Ok, Really?
I’m not one to be very judgmental, especially towards people outside the church setting. I am, however, VERY judgmental towards somethings we Christians do to “copy” the world. I have nothing against Guitar Hero, in fact I play it frequently. I love that old time rock and roll! (that should be a song or something) So here is what I am referring to…
I am a Christian music fan. I am a rock and roll fan. I grew up on Led Zepplin, Yes, Boston, Kansas, etc. I lead worship now and I love it. Sometimes I wish Christians would come up with our own ideas. There is nothing wrong with Guitar Praise. But why have we as Christians become the ones that follow the world? We used to be the ones with ideas. It is said that we (Christians) believed that the universe is ordered, so we were the ones that came up with inventions like, the watermill, clocks, navigational aids (not sure if this includes GPS, doubt it), measures and of course you can’t overlook architecture like Cathedrals.
I am just as guilty of this as anyone else. I’ve shown you commercials we have done to either mock or spin off of “the world’s” ideas. I just pray that we would reclaim our place in this world as leaders able to communicate in new, fresh, creative ways, the things of God.
God,
Give us creativity, allow us to use the gifts you have given us to see people come to a relationship with you. Take away my judgmental attitude and help me to understand, better, my place in this world as a Christian.
Amen
If you want to here what the world has to say about Guitar Praise, check it out HERE.
Oh, and another note, why do the songs on Guitar Hero and now Guitar Praise SUCK. There are lots of good artists out there and even in the games themselves. But, the song choices for games like these are horrible. I don’t want to hear the whole, then you’re not a real fan, argument either! I am a fan, and the songs I KNOW are the ones that are popular. They are popular for a reason, because they are GOOD!
Anyway, I had to get that in there. There I go being judgmental again. Here is the song list for Guitar Praise.
-AOD
A CUT Above
Hey I want y’all to know that my sister-in-law is now cutting/coloring/styling/washing//blow-drying/curling/doing hair at a place here in Norfolk called “Absolute Style”. Her Myspace and website can be found HERE. If you are in Hampton Roads, your hair doesn’t look good unless it is done by Jayla!
-AOD
Our Best Commercial Yet
I guess we saved the best for last. Our creative team at OVBC came up with this final commercial for Summer Connect. I think it is our best work. This was so much fun this summer and we got so many comments from the church. They really enjoyed it. I hope to incorporate more as we switch gears to the fall with video announcements as well as new commercials. Enough talking, here’s the video…
Kind of a spoof on movie trailers with a little bit of making fun of baptists. That combination is usually funny! Thanks for watching.
-AOD
A Different World View
This video was done while we were in Boston a couple weeks ago. We saw a guy that, let’s say, caught our attention and we had to confront him. Without any preconceived notions, watch the interview and tell me what you think…
With a lot of talk about world view lately, from Rick Warren and the Presidential forum, I figured this video would shed some light on the world view not just of “outsiders”, but other Christians. What’s the verdict? Is he crazy? Is he right on? Shoot…
-AOD
A Guest Blog of Sorts
Recently, I sent an e-mail to several friends regarding the future of the church. It showed up originally at Chuck Warnock’s blog. I’ve seen it a couple other places since then. So if you feel inclined please read it. If you do not want to read it, at least read the response that Drew gave below. Great stuff, it’s good to get some insight from the generation that is “living it” per se.
Before we can even address the four points below I think it is important to think about the movement away from church structure that currently exists. It has very little to do with mobile devices or technology generations. We are seeing a revolution in the relationship between people and Jesus. I think we began to see a very small rumble just post 9/11 that has culminated into what it is today. With things such as “The Call” and books like “The Shack” I think we are hearing people crying out not for the EXIT door to church but to a personal, living relationship with Jesus. Now, I am not willing to discount church and its importance in nurturing the Christian soul. Therefore….
Church attendance is not down because of the economy or high gas. You don’t see attendance at Saturday morning soccer games down, do you? Hardly. Church attendance is down because for the most part it is boring, over-programmed and irrelevant to most materialistic, trend-savvy, “but I’m a good person” Americans. I think Americans are asking “Why the hell should I go?” and no one is really answering.
1. I agree for the most part. Church will lose its building emphasis and become more of a gathering ground for like-minded people. Think clubhouse more than reverant refuge.
2. Churches have needed to downscale for years. The mega-church thing came about during a consumer driven Clinton campaign where bigger is better. In this eco-friendly, smaller and more economical minded society churches should begin to look for eco-alternatives, green redevelopment, shared spaces or mobile locations.
3. We have become a society that is too busy to go to a two hour long discipleship training course. We want the “down and dirty”. Give us the facts. We all have ADD too to the shorter the clip the better. Ideally I would like to see the class meet every other week with information in between being delivered via RSS or video clip or daily TXT or something.
4. I do not think the church has ever been able to nor will ever enable anyone to live anything. If I am a believer I am only going to live a life in Jesus by having a relationship with Him. That can’t be mandated or even discouraged. We were all given free choice and if you choice is to follow Jesus then only your personal relationship with Him can help with the adherence. Yes, I think the church can be that athletic pat on the butt that baseball players give each other. But that is about it right now. Church is still an elected activity.
I look forward to what anyone else has to say. I could talk about this stuff all day long. Normal conversation with people about building a relationship in and with and through Jesus is my ministry now. So, I pass the mic, yo.
What do you think?
-AOD
Beijing 2008
So are you watching these Olympics with as much excitement as I am? I don’t ever remember being this into it. I have loved watching Michael Phelps swim and the USA Basketball team. But I have even been watching things I didn’t think I would like. For instance, all gymnastics, some softball and even beach volleyball.
When I think of my younger years, I remember people like my parents and grandparents were excited about the Olympics. I guess that means I am getting old. I know my students don’t really care too much, but either way they are pretty exciting this year.
Congrats to Michael Phelps for winning the most gold medals in Olympic history (11). He has three races left (as of 9:19am EST 8/14) and he races again tonight.
Now…say it with me…USA, USA, USA!!
-AOD
No More Dunkin Donuts
When we were in Worcester and Boston there was a Dunkin Donuts on every corner. I only went to the place once, but I don’t want to see another one anytime soon. So, I was catching up on my blog reading, craving a donut, and here’s what I find…
thanks Swerve and Sam Roberts.
THE NUMBNESS OF FREQUENCY
When we consistently communicate the same thing in the same way, it falls on deaf ears. I call it the Numbness of Frequency, and we see it at play in many different arenas. For example:
* When you send the same e-newsletter on the same day at the same time with the same layout. – Numbness of Frequency
* When, as a speaker, you continually use the same approach to say the same thing again and again. – Numbness of Frequency
* When you cannot wait for Krispy Kreme to come to your town… A month later after the store opens, you do not want to see another confections delight. – Numbness of Frequency
* When you keep the same information in your lobby in the same location saying the same thing week after week. – Numbness of Frequency
* When a key volunteer loses their passion for something they were so excited about doing. – Numbness of Frequency
The principle is simple. When exposed to the same stimulus on a routine basis, most of the time, we become numb to it.
How do you overcome it? Try a fresh approach–send the e-mail on a different day, or better yet, when you have something you really need to say. Pray for God to give you a fresh passion or a new twist on saying the same thing.
Avoid this numbness. Be creative and make things different. Create an experience rather than the feeling of, “well, I’ll just catch it next time”. I’ve thought that before and it is a lot more exciting to think, “I wonder what will happen next?”
-AOD
We’re Baaaaack
It’s great to be home. My wife missed me (but not as much as I missed her). My daughter is now walking everywhere! She started a little bit before I left, but now she doesn’t craw unless she is mad, or tired. My dog was probably the only constant. Walker is my old faithful buddy. I just wanted to share this quick video, not of us, for a welcome back laugh. I don’t think I’ll try this anytime soon.
Indoor Motorcycle Wheelie Goes Bad – Watch more free videos
Thanks TC
-AOD
Mass Trip Day 8
We went to worship with Second Baptist Church, what an experience! And then spent the rest of the night at the hotel with cabin fever. Watch the video, you’ll see…
-AOD
Mass Trip Day 7
Here’s some good video of our trip to Boston on day 7. We also did a man on the street interview that I will put on a separate post (too long). Enjoy the sights and sounds of Bean Town, USA.
-AOD
