A Wreck of Ramblings...

The Pujols Effect

2011-12-08T11:17:00.001-06:00

Since I live in St. Louis, I suppose I knew this was coming. On the day Albert Pujols signed his new contract, wherever he signed, St. Louis was going to explode with emotion. If he were to sign with the Cardinals, it would be a day of celebration. If not, it would be a day of bitterness and anger. Unfortunately, it has proven to be latter rather than the former.

As I have listened to, read, and flinched from the various emotional reactions many in our fair city have publicly shared today, one particular feeling has been surfacing most often -- betrayal. This seems to me to be wholly unfair. Albert Pujols did for St. Louis what is almost unthinkable: he played the first 11 seasons of his career at an MVP caliber level. Let me be clear; I'm not saying he has played like a hall-of-famer over his first 11 seasons (he has). I'm saying he has contributed 11 consecutive MVP caliber seasons. As a life-long baseball fan, such a feat seems to me to be almost entirely unfathomable. Had I not witnessed much of it, I'd have trouble believing it. To put it in perspective, here are some numbers from Aaron Gleeman at Hardballtalk:

Pujols was paid around $104 million for his 11 seasons with the Cardinals, during which time Fan Graphs calculates his overall value as being approximately $330 million.
And that’s regular season only, so the $330 million in value doesn’t even include Pujols hitting .330 with 18 homers and a 1.046 OPS in 74 postseason games while winning two World Series titles.
Those figures are based on Wins Above Replacement and the typical cost of acquiring players on the open market, so there’s certainly some room to quibble one way or another, ...[but] the Cardinals, while paying him handsomely for most of that time, also paid dramatically below market rates for more than a decade of Hall of Fame production.

Albert led the Cardinals to three (3) NL penants and two (2) World Series championships and made the Cardinal organization FAR more money than they ever considered paying him. Yet the general sentiment seems to be that Albert abandoned his fans for more money -- that he should have given a "home town discount" to the Cardinals and stayed for less years and less guaranteed money. This despite the fact that Pujols clearly took less than market value in his last contract extension with the Cards in 2004. Still, many fans are furious he did not take $40-$70 million less (depending who you believe) from the Cardinals to stay. Why not the fury at a franchise which is worth more and made more last year than the Angels? I'm not suggesting the Cardinals owned it to Pujols to match the Angels, or even come close. They made a choice, and so did Albert.

As it turns out, Pujols signed with the Angels for $20-$40 million less than the Miami Marlins were offering (never, in my life, did I believe I would write that phrase), so money must not have been his only motivation. And for what it's worth, I think the Cardinals made the right call in not signing him to a contract which would have been paying him over $20 million per season into his 40s. 10-year contracts for players about to turn 32 aren't likely to turn out well (ask the Yankees about their current deal with A-Rod), and I have a feeling the Angels will regret this one, eventually if not anytime soon.

But Cards fans should not waste their time being bitter or feeling betrayed. St. Louis owed Albert nothing more or less than it gave him -- support for 11 years. Likewise, Albert owes St. Louis nothing more or less than what he gave us. Truthfully, we received among the greatest 11 consecutive seasons in the history of the game and we got them at about 1/3 of the cost. This bitterness is not fair or becoming for the self-proclaimed "baseball heaven." As one who is also a fan of a couple of other teams in MLB (in addition to the Cardinals), I'd rather see that Cards fans are grateful for what they had and justifiably sad for what they've lost.

I get the sadness. I cried when Tom Glavine (my favorite player) left the Braves and signed with the Mets after the 2002 season. Look at it this way: at least Albert Pujols didn't sign with the Cubs.

Grace and peace,
James

Our State's Embarrassing Situation

2011-09-21T11:04:00.002-05:00

This post originally appears in the September 1 issue of "The Southwest Spirit."

In recentdays and weeks, many of us have noticed the added press a particular ballot initiativehas been receiving all across our state. This initiative concerns efforts to tighten the restrictions on paydaylending in the state of Missouri. “Payday” loans are short term loans with veryhigh interest rates and fees marketed as potential emergency stop-gaps to allowa person or family to cover an unexpected, emergency cost until the next“payday.”

ThePost-Dispatch, as well as the Kansas City Star and the Columbia News Tribune,have run multiple articles presenting the maneuvering of various politicalaction committees on both sides of a current ballot initiative aimed at curbingabusive lending practices. As we observethese actions, it can be difficult to discern exactly what is going on. We will all need to be particularly diligentas more information comes to light.

However,there are several truths which are a part of this debate and not indispute. By any measure, Missouri has the mostlenient and permissive regulations on payday lending of any state in thenation. No state has a higher maximumcap on APR (annual percentage rate) than Missouri;currently, lenders in Missouriare allowed to charge interest rates up to 1,950%, in addition to otherfees. The average interest charged on payday loans last year was444.61%. No other state in our country allowssuch high rates on these loans – in fact, many states have caps at less thanhalf of what Missouriallows.

It is alsoestimated that over 95% of these loans are actually eventually paid back, evenwith high interest rates and fees. Theseare not individuals and families abusing any system. It means our state isallowing the most vulnerable to be victimized by an industry which targets thepoor. This is not a Republican orDemocrat issue. This is a moral issue, and our state shouldbe embarrassed.

AsChristians, we can not justify building an industry entirely on the backs ofthe working poor who find themselves in desperate situations. The argument some payday lenders are making againstreforming our regulations is that it will cripple a thriving and growing Missouri industry. While this argument may be debatable, what wemust ask ourselves is do we want an industry to thrive only by preying on theless-fortunate?

I hope youwill join me in paying close attention to this important debate, both at thelocal and state level. It is impossiblefor me to believe the Old Testament prophets or Jesus, both of whom spoke atlength about maintaining justice for the poor, would support predatory lendingpractices. The time may be upon us forChristians of good will to stand together to oppose these practices today.

Grace andpeace,

James

A Funeral First

2011-06-07T19:59:00.001-05:00

This morning I traveled to Salem, MO, to officiate a funeral for a wonderful gentleman in our congregation, Mr. Tom Brown. As it so happens, this is the second time I've traveled to Salem to officiate a funeral, even though I've never been a pastor nor lived near Salem. Seven or eight years ago a family in my last church made a similar request of me -- would I be willing to travel to Salem, maybe 25 miles or so from Rolla and not near our church, for their loved one's funeral? In both cases, I was glad to help.

Following the funeral and grave site, after I led in a final, closing prayer, the funeral home director came forward for what is usually a "this concludes our services," or some such comment. Instead, he surprised me by saying, "He done right by y'all, didn't he? I think I could listen to him." He was, of course, offering his reflection on my words at the funeral and grave site.

Leaving aside how much easier a long, well-lived life like Tom's makes it on his pastor, it just struck me as odd that the director felt comfortable granting a commentary. Do the local pastor's receive similar reviews? If so, how would one feel if he or she received none (I'm going to assume he would be polite enough not to offer a negative review -- out-loud anyway :) ).

Regardless, it did make me smile. Small-town life is certainly different than city life. However off-guard he may have caught me, I suppose every pastor hopes those complimentary words he spoke are true: We are given the privilege of trying to "do right" by our families. Or at least the closest we can.

Grace and peace,
James

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

What is Social Justice?

2010-07-20T17:15:00.002-05:00

This post will certainly live up to the moniker I've chosen for my blog, "A Wreck of Ramblings."

In recently posted a link on my Facebook page (always dangerous, I know) and commented on the link. The link concerned Glenn Beck and his continuing attempt to scare his viewers/listeners into challenging their churches and clergy on issues related to "social justice." Here is a link to my Facebook post. In addition, here is a link to a separate story where Mr. Beck more explicitly condemns the notion of "social justice" as anti-Christian, socialist, and several other worse things.

Many have spoken out, across every conceivable outlet, in the weeks and months since regarding Mr. Beck's attack on the idea of social justice. The question posed to me in my Facebook post is "What do you mean by social justice?" This is a fair question. For Beck, it would seem he merges the idea of "social justice" with the Christian "social gospel" movement of the early twentieth century. In his rantings, Mr. Beck doesn't really seem to distinguish between the two. However, while I certainly have some sympathy for those such as Walter Rauschenbush, the social gospel movement became more social movement than gospel. I have tended to find myself connecting much more with those such has Reinhold Niebuhr, his brother H. Richard Niebuhr, and Martin Luther King, Jr., all of whom critiqued the social policies of both the right and left very aggressively. However, Mr. Beck is perhaps correct about one thing: the term "social justice" has come to mean many different things to different groups of people.

As a minister, my interpretation of scripture is my foundation for understanding social justice. In the Old Testament, we find a variety of expressions of justice. In Torah, we find admonitions to never deny justice to "the stranger" or the "orphan" fairly pervasive, especially in Deuteronomy. While these instructions were always given communally, one could, perhaps, make a persuasive argument for their intended application as lived individually, while in community.

However, once we arrive at the Psalms and the prophets, the call for social justice becomes even clearer. Throughout the prophets and words of the Psalter, justice refers to social relationships. This is particularly clear in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Micah. These prophets provide stinging critiques of the interactions between different social strata, those marginalized or oppressed and those doing the marginalizing and oppressing. Isaiah and Jeremiah speak of the oppression of the widow, stranger, and orphan as one of the primary sins of the people -- collectively, not individually. These groups (widows, strangers, orphans) are representative of all those marginalized by society. These prophets describe sin, and the repercussions of it, in communal terms, not individualist terms. Thus, in the OT, one finds strong reinforcement for ideals of both personal responsibility regarding holiness and communal responsibility for social justice.

These themes continue in the New Testament, in both the words of Jesus in the gospel accounts, and books such as the Epistle of James as well. When Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple, he was challenging the socio-economic norms which abused the people, causing poverty and suffering. Christ's teaching harshly criticizes the social norms of his day, showing how entitlement claims to honor, status, and wealth while neglecting others are how the kingdoms of the world operate, not the kingdom of God.

When the apostle Paul writes to early Christian communities such as those in Cornith, he is speaking to communities, and instructing for both individual and communal action. Proof-texting from Paul's letter to the church in Rome regarding personal responsibility is a favorite of those sharing ideological perspectives with Mr. Beck, and I have some disdain for proof-texting as a way of reading and studying scripture. However, if we want to read Romans as emphasizing personal righteousness as essential to faith, at the very least we shouldn't ignore texts such as the second chapter of James. And I haven't even mentioned Matthew 25, the Sermon on the Mount, or Jesus' teaching on kingdom ethics in Luke.

My point is this: Social justice, to me, is recognizing that our responsibility to seek justice does not end only with the individual. We bear communal responsibility as well, and such a notion is very biblical. Conservatives often want to shout about "personal responsibility" from the roof tops; I would never deny, as a Christian, personal responsibility as a vital component of a faithful life. But this in not the entirety of our faith.

When Jesus said all the law and the prophets can be summed up in love of God and love of neighbor, he was not endorsing a human political, economic, ideological, or social construction or perspective. I believe our faith should cause a healthy skepticism of the "kingdoms" of the world. Communism, taken to the logical end, becomes firmly anti-Christian; liberal theologians of the early 20th century often failed to realize this. However, capitalism, taken to its logical extreme, unrestrained by prophetic voices, becomes just as anti-Christian. Human injustice, including seeking power and wealth at the expense of others, is evil regardless of the cloak it wears.

This means we can and should have vigorous debate on the role the government should play in accomplishing social justice. Personally, I've always believed we need a balance of personal and communal responsibility. Sometimes we need government to protect the minority from the oppression of the majority (on occasion, we need to protect the majority from a powerful minority as well). Other times government can be the very agent of oppression we fear. That's why I continue to consider myself a political moderate. However, to deny the need to pursue social justice, and worse to claim it is somehow anti-Christian to make authentic justice for all people our pursuit, would force us to ignore the prophets and the largest portion Christ's teaching.

Ignorant extremists on either end of the political spectrum (yes, Glenn Beck is a great example, entertainer or not) are dangerous. Those with authentic faith should continue to speak prophetically against these extremes.

While others have responded more eloquently than I, "that's all I have to say about that."

Grace and peace,

James

Hurt by Church

2010-04-22T16:02:00.001-05:00

This post originally appeared in the April 15 edition of our church newsletter, The Southwest Spirit.

This week I came upon a troubling, though unsurprising, study recently released by the Barna Group. According to the Associate Baptist Press, the Barna Group’s research reveals that “nearly four of every 10 ‘unchurched’ Americans avoid worship because of negative past experiences in churches or with church people.”

The survey revealed some other truths, which we should also take to heart: More unchurched identify themselves as Christians than not, and by a significant margin. However, the overwhelming majority of those surveyed felt they did not have any real understanding of purpose and meaning in life.

Over the next two weeks, I will be sharing a brief, two-part sermon entitled “When Religion Becomes Evil.” I referenced this series last Fall, and it finally fits into our schedule. It is inspired by Charles Kimball’s book of the same name. However, this study released by Barna will be on my mind as well. We already know the majority of the people in all of our communities around the country are not participating in worship on Sunday mornings (or any other day of the week). However, it should sting us all the more to know that for so many, it is their experience with their local church itself (and her people) which keeps them away.

What will this mean for the way we conduct ourselves when reaching out to the unchurched around us? A new kind of genuine sensitivity may be the call of the day.

Thank You!

I want to pause for a moment to share a few words of thank you which seem appropriate during this season.

First, to all of those worship leaders who helped make our Lenten, Maundy Thursday, and Easter worship services so meaningful and complete, I say thank you. The number of hours of preparation which various individuals and groups put into preparing drama, music, and developing our worship plans would surprise many. Our church appreciates and treasures the talent in worship leadership which is God-given, as well as the time and effort returned, which is our sacrifice of praise to God.

Second, to all of those who worked so hard on special children’s and youth activities in the past weeks, we say thank you. We canceled the Easter Fair this year for fear of bad weather, which falls at my feet (not the weather, but the canceling part). However, the effort put into preparation has not been lost on our church family and we look forward to having a substitute family event in the very near future.

Finally, I want to say thank you to our church staff. Larry Smith and Michael Hodges are two fine Christian gentlemen, one who, through his work at the university is serving to mold a new generation of worship leaders and servants, and another who is a part of this next generation of servants. Both are as committed as any church staff with whom I have worked and neither let the term “part-time” compromise their commitment to our church and her ministries.

There are so many more I could thank, and I’m sure I have missed a few. However, we also need to remember to thank those behind-the-scenes as well. So my last “thank you” will be for Mrs. Judy Fussell, our church secretary. Many of you do not know Judy, but you get to see and enjoy the product of her labors every week.

What a wonderful Easter and pre-Easter season at Southwest Baptist. Truly God is good.

Grace and peace,

James

Heroes Fall...Always

2010-02-02T14:20:00.005-06:00

This article originally appeared in the Feb 4, 2010 Southwest Spirit church newsletter.

Recent days and weeks have reminded me of something all of us, as a culture, find it so easy to forget. Heroes and heroines never quite live up to our expectations. Inevitably, those who are admired, sometimes even placed on pedestals, come crashing down. Some of this has to do with our heroes and heroines, but mostly our expectations are at fault. There is nothing new about this cycle; after all, scripture gives us dozens of individuals who follow the same pattern.

What seems so odd to me are the extreme reactions to heroes which fall. Those who have a position which bends the public ear seem to take only one of two extreme positions toward a fallen "hero." Either (1) the former hero in question is now the greatest villain the world has ever seen, or (2) the former hero was the victim of circumstance, certainly not at fault and likely taken advantage of. He or she should be restored to his or her formerly heroic status. To these two extreme reactions I say, HUH?!?

Here in St. Louis, Mark McGwire provides the perfect example. In recent days, McGwire has admitted to using steroids (something most of us suspected), explained his thinking back then, and apologized. Some have found his apologizing lacking, but I do not believe this has been at the heart of the reaction to his admission. I'm less concerned with his motivation than ours.

The first extreme reaction has come from many sportswriters and a handful of former players. These seek to paint McGwire as the most extreme of villains, who should be banned from working in baseball, slashed from the record books, and marked with a permanent "S" tattoo on his forehead. Ok, this last one isn't true, but I think they might be for it if they thought they could.

The second reaction is equally as puzzling to me. This reaction seems to come from die-hard fans, with a smattering of voices from former players as well. These voices seek to dismiss McGwire's failings as irrelevant, providing excuse after excuse for why this honorable man did something which really is not all that bad. The voracious cheers seem to me to rise above the tone of "we forgive you" to a fevered pitch of "you're our hero no matter what you've done or will do." I wonder if these same voices would find a way to explain away the actions of one of their heroes who was found to be pushing down old ladies and tripping children on the street in his spare time.

Mark McGwire, and every other person we exalt to hero or heroine status, is simply human. His mistakes do not make him a villain. He is not worthy of the status of hero, either. None of us are. Both history and the witness of scripture demonstrate this fact repeatedly. And this is why the fault lies with us. I fear these two extreme reactions, neither of which is healthy or helpful, only happen when we insist on creating images of grand heroes who will inevitably disappoint.

Grace and peace,

James

Reflecting on MLK Day

2010-01-18T22:21:00.003-06:00

On days like today, on Facebook and many other outlets, we are reminded of the wisdom shared in the wonderful teaching of our country's greatest modern day prophet. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great theologian and advocate for the world's oppressed. It is easy to be captured by his charisma and powerful speaking ability; we shouldn't forget how brilliant and insightful he was as well. I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes from his writing and I learned another quotation I had not previously known.

"There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think." (MLK from "Strength to Love")

A former professor of mine from seminary reminded me of this quotation today. These words are an accurate, stinging indictment. I think the church culture can be particularly guilty of promoting an attitude of "easy answers" which don't actually mean anything. Empty platitudes, cliche riddled perspectives, and cute aphorisms rarely do much but reinforce a status quote of either injustice or apathy. Nothing replaces thoughtful examination and reflection.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." MLK

I wish I would have had this quotation available to me as I prepared yesterday's sermon. Among other illustrations, I used a portion of Dr. King's most famous speech as I chose the question "Why can't we dream?" as a driving force for my sermon. How can we look at the life of such a man and live with a pessimism or indifference which chokes our ability to dream?

I have truly enjoyed reading through the comments on Facebook and other blogs on this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. His life continues to make a profound difference in the world.

Grace and peace,
James

Pastors and Congregations, Part II

2010-01-06T15:22:00.004-06:00

This post is a bit later than I had hoped - I've been pretty sick the last couple of days. Last week I commented on Bill Wilson's article 7 Things Your Pastor Wishes You Knew, But is Afraid to Tell You. Today I'll turn the tables and comment on Dr. Wilson's article Seven Things Church Members Wish Their Pastors Knew, But Are Afraid to Tell Them. (See last week's post for my introduction to this topic).

These are Dr. Wilson's "Seven Things," from Church members to their pastors:

My life is not easy. I need hope, help and healing most days. The idea that everyone you meet is leading a life of quiet desperation applies to the people in your pews more than you seem to know. Some days it is all I can do to show up and appear semi-coherent. When you ask me to serve on the reception committee without even bothering to ask about my troubled son, don't be surprised when I come up with a dozen excuses for declining. It's not because I'm not committed or don't love God. I just need you to see me and notice me and my pain.

Challenge me. Despite an over-full life, I crave being part of something bigger than I am. Some days it seems like you are more interested in playing it safe and drawing a paycheck than speaking boldly on behalf of the God of the universe. Please don't make the life of faith sound so trivial. By the way, please stop trying to make us all happy. It can't be done and it runs counter to the gospel. Besides, it will kill you and stunt my spiritual growth. Invite me to get out of my comfort zone and discover the abundance that Jesus talks about in John 10. Push me but always remember point No. 1.

Lighten up. The world will not end if we try something new and different. Your inflexibility is not congruent with what you tell us about God and his imagination and creativity. We'd like to get out of some of our ruts, and we need your leadership to help us think and act differently.

If I get to church, please do your part and see to it that things are done well. If I get out of bed on Sunday morning, dress the kids, pass up some quiet time with my spouse or come out on a rainy Monday night for a committee meeting, please see to it that you have done your part to be prepared, professional and organized. Nothing is as discouraging or frustrating as the feeling that ministers take for granted that people will just show up, no matter the quality of the program or event. Not true.

I'm less and less interested in rote faith. I'm more and more interested in dynamic, world-changing faith. Have you noticed that my eyes glaze over when you drone on about budgets, but light up when I have a chance to actually touch a life and impact the world? You should pay attention to that. Tell me more about the God who transforms life.

Get some therapy or coaching or something. This is not said out of pettiness, but out of genuine love for you. You have some blind spots and you are not perfect, so why not ask for help and guidance? You would do yourself, family and our church a huge favor by discovering or admitting your flaws and working on them. We see them but don't really know how to help you with them. Your authenticity is your walking testimony. Thank you for trying to narrow the gap between who you are in the pulpit and who you are in the aisle at the grocery.

I wish you listened more and talked less. Please, if you hear nothing else, hear this one.

I think everyone of these 7 are important words for pastors to hear, and it troubles me to think there are pastors serving congregations who are unaware of the first item. Being a pastor should first and foremost mean truly caring. However, each and every one of these are words I hear ringing true. What do you think? Does your pastor challenge you enough? Does your pastor listen enough?

Pastors and Congregations

2009-12-28T21:58:00.005-06:00

A pair of recent articles published on EthicsDaily.com caught my eye. They were written by Bill Wilson, a former pastor and current president of The Center for Congregational Health in Winston-Salem, NC. The two articles are titled 7 Things Your Pastor Wishes You Knew, But is Afraid to Tell You and Seven Things Church Members Wish Their Pastors Knew But Are Afraid to Tell Them. The articles may be found at the links above.

Each of these articles are based on Dr. Wilson's reflections on comments made to him while serving as both a minister and a congregational consultant. His observations are interesting. I'll seperate this into two posts, commenting first on 7 Things Your Pastor Wishes You Knew, But is Afraid to Tell You.

Here is Dr. Wilson's List:

1.It's not their fault, but your minister didn't learn everything they needed in seminary to be a pastor. Like doctors leaving medical school, clergy need a time to do their "residency" and learn to practice in the field what they've learned in the classroom. Actually, that theological education never stops. So give your minister permission not to be perfect and always to be learning.

2. Every pastor must learn to "choose their guilt." There is always more to do than there is time to do it. Every minister must come to terms with an inherent guilt around what he or she did not do today. Too often that means their own family gets the leftovers. By the way, this is a dilemma for all of us regardless of our vocation.

3. Be kind if you have a criticism. Healthy clergy welcome constructive criticism. Everyone abhors petty nitpicking. Make sure you engage in the former and not the latter.

4. Have some realistic expectations for the pastor's family. How many ways can we say this? Please give your minister's family an extra measure of grace.

5. Err on the side of generosity. I'm not just talking about money, though I am talking about money. I also mean be generous with your attention, questions, interest, ability to remember family names, laughter, food, jokes, invitations to ball games and your life.

6. Your pastor loves you, but he or she may or may not like you. As in your family, there are days when your spouse, child or parent loves you, but is frustrated by you or wondering what they did to deserve you. That ambivalence is part of being human. Own it and expect it.

7. Your comfort is not your pastor's primary concern. Hope you know this. If not, read the Bible and remind yourself why your church exists in the first place. Trying to be priest (comforting the afflicted) and prophet (afflicting the comfortable) to the same people is confusing, messy and an invitation to misunderstandings.

These are some bold statements, but also interesting insight. I do know I will always be grateful to the churches where I first served as youth minister and later pastor. Each church was very gracious during my "residency" period. I'd be curious to here from church members out there - are the items he lists a surprise to most?

New (and regular!) Posts Coming Soon...

2009-12-17T16:30:00.002-06:00

Yep, I'm finally going to make the commitment. Beginning Monday, December 28, I will have a weekly posting each Monday morning. On December 28 I will offer a couple of different posts as I get a head start on my 2009 New Year's resolutions.

Also, downloadable sermon files are now available on our church's web-page. (Go here: www.southwestbaptistchurch.org/2852.html) We hope to make audio files available on a regular basis throughout 2010.

Grace and peace,
James

Looking at the Now

2009-07-18T15:54:00.004-05:00

This post first appeared in our church newsletter, The Southwest Spirit.

Last Saturday, July 11th, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my ordination. It is hard for me to believe it has only been 10 years, mostly because of the way God has blessed me over that time. Ten years ago I was a single, youth minister, seminary student. In the years since I have been privileged to serve as an interim pastor, senior pastor, and for the lasts 3+ years associate pastor hereat Southwest. However, God’s greatest gift in this last decade has been Tara, and we celebrate 8 years of marriage next week. Time sure does fly.

The season in which our church finds herself will cause us to look both back to our past and forward to our future. However, as we look toward the future of our church and what God has for us, it is important that we do not let the present become what we ignore. Several in our church family have shared questions regarding plans for
preaching during this interim period. It has been my privilege to share with our church family from God’s Word these last two Sundays, and I look forward to continued opportunities. In addition, we will welcome guest speakers from time
to time.

This Sunday, we welcome back the Stockstill family. Randy, Robin, Kaitlyn, and Caid were active parts of our church family until their move to Vienna, MO, just a couple years ago. Randy will be sharing the message this coming Sunday morning, July 19. We also look forward to welcoming Dr. Alton Lacy, President of Missouri Baptist University, as our guest speaker on August 23. I am working with our deacon leadership to invite other guest speakers. While we face some uncertainty, this can be an exciting time for our church family. Please continue to pray for our church leaders, and I treasure your prayers for me as well.

Grace and peace,
James

Reasons to Celebrate

2009-06-30T10:41:00.001-05:00

This post first appeared in our church newsletter, The Southwest Spirit.

Life is full of reasons to celebrate. We celebrate at weddings, births, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and even retirements. In the best of circumstances, we celebrate at funerals. We can celebrate at funerals when we can rejoice over a life well-lived. We can celebrate at funerals because we remember all of the wonderful moments in a life. We can celebrate at a funeral when we know it is only a temporary good-bye.

In a way, this is the type of celebrating our church has been doing recently as Rudy and Doris prepared to retire. What a wonderful season of celebration it has been as we have remembered the wonderful memories of the past 30 years. Though Tara and I have only been here a little more than three years, we have our own memories we will treasure. And even though our church has certainly not been at a funeral for Rudy and Doris (and hopefully not for many, many years!), our celebration good-byes have been tinged with just a touch of sadness. However, we look forward to those special occasions when we will worship together again and perhaps even the day when the Pulidos will be a part of our church family once more. As we have celebrated with them and remembered their service, we also celebrate this next chapter in their lives and what God will do next.

Southwest Baptist has another reason to celebrate: God isn’t finished with us yet! Not by a long-shot. Our church has not experienced the transition which comes through a senior pastor change very often, but we are now in the midst of it. This can and should be an exciting time for us as we consider “the plans I have for you…plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. Maybe that’s the best possible reason to celebrate!

Grace and peace,
James

Remembering the Little Things...

2009-06-24T15:05:00.001-05:00

This first appeared in our church newsletter, The Southwest Spirit.

Ministers, all of us, can be odd ducks. While admitting this, I do believe there is one way ministers have discovered something much of the rest of the world has missed. Some vocations express lofty goals, and many include notoriety. Sometimes an occupation even romanticizes its part in “changing the world.” Few ministers accept their calling with such a perspective. Sure, there is the occasional Billy Graham or Rick Warren, who attain international renown. However, most ministers serve faithfully for years, known well in local churches and communities but rarely beyond. This is probably how it should be.

Through all the years, lives are touched, hearts are changed, hurts are healed, and needs are met. For those outside the community of faith, these might seem like “little” things. However, those baptized, married, restored or comforted recognize how each “little” thing plays a part in changing the world – in moving God’s kingdom forward in this place.

Our retiring pastor has accomplished much for which he has received recognition. However, it might be those things for which little recognition has been given that are most important. Thank you, Rudy Pulido, for those “little” things you gave which we will forever remember, treasure, and keep in our hearts.

Grace and peace,
Pastor James

Advent Article 2008

2008-12-22T11:45:00.000-06:00

Christmas Time is Here…

As we rush headlong toward Christmas 2008, we cannot escape the obvious impact the current economic climate will have this year. However, I have a prediction to make: We will still witness an excess of over-indulgence. Advent, for us who keep the Christian year, is the antidote to the madness of the mall, the straight line to Christmas and the madly rushing train which rides on it. Advent is the time when the prophets call us to take stock of ourselves, to decide how ready we are for the coming of the Christ child ... and not in terms of whether the presents are bought and the turkey stuffed.

Advent is sacred time, God's time, time to get ready for the return of the Light – and it is present time. It is the time for listening to the prophets who tell us how far we have strayed from God's plan for us, and for sincere and prayerful change. For us who live in the part of the globe in darkness at this time of the year this is especially acute. Regardless of the twinkling lights and the glitter in the mall, the darkness is out there all around us. We would do well to heed the prophets now. They are telling us what is missing, and it is terrifying. They are telling us how far we have strayed from the loving circle of God's sacred time, and they are calling us back into it from the darkness. We would do well to heed them, especially at this time of year when the wheel is turning again, and the child is waiting to be born.

We would do well to begin again in this Advent season, to look clearly into the darkness and the cold out there and pray and work for a decent and warm and orderly place for the baby to come into; to make ready in our hearts and minds a place for the Christ Child to come once again. This is the task of Advent, indeed of all our time as Christians. The prophets are right: we must be ready, and the time is short.

Grace and peace,
Pastor James

Faith and Politcs, Revisited

2008-09-02T13:39:00.004-05:00

This article first appeared in our church newsletter, The Proclamation.

In April, our church invited several guest speakers to come and be a part of our four-week study on the relationship between religion and politics. We considered the role of the church and the role of the faithful Christian in the secular political arena. These are very different roles. As our country has now moved passed the Olympics and the convention meetings of both political parties, our televisions and radios will become even more inundated with a constant barrage of political advertising, punditry, and talking-heads. I think this is a good time to revisit the topic.

Some in our congregation will become more heavily involved in the political process than others – I suppose that is the nature of things. I hope those who are a part of our church family will help bring Christian civility to the process. I know we can. In recent generations in our secular political culture the strategy for winning elections has become all too clear. The way to win is to attack your opponent. The way to win is to demonize him or her. The way to win is to create an “evil” enemy which must be defeated. This strategy is taught by political strategists and seemingly embraced by every part of the political process. However, I believe this strategy to be decidedly anti-Christian.

Jesus never taught us it was appropriate to smear, attack, or demonize another – even if his or her policy opinions stand in direct conflict with my own. Republicans will try to tell us all Democrats want to destroy families and have the government control everything. Democrats will tells us all Republicans are war-mongers who hate poor people. Both will claim their opponents are anti-Christian. Both will be wrong. We will hear a great deal about a supposed “Christian worldview,” as if someone other than Jesus has been able to completely elucidate this concept.

Unfortunately, we will also hear politicians of every persuasion talking about the Bible, even using the Bible. The more I hear politicians using scripture, the more I wish politicians wouldn’t use scripture; they are not very good at it. However, as Christians we should certainly allow scripture to frame our decision-making. Our faith will always be a vital part of who we are and how we vote. However, we should not allow politicians, TV analysts, or talk-radio personalities tell us what being a “Christian voter” should mean. And we should not allow the bitterness in our culture to keep each of us from doing our part (voting). The challenge will be to refuse to lower ourselves to what has become the standard in the world. Our church has among its membership faithful Christians who are Republicans and faithful Christians who are Democrats. If we follow the lead of the world and begin to demonize each other, we will have become, regardless of our policy opinions, anti-Christian.

Grace and peace,
James

New Orleans Mission Trip - Wednesday, July 16

2008-07-16T23:08:00.002-05:00

New Orleans Mission Trip - Wednesday, July 16

2008-07-16T23:07:00.002-05:00

New Orleans Mission Trip - Tuesday, July 15

2008-07-16T23:06:00.000-05:00

New Orleans Mission Trip - Tuesday, July 15

2008-07-16T23:04:00.003-05:00

Wesley House, Games & Rec site, MFuge Wednesday morning

2008-07-09T16:45:00.000-05:00

Look for Lindsey & Nicole in this picture!

Rev. James Hill, Jr.
(314)630-8663
--
Sent using Agendus Mail/Treo 680

Tuesday Morning Celebration @ MFuge

2008-07-08T17:14:00.001-05:00

Rev. James Hill, Jr.
(314)630-8663
--
Sent using Agendus Mail/Treo 680

Tuesday Morning Creative Track worksite @ MFuge - Salvation Army Temple

2008-07-08T17:11:00.001-05:00

Rev. James Hill, Jr.
(314)630-8663
--
Sent using Agendus Mail/Treo 680

Monday Evening Group Rally @ MFuge

2008-07-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

Rev. James Hill, Jr.
(314)630-8663
--
Sent using Agendus Mail/Treo 680

A Very Busy July...

2008-07-04T10:58:00.001-05:00

This next week begins three weeks of travel for me. On Monday I leave for youth camp (MFuge) with a group of eight. We will be on campus at University of Missouri-St. Louis and will participate in community missions & ministry projects every day. Our young people are really looking forward to this camp, and so am I. It should be a wonderful experience. The following week (July 13-18) Tara and I will travel with a group of seven from church to New Orleans for a mission trip. Our experience last year was great, and even though we have lost a couple of attendees at the last minute, I'm sure this year will be great as well. Then, one week later still, Tara and I will be going on vacation - to Cancun, Mexico. This will be our first vacation that does not include family since our honeymoon (seven years ago), so we are really looking forward to it.

Throughout each week I will try to send blog updates and pictures and a very regular basis - hopefully at least every other day. We'll see if I have the time and tech-savy to pull this off!

Grace and peace,
James

What I'm Reading - May 2008

2008-05-08T17:32:00.001-05:00

Thought I would give another update on what I'm reading right now. I have finished all but the Lamott book from my most recent list - and her book may have to take a back seat to higher priorities.

Founding Faith: Providence, Politics, and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America by Steven Waldman. This is a very recently published work on a controversial and particular poignant topic: The American History of Religious Freedom. I'm only a couple of chapters in, but this book feels very balanced. The author has few biases, and owns those he has. I find even being an American who is a student of religion and the history of religion I have discovered historical nuggets I find valuable. This book would be accessible to those with or without expertise in the history of religion or American history.

The Last Word: Scripture and the Authority of God--Getting Beyond the Bible Wars by N.T. Wright. Just picked up this book this week. My interest in this work came out of a conversation with one of our Christian Education/Sunday School teachers who is looking for resources for a course on canonical history, particularly regarding the New Testament. I've only read the introduction, but this short work appears to be classic Wright -- very readable and insightful. I'll plan to comment more on this work in the future.

The Town: A Novel of the Snopes Family by William Faulkner. I've nearly finished the second book in Faulkner's "grand" trilogy of the Snopes family in his fictional Yoknapatawpha county, Mississippi. And I still have never decided how I would pronounce Yoknapatawpha. There are moments in the first Snopes novel, The Hamlet, which I think are among the best fiction I've ever read. The Town has fewer of these moments, but actually functions more smoothly as a single novel. The story is set in Jefferson, the county seat located near but not too close to Frenchman's Bend - the "hamlet" of the previous book. Three characters, with three very different perspectives, tell the the story. Each narrator has limitations, whether it be a tendency to romanticize or naivety of age. By the end of the book the narrators even begin to become frustrated with each other as their competing perspectives each try to convince the reader of their "truth." The climax is surprising, though upon reflection I'm not sure it should have been. There are no heroes to be found (not one), but there is incredible insight into the human condition. This is classic Faulkner, and I agree with the back cover of the book: These book are best experienced together.

From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible by Eric H. Cline This is the final book I am reading right now, and it is a book which, in a way, chose me. Each month, LibraryThing.com invited readers to apply to receive free advanced copies of books which are "coming soon." Usually many more requests are made of each work then are copies available -- however, I submitted a request for this book and recently received my free copy. In return, LibraryThing asked those who receive books to submit a review (good or bad). I look forward to this. This book explores the archaeological evidence for such biblical locals and items as the Garden of Eden, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Ark of the Covenant (among several others). Since the author is an accomplished archaeologist (and I am not), I will likely be reviewing whether I find his arguments persuasive, rather than arguing the evidence. I will post my formal review as a separate post upon completion. Note: This is a revised paperback version of a work published last year in hardcover.

I'm sticking to Wisdom Literature in my biblical studies at the moment - Ecclesiastes. Read any of these books? Reading something related? Share a comment!

Grace and peace,
James

The Eternal Hope of Spring

2008-05-01T17:53:00.003-05:00

Those who know me well know that in addition to Biblical studies and classic fiction, I have a true passion for baseball. It is around this time of year we see a multitude of articles, diaries, and blogs on the wonder of Spring baseball. Better writers than I have waxed and waned poetic about the hope and grandeur of our national past time in its inaugural throes.

Here in St. Louis there are a variety of standard April jokes concerning the rival Chicago Cubs. Most of them are along the lines of "Hey, even Cubbie fans believe their team has a chance...at least until May 1st." This year, the Cubs are proving to have some fight in them. However, the jokes illustrate how quickly fans can lose the hope which is so empowering during the weeks leading up to opening day. One wrong injury, one early losing streak, and suddenly the sky is falling.

My team, the Atlanta Braves, are an unfortunately perfect example. Three starting pitchers from the opening day rotation have spent time on the disabled list - and two are still there. The ace of the staff, John Smoltz, now appears to be planning to return as a reliever. Since the team's closer and top set-up reliever are also on the DL, he might be as needed in such a role anyway. The team is 12-15, and at least one Braves fan (yes, fan) has told me he thinks their season is over. In a recent article on ESPN.com, one scout was quoted as saying pretty much the same thing.

As of this afternoon, the club from Atlanta is averaging more runs per game than any other team in the NL East. They have allowed fewer runs than any team in the NL East. Yes, they are in fourth place - a whole 2.5 games out of first. Their record is largely a product of two mind-numbing statistics. In games decided by more than 1 run, the Braves are 12-6. In games decided by exactly 1 run, the Braves are 0-9. What a way to torture fans! Baseball historians and professional statisticians can demonstrate how such streaks are often the result of luck (and sometimes a bad bullpen)and tend to even themselves out, particularly in a sport with 162 regular season games. However, knowing this has not made all nine of those one-run losses less painful, and finishing one or two games behind the Phillies or Mets in September would be excruciating.

I have no idea where the Braves, or Cubs, or Cardinals will finish this year - though telling a friend of mine that I think the Royals have more talent, player for player, than the Cardinals this year did not win me points in this town. Regardless, I think hope can be pretty cheap for most baseball fans, myself included. Why should any of us give up on our teams on May 1st?!? Perhaps we should use words like "wish" or "desire" to describe our Spring feelings, rather than hope or anticipation. Yet, the romantic baseball fan in me clings to the spiritual elements of baseball (ah, a future post, TBA), and the transformative power of hope - even hope unrealized. I mean, really, weren't most Red Sox fans a lot more fun to be around when all they had was inevitably tragic hope?

Grace and peace,
James

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

2008-03-27T12:03:00.001-05:00

By any scale with which one could measure, I am a lousy sick person. The last week has affirmed this truth, and I am sure Tara would eagerly agree. I knew I was in trouble when a couple of well-meaning persons commented after choir practice last Wednesday night, "James, you don't look too good." By the next evening (Maundy Thursday), it took me five cough drops to get through our worship service. Days (and nights) of coughing, hacking, headaches, and a fever led to no rest for James.

I think one of the reasons I'm a lousy sick person is because of my attention span -- or lack thereof. I usually keep pretty busy, and being sick requires not being busy. In fact, I didn't leave our house from early evening Friday until Monday morning, when I made the trek to my doctor and the pharmacy (OK...and I spent about 1 hour up at the office. Being gone on a Sunday, especially Easter Sunday, and not knowing what was going on at church was killing me!). Then it was back home until Wednesday morning, when I reemerged to the world. As it turns out, Tara was right in nearly forcing me to the doctor as the bronchitis I was determined to fight off on my own had transitioned to pneumonia (Yeah! a new illness to cross off the never-experienced list!). Tara being right is becoming annoyingly habitual.

Honestly, the most difficult part of being sick is not the strain on my attention-span, or even the physical pain - though neither of these are pleasant. No, the most difficult part is how completely reliant on others I must become. Tara took wonderful care of me, making several trips to the store for food and/or medicine, even though she had a multitude of responsibilities of her own. Leaders at our church, both lay leaders and ministerial staff, stepped up to make sure my responsibilities were covered in my absence. In fact, it can be quite a kick to the old ego when we discover how well everyone can get along with out us.

It seems like each time I am truly ill, God reminds me of how ridiculous my pride in my own self-reliance can be. I think most of us would be better served is we would allow ourselves to be "better served." There is great wisdom in both asking for and receiving aid from those willing and able to give it. Each time I make this realization and allow myself to receive help, I have the same reaction: My heart swells with gratitude for those who give it. We are not intended by our Creator to tackle the world on our own. The strength God grants us through the divine presence of the Spirit, as well as the combined strength of other persons, always exceeds our own.

However, now that I'm starting to feel better...

What I'm Reading -- February 2008

2008-02-21T14:38:00.001-06:00

One of the questions many of our church members, and even some of my non-church friends, ask me on a regular basis is, "What are you reading right now?" I don't know if those with careers other than ministry receive this question on a regular basis, but I find it a very positive question. As one who spends a great deal of time promoting education in general and Christian education in particular, I encourage reading. One of the ways we are formed both intellectually and spiritually is through what we read. Every month I will be updating my blog with a list of what I am reading and my reflections on these books.

The God-Hungry Imagination: The Art of Storytelling for Postmodern Youth Ministry by Sarah Arthur (published by Upper Room Books). I have only recently begun reading this work, but I already am very encouraged by what I have found. The author appears to be well grounded in the struggles, trials, and blessings of modern youth ministry. In a time which finds youth ministry books promoting the latest programming fads saturating the market, this book appears to be taking a refreshing approach. I look forward to continuing to read, and sharing more next month.

Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott (published by Riverhead Books). For those unfamiliar with Anne Lamott, I would describe her as insightful, though at times irreverent. Some of her frank and even harsh language can put one off, but throughout her writing there is a wit, humor, and wisdom which shines through. This book has been no exception. The individual chapters are fairly self-contained, and I find that I am unable to put a chapter down until I have finished it. For someone like me, who has a short literary attention space which causes me to hop from book to book and back again, this is high praise. Those who are easily offended by periods of irreverence when reading about faith issues will want to avoid this book.

The Hamlet by William Faulkner (published by Vintage). The reformed English major in me keeps me going back to fiction on a regular basis. I find that reading fiction, whether modern or "classic," keeps my creative side well fed. The Hamlet will certainly not be a novel for everyone. It is the first of the "Snopes trilogy," which chronicles the rise to influence of the Snopes family in a rural Mississippi county and small town. As with most of Faulkner's work, it is very dense reading and can be a little bit inaccessible. However, Faulkner had a gift for painting complex characters and for allowing characters to speak with their own voices. This can lead to entire chunks of narrative shared by an unreliable narrator. For those who find this technique frustrating, another novel (or even writer) would be best. While this has not been my favorite of Faulkner book thus far, I have managed to by drawn in by the characters. This book has even been able to affect my mood on occasion, which I can rarely say of any book.

Thank God It's Friday: Encountering the Seven Last Words from the Cross by William H. Willimon (published by Abingdon Press). Since encountering some of his writing while in seminary, Dr. Willimon has become one of my favorite preachers/writers. I am just beginning this book, but I am already enjoying it. Whenever I encounter one of his sermons or reflections on a Biblical text, I nearly always come away considering something new about the passage -- What could be a higher complement for a preacher? I am sure some of his insight (and maybe even a story or two) will make their way into a sermon of mine down the road. I look forward to gladly giving him credit. Though I am only a handful of pages in, I have no reservations in recommending this book.

Wow -- I'm pretty positive so far in my reviews. I'm sure the harsh critic in me will surface in the future. By the way, the two books of the Bible which I am reading right now are the Book of Job and the Gospel of John.

Read any of these books? Let me know what you think.

Grace and peace,
James

Unexpected Wish Fulfillment

2007-12-13T09:52:00.000-06:00

As I think back on the Christmas gifts which are most memorable to me from my childhood, I always linger on the same gifts. These gifts have very little in common with each other. In fact, I have only been able to link them by two common threads. One, they were Christmas gifts. And two, they were unexpected.

Without question, the gifts I received as a child which had the most lasting impact were the unexpected gifts. I remember, as a first grader, wandering in to the living room on Christmas morning finding a model train set mounted to the largest piece of plywood I had ever seen. There were multiple tracks, little trees, little buildings, and little people, and the most authentic looking (and sounding!) train I could ever imagine. To my first grade eyes, it was the “coolest” thing I had ever seen. I hadn’t asked for a model train set – but it was the perfect gift. I would later learn my father had stayed up all night on Christmas Eve assembling this locomotive treasure.

The next year my parents bought me a bicycle. A shinny, black and gold Huffy. My first reaction, in my head (I was a quiet second grader), was, “Wow, if I had known I would I gotten a bicycle had I asked for it, there is no telling what I would have asked for…” Truthfully, I was a little bit scared of the bicycle. I still didn’t know how to ride. I wasn’t very adventurous, at least for a seven year old. However, by the next Christmas I was riding my bike up and down the street, and this classic mode of transportation would become one of the defining parts of my childhood.

I think the best gifts we receive in life are often the unexpected ones. The ones for which we fail to ask; the ones we do not even know we want or need. This is how it was for the Magi. Sure, we most often associate these “wise men” with the giving of gifts to the Christ child. However, think of the unexpected nature of the gift they received! They followed a star, searching for a child-king. It only seems logical they would have expected a child born into a prestigious royal family. While they may have found a king, I do not think they found that for which they were looking. Surely they did not expect a child born into a poor Judean family.

In this way the Magi are representative of all of us. We didn’t ask for the gift God sent. For the most part, humanity didn’t even know we needed the gift. God sent his son, in a way no one could have imagined – and we were so surprised most of us didn’t recognize him. None of us have ever received a more precious, unexpected gift.

Read the Magi’s story from Matthew 2:1-12. Reflect for a moment on the wonderfully unexpected discovery of these wise men.

Grace, peace, and joy,
Pastor James

A Gift of the Season

2007-11-30T15:51:00.000-06:00

Our Advent Devotional Theme for 2007 here at Southwest Baptist is "Christmas Wishes." This is my response when asked to share about a special Christmas gift.

I was recently a part of a conversation which centered on vocational challenges and choices. We discussed the different roles each of our occupations required and the conversation eventually moved toward a very interesting question: If each of us were not doing what we were now doing, in what vocation would we be?

Those who have known me for years know I first experienced God’s call on my life, pulling me toward vocational ministry, when I was in high school. During my years in college and then in seminary I encountered several classmates who were certain I had missed my calling – though I think most of them were saying so in jest. These classmates were certain I would make a great lawyer. However, even if I was not convinced of God’s call on my life, I could not be a lawyer.

Please do not misunderstand me: All of the obvious jokes aside, I have great respect for many lawyers. Those in the legal profession often champion the rights of victims or protect the innocent from false accusation. I also believe our legal system, while perhaps not perfect, is absolutely essential in our society. Lawyers are required for our legal system to function properly.

However, most often lawyers experience people at their worst. Divorce law, tax law, corporate law, criminal law, and even in constitutional law – lust, greed, pride, envy, and strife are often all on display. Only in rare moments do lawyers have the privilege of seeing someone at his or her best. While I suppose all careers, vocations, and occupations provide opportunities to encounter people at less than their best, lawyers seem to absorb a disproportionate amount of the worst. I do not think my heart could take it.

In ministry, I certainly have not always been presented with the best humanity has to offer. At our worst, each of us has the potential for great evil. At our most desperate we often fail to choose the best way. However, I also have been given a great gift. It is truly one of the greatest gifts God has ever given to me. I may sometimes encounter life and those who live it at their worst, but I also get to see, experience, encourage, and celebrate life at its very best.

At this time of year more than most, I get to see people reaching out to each other, giving a hand, meeting needs, providing care – and so much of it goes unnoticed by the rest of the world. I am blessed to see persons, without expecting or receiving any thanks, pour out their lives to the benefit of others. God has given me this gift, and it is one I treasure. As children, we longed for the experience of receiving gifts on Christmas morning. As adults, we learned that true joy comes in the giving rather than in the receiving. As a minister, I have learned that joy also comes in watching the love of God being expressed through fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and it is a gift I will treasure forever.

Grace, peace, and joy,
James

LibraryThing

2007-11-13T16:28:00.000-06:00

Have you run across LibraryThing? It is a wonderful social networking site (I'm absolutely sure I thought I would never say that) which lets users catalog, categorize, and search through their own libraries and the libraries of others. In fact, rather than list the many different features here, I would encourage all book-lovers to surf over to LibraryThing.com and check it out. My library is listed under jlhilljr; a search box and link can be found and the link bar on the right side of this page.

If you love to read, but could never see the point of Facebook or MySpace -- I fall into both categories -- I strongly encourage you to check it out.

Mobile Blogging ?

2007-10-25T11:57:00.000-05:00

This is my first test at mobile blogging. Maybe if this works I will actually keep up with my blog. Who knows?

Grace and peace,
James

Fear is the Real Cancer

2007-07-05T12:59:00.000-05:00

Recently, conservative columnist Cal Thomas compared Islam to cancer which must be purged in this “free” world of the West. (Ethics Daily columnist Bob Allen presents the story at this link.) Unfortunately, his attitude is likely representative of the attitudes of many American and British citizens toward their Muslim neighbors.

"Not all Muslims from the Middle East and South Asia want to kill us, but those who do blend in with those who don't,” Thomas observed. “Would anyone tolerate a slow-spreading cancer because it wasn't fast-spreading? Probably not. You'd want it removed."

My first reaction upon hearing of these comments was shock. One might think it would be difficult for outrageous comments from mass media personalities and political pundits to shock us any longer, but there I was. However, my shock quickly dissipated and what was left behind was sadness. Sadness, because as a clergy member in the Christian faith and Baptist tradition I know what it is to have the actions of a few color the perception of the whole.

I could recount, as so many historians more qualified than I have, a massive litany of violent acts and terrorist campaigns carried out in the name of our God. Some have even claimed, by simply tabulating acts of violence committed in the name of Christ, that Christianity is the most violent religion in the history of the world. I will not attempt to make this argument, as I do not believe it. However, I can not dismiss the history of my own faith tradition.

Unfortunately, knowledge of ancient or medieval history is not required in a search for examples. As recently as last century, member of the Ku Klux Klan and similar organizations perpetrated horrendously violent acts upon their black neighbors. These domestic terrorists claimed to be living their faith and protecting their “way of life.” These terrorists claimed a Christian faith and used the Bible to defend their actions. Their acts of terror were designed to illicit the same response as modern terrorists – abject fear. Fear which would paralyze.

Too old an example? What of the horrendous “Christian” witness of modern voices like Fred Phelps? Phelps’ clan aggressively condemns nearly everyone, using a variety of vulgarities, and are perhaps most well known for picketing the funerals of soldiers. Phelps claims a Christian faith, even while preaching hate and attributing all manner of evil to the same God we worship in our churches every Sunday. As a Baptist, I know how I feel every time the media refer to Phelps' church as the Westboro Baptist Church.

What if the Ku Klux Klan and Fred Phelps of the world were allowed to define what it means to be Christian? This is what Cal Thomas has done to the Muslim faith. He has allowed a fundamentalist minority to define Islam, instead of the peaceful Muslims which even he has admitted are the majority. In our country, many non-Christians take the witness of fundamentalist Christians as representative of who Christians really are. For me, this is tragic.

I believe Cal Thomas, and those like him, have one reason for painting with such a broad brush. In further comments quoted in the same Ethics Daily article, Thomas says, “Are we resigned to them because we fear doing what is necessary more than we fear what the killers wish to do to us?” Thomas is afraid of terrorists – afraid of what they might do. For him, this fear is justified and should drive us to act. His fear leads to generalization and irrational thinking. In allowing himself to respond in such a way, he grants the terrorist exactly what he seeks.

Christ taught a better way. In the Gospel accounts, Jesus repeatedly demonstrated why acting and responding in fear was not only foolish but unnecessary. We should not fear terrorists. While we should do what we can to combat and prevent terrorism, we can not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by fear. This is not because we are somehow immune to the effects of the terrorist’s bomb. In a recent sermon, when commenting on Jesus’ teaching on fear and worry in the Sermon on the Mount, I said, “When we let go of anxiety, fear, and worry, and turn it over to God, we are not purchasing a fail-safe guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen to us again. However, we are assured that whatever happens tomorrow, we won’t be alone. We won’t face it alone. God will still be God, regardless of what is coming. And whatever is coming, God can handle it, whether I can or not.”

Terrorists, whether Muslim or not, are motivated by fear even as they seek to dispense it. They fear their culture is being forcibly rearranged around them. They fear the lost of power and influence in their societies. Perhaps they even fear failing to live up to the standards of those terrorist who came before them. However, this fear does not come from faithful adherence to Islam as a religion. Islam is not a religion of violence, hatred, and fear – regardless of how it is portrayed in the mass media.

I sympathize with faithful Muslims all over the world today, the same faithful Muslims whose hearts break at every act of terrorism, only to hear it labeled “Islamic Terrorism.” I cringe every time I see racism, greed, and violence justified, defended, and even labeled Christian. And I hope I am doing my part to counter the Cal Thomas’ of the world, or his eastern counter-part, who would allow the worst Muslims to define what it means to be Muslim, or the worst Christians to define what it means to be Christian.

Grace and peace,
James

Summer is Coming...

2007-06-04T16:44:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that the end of the school year is almost here. (Hard, but not impossible – Tara keeps me updated daily.) Every season passes into the next, and it seems we never really understand were all of the time goes. As we move into the summer months, demands on our time will change, but they may not decrease. Children are not in school activities, but other options flood their calendars. Our teenagers have a difficult challenge – how to make use of the time of summer in a valuable way.

The manner in which we use, value, and even waste time is a spiritual concern. I believe God expects the best of our time to be given – for we have no more valuable asset. Benjamin Franklin said, “Lost time is never found again.” If we want to give to God our time and energy this summer, we get one chance. The time will quickly vanish away.

In church life, there can be a tendency to pull away from activities, fellowships, Bible study, and even worship during the Summer months. I want to challenge our church to work hard to keep this from happening this year. Oswald Chambers, author of the devotional classic My Utmost For His Highest, wrote “There is no other time than now with God, no past and no future.” God wants relationship and expects worship now, not when we have time. When we get to the Fall season, and begin looking toward Advent and Christmas, God will be there. However, we certainly do not want to miss the blessings of worshipping our God during these coming Summer months.

C.S. Lewis, who wrote his fair share of rhetorical questions, penned one of my favorites: “Where, except in the present, can the eternal be met?” Let’s seek God’s presence together this summer.

Grace and peace,
James

What Has Been Found?

2007-04-02T11:39:00.000-05:00

(this first appeared in our church newsletter from March 2007)

Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, we have found their bones. So say the producers of the Discovery Channel special, The Lost Tomb of Jesus. Biblical scholar Jonathan Reed has gone so far as to call this documentary archaeo-porn — it's the kind of TV people can't help but watch, even if, deep down, they know it's wrong. And this thesis is terribly wrong.

The docudrama follows filmmaker Simcha Jacobivici as he finds the family tomb of Jesus or, more precisely, follows him as he tries to prove that a tomb discovered in 1980 was actually Jesus' tomb—even though no scholar or archaeologist had recognized it as such.

Even if we tried to remain dispassionately detached from this claim (not an easy task for those of us with a vibrant Christian faith), the case is simply not compelling. In fact, many scholars quoted in the piece are now stepping forward and claiming they were quoted out of context.

The Lost Tomb of Jesus is not science or archaeology, not historical inquiry or serious journalism, though it tries really hard to sound like each of these. And maybe archaeo-porn is too harsh-it's not that exploitive. However, without question The Lost Tomb of Jesus should be dismissed as infotainment at best, and not taken as Gospel.

Grace and peace,

Pastor James

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-09T15:26:00.000-06:00

I know if I were to make a list of all of the various aspects of my life for which I should be grateful and give thanks, it would certainly be a very long list. Whenever we try to form such a list, we can discover a great deal concerning whom we are and what truly matters. In other words, how would I answer the question, “For what am I most thankful?” I am grateful for a savior who died for me, and a creator who sought me. I am very thankful for my wife, and for both her parents and mine. I am grateful for a church family who allows me to serve, to grow, and to challenge you to do the same. Does this mean I am not thankful for a place to live, for food to eat, and for the house where we live? Obviously, I am grateful for these things as well; however, they certainly should fall further down my list.

Jesus tells us to seek the kingdom of God first, and all the important things of life fall into their proper place. This may not mean a six-figure salary or an office on the top floor. But if we place the kingdom of God and his righteousness as our top priority, we very often find it easier to recognize the abundance of things which matter, but less.

This Thanksgiving, take some time to look at how you spend your time, money, and energy. What are your priorities? What is your ultimate concern? Where is your treasure, and your heart? What is your use of time, money, and energy saying about what’s important to you? Are you seeking the kingdom of God? This Thanksgiving, take some time to examine your priorities; to think about making adjustments if you’re not satisfied with the way things are now. Every day should be able to be a day of Thanksgiving, not just one day a year on our national holiday. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.”

Grace and peace,
James

Fasting & Study

2006-11-09T15:24:00.000-06:00

As we enter into this time of year, it has become almost cliché to say “It’s my favorite time of the year!” In fact, we even have a song to remind us that it is the “most wonderful time of the year.” However, I can not deny that Advent and Christmas seasons are some of my favorite times of the year. I blame my parents – they have always been kind of crazy about Christmas.

If you are like me, don’t miss this next month as we charge head-long into the December which is to come. On November 19^th we have a very special day in the life of our church. It is “Friends and Family” Sunday, and it will be the perfect opportunity to invite friends, family members, and co-workers to come and worship with us at Southwest Baptist Church. We will truly make this service a celebration of worship as we prepare for the season to come. In addition, we will be gathering on the same day for our annual Thanksgiving dinner. It would be best to just clear that day on your calendar now!

Before we get to November 19^th, we also have a continuing opportunity on November 12^th. At 5:30 pm on Sunday, November 12^th we will have the third in our series of Christian Spiritual Practices. If you have not been a part of this discussion group and study, now is the perfect time to join us. We will be discussing Fasting and Study as spiritual practices. Wait! Don’t stop reading, yet! Our discussion never center on only the stereotypical aspects of these concepts. I have been really encouraged by how well our emphases on meditation, prayer, and hospitality have gone. This will truly be an opportunity that I believe those who miss will regret.

Do I still have you, or did I scare you off? If you are still here, let me encourage you to be looking for a new format for our newsletter, coming soon. And as we prepare for the coming season, I look forward to sharing with our church from the pulpit on November 5^th and 12^th.

Grace and peace,
James

Next week's newsletter article

2006-10-11T18:46:00.000-05:00

In the coming weeks, our church will be placing special emphasis on the mission support and efforts of our church. We will be in the midst of our Operation Christmas Child efforts for this year. We will be hosting a pastor from Louisiana who will share how God uses the support of churches like ours to help ministry and missions continue in the New Orleans area. We will also have a Missions Luncheon on that Sunday, October 29^th, as we share the many ways God is using our church to support and be on mission.

In addition, when you receive this newsletter we will have team on a mission trip in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. This area of Texas is made up of some of the poorest counties in the entire country. The churches in this region face enormous challenges and have a multitude of needs. Our group, along with members from Little Bonne Femme Baptist Church in Columbia, MO, will be helping a church and its members in a variety of ways, from construction and repair to teaching. Please pray God will use our group, Dee Wiecher, Mabel Deluca, and me, in ways which can make a permanent and even eternal difference.

During our trip I will be sending daily diary updates to this blogt, sharing what we are doing and even showing pictures (when available). We will leave on Saturday, October 21^st, and return on Saturday, October 28^th. Come back each day to keep up on what we are doing and where we are.

This time of year, as the Christian year winds down and we look toward another season of Advent, is the perfect time to celebrate all of the ways God has been faithful in using our church and her members this year. Have you missed your opportunity? Have you committed to our GROW emphasis? Be prayerful and watchful and God will find you a place to serve.

Grace and peace,
James

Current Newsletter Article

2006-09-28T10:42:00.000-05:00

Autumn is upon us, and what a wonderful time of year! The weather is getting cooler and we are in the midst of our Fall emphases in Christian Formation. If you have not had the opportunity to be involved in our Christian Spiritual Practices study or one of our other groups, drop me a email or give me a call; it’s not too late to be involved.

In addition, we have two very special events coming up in the life of our church for everyone in our church family. First, on Friday evening, October 27^th, we will host Southwest Baptist’s Annual Halloween Festival. If you have been a part of this event in the past, you know it is not to be missed. If this is your first Halloween Festival with Southwest Baptist (it is for me!) you will want to come see what all of the excitement is all about. We will have various booths, events, crafts, and games for children and the young at heart, and children from throughout our community will come celebrate the holiday in a safe, Christian environment. Could this be your year to lead something special at the Halloween Festival? Contact the church office with your idea!

Another special event in the life our church this Fall will be our Missions Day, Sunday, October 29^th. Rev. Lionel Roberts, pastor of St. Bernard Baptist Mission in New Orleans, LA will be our guest speaker in our morning worship on the October 29^th. Immediately following the service, Rev. Roberts will join us for a special missions lunch and our Global Mission Team will share their vision for our mission efforts in the coming year. Our evening activities on October 29^th will be canceled as we dedicate the day to missions.

Whether in our backyard, in Louisiana, or around the world, God can use Southwest Baptist Church to make a real difference. Don’t miss the blessings which come with being a part.

Grace and peace,
James

This week's Word & Way article

2006-08-25T15:53:00.000-05:00

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9). It is the stock and trade of many politicians to seek to fan the flames of prejudice and hatred. The voice of peace and reason is often very lonely indeed. The peacemakers, who often falsely appear cowardly, are certainly not popular. Conversely, the passion included with those who ignite conflict is often admired. Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers, and I believe we ought see them as truly heroic.

Peace does not just happen. We enjoy fighting too much. We must make peace. We can use Jesus as an example. With his life and ministry he sought to make peace. Jesus’ whole ministry was about caring for the disenfranchised and oppressed; he brought those beaten down by a violent society together in him. Jesus constantly sought to provide acceptance for those wounded by the ones in power. All of this is peacemaking.

What is the task of peacemaking? It is the reconciliation of groups and persons at odds. It keeps the holy love of God central and in focus. It knows there can be no real peace until human beings are reconciled with God. Sometimes, peacemaking included bringing social injustice to light. Peacemaking never includes taking sides. Maybe most of all, peacemaking recognizes we have more important things to do than fight.

I count myself a child of God; when I am a peacemaker, I even look like one. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?

Grace and peace,

James

August ramblings...

2006-08-04T10:54:00.000-05:00

Our VBS has been a wonderful week. Over 130 children attended this week, and around 60 workers helped to lead. Our parent's night last night was a success as well. Want to see some pictures from the week? Go to www.southwestbaptistchurch.org for a photo gallery.

Also, there is a very good article by Dr. Dalen Jackson on EthicsDaily.com regarding the role of women in ministry. He presents an honest and healthy hermenutic regarding the interpretation of scripture on this issue. Follow this link: http://www.ethicsdaily.com/article_detail.cfm?AID=7714.

Grace and peace,
James

Next week's Word & Way article

2006-07-21T13:13:00.000-05:00

I was only a child during the late 1970’s. However, I have heard my parents and grandparents talk about the "energy crisis" of the seventies – Do you remember the long lines waiting for gasoline and the scare that there would not be enough energy? You can almost translate that image directly into what it means to say there is a kind of stress induced emotional energy crisis being experienced by many people today. How often do we either hear, think, or speak these words: "There is so much to do, and so little time." "There are so many bills, and so little money." "There is so much pressure, and so little peace."

If there were a way to measure our life's vitality level in the same way we use a gas gauge in our automobiles, where would your gauge indicator be? Would you be on Full, 1/2 or 1/4 of a tank? Or would you be sitting on "E”? Many of us need renewal, even recharging, in our lives. I can’t promise worshipping in church on Sunday will give you more time, but I can promise it will be time well spent. I can’t promise worshipping in church on Sunday will give you more money, but I can promise it will make money seem less important. I can’t promise worshipping in church on Sunday will remove all the pressure from your life, but I can promise what our Lord promises. He can give you peace.

Let’s seek renewal, and recharging, together. And to steal a line from our pastor, see you in church on Sunday!

Grace and peace,

James

Southwest Baptist Church Web Site

2006-07-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

Our church has re-launched its website. Go to www.southwestbaptistchurch.org and take a look. The image above is our 85th anniversary logo. We celebrated our 85th anniversary on July 1st and 2nd.

July 12 - Word & Way Article

2006-07-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

In the past few weeks our church has been preparing for our recently celebrated 85^th anniversary. I hope you were able to take part in the festivities; I know many long-past friendships were rekindled. As I have prepared for the celebration I have also been reading Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. This book, written as a series of letters from a third-generation minister John Ames to his son who is still a child, won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2005. This main character spends much of the book in reflection and observation, and it has been a gift to me during the time when we were all preparing to reflect.

Have you been challenged by the stories of the sacrifice and dedication of those who have come before? I know I have been. I have been reminded of, or in many cases enlightened to, the heroes and heroines of the past for Southwest Baptist Church. Of course, heroes and heroines are still made today. God takes the best of who we are and does miraculous things – when we are willing servants. One of the profound truths of the character of John Ames is his discovery of the heroic greatness of existence as a servant of God. I believe our two most recent recipients of the Southwest Baptist Life Service Award illuminate this truth as well. May someday the same be said of each of us…

Grace and peace,
James

My First Blog

2006-07-11T14:18:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog!