much now. But - we have another computer that we use, so we are one monitor short. To remedy the situation, we purchased a cool Belkin switch that allows us to use the same monitor, mouse, keyboard and speakers for both computers. This, actually, is a very cool solution! But for whatever reason, I'm still pining for a new iMac...

What is it about us humans that clammers for more and more regardless of what we have? I dream of iMacs, digital soundboards, massive VST sound libraries, etc... when I have a very good set up here with a Mackie mixer, Yamaha keyboard and great software to record... why is this??

I suppose we all have our vices. And, whatever that vice, we just seem to want it more and more - insatiably.

So, whether it is money, stuff, the ability to write better blogs... whatever, it seems we spend a lot of time striving for more, better, best.... My prayer is that I can truly add my realtionship with God to this mix of "gluttony". There have been times in my life that I have definitely felt that sort of striving in my relationship with God - but I want it all the time.

You know that feeling when you are looking through a catalog of your favorite stuff and you've dog-eared a full third of the pages of stuff that you want? You just can't seem to put it down...

That is the way I want to be with the Bible. I'm not there yet - unfortunately not close to where I want to be...

Let's get those priorities in line... I'm certainly praying about mine!!

-mark