Monthly Archive for January, 2010

The Mayonaise Jar

Published on January 25, 2010 by Chris Bean in Campus Ministry, Faith and Gospel.

Over this past weekend, I got to spend some time with a great crew of young adults on a retreat. We’re calling this thread of retreats and experiences for 18 to 20+’ers Element. 

Our hope is to connect the various college students and young adults in our Nazarene network of churches here into a community. As we connect and build relationships we also want to challenge, equip, and send these students into the world to make a Kingdom-sized impact on their world.

Element…

It’s about the basic elements of faith. In ancient times there were thought to be four basic elements which constituted the physical universe. We sometimes refer to someone or thing as being in their element. Perhaps you think of a heating element which connects and conduces heat or electricity. All of these ideas could contribute to or illustrate the purposes we have in mind.

JR Forasteros shared some insights from Matthew 25 which I found to be quite helpful. Recall the parable of the talents in which three servants were given a sum of money by their master. After some time the master returned (key point) and found two of the servants as faithful and productive. The third servant (out of fear, or laziness, or some other inhibition) buried his potential in the ground.

JR made the connect between this idea and the fact that most young adults are desperate to know what God’s will is for their lives. In fact, regardless of age and phase of life, we often want to ask the wrong questions. Our questions usually focus on specific felt needs or future developments in our life. God wants us to ask the kinds of questions which would lead to our transformation in the present. What are we doing with what God has entrusted to us right now?

As my mind was wandering a bit (not unusual) I began to think about how easily we bury ourSELVES in the ground. Often, we have a tendency in the church to bury ourselves in the world of church, programs, “ministry”, serving (the church/ourselves) and fail to see how God would have us invest our lives into others…especially those who are far from Christ. Instead of burying the master’s resources in a mayonaise jar in the ground…pour yourself out…and into the lives of those around you.

 

 

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Book #2: Unchristian

Published on January 20, 2010 by Chris Bean in Campus Ministry, Faith and Gospel.

There were many times over the past few years that I was glad to say “I work at a coffee shop” or “I’m a personal trainer.”  It’s not that I’m ashamed of God or anything…just Christianity.

Whenever the conversation on the plane, bus, etc veers towards the topic of vocation my creative juices would start flowing…”What can I say that I DO this time?”

The baggage that often comes with “I’m a pastor” or “I’m a campus minister” or some similar declaration would often prove to be more pressure that I wanted to put on the conversation or relationship.

In my reading of Unchristian (by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons) I found a very relevant discussion of the issues which make identifying oneself with evangelical American Christianity problematic.

So the gist of the book is (in my opinion) coming to grips with the fact that Christianity in America often looks Unchristian (not like Christ) to outsiders. Two specific  groups of people are particularly scrutinized in their opinions, beliefs, perceptions, and values…Busters and Mosaics. Kinnaman describes Mosaics as being born between 1984 and 2002 and Busters between 1965 and 1983. Here’s a quick overview of some of the main themes representing the most common points of skepticism and objection: (p.29)

  • Hypocritical
  • Too focused on getting converts
  • Antihomosexual
  • Sheltered
  • Too political
  • Judgmental

Again, in the research presented, these themes represent the general perceptions of outsiders towards Christianity.

Now in terms of application (especially as I interact with college students) I believe that the future of Christianity in America is looking up. Being aware of these issues and knowing that a more biblically informed worldview is necessary, the stage is set for engaging in the right kind of ministry (so to speak). For me, this completely reinforces an approach to ministry which challenges college students to engage the scriptures, commit to lifelong discipleship, and join Christ his restoration of all things.

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‘Spro ritual…Spiritual

Published on January 18, 2010 by Chris Bean in Campus Ministry, Coffee and Third Place and Personal.

Over at Scott McKnight’s blog…Jesus Creed…I found a fabulous ‘liturgy of espresso’ by Billy Kangas. You can catch up with Billy via his blog here, or Twitter.

I have always considered coffee as a great metophor for many things spiritual, social, etc…but over at Billy’s blog…that consideration is cemented into a beautiful liturgy. Great stuff.

The cappuccino as a representation for the trinity makes a lot of sense to me. The cappuccino is technically 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 silky microfoam…blended artfully into one textured and delicious sip.

 

Properly brewed espresso has triune qualities as well. The heart, body, and crema (crema is the lighter reddish foam that floats on the surface) make up the “pulled” shot and when a glass is brewed, all three parts should be seen as three different layers.

“While the making of a good espresso drink is a complicated process; enjoyment of a good espresso drink is one of life’s simple pleasures.”

And when the simple pleasure of artfully brewed coffee mixes with the sharing of conversation, story, and friendship…ahhh, an Edenic experience of hospitality ensues.

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