The Heart of the Matter

(Disclaimer: In the following post, the word "church" should be read with the negative connotations associated with the word in recent history. In this post, "church" refers to those sub-cultural, aggravating, disheartening intricacies associated with many establishments.)

I was reflecting the other day on various experiences that I have had over the past couple of years. If you've talked to me much at all, you realize that my church experiences have not been the most positive ones over the past several years. Furthermore, this has cause somewhat of a cynicism to arise which has lead me to distrust and discount much of the established hierarchal system which we call "church". As I was contemplating all of this while reclining on my "thinking chair", I had a thought which would alarm me, aggravate me and cause a certain amount of conviction. This is the thought, somewhat edited because I can't really remember it verbatim. "I can take myself out of "church" (see disclaimer), but.... can I take the "church" out of me?"

So I realized, that in all my analyzing and critiquing of the speck (lets be real... its larger than a speck... but I'll go with it anyway... lol) in the eye of the "church", I have actually looked right past the same looking plank in my own eye. I'll admit, I have responded ungenerously to the ungenerousness of "church". When confronted with hate and ignorance, I have responded with anger (not righteous indignation, mind you) and negative criticism. I have seen intolerance and responded likewise. In other words, I have seen the "church" out there, but looked past the "church" inside. How often are we like that? Perhaps there is a better way.

What to call ourselves...

Some of you have offered new names for the Christian life. There are those who would like to refer to being Christian more in terms of following Jesus than assuming some "Christianity" based culture, for various reasons. Others would like to refer to it as "The Way" or something else kinda ancient-groovy like that. Well, I think I have found the solution...no, I know I have found the solution. I saw this sign for a church in New Orleans that has the "end-of-discussion" answer to the name question. I took a picture to prove it:



"THE WAY JESUS CHRIST CHRISTIAN CHURCH!"

There it is my friends!!! That is the name we should all adopt, from this point on... no more worrying about what to call ourselves... we finally have a solution. You are welcome.

First Look!

Hope and I had a doctor visit today and we got our first look at our new baby. We still don't know what gender the baby is... but regardless, I'm really excited about the new addition to our lil' family.

Words to Ponder from Odd Places, edition 1

I've decided to start my own series... Words to Ponder from Odd Places; this is the first edition. The words today come from a grunge-era band known to many as the band that saved rock music. I don't know that I would go that far, but I do believe it would be difficult to over-estimate the value of Nirvana in the grand scope of things. These words come to us from the Nevermind album, released (I believe) in 1991. The song is Lithium. Ponder these words from this... Odd place:



LITHIUM

I'm so happy 'cause today i found my friends
They're in my head
I'm so ugly
That's okay 'cause so are you
We've broken our mirrors
Sunday morning is everyday for all i care
And i'm not scared
Light my candles in a daze
'Cause i found God

Yeah, yeah, yeah (x6)
Yeah!

I'm so lonely, that's okay, i shaved my head
And i'm not sad
And just maybe i'm to blame for all i've heard
But i'm not sure
I'm so excited, i can't wait to meet you there
And i don't care
I'm so horny, that's okay my will is good

Yeah, yeah, yeah (x6)
Yeah!

I like it... i'm not gonna crack
I miss you... i'm not gonna crack
I love you... i'm not gonna crack
I kill you... i'm not gonna crack
I like it... i'm not gonna crack
I miss you... i'm not gonna crack
I love you... i'm not gonna crack
I kill you... i'm not gonna crack

I'm so happy 'cause today i found my friends
They're in my head
I'm so ugly, but that's okay 'cause so are you
We've broken our mirrors
Sunday morning is everyday for all i care
And i'm not scared
Light my candles in a daze 'cause i found god!

Yeah, yeah, yeah (x6)
Yeah!

I like it... (repeat above lines)

Confession!

I have a confession to make.... I'm a reality tv fan! Not all reality tv... mainly just some of the main shows. In particular, I like American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Biggest Loser, Wife Swap, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition... and the upcoming UNAN1MOUS (which is going to be awesome... all those people in one room making a decision about who will get 1.5 million, and they have to decide unanimously... awesome). Anyway, here's my AI update. Last night, the right people got kicked off. Heather and Brenna needed to go; so did David and Sway. Here's the top list... in no particular order. Guys: Taylor, Chris and Elliot are by far the best in the competition. Elliot is THE singer, bottomline. Taylor is the most original and Chris has the total package... voice and marketability. Girls: Paris is an awesome singer and you just can't help but like Mandisa. Other than that... I don't reallly see anybody else really making it. Kathleen McPhee can sing, I just don't think she has that star quality. Ace Young is incredibly appealing to the girls, and could make a long run on that alone. Kellie Pickler is cute... sorta, but the cal-a-mar-i thing can only take her so far... she just isn't that good of a singer. Anyway... I'm sure I've offended many people by not mentioning their person... oh well.

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!

Well, it Mardi Gras time... and if you have never spent this time in or around New Orleans, then you simply cannot understand the magnitude of this celebration. For like an entire week, but especially on Fat Tuesday, everything stops and the city celebrates. Call it what you will, but I think, at least this year, its a wonderful time to celebrate life. Brian McLaren is right for appreciating Catholics... can you imagine some Southern Baptist creating Mardi Gras? NO WAY!!! Seriously though, at some point today, stop and take a moment just to celebrate. Celebrate your spouse, your job, your house... celebrate Jesus! (for anyone from the H.O.G.S. era, you know what I mean... haha!)... the main point is just to celebrate. Here's to a celebration day and a Happy Mardi Gras!!!

I'm excited!

For those out in blogland that did not know, Hope's great grandfather passed away this past week and she and I have driven to North Carolina for the funeral. I must tell you, it was quiet amazing. It's been a while since I've seen people at a funeral shouting and speaking in tongues... but I saw it here. I must say, it was quiet a beautiful experience to be a part of too. It was life at the convergence of joy and pain. After thinking about this for a while, I was reminded of a previous thought which I posted on a message board. I thought I would post it on this blog as well, just for some additional feedback. Please, keep in mind, this post was conceived several months ago... and I am copying it on here without edit... if you would like a copy of the comments from the website, email me.
.............................................


So, I'm driving home today, thinking about Nic's question on another post. What does it mean to live? Or, in other words which I was using, how do we know we are alive? Now, what follows is not intended to be an exhaustive reply, or even anything close. It sounds very fatalistic and depressing, even. I just pray that everyone will bear with me.

It seems to me that to live means to experience pain, hurt, suffering and even death. When else are we more aware of our existence than we we are in pain? This includes, but is certainly not limited to, physical pain (I'm sure everyone is aware they are alive when they stub their toe.). I know you might be thinking, what about joy? But i must ask, how do you know joy without first knowing pain? It is the pain that proves the joy, or in other words, its the shadow that proves the sunshine. If you haven't experienced the shadow, then perhaps you do not know what I am talking about. But if you have, if you lived life in the midst of the shadow of death, you know exactly what I'm saying. Think about the incarnation. What is so amazing about the incarnate God living among us? What do we see Jesus experiencing in the gospels? Joy or pain? The metaphor for nearly all followers of Jesus is the cross, an emblem of suffering and shame. Why isn't it something that symbolizes joy and happiness? Because those were not the kind of people Jesus hung out with? It was these who "got" Jesus. Nicodemus just fades away, leaving us unsure whether he ever "got" Jesus. Yet when we look at other characters, like the women at the well who was so ashamed of her life that she went to the well at a time when she was sure no one else would be there, she got it. Why? Could it be that she knew pain, and therefore, she could "get" Jesus? Who, in the Gospel of John, just can't shut up about Jesus? And this leads to my next thought.

What does Jesus offer, in this life of suffering, pain, hurt and even death? It seems to me that Jesus tells us that while this life is characterized by these things, they do not have the last word. Death does not have the last word on life. Pain will not be the ultimate destiny of our existence. There is coming a day when there will be no more tears, because the one who suffered ultimate shame and pain will wipe those tears from our eyes, telling us to cry no more forever. (This is not to say that those hands will be scarless... its not that our pain is erased or forgotten, but overcome) The kingdom, filled with those who (with Jesus) experienced pain, hurth and death, will be a place characterized now by the life of God, a life which shatters all the previous pain. That kingdom is available even now, as we hope for that which is unseen we can receive a foretaste of the life that will overwhelm us then. This, then, propels us into the world of pain and death, not as escapists who are only looking for a "there after" but as those who have experienced this life after death. Its the same spirit that propeled Jesus into this world, even to suffer and hurt, and it is the same spirit that draws us into the world, to continue the mission of Jesus.

The Big Easy

It has been a crazy and hectic beginning of the new year. Once we got back from Christmas, our company moved into New Orleans, which means I've been driving about an hour, each way, every day. It is getting quiet expensive in gas, but the opportunity there is so vast that we just can't afford to pass it up. We are one of the VERY FEW companies who are actually making and keeping appointments. I am booked up until Tuesday... right now. We take about 50-60 calls per day for appointments, which hopefully will mean alot of business here in the near future, which will hopefully mean I can get caught up with my continually accumulating bills. It looks like Hope and I are going to sell our condo on the Outer Banks, if you or anyone yall know are interested. I just found it interesting that I refer to the internet community as 'you'. Why is that? Oh well, I have a 10:00 am appointment in the Big Easy, so I have to run. By the way, if you or anyone you know would be interested in coming here to do estimating, let me know. Peace!

Spirituality and Play

As you all know, I am reading a book on the disciplines by Dallas Willard. The first part of the book has been mostly about the importance of the role of the body in redemption. If you know me, you know how I feel about the disconnect placed upon the "spirit" and the "body". I don't make such a division, because I prefer to think of the human person as a whole being incapable of being "divided" into parts and still exist as a human person. This, I fear, is a result of the Platonic image imprinted on our worldviews in Western civilization. It has caused much harm in Christian circles, including the "I'm a spirit that has a soul that lives in a body" concept thats just irritating. This is not to mention the "immortality of the soul" idea that many western Christians have accepted. This even frustrates me in the wonderful music of U2... in Yahweh, Bono sings "take this soul, stranded in some skin and bones..." that frustrates me. Anyway, thats not the point of this post... I wander down a rabbit trail.
In the book, Willard is talking about the importance of play. He gives an analogy of the sexually frustrated pastor who runs off with the church organist because for a few days what he really wanted to do was forget about God and go play golf. Willard notes how this "shadow" aspect of the human person is holy in God's sight, even necessary to live balanced and whole. Then, Willard quotes a passage from Ecclesiastes 7.16, which I find amazingly relevant to the current discussions taking place in the comments sections of my post, "Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself?"

Just some food for thought.

Roofing Business Update

Things are going well with the roofing business in Gulfport. Actually, we are considering expanding and moving into New Orleans, which means alot more business. I've made my first few sales and I actually have jobs that are finished. They look good and the homeowners are really satisfied with the work that we've done. Its a completely different kind of ministry altogether. We keep our prices at fair market value and we offer to handle the insurance claim for our customers. Essentially, all they have to do is sign and we take care of the rest. I can't tell you how many homeowners have thanked us for making this hassle-free, especially after the storm. I wanted to share how this business, especially the side associated with home life, actually functions. It was recommended in a recent comment that the profits that I see in the roofing business should be opened to my community as we share all things in common. Well, to be honest, that is what happens. Hope and I currently live in an environment with 7 other people. We all buy and cook food, do our part in cleaning, and basically live life together. When you start working as an estimator, it takes a few weeks until you start seeing money flow into your wallet. It was tough and there were times that I didn't know how we would eat. Yet, it wasn't a big deal. Those in the house who have share with those don't. We all eat around 7:00 or 7:30... one large meal together. Different people cook and clean, usually. It is understood that when you can buy food, you will. If you can't, don't ask to eat my food because you already know that you don't need to ask. So... it does work. However, there are situations where it doesn't. It doesn't work when someone tries to abuse the fellowship. We had a situation where an 8th tried to abuse the community. He left... on his own. Anyway, thats about it. Hopefully the business will continue to blossom and I will get more leads and contacts, especially as we make the move into New Orleans. I've heard that it can be really dangerous there, especially if you are there after dark.

Construction, Deconstruction and beyond ...

In my recent post, I offered a rant of deconstruction that some found frustrating while others seemed to more or less agree with the deconstructing rant. It was suggested that I offer some sort of constructive comments on what can/could/should/will be done about the issues that I raised. I have certain "out there" ideas that I may post in the near future. However, I would rather talk about the nature of deconstruction, and what (if anything) comes after. It seems to me that there are three phases, perhaps they cycle, perhaps not... Anyway, these three phases are construction, deconstruction and whatever lies beyond. Beginning with modernity (I know, this is not where I SHOULD begin, sorry)... beginning with modernity, we see construction. This is, in sorts, the heart of modernity. Its a very similar feel as the Tower of Babel... how can humanity construct things in order to reach/transcend God/Higher Power/disease/limitations/....? We also constucted ideas and theories about how things worked... the universe, the body, God, etc. Then, postmodernity begin questioning these constructions.... in other words, deconstruction. Nothing is left sacred, nothing is left constructed. *LARGE PARENTHETICAL COMMENT This is my fear with those of us who are trying to revision church, of which a major componennt is deconstruction. My fear is that we will stop short of total deconstruction. If you've read my thesis, this is essentially what I say the Emerging movement fails at. They, along with many others often times including ourselves... myself, hault deconstruction because the chaos and uncertainty found in the Spirit of Deconstruction is too much. We begin constructing too soon because we get uncomfortable with the deconstruction.... its hard to exist while the sands of life are slipping through your fingers... *END PARENTHETICAL COMMENT What happens next? Does anything happen next? I think so, but I don't know when or how whatever happens happens. This is only my idea... It seems to me that if you begin constructing again... like all other constructions, they will ultimately fall down and fail miserably. (Not that what I am about to propose will fair any better) However, it seems that constructions, by and large, are totally human efforts. Humans build things. What I see taking place after deconstruction is not more construction, but re-creation. Only God has the power to create, which He shares with us on ocassion. Think about our hearts. We come to God with hearts of stone, constructed as we will. We ask God to remove our hearts (deconstruct them) until nothing remains and to place in us a heart of flesh (a re-created heart). This is a promise! Yet, if we leave slivers and slices of the stone heart in place, can we even receive a heart of flesh? In other words, to join the two conversations together, if we leave some of our old visions of church and community life constructed... never allowing them to be deconstructed by the Spirit that hovered over the chaos and darkness in the beginning, how then can we fully received the re-created visions of what life/church could be?

Cool-Kidz Church

I want to introduce this entry with an apology. I am about to rant. At times, it may seem incoherent, without even a complete thought. Sorry!

Can I just say that I'm tired of the Cool-Kidz church! Let me first explain what a cool-kidz church is. Really, what we are talking about here are posers. I read Brandon's entry on the Exiled Wilderness blog and it stirred my mind to thinking. Then, I went on a search for something different.... something that one could dream about.... an authentic expression of creative Christianity in the context of the denomination that I find myself most often affiliated. This is what I have discovered. Those who claim to be on the cutting edge and doing really creative things are really just taking off the JC Penny suits and replacing them with cool Express and Gap clothes, with the ocassional Old Navy item. It's not really different. You're just allowed to wear "younger-looking" clothes without feeling underdressed. Now, don't even try to pull that junk that you are dressed casual so you can connect with a wider audience. Thats bull-malarchy. Someone is going to try to say that their $150 threads from Express is going to connect with folk who have to shop at the 'Five and Dime.' Its like we've given church a makeover. Yeah, thats it exactly, almost. We've dressed our programs, music, buildings, selves in a younger garb to attract a younger audience, yet we experience the same problems. We still propagate a consumeristic christianity that seeks only what is best for "I". It is evident in contemporary Christian advertising. Its all about the uplifting messages and wonderful children's programs.... yadda yadda yadda blah blah blah. Don't even get me started on what we are doing to our kids. Anybody else concerned that (given the fact that we typically only have one large worship gathering with supplemental small groups through the week, which parents often find baby-sitters for)... anyone concerned that our children rarely, if ever, worship with their parents? If a child only worships with other children, never seeing their parents, wouldn't they naturally think that church/worship/relationship with God is for kids. Then, when they are older and not wanting to look childish, they abandon and leave. Anyway, I said don't even get me started. Back to the Express Church... its true! They are all the same. Gone are the days of poofy hair and gray suits, hello to spikey hair, director pants and poplin shirts. By the way, don't forget your belt and matching shoes.... anyway, thats all, I gotta go measure a house.

Spirit of the Disciplines

I am currently reading this fine book from Dallas Willard. I don't really know much about Dallas Willard. Basically, the reason I have this book is because it was required for a Discipleship in the Local Church class I took about a year ago. I never really got around to reading it. Basically, I just skimmed through it so that I could make general comments in class and include some quotes for the paper that I wrote. I know, thats the sign of a really good student. In all fairness, I was in the middle of writing my thesis and simply did not have time to read another book. So... I've gone back to read it because... well, just because. It's really good. I'm only two chapters into it, though. I think the next chapter is "Salvation is a Life." That might make a good blog entry, or at least a fancy-shmancy title. If anyone has read this book... what did you think? Is the rest of it worth reading or should I just stop and move on to something else, because I have to have some bathroom reading material.

University of Kentucky Basketball

I'm not ready to say the season is a bust. It's still early and there's a lot of basketball season to play still. But.... I must admit I'm getting nervous. I know, I know. It's probably going to be okay. Yet... let me just share a few stats. Those of you who share my affinity for UK basketball know where my frustration lies, as evident from these stats.

2005-06 Men's Basketball Roster Stats (per game)
NO PLAYER POS HT WT YR GP MIN PTS REB AST
4 Rajon Rondo G 6-1 171 So. 7 32.0 14.7 10.0 5.6
22 Patrick Sparks G 6-0 180 Sr. 7 27.1 10.7 1.4 2.7
42 Rekalin Sims F 6-8 200 Jr. 7 24.4 9.7 5.3 1.4
2 Ravi Moss G 6-2 190 Sr. 7 21.7 8.3 3.9 0.7
13 Bobby Perry F 6-6 219 Jr. 7 20.9 8.3 3.7 1.0
3 Ramel Bradley G 6-1 179 So. 7 18.1 8.0 1.9 1.6
32 Joe Crawford G 6-4 210 So. 4 16.8 5.0 2.5 1.3
23 Sheray Thomas F 6-7 230 Jr. 7 20.9 4.4 4.0 1.1
1 Brandon StocktonG 5-9 167 Sr. 3 8.7 3.7 0.0 1.3
10 Lukasz Obrzut C 7-0 270 Jr. 6 8.5 2.7 1.3 0.5
25 Adam Williams G 6-4 190 Fr. 2 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0
43 Jared Carter C 7-2 240 Fr. 6 7.0 1.5 1.7 0.0
21 Shagari Alleyne C 7-3 271 Jr. 5 8.2 1.4 2.2 0.2
12 Preston LeMaster G 6-2 188 Sr. 2 5.5 0.0 0.5
This is what I see. Our #1 rebounder is a guard, A 6'1" GUARD!!!! What does this mean???? WE HAVE NO BIG MEN AGAIN!!!! Someone, please tell me why Kentucky, one of the premier basketball schools in the nation, cannot freaking recruit quality big men to play underneath. I know, the game is changing, and has in fact changed. However, you still gotta have the big man in the middle, or, as we've seen in the last couple of seasons, it will kill you. It has been our achille's heel. That's just frustrating.

Disclaimer

I started out typing a harsh response to a previous comment concerning the type of language I have chosen to use on my blog. I deleted it. I decided that to do so would be, in fact, vulgar. It would come from an attitude of revenge and anger. It would not be edifying nor uplifting of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It would be foul language, more so than any four letter word could imagine. Therefore, if I offended you, I apologize. I will continue to speak/write what I want and ask that if it offends you, simply please refrain from visiting my blog and pray that God will continue to disciple and strengthen us both.

Holy Spirit Baptism

On the way back from Tennessee (after Thanksgiving) I was thinking and driving at the same time, which, ya know, is illegal and I could have been arrested. Reflecting upon an earlier conversation from the previous weekend, I started thinking about Holy Spirit baptism and a postmodern, emerging context and culture. It does seem to me that the way many in previous generations have talked about this is in very modernistic terms. Phrases like 'initial evidence' seem to denote a scientific worldview. It is an observable phenomenon which the observed does not actually have to be engaged in relationship with the subject to determine the results. In fact, the observer does not even need to know the subject in any real way in order to determine whether or not he/she has been baptized. This manner of thought seems to fly in the face of an experiential, subjective culture. One cannot know anything without being in relationship. In other words, one cannot know whether or not someone has been baptized unless they are in relationship with that person. Would it be a move towards looking and focusing more upon the fruits of the Spirit as a whole? (But wouldn't this, even, be something "observable" to label someone) Even then, the pomo culture begs the question, why do you want to know in the first place? Is it a matter of being able to establish some sort of number for stripes on a belt to show how good the preacher was or how much God was present in a meeting? Was the presence of God more manifest in a gathering where 27 people were baptized as opposed to one where only 2 (or perhaps even 0) were baptized? In other words, do we need to know to assure ourselves that God was present?

Could we (should we/can we) even think of Spirit Baptism in more communal terms, i.e. the community is baptized in the Spirit? In this manner, our thinking and speaking would become less individualistic and less focused on the individual and more communal. Just a thought.

Rules are Rules

So, the Wal-Mart here in Gulfport is open and apperently everyone thinks that the rules no longer apply. Let me explain. I'm in the quick check-out, express, 10 ITEMS OR LESS line at WallyWorld trying to buy a birthday present for this 3 yr. old daughter of a guy here. Total, I have 10 items in the cart, the maximum allowed number of items for the designated lane. I feel proud about this, knowing that I have followed the rules for this line. I look in front of me (at this point I am beside the candy aisle, you fellow Wal-Martians know what I'm talking about) and there are about 5 or 6 carts that have exceeded the 10 items limit. Now, I don't really mind if someone has 11 or 12, or even 15 items while in this line, but that isn't the case here. These folks have full carts. When the lady in front of me began to ring her stuff up, I counted how many items she had. Yeah, thats right... I counted. THIRTY-THREE!!!!!!! This lady thinks it's okay to have 33 items in the 10 items or less line. What is this? Do these folk think that just because they experienced the worst natural disaster in U.S. history that anarchy has now begun? We are neart 3 months removed from the storm. I think we can restore some sort of order now. Thats just ridiculous!

Roofing Business

Gulfport, MS, is an interesting town. I had the opportunity to visit the coast the other day, and I was extremely overwhelmed. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. It looks like somebody dropped a bomb on the place. Literally, nothing is standing for about a quarter to half mile inland. It is all just ruble and foundations. I had seen the coverage on the news channels, but it just doesn't convey the level of destruction that has taken place.

I found out yesterday that the average roofer is a high school dropout, which was encouraging as I know nothing at all about roofing. I am learning quickly, so I should have it all down in a week. Seriously, it isn't that hard. It comes down mainly to being able to sale someone on the company and its product. This week has been pretty slow, which I am told is not normal. We are doing soem major advertising starting next week, so they expect things to pick up quiet a bit and get real crazy. I'm looking forward to it.... the crazier it gets means the more money that will make it to my wallet!

I'm also glad to hear that some of you are enjoying my thesis. It is not in the library, yet, as I need to correct some spacing errors which were actually Staples error. I told them to use the pdf file, but apparently they printed off from the Word file, so they spacing got all screwed up. I still agree, mostly, with what I put in there; however, as I have continued reading emergent material, I have come across some things that challenge my critiques, which is encouraging. I have my own issues now with church and how it is structured, which I may share on here on another post sometime. Life in the Gulf Coast is hectic and I don't know when I can get to internet access. We are living in a single-wide trailer with another family and a single female who is getting married in December. Privacy and convenience is not always abundant. We just started thinking about possibly finding a small, one bedroom apartment to rent while we are here. We'll see how that goes.

Paradox and Irony

From what I can gather, I am supposed to start this blasted thing with a post about this being my first post. Well, here it is. This is my first blog entry, though I have posted elsewhere. I am officially in the blog-community since I now have my own site. I decided to begin this now, as I am also beginning a new chapter in my life, and hopefully I can make sense of it all... or at least be able to have a record of it. We just left the Outer Banks (North Carolina) to pursue opportunities in Gulfport, MS. We (being my wife and I) were in OBX to plant an "innovative, postmodern church" with some friends of ours. Without going into too much detail, it didn't work out as we had anticipated. In a nutshell, after sharing some "out there" ideas, I was told that I couldn't find a church anywhere that did it that way, which I thought was the point of "innovative," so my 'dictator-implying' ideas were shut down faster than Virginia Tech's offense last Saturday night. So, it turned out I was wrong about the meaning of innovative. Apparently, it means doing the same things while wearing jeans and cool glasses. Once we were presented with the option of going to Miss. to join some friends in the roofing business, the decision to go wasn't very difficult. This is not to imply the 'wrongness' of anyone, simply that their vision and our vision of the church were not the same. Anyway, thats where I'm at... as close to being 'out' of the ministry as I have ever been and as sure that I am hearing God's voice as ever. How's that for paradox and irony?