I think some people will over-react to this news article in the Clarion Ledger talking about emphasizing other methodology over preaching. My guess is the author of the article used a clever title over accuracy, though I might be wrong. Anyhow, methodology to complement preaching is a complete emphasis, it definitely wouldn’t be wise to replace it altogether. Here’s a clip:

Dressed in an athletic shirt, sports pants and sneakers, the Rev. Charles Holbrook bounded into the fellowship hall at Lynch Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Church ready to deliver an important lesson to his congregation’s youth.

“The purpose of this session is to nudge you all to consider the possibility that other possibilities exist,” Holbrook said, introducing a Saturday class on critical thinking. “Sometimes we find someone tells us something as the gospel and we never question it.”

While most faith groups provide children with some type of formal religious education, many also impact youth through an array of social, civic and learning
activities. Ministers who work with young people say these programs not only keep teens out of trouble, but they’re critical to helping them form their moral center.

“It’s a holistic ministry,” Holbrook said. “We’re not just preaching and praying but developing a ministry where we can affect the entire life of an individual.”

JG

The AP has an article on a woman gone mad at McDonalds. Here’s part of it:

According to the report, the unidentified woman started yelling at them and
threatened to kill them. The woman then left the restaurant before the Thomases and stayed in the parking lot, sitting in her dark blue Jeep Cherokee, witnesses told police. As the Thomases made their way to their car, witnesses said the woman pulled out of her parking space and sped toward the women, striking them both with the passenger side of the Jeep.

Neither woman was badly injured, the police report said. The woman is being sought by police on charges of aggravated assault. On May 23 at a McDonald’s in Covington, about 30 miles southwest of Athens, a man ran over two women and their three children, killing a 2-year-old. A suspect is facing murder and aggravated assault charges in the attack, for which authorities have said they have no motive.

JG

Challies has a fantastic post with plenty of King of the Hill quotes to support his observations about some youth ministry mistakes. I think this is a must read for youth workers, and if anyone can get the clip of the show from YouTube or something, I’ll be sure to post.

This particular episode was written by Tony Gama-Lobo & Rebecca May. I don’t know if they are believers, or merely outside observers, but they made some astute observations. Hank’s concern is one I share when I look at the way some Christian kids are encouraged to behave. Too often it seems that God is treated as just another product. Children are unable to seperate Him from the other fads that sweep through their lives when they are young. Beanie Babies and Ninja Turtles come and go. For too many children, God does the same. As long as God is all the rage they are happy to acknowledge Him, but as soon as He goes out of style, they put him in a box like all the other fads. He ends up on the top shelf, along with the Revolve Bible-zines, the “Got Jesus?” shirts, the purity rings and the WWJD bracelets. God is thrown aside as just another fad.

Looks like it’s from Season 8. You can also see more quotes from that episode here. I’ve posted the King of the Hill episode on megachurches before, too. Priceless!

JG

Fields and McGill are still in Kenya as of this writing, but I’m getting several people writing in and asking about the podcast. It should return next week, I think everyone is getting back this weekend or early next week. I guess you could say the new season is on hiatus and will return soon!

JG

Not too much to post on today – cranking on the SYM catalog copy, adding humor to the front and back covers, the new SYM website and a secret special bonus. This afternoon we spent the bulk of the afternoon in Natalie’s garage, taking pictures and using some props.

Here’s some clues to tease you as to what it might be. In time, when the new catalog hits this fall, there’ll be a special bonus you can download from the website. Let’s just say it involves 12 pictures of me and involves the numbers 2,0,0,7. I can’t wait to see the finished product!

JG

There’s lots of scams out there targeting churches, according to a new article from the Assoicated Press. Here’s the first couple of paragraphs, head there for the rest and beware!

Randall W. Harding sang in the choir at Crossroads Christian Church in Corona, Calif., and donated part of his conspicuous wealth to its ministries. In his business dealings, he underscored his faith by naming his investment firm JTL, or “Just the Lord.” Pastors and churchgoers alike entrusted their money to him.

By the time Harding was unmasked as a fraud, he and his partners had stolen more than $50 million from their clients, and Crossroads became yet another cautionary tale in what investigators say is a worsening problem plaguing the nation’s churches.

Billions of dollars has been stolen in religion-related fraud in recent years, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association, a group of state officials who work to protect investors. Between 1984 and 1989, about $450 million was stolen in religion-related scams, the association says. In its latest count – from 1998 to 2001 – the toll had risen to $2 billion. Rip-offs have only become more common since.

“The size and the scope of the fraud is getting larger,” said Patricia truck, president of the securities association and administrator of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Securities. “The scammers are getting smarter and the investors don’t ask enough questions because of the feeling that they can be safe in church.”

JG

OK, AutoTrader is now officially selling the convertible. I talked about it a few days ago, and got the car up to speed and up for sale.

I chose the print edition here in SoCal as well as the online edition, they say they’ll list it ‘until it sells’ for $49. We’ll see! Spent some time on it today – got it detailed, new wheel covers, Armor-All inside and out and all that jazz. Looking good! Hopefully we can move it quickly … we’ll see!

JG

OK, so I lost today. Badly. Even with the new racquet. To a 62-year-old man. But desite that humilitation, I think racquetball just might be the perfect sport. Here’s why:

1) Calories are burned at a phenomenal rate. Many suggest
that this is about as good an exercise as any, even competing with climbing stairs and running a 9-minute mile. Both of which I avoid at all costs.

2) Racquetball is competitive. For a guy, this is life. I watch competitive eating, poker and darts because there is a winner and a loser. Typically in racquetball I’m the loser, but at least I’m burning calories. Lost 30 lbs last year.

3) It takes two. Accountability is built in to the game. If you really don’t feel like going to the gym, who cares, it’s not like the treadmill is going to call and ask where you are. But Frank will, and he’ll be mighty upset if you do it more than a few times. I was 4 minutes late today, and he told me he was about to give up on me. Awesome.

In short, if you’re not playing racquetball … well, you could be out of the Lord’s will. Repent!

JG