A Hand-Up Not A Hand-Out

In my surfing today, I came across an article about how one church transformed their food-pantry ministry into a life-changing impetus rather then just a bag of groceries. To me, this seems an ideal model for needs-fulfilling outreach. We can not deny Christ's call to help those in need, however it would be ultimately unwise to simply throw money at problems. By providing for needs as you help people address their root problems along with results-based accountability seems to be the best way to 'help people get back on their feet'.

The additional cost of having a social worker on staff is offset by gains money being better used. Now there are certainly cases when those in need are unable to help themselves and the church must be generous towards those people (remember what Christ said about the care of widows).

Link to Article: Food for Self Sufficiency - Using Food Pantries as a Restoration Ministry

While we were yet sinners

I've trampled on the grace You gave
Spitting on Your crown pierced brow
With the disrespect of the worst of
Pharisees
I thought I knew better

You could see me turn my back
yet You did it anyway
even though I wouldn't follow
Your perfect way.

My actions mock Your name
And deny Your power
I follow the crowd and shout
Crucify Him!
Yet I do what I do not want

You died for the king of mockers
for the worst of hypocrites and
for ones who'd always turn away
Rejection was certain

I stumble, I fall, I fail
You hold, You pick me up, You prevail
Within a sinner, a submitted servant You see
Your love is greater than mine can ever be

Emerging Church - A Comparison Article

I stumbled across an interesting article comparing "boomer" churches (Willow Creek, Saddleback, etc...) to "genX" churches (i.e. emerging churches). I found this article quite informative.

The more I learn about the 'emerging church' movement the more I like the ideas it espouses. It is important to realize that this movement is more about how a local church operates then theology. Just as the boomer 'mega-churches' have similar characteristics (professional sound and video, seeker-friendly sermons, casual dress, a principle charismatic leader) across denominational and theological lines, the 'emerging church' is the same. For example, many churches with less then Biblical doctrine (like the United Methodist church) use material from the Willow Creek Association. Now this doesn't say that Willow Creek doesn't have Biblical doctrine, only that churches from many different stripes recognize the advantages of their methodology.

A link to the article is here.

Emerging Church - Journey

Another day, another look at an 'emerging church'.

Since I will be going to the Dallas area soon, I thought it would be neat to check out an 'emerging' church in that area. Lo and behold there is one by the name of 'Journey'. Through looking at the church's website I have discovered something about the emerging church in general. It seems as though emerging churches attempt to resurrect the idea of liturgy, in a new and refreshing way.

Journey is a 'church within a church' of a larger Baptist (General Conference) church in Dallas. According to their website they currently have about 100 participants.

www.journeydallas.com

Survey shows evangelical Christians less tied to either major party then in previous elections

George Barna of the well known Christian research and polling serve "The Barna Group" released a poll detailing connections between people's faith and their current choice for presidential candidate. While Mr. Barna definately casts a pro-Bush spin to his results they are more troubling for both of the major parties.

Barna's poll reveals that a full 10 percent of the American support third-party candidates (5% for Nader with the remaining 5% split among Libertarian, Constitutionalist, etc..) rather then either George W. Bush or John Kerry. This is a much greater percentage then has been reported in major polls but this is likely due to the fact that other third-party candidates are almost always left off of the polls.

Read more of Barna's results here

Two party or not two party, that is the question

Come November millions of Americans will head once again to the ballot box to once again cast their votes for the better of two evils. Even more will stay home. These disenchanted citizens make up of the vast majority in this country, but are so disgusted with the state of the political system that they refuse to participate in it. By doing so they abandon any hope for the change that they earnestly desire.

I have come to the conclusion that I, along with many others, do not fit well in either of the political parties. The Democratic party excludes principles of individual responsibility, strong morals and respect for human life. The Republican party is sold out to multinational firms who exploit people and the environment for the sake of profit.

What is even more troubling among the many existing third parties in this country, I have also not found a home. There are parties for Socialists, Communists, White Separatists and even Anarchist but their is no party for someone who believes that the government should support and encourage strong moral values as well as encourage community-based compassion so that we as nation can help those who have less.

The Constitution Party comes somewhat close. While they do emphasize traditional values and oppose 'free' trade they believe that government should take no action in helping those who can not help themselves. While past government programs have failed to eliminate poverty and homelessness this does not mean that we should abandon these people.

As the election draws closer I, along with our entire nation, will continue to ponder whether it is better to vote to keep the wrong guy out or to stand up to make a true change.

Emerging Church - Solomon's Porch

For the past year I have been interested in the 'emerging' church movement. So far I have been able to determine that this an unorganized attempt by those from many different denominational and theological backgrounds to make church more relevent to post-modern (and even perhaps post-post-modern) culture. While the theology of individual churches varies considerably, most focus on becoming an authentic holistic Christian. One church that I have run across recently is 'Solomon's Porch' in Minnesota.

In looking at their website I liked how they attempted to bring the arts into their experience. As I think about being involved in church planting in the future, I find it very interesting to look at various churches.

http://www.solomonsporch.com

What's in a name?

Verimus is Latin for "You and I might have passed" Since this blog will mainly be read by people I have met over the years it seemed a fitting title. The purpose of this blog will mainly be for me to have some space to "spout" off my thoughts on philosophy, technology, theology and any other 'ology' that may come my way (except for biology because I can't stand the sight of blood).