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A Poem. A Prayer.

2012-01-30T10:58:00.001-05:00

The day is done, the room is empty, the voices stilled

But not really

The silence is thick like black is thick in the absence oflight or clichés are thick in some poetry

But not completely

I am left with my thoughts. I don’t necessarily like what Ihear, frightened, ashamed, and alone

But somehow not entirely

I’m not even surprised anymore by what my TV tells me. Itscreams, “this is the end.” I agree.

But I don’t. Not really.

I miss my family. Consistency. Stability. Everything I onceknew has gone to hell.

Maybe partly. But not all together. But, yes.

They say I can’t make up my mind. I’m flighty. I don’t havewhat it takes to make a stand.

I strongly disagree, Then, I agree. Then disagree. Thenagree. Then kinda strongly disagree.

The world is full of hypocrites, I say! I can’t trustanyone. Everyone’s out for themselves.

Did you hear that? Did someone just echo me?

Relationships are fragile. So much so they aren’t even worthit. Stupid. Never again.

Unless someone would promise to love me. I’d probably give it a shot.

A sound breaks my silence. It’s the sound of many towelsbeing thrown in. “Give up too,” I say.

Then I slap myself back to my senses. But my hand hasn’tmoved. Someone else slapped me.

“Who just slapped me?” I scream. “Was that You God?” Ofcourse it was. That’s what you do.

Go ahead and smite me.

But all I hear are tears. Someone else is in the room withme. They’re probably here to hurt me.

They must have sneaked in.

I realize I’m being a baby. I’m bigger than this. I pullmyself together. Head out to make my way

Now, which way was that? It was here a minute ago.

I sit back down. Think I’ll lie down.

It’s easier when I sleep.

Or so I think. Until the dreams come.

Maybe this whole thing has been a dream. Maybe I’ll wake andbe all right.

Maybe I’ll wake strong, invincible, beautiful, carefree,new, shameless . . .

I hear myself saying those words and realize just how crazydeep this sleep is.

Voices laugh at me as I sleep. Mock me. Insult me. Do theythink I don’t hear them?

Who will defend me? Anyone? Do I have any of thoseproverbial “chips” to call?

I need a jury of my peers who won’t sell me out and a judgewho protects.

But what I really want is mercy to triumph over judgment.Not that anyone else deserves mercy.

But neither do I. Did I just say that out loud?

I need a friend. A lover. A helper.

But the kind I need would have to take me as I am. I don’tthink they exist.

But maybe.

I need a counselor. A guide. A guru. A doctor.

But the kind I need probably costs a lot. No one would paythose prices. Pay that price.

But maybe.

(C)2012 John Voelz

No Cross at Church?

2012-01-12T14:56:00.000-05:00

Today I received a Facebook message asking me why we don't have a cross at Westwinds. This question isn't a new one for me but I have heard it three times in the last month so I thought it appropriate to talk about on the ol' blog.

True. There is no permanent display of the traditional and easily recognizable American Christian cross at Westwinds. It's really not as much about an exclusion of this cross for us as much as it's about including other symbols and stories from a grand tradition and history. However, there are some things we have thought through in regard to this version of the cross that have kept us from making it a permanent symbol or fixture at Westwinds. You'll see us using the traditional American cross (which came from the Latin/Catholic tradition) from time to time. But not exclusively.

In our last large scale aesthetic at Westwinds (we change the look and feel of the gathering space frequently), the room was surrounded with symbols that tell the story of God and His people. The phoenix, the palm, the rose, the three nails, the quatrefoil, the Chi-Ro, the three nails, the torch, etc. are symbols we used recently and have used at various other times. Some other Christian symbols we’ve used can be found at websites like this one. We even included the scarab in a recent aesthetic. The scarab is a symbol that Egyptian Christians took from their ancestors who believed in reincarnation and turned it in to a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection. We're fond of symbols and metaphors that help us connect people to the greater story of Christian spirituality and our rich Christian history. We like the fun ones, odd ones, traditional ones, mysterious ones—they all are rich in story and history.

We appreciate how a symbol or piece of art can embody a story. So, instead of having one permanent symbol of a cross we've chosen to also celebrate other symbols that connect us to the greater story of God and his people. We certainly aren't afraid of a cross symbol but also realize the benefit in other symbols that point us to Jesus.

Sadly, in some ways, the Latin/Catholic/American cross has become void of its power as a symbol because it's so commonplace. When in fact, the cross was an instrument of brutal death and torture as much as it is a symbol of hope—all this gets lost in translation sometimes. It hangs around the necks of hip-hop stars and sweaty teenagers in dance clubs as if it in and of itself holds some power or, perhaps more accurately they think it looks good on a chiseled body and it matches their earrings. In the movies, the Latin cross is held up to scare evil vampires (not the pouty, emo, bedazzled ones) as if it is magic. But, Jesus is the way, truth, and life. Jesus only. The cross is what they hung him on.

With some, there is a debate about the cross because some traditions use it with Jesus on it (Catholic crucifix) and some without. I remember Baptist friends getting mad at Catholics “Jesus rose! He isn’t on the cross anymore!” As if to say . . . “Dummies!” And, I think to myself, “Really? We are really going to waste time on this battlefield?”

And so, we create another question in the cross debate . . . Which one? With Jesus or without? Latin? Byzantine? Slavonic? Greek? Maltese? Celtic? Roman? Crux? Baptismal? Should we use a more accurate depiction of the cross Jesus actually died on (that wasn’t so perfect and may have resembled more of a T shape)? Each has its own history. Some of them have yucky things associated with them. The Jerusalem Cross was displayed on soldiers and banners in the Crusades. For anyone with an Islamic faith or background, they see this as a battle symbol. The Swastika Cross was used in Christian architecture before the Nazi’s heisted it for their own purposes. The mere sight of it makes us angry today. And, even the Latin cross most recognized by American’s has its hang-ups for some. Good, bad, right, or wrong, some associate that cross with angry churches, molesting leaders, and politicians who wield a sword of power over the weak while summoning the name of Jesus.

I've often wondered what it would be like if I wore an electric-chair or guillotine necklace to spark conversation. It might be more effective for spiritual conversation. "Why are you wearing that chair? That's sick and weird, man!" And, I could say. "I know. it reminds me of Jesus. He was unjustly murdered on my behalf." It should be more than a fashion statement to us.

We get the positive side of the argument too. The cross can be a symbol of peace and comfort to Christians. It can identify a building as a place of Christians. It's sometimes strange for some Christians to come into a blank building and wonder, "Uh-oh, do they worship Jesus here?" "Is this a cult?" But, we know if they stay more than 5 minutes that question will be answered through song, prayer, our welcome, our media, our people, etc. We’re more concerned about the person who comes in without a Jesus background and the person who comes in beat-up and disenfranchised with church and religion. We hope the healthy, churched Christians can adjust soon enough without a cross—even if they enjoy it and miss it.

Finally, the Bible is silent on this issue. There is no mention of the cross in church aesthetic and/or architecture in the Bible. The new testament gives rules for worship in regard to conduct, frequency, leadership, physical demonstrations of worship, song, and the state of the heart but it doesn’t mention symbol or aesthetic. The closest examples we have from the Bible about aesthetic, symbol, and architecture pre-date the cross of Jesus. The Old Testament tabernacle (both the one that traveled through the desert and the more permanent temple) was rich in art, precious metals, choice wood, expensive fabric and candles but even so, that was a prescription for the Jewish place of worship predating Jesus. So, today we celebrate the fact that God gives us great freedom in creating space, using symbol and metaphor, crafting service orders, and choosing songs and scripture. We draw from our heritage and try new things all at the same time.

Bottom line, we want people to come to Westwinds and see the presence of Jesus in this place. We want to remove their hang-ups and invite them in to the story of Jesus. We want to answer their questions and ask them new ones. We want them to know Jesus exists inside the church and outside of it. He is active in the world, the media, the entertainment industry, the library, the Internet, and their neighbors. We want them to see him in unexpected places and recognize him in new ones. We want them to know Jesus and we don't want to limit him.

Prayer as an Interactive

2011-12-21T17:58:00.000-05:00

It’s been over 30 years since I realized I was on a journey with God. And, I still don’t have prayer figured out. Sometimes I think I have more questions about prayer now than I did when I started. I don’t have it all wrapped up nice and tidy. My theology of prayer is incomplete.You’d think I’d be a “prayer warrior” by now—one of those people you’ve heard about who does all those strange sounding words like “intercede” or “stand in proxy.” Not this guy. At least, not all the time and not as a habit. And certainly not by definition.But here’s what I do know: God tells me to do it. He tells me to be honest. He tells me he isn’t afraid of what I’m going to say. He says He hears. I’ve seen Him answer. He tells me to take time to do it. He tells me there is no formula or correct way—more importantly, there’s not a wrong way. Jesus did it. The bible is full of people who did it, encouraged it, were horrible at it, got angry during it, and shrugged it (things didn’t go well for the latter). And, He wants His people to pray together as well as alone.I’ve learned something about prayer in the last couple of years. I have to interrupt myself with it. I have to let God interrupt me through it. That takes breaks from routine as well as routine. It takes ritual and it takes being aware of the Spirit and inviting Him into my daily existence. Sometimes interruption comes when I step outside my comfort zone. Try on new spiritual disciplines.I imagine many feel like me. So, this weekend we filled the room with magical prayer jars (okay, they were just Mason jars). The jars were filled with clear water but everyone was invited to pray prayers of hope and drop food coloring into the jars. All different colors.The jars were lit on tables and the colors became brilliant. Diverse. Intertwined.It was a visual reminder that our prayers all count. It was a visual reminder that we are not alone. We “saw” the prayers of others. Our prayers went out and mingled with others. God heard every one. God saw every one. The Spirit interrupted us all.

STAR WARS Christmas

2011-12-16T18:16:00.002-05:00

Star Wars Christmas

They say it’s better to give than to receive
But if I’m honest, that’s not something I always believe
I know that my home is chock full of . . .
Books I haven’t read and stuff that . . .
ends up in garage sales down the line.
I know I’ve got too many clothes . . .
More shoes than my wife, I know I should be so content and feeling fine.
And I am content for the most part.
But this Christmas there’s a few things that would really touch my heart.

I want the Star Wars figures that I had as a child
I want the Landspeeder that takes Luke for a ride
I want the telescoping lightsaber Vader. It sucks . . .
Cause my mom threw it out now it’s worth 6 thousand bucks.
A Millennium Falcon I can hang from the ceiling
And C3-PO, now my mind is reeling
With my R2-D2, the world was right.
I want my X-Wing fighter with the flashing laser light.

This Christmas we agreed to not spend money
‘Cause we’ve got each other, baby, sweetie, honey
This season we are low on cash . . .
I’ve entertained the “dine and dash” . . .
I need new breaks and the warranty will soon expire.
I don’t need new things, I’ve got plenty . . .
But those little Jawas—I had twenty
And with eBay you and I could both retire.

I want my Star Wars figures I had as a boy
I want my light saber, Sandtrooper, Power Droid
I want the Death Star Playset that we lit on fire
So many discarded, so many buyers
I want the D4 that we thought was lame
Even that guy we didn’t know his name
The badly cast Luke and the Leia that faded
I won’t make them kiss now that I know they’re related

And Santa, not too many more requests
But that elusive Rocket Firing Boba Fett
And that original Jawa with the vinyl cape
And the blue Snaggletooth I fixed with Dad’s duct tape

I want the Star Wars figures that I had back then
In the original packages they all came in
I want my Ben Kenobi the Jedi Master
Imperial Stormtrooper with the blaster
Want a time machine back to ‘78
So I could tell myself on my tenth birthday
Don’t unwrap the Hammerhead, hide it, save
Cause one day you’ll need to sell it to make the house payment

O Christmas Tree (I Didn't Hear You Crying)

2011-12-13T21:49:00.002-05:00

A new Christmas song. You're welcome.

I'm not Touching You

2011-11-19T00:08:00.005-05:00

Jokes.com

Stand-Up: Pete Lee - Passive-Aggressive Mascot

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The other day I made a comment on my friend’s Facebook account about a mutual friend who was also commenting. As a joke, I said the mutual friend “used to” return my calls. I was being funny and trying to get someone’s attention. The mutual friend knew it. He called me passive- aggressive. I told him it was only passive-aggressive if you don’t fess up to being manipulative. Which I was. We all had a laugh. The fact is, I was being passive-aggressive. But it was with a close friend and he got the humor. Sometimes, only sometimes, when it is blatant and obvious, passive-aggressive behavior is a comedic device.

But it's not always funny. That little interaction made me think about passive-aggressive behavior and how damaging it is as a way of life. It’s one thing to be funny and it’s another thing to have a default mode where we manipulate as a strategy for getting what we want, escaping what we don’t want to do, not owning our own failures, or controlling another person’s emotions by playing on their sensitivities.

I find in ministry that passive-aggressive behavior is rampant. Maybe it’s because Christians don’t want conflict. Maybe it’s because Christians are supposed to “get along.” Maybe we feel weak or we feel oppressed and it’s a weapon in our arsenal that gives us the upper hand. Maybe we don’t want to scream, get angry, react, get even, or say the hard things so we kick in to passive-aggressive mode as an acceptable way of pleading the Christian 5th .

So, we strut around (or allow other to strut around) like the Christian Sydney Bristow’s of a religious black-ops mission where we disavow knowledge of our own covert missions to control people and situations and maintain plausible deniability while leaving people in a wake of selfishness.

The church is great at playing "I'm not touching you"--the game where we wave our finger in the face of someone else while not making actual contact. When they break, it's their fault.

Are you passive-aggressive? Do you know someone who is? Do any of these behaviors sound familiar to you?

Saying, “I talked to a few people and they all feel the same way”
Talking about others behind their back but treating them as if nothing is wrong in private—destroying their character from the outside in
Finding yourself conveniently forgetting what you agreed to so as to escape the conflict of admitting your error
Writing nasty notes on church comment cards without signing them
Pretending you’re ignorant so that the onus is on them to take responsibility
Calling the church office and leaving anonymous messages about what you don’t like and how you’re thinking about finding another church
Threatening to leave a church and reminding the pastor you tithe
Talking a lot about others’ faults under the guise of prayer concerns
Avoiding conflict resolution but spreading rumors about another
Telling people what they want to hear even though you plan on doing something your way later
Constantly renegotiating terms and agreements when you don’t follow through
Keeping silent in the midst of conflict
Smiling in heated arguments to shame a person
Feeling resentful towards others’ demands
Procrastination
Being chronically late
Deleting people you’re close to in social networks to send a message
Sarcastic remarks designed to hurt
Sulkiness that prompts people to ask often, “Is everything okay?”
Punishing someone with silence
Staying distant from others and isolating yourself in the midst of conflict
Subtle retaliation (you’re cleaning up but leave their mess out for them to put away on their own)
Saying, “I really need to talk to you about something” but leaving details out to make the person sweat until the meeting
Leaving out information when describing a situation to someone so the only facts they have are the ones that play to your advantage

Am I passive-aggressive at times? Sure. I have been. I’m not proud of it. It’s one of the sins in my arsenal along with everyone else. I’m not completely innocent. But, thankfully a concern for conflict resolution usually wins the battle for control in me at this point in my life.

The only way to deal with passive-aggressive behavior is straight on. Don’t shame. Don’t be angry. Don’t be passive-aggressive back at someone. Matthew 5 and Matthew 18 both give classic examples of how to deal with passive-aggressive behavior—in private, in love, with their best interest and the relationship at heart.

Truth be told, in tough case of passive-aggressive behavior, people usually aren’t teachable. They react to confrontation exactly how you would expect them to—denial, surprise, acting like you are attacking them, exaggerating what you said and how you acted when they tell others about the conversation, etc. If you are not in relationship with the passive-aggressive and they haven’t given you permission to speak in to them you have an uphill battle on your hands.

This may be the church’s greatest secret interpersonal communication sin. The only way to heal is to call it out and be ready to play the long game. It’s not an overnight cure.

Found Objects Interactive

2011-11-10T14:18:00.003-05:00

Recently at Westwinds, we all participated in a corporate worship interactive designed around a found object compilation art piece.

We asked all our people to dig into their pockets and purses and pull out the stuff that doesn't belong. The "how did this get in here" stuff. The stuff that is occupying space. The junk. The things we forgot to throw away. The things we have a hard time throwing away. We threw all of our found objects into a couple of bins and one of our artists, Sheryl Amburgey, used the discarded objects to make a piece of art.

The idea with this interactive is that we are all found objects. God finds us hiding behind the combs with the broken teeth, the cigarettes, and the keys and asks "what are you doing down here?" He takes seemingly insignificant things and he brings them together and makes something beautiful. The church is a found art collective. We are the pocket fuzz and crud-in-the-bottom-of-the-purse-people.

We don't climb out of the purse or pockets on our own. God seeks us out. He is a constant pursuer. He gathers us together with other forgotten, used, discarded, and broken objects and he puts us together on a canvas to be a testament to His grace and a workmanship created for good works. He calls us beautiful. He calls us his beautiful bride now and forever.

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." --Ephesians 2:10 NLV

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” --Revelation 21:1-5

These beautiful pieces of art will find their way into our lobby gallery. I looked at them long and hard today and chuckled to myself thinking about the items that represent the people at Westwinds--old movie tickets, unwanted keys, half-empty birth control pill containers, a broken tip of a fishing rod, a ripped up business card, left-over Halloween candy, Nicorette nicotine gum packages . . .

I prayed over the paintings and asked questions:

"Who did they go to the movies with? A boyfriend? A girlfriend? A new love interest?"
"Did someone stop taking birth control? Are they having a baby? Is it a surprise?"
"Why a fishing rod? Did it ruin their camping trip with their kids?"
"Were they mad at the person who gave them the business card? Is it their own?"
"Are they trying to stop smoking? Did they give up trying? Were they successful?"
"Are they giving up candy? Trying to get healthy? Drowning their sorrows in sugar?"
"Did the keys belong to something or someone they no longer care about?"

God knows.

I celebrate and pray for the people of Westwinds. We are a found art collective of epic proportions. We are freaks and weirdos and broken trophies of God's grace.

Ending Daylight Savings: A One-Day Gift to Churches

2011-11-06T06:18:00.003-05:00

When it’s time for Daylight Savings Time to end and we all “fall back,” I don’t remind anyone at church. It’s a one-day gift to churches. And, it’s humorous all around.

1. Those who forgot find parking spaces at church.
2. Those who usually arrive a half hour late learn you have a band that doesn’t just play at the end.
3. The band actually gets an extra hour sleep. They are always the first to arrive at the church.
4. Some families feel joy for actually arriving to church on time.
5. Lazy people wake up closer to the hour the really should.
6. Some realize they actually have no excuse to not go to church and have an "aha" moment while they’re eating breakfast.
7. Some get to eat breakfast.
8. The drummer isn’t late.
9. The look on the faces that forgot is priceless and fun to laugh at.
10. Don’t tell the ones who show up a whole hour early what’s going on, hand them a vacuum and thank them for coming to the early cleaning party.
11. Give a tour to all the folks who show up early and show them the areas they can serve in on a weekend.
12. Those who set the alarm on their mobile phones that automatically reset during the night poke fun at the people who use an alarm clock.
13. People feel bad for screaming at their kids to rush them to church and recall the words they said to their kids that morning like “you’re so irresponsible” and “how hard is it to set an alarm?”
14. People in parts of Arizona get to feel superior for a day.
15. You get to have the “what’s better . . . an extra hour of sleep or staying up an extra hour?” debate.

Church Aesthetic Do's and Dont's

2011-11-02T17:05:00.007-04:00

I get asked about the overall art and aesthetic of Westwinds often. I feel like I’ve written quite a bit about the "why’s" of art and beauty but I haven’t given much attention to the little decisions I make that fall more in the taste and preference category.

The following post is not a “philosophy” post. It’s a simple “methodology” post. It’s my quirky rules for aesthetics at The Winds. I won’t explain myself too much. These are “my” rules. There may be more I forget but these are the biggies.

1. It themes like you over-thought this—you don’t need a reason to change the aesthetic. If you’re bored, if it feels old, if you get a new idea, they all work. Don’t let theme dictate what you do and certainly don’t live under the tyranny of sermon theme. An aesthetic built around the church in Corinth or Mother’s Day is most likely going to be silly.

2. Reason for the season—One of the things that get old are aesthetic choices that have been done to death and are easy to anticipate in the season. Think outside of Christmas trees and wreaths if you are doing something for Christmas. Or, rethink the tree and wreath. What hints at a tree that isn’t a tree? What looks like a wreath that isn’t? There a list of “go-to” items for every season that I tend to avoid all together. If you can find it in the WalMart seasonal section, I stay away. For the most part.

3. Recycle—I like to think of aesthetic pieces as things I can reuse in other ways if I can change it up enough on round two to look different enough. The plywood that gets painted is the plywood I cut up for planters and repaint and the planters get disassembled and become canvases, etc.

4. Man, you’re cheap—yep. I don’t like to spend over 100 bucks on any aesthetic.

5. Small is dumb—About 15 years ago we decided to put up clocks on every wall. Clocks of every kind. We worked real hard to get donations and borrow from people. We ended up with about 50 clocks. Seems like a lot until you put them on four walls that are 20 feet high. Think it through. We needed 500 clocks for it to work. 50 looks like a garage sale. 500 is breathtaking. If we can’t go big, we don’t do it.

6. Don’t do the same thing twice—enough said. Stretch. Don’t settle. Keep ‘em guessing. Creativity is paramount in everything. It's one of the ways we shadow God.

7. Everything has potential (except raffia)—Things that are “crafty” don’t translate well. If you want your church to look like a school craft fair, go ahead and use raffia and ribbon. I want my church to feel like a museum or an exhibit as opposed to a Hallmark store.

8. Symmetry is dumb (sometimes)—make things interesting. Group in threes or odd numbers. Symmetry can work but only on large scales. If you have two of an item, it is not enough. One on each side of the stage looks like a high school play. Get 15 of those items. Again . . . go big. Symmetry isn’t as bad when things are large scale and don’t have one focus point.

9. Don’t build sets—yuck. Don’t think of your space as a stage and a room. Sets are for plays. Make the rest of the room interesting. Draw attention elsewhere. Create eye candy everywhere there’s space. Don’t make your stage the focal point.

10. Permission to paint please—the paint on our walls almost qualifies as another wall. You have to do it. It has to be able to change.

11. Cafeterias are for eating fast, hospitals are for dying—Unfortunately, many have church buildings that were designed for function with no attention to a philosophy of space or beauty. As such, many rooms have white walls with nothing on them. Then, we expect people to come in to a room and sing with energy. The only white barren space I want to sing in is the shower.

12. Decorations are for drugstore windows—decorations are streamers and plastic tablecloths and figurines and knick-knacks. We don’t use the word. Decorations are gimmicky and limited expressions.

13. Get HGTV or at least buy a magazine—you can get inspired by other ideas. It’s really okay. Or, let an idea inspire you and help you improve upon something.

14. Then there was light—all vibe is about good lighting. The right light makes it awesome. The wrong light ruins it. Find someone passionate about lighting and give them some freedom to make the world a better place.

15. Packaged art and décor is yucky—make your own stuff. This is huge for us and part of a deep conviction we have that we like to express as “growing our own we.” We are suspect of things made "over there" and then brought willy-nilly "over here" because where they came from ought to tie directly into the unique situational requirements for why they were made in the first place. Because ministry comes from within you, we want our people to make their own stuff. "Indie" is cool. We don't copycat, and we hate pre-packaged items/materials. If God is really alive and at work in you, then what you do ought to flow out into your own expression and brand of ministry.

16. Your art doesn’t have to have an end goal—Don’t do with aesthetics what CCM did with music in the 80’s and 90’s. Not all art has to lead people to fall on their knees and pray to Jesus after a first viewing . . . or . . . any viewing. We take art seriously - it's much more than either advertising or propaganda, it's creativity made flesh in honor of the Creator. It’s a signpost, a response, an act of worship, an expression, etc.

17. Everything with excellence and care—We work toward version 4 of every idea (an initial concept, plus 3 rounds of revision). Everything is subject to peer review. Every first-draft gets push back. We don't like things that look like they didn't take too long to make. This is why we steer away from things like clip art, crafts and craft-y things, clutter, homemade flyers, crayons and markers on posters, etc.

18. No such thing as good enough—God is worth our best. Period. If you find yourself making art that is good enough and it isn’t your best effort, it will most likely show and it will definitely begin to influence others to do work that is . . . good enough. You can’t expect your staff and others to turn out great art and work hard unless you are willing to do the same.

19. Use your screens—Don’t forget to use your screens as part of the aesthetic. Great aesthetics are often ruined by crappy things on screen that don’t belong with the rest of the feel.

20. Change it up—Just because.

21. Many artists. One vision.—It’s great to get a ton of people involved but creative collaboration does not work in the midst of creating an aesthetic. Decide beforehand what you will do. Cast that vision. If someone suggests something in the middle . . . listen. But, someone needs to have the final say.

Lies Artists Believe

2011-10-17T19:34:00.006-04:00

No one enjoys wallowing in his or her own stereotype like an artist.

Painting with large brush strokes . . .

I have worked around artists my whole life. I am an artist. I know what you say about us and I know what we allow ourselves to believe.

Artists are always late.
Artists can’t think straight.
Artists are flighty.
Artists are unorganized.
Artists are self-absorbed.
Artists have high highs and low lows.
Artists mostly have low lows.
Artists are out of control emotionally.
Artists’ passions often lead them astray.
Artists are tortured.

Wearing his or her “temperament” of shame (wrapped in pride), the artist often wanders through life discouraged, sad, and feeling misunderstood.

Disappointingly, some artists find a toxic strength in the identity of popular opinion and embrace the labels as a badge of honor. They begin to live out their self-fulfilled prophecy of a helpless and tormented soul. They become the bad girl or bad boy everyone thought they’d become--blaming indiscretions on the “way they were made.”

Some artists wave our temperament like a banner and a license of freedom to do whatever we want. On a path of self-destruction.

I’ve seen a sad trend with artists embracing the stereotype of the tortured artist as if they have a disease as opposed to a gift. As if they’ve been dealt a bad hand as opposed to a special prophetic way to heal the world.

If I hear one more male artist tell me that “every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is looking for God” I am going to punch him in the neck. I get it. You’re full of emotion. No one understands your passion. Sometimes your sex drive (masquerading as passion) gets you in trouble. But, it’s not because you are an artist. It’s because you are making stupid choices.

Artists: If you drop the ball and show up late and give an excuse like you were tortured by a dream all night and had to paint it out on canvas to the wee hours, that is not a legitimate excuse. You didn’t set your alarm. It’s your fault.

If you didn’t prepare for something because you . . .

a) forgot
b) thought you could wing it
c) haven’t prepared for anything before and everyone knows that’s just how you are . . .

Stop playing a victim. Buy a notebook. Put reminders in your phone. People may expect you to blow it but I guarantee you they don’t like it. They tolerate you. Or ignore you.

If you have high highs and low lows that’s okay. Lots of people do. But they aren’t called artists. They’re called humans. You may need medication. You may need to be in community. You may need perspective. You may need to let go of some baggage. You may be lying to yourself. You may be in denial. Maybe all of the above.

Temperaments make sense. I get it. I believe in predispositions. I empathize with being wired a certain way. I understand having a certain bent. I too feel tormented at times. I’ve had seasons of driving my self crazy with dreams. Sleepless nights. Feeling misunderstood. I’ve been mocked. I’ve made bad decisions. I’ve battled narcissism.

Owning up to all the above, offering them to God, being accountable, allowing ourselves to be edited, practicing full disclosure with loved ones, and surrounding ourselves with people we trust to help us navigate life in Jesus is the way forward.

It’s time for artists to stop constantly getting caught with our hand in the cookie jar and blaming it our natural bent towards the smell of cookies.

Two Shows This Weekend

2011-10-14T09:52:00.003-04:00

If you live in the Jackson area, I am doing two shows with my friend Mark Cox this weekend and we'd love to see you.

Friday night 7:00--Jackson Coffee Co.

Saturday night 7:00--Cuppa (in the ART634 building).

Blessing of the Beer

2011-10-08T12:01:00.003-04:00

Today I have been invited to pray and ask a blessing on a new brewery in town. Bad Bear Brewing is now located in the same building as Sleeping Bear Winery in Parma.

Today is their grand opening with 6 beers on tap, 2 ciders, food, live music, and what is sure to be a grand celebration.

There is an old Catholic prayer I have become fond of . . .

“Bless, O Lord, this creature beer, which thou hast deigned to produce from the fat of grain: that it may be a salutary remedy to the human race, and grant through the invocation of thy holy name; that, whoever shall drink it, may gain health in body and peace in soul. Through Christ our Lord.”

The phrase that grabs my attention is “that it may be a salutary remedy to the human race.” Something that is salutary promotes health, peace, healing, wholesomeness. This is from the same root word where the word “salute” comes from. Salute literally means “peace.”

In the military, a salute is given when the hand that is usually used to fire a weapon is raised to the brow as a sign of respect. As best we can tell, this action came about in the age of chivalry when knights would approach one another and raise their visor to expose their face and look someone in the eye as a gesture of peace while their left hand held the reigns of a horse and their right hand was far away from their sword.

It is the same concept when raising a glass of beer, wine, and spirits. Today, when we toast properly, we do the same. We hold our glass high, bless someone else, look them in the eye and pronounce peace.

It’s become customary for me and my friends to exaggerate looking into each others’ eyes when toasting. Big open eyes. Raised brows. We always laugh at this point and the exaggeration reminds us of the blessings God has given us. We promote peace over a brew. We tell stories of redemption. We enjoy God and each other.

Beer is a blessing when treated with respect. The process and the labor that goes in to making a fine beer is fascinating to me. It’s a shame that beer is sometimes about an end result of drunkenness. But, for me and my house, it is no more about drunkenness than a swim in Lake Michigan is about drowning.

So today, we will celebrate with friends, count our blessings and enjoy the fruits of labor while we pronounce peace upon one another and thank God for abundant life in Jesus.

Further reading. In case you were wondering . . .

One thing we often hear from recovering alcoholics is they appreciate Westwinds’ stance and our ability to use our influence to give people a good example of what it looks like to enjoy alcohol responsibly—to enjoy without abuse—to celebrate without sin. Perhaps this is one of the reasons Jesus turned water to wine as his first miracle. He turned perception on its head.

Some might argue it was “grape juice” or weak wine but make no mistake, in John 2 we read a clear story of the “kind” of wine he supplied. “ . . . the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." (John 2:9,10)   All Bible believing Christians agree that drunkenness is a sin. At Westwinds, we ask that everyone act according to their conscience when it comes to alcohol consumption. Because of past sin, some who have had problems with alcohol may need to abstain for fear of stumbling into old sinful habits.

For those who enjoy alcohol with biblical moderation, we recommend using discernment when providing hospitality for others who may have conscience or addiction issues. Westwinds does not sell alcohol on the premises. We do occasionally use real wine as an option during the celebration of communion. Westwinds’ staff is permitted to enjoy alcohol within the biblical guidelines.

It’s been said, “Wine is agriculture's finest artistic achievement.” We celebrate the artistry of making fine wines and alcohol. Westwinds even made it's own wine a couple of years ago--a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. We sold the wine and raised nearly $8,000.00 for arts programs in Jackson. However, it is not our goal to get people to start drinking. If you drink, do so responsibly, in good conscience, under the direction of The Spirit (as always).

Westwinds is in relationship with many recovering alcoholics and even supports/hosts multiple meetings throughout the week in connection with AA. Our official stance on alcohol has been crafted with the blessing and support of the leaders of those groups.

We look forward to the day when our Lord and Savior will prepare for us a redeemed feast with wine:  "On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." - Isaiah 25:6-9  

Edited Snippets I Think Matter #2

2011-09-22T09:52:00.003-04:00

Hoping to have conversation. Here is an edited snippet from my new book. We cut it for length (even though I cover the general idea in the book at length).

"Certainly, Social Networking doesn't always go deep. But should it? And just because it doesn't at first glance, does it mean it doesn't lead to something deeper if we are playing the long game? And, let's be honest, do we always need to go deep?

Edited Snippets I Think Matter #1

2011-08-31T16:53:00.004-04:00

I'm currently in the editing process of my new book, "Follow You Follow Me" due out in April 2012, Abingdon Press. Please join the Facebook page.

I thought I'd blog some of the things we have cut out--little snippets that have merit but the book is too long. I invite your conversation.

Here's one for starters:

It is sometimes argued “Jesus did his ministry face to face so that’s good enough for me.” This is a poor argument since Jesus did not have a MySpace or Facebook page but it is also poor because it negates the kind of ministry that was done through the letters of the apostles that we hold sacred and valid to this day. Furthermore, if that argument is true, how are you doing? When is the last time you invited your neighbor over for dinner or even talked to him while he mowed the lawn?

Forge Conference

2011-07-18T18:38:00.005-04:00

In late September/early October I will be speaking at The Forge Conference a.k.a. FORGECON. I'm very excited about this opportunity because I believe in what they are doing.

I believe in their vision to create "a worship and tech training conference that is small and reasonably priced for teams to come to" and I love the fact they are committed to helping smaller local churches.

I remember being in small churches (I've worked in all sizes) and going to conferences where I would leave discouraged because I didn't have the budget, connections, or buy-in to pull off the eye candy and musical heroics the host churches had. And, for some reason, I was lead to believe I had to strive to become what they were in order to be effective. I now know that isn't true. It's good to know there are conferences for creatives where they can network with and brainstorm with other like-minded and like-sized churches.

If you are in a small to medium sized church, consider registering for FORGECON.

This is a list of my talks for the conference:

Aggregates and Gateways: A Corporate Worship Philosophy and Methodology
The popular school of thought in planning weekend worship revolves around theme with the apex of the weekend being the message. In this widely accepted model, the message/sermon or theme is king—driving our choices for music, art, video, and whatever else we might “use” on a weekend. On one hand, this model provides ease of planning, a wealth of resources, tight transitions, clear communication, and a network of support. Conversely, the model has the potential for squelched creativity, lack of spontaneity, robotronic boredom, laziness, frustration, and lack of freedom in our weekend gatherings. We need a new model that doesn’t vilify the old, preserves what is actually working, and stretches us to question what we are actually trying to accomplish and how we go about getting there.

Sleeping Beauty: Towards a Theology of Beauty and Aesthetics
The word “ethos” has become quite a buzz word in the Church. Usually, when someone asks “what is the ethos of the church like?” they are really saying, “What is the vibe? Is it cool? Are they friendly? Do they do neat things? Is the music engaging? Would my kids dig it? etc.” However, the idea of ethos in Aristotelian thought is something much different and much more in line with a Hebrew understanding of beauty. If Aristotle stepped into your church and judged it’s ethos, you might be surprised at how he scores you.

All the Cool Kids are Singing It: A Plea for Indigenous Worship
We are killing our imaginations. As function continues to contend for beauty’s position, accessibility sucker-punches ingenuity, and uniformity trumps the hard work of creativity, we run the risk of creating “artists” in the church’s own image who in fact are not really artists. Or, at least, the artists are getting the art sucked out of them. Are church artists losing the ability to discern what is good, what is mediocre, and what is crap? A good metaphor for the artist in scripture is that of a priest or prophet—seeing the world as it is, experiencing joy and suffering with (and on behalf of) others, understanding the reality of the non-material world, challenging the world to be different, and surfacing a need to pay attention and see things differently. How are we doing?

They Aren't JUST Quirks #4

2011-07-14T17:15:00.002-04:00

This is the fourth post in the series on plumblines. I highly suggest you read the first post first. In short, plumblines are those things a leader believes about ministry that shape the way he or she leads. A leader doesn’t need to explain them or justify them all the time. Larry Osborne says, “Plumblines don’t represent the only way to do ministry. They represent your way of doing ministry. So don’t worry if they seem somewhat narrow or controversial or even if they thin the herd…”

Let’s take a look at another Westwinds plumbline.

#10 EVERYTHING IN SUB:MISSION

Like most churches, Westwinds has a mission statement. Westwinds’ mission (Shadow God, Build the Church, Heal the World) is the whole entire reason we have a church in the first place. It's all about the mission. Mission first, mission only.

In the 90’s it was a big deal to have a mission statement—something churches borrowed from the business world—and it stuck. Personal mission statements were also a big deal in the 90’s. The problem with many mission statements—business or personal—is they are very inwardly focused. “This is what I want. This is who I am. This is how I operate. This is how I accomplish my goals, my dreams, my plans.”

We want to be clear our mission is not that. Our mission statement is the Great Commission in new clothes. Shadow God, Build the Church, Heal the World is our way of saying “Make disciples of everyone, baptize them, teach them to obey, remember I am with you.”

Because we won’t stray from mission, things that deter us or attempt to co-opt our energies (like political agendas or social agendas) must not be tolerated within the church. Often times we are asked to hang fliers and posters or put “Christian” voting guides in our lobby. Sometimes we are asked to endorse candidates from the stage. When we turn people down they will often say something to the effect that it is the church’s (meaning my or the other pastors') job to influence this. We believe it is not our job. It doesn’t mean we don’t have opinions. In any political agenda there are 100 different opinions. Some true. Some false. We choose to focus on the things we know are true. Or, rather, the person who is the Truth—Jesus.

The established power-brokers cannot have control at the expense of the mission. If someone ever uses the money card or the “I’ve been here forever” card to steer us off mission, it needs to be addressed. Likewise, the newbies cannot wrest control away at the expense of the mission. If someone has a good idea, a new ministry, a new direction, or a vision they want to share we are all ears. However, everything is sub:mission. Everything is viewed through the eyes of the mission.

With that said, we have a ton of freedom and creativity within the mission. We don’t do anything but we will do a lot of things. We aren’t boring and stingy. The mission is living and vibrant.

In light of this plumbline, we believe like-minded unity is more important than diversity, which is why we always look for staff and for leaders who think and believe like we do. Some will say there is power in diversity of opinion and perspective. While that may be true sometimes, we find things get done and stay on mission easier when leaders are like-minded.

We must be careful that we never become too proud to do the things that will help others shadow God, build the church, and heal the world. Nothing should ever be beneath us. We must be willing to get our hands dirty in light of the mission. This is why wearing a suit and tie to church has never sat right with me. The suit and tie church attire is a good metaphor for what we don’t want to be—polished and relaxed. The church is not a place you go TO all prim and proper, it is a place you go out FROM to break a mission sweat. (metaphors break down at some point. You can wear whatever you want to Westwinds. It’s a word picture).

We must also be careful that the internal needs and desires of the church don't force us to become insular and unconcerned about the world around us. Outreach should always trump in-reach. When we are busy meeting the needs of others, we don’t have time to cry about our needs not being met.

It should also be noted that mission and activism are different. Mission is about 'healing the world' and requires gospel-centered effort, whereas social activism is really only about good works and requires only good intentions. The mission is not specifically recyclable, organic, fair-trade, artistic or indie. Those things are good and honorable in and of themselves but must not be mistaken for the mission. They may be inherent in the mission, but they are not the mission.

To center us on mission, we tell our people that [1] everyone needs to understand the biblical foundation for why we do what we do, [2] everyone needs to invite the Spirit to change us as we do it, [3] the church must always be included in the story, and [4] Jesus must always be elevated.

Detours

2011-07-13T17:55:00.006-04:00

Today I had to drive across town for a meeting. It was a last minute meeting set up last night.

I rarely drive through East Jackson but I did today. Michigan Ave. or the freeway? I took Michigan Avenue. Longer by about 5 minutes but prettier and quieter with the top down on the Jeep. I just took the top down yesterday after a rainstorm.

As I was driving I decided to take another road I seldom go down for a change of pace.

A half-mile down that road was a car stalled in the middle of the street.

Traffic was routed through a parking lot around a building to another side street.

On that side street was a lady leaning against a delivery van with two kids. As I drove by I asked if everything was okay. We could talk easy with the top down on the Jeep.

She said, "We're out of gas." Would you be willing to take my son to go by gas? I don't have a can but the gas station might have one if we give them a deposit to borrow it." My first thought was 1) I'd love to help. My second thought was 2) Wow. I must look trustworthy (* wink *)

I didn't know her but I thought she may have recognized me from the church. I introduced myself thinking she might say, "I know who you are." But she didn't.

I told her I'd be willing to take her son to buy gas. I introduced myself and told her I am a pastor at Westwinds across town.

I took her 13 year old son to buy gas. They didn't have a can to use so we had to buy one. We bought the boy and his sister a pop since they had been sitting in the sun.

After we put gas in the van, she told me they are looking for a church and asked what our service times are on Sunday. She told me she was going through a divorce and would love to find a place for her kids to feel comfortable. She told me she would see me Sunday.

When these little detours happen in life, I am reminded that God gives us freewill to make choices but he also orchestrates situations for us to cross new paths and meet new people outside of our routine. Those little detours are often written off as "coincidence." I choose to think differently.

last minute meeting
new part of town
different street
traffic routed differently from stalled vehicle
through a parking lot to a side street
a conversation with a stranded motorist made easy by a convertible

You be the judge.

Instead of "coincidence" I like to think of these detours as God-incidents.

This detour was pretty obvious to me. However, I wonder how many detours I have all the time without thinking twice? Do I get mad in those times? Frustrated? Sometimes those emotions seem inevitable. But what I really want is a perspective that takes stock of all the detours and says, "Ok, God. Who am I supposed to meet today?"

Our Children Must Never See This

2011-07-06T12:29:00.003-04:00

I remember these stories in the Bible. The ones about all the white people dancing in bathrobes.

This is the very reason some children are afraid to go to church.

More stuff like this at Christian Nightmares.

They Aren't JUST Quirks #3

2011-07-06T10:08:00.004-04:00

This is the third post in the series I promised on plumblines—“They Aren’t JUST Quirks.” I highly suggest you read the first post first. In short, plumblines are those things a leader believes about ministry that shape the way he or she leads. A leader doesn’t need to explain them or justify them all the time. Larry Osborne says, “Plumb lines don’t represent the only way to do ministry. They represent your way of doing ministry. So don’t worry if they seem somewhat narrow or controversial or even if they thin the herd…”

Let’s take a look at another Westwinds plumbline.

#10 EVERYBODY MATTERS

Because everybody matters both to God to us, those ministries that reach more people will be better resourced. Resources, after all, are almost always limited and should be allocated to those ministries that produce results.

A good case in point is our new youth center, The Hub. Ben has done such a fine job of creating momentum with youth and has such a vision for youth in our city we pooled resources and did a campaign to raise more to pour into the youth. It doesn’t mean other things don’t matter if they don’t get as much money but some things don’t have near the impact.

There are any number of things that happen in a church that are nice, or helpful, or meaningful, but they are the kinds of things Christians should be doing anyway. It doesn’t mean we should be willing to funnel money into any thing that is a kind gesture. Bigger dreams that reach more people and make bigger impacts require bigger amounts of money.

Money aside, we cannot be afraid to discontinue ministries that produce very limited results, if for no other reason that they draw on the time and energy and availability of our staff (who could be better utilized once freed from these low-return responsibilities). We often try new ministries that seem like a good idea at the time. Some are not good ideas. Some are good ideas but deserve a short shelf life. Some get reshaped and resurrected down the road. Bottom line, we are trying to reach people, not appease Christians.

As a corollary, we think that every dollar ought to get used twice (we call this the "Jesus double-dip"). By this we mean that we ought to think strategically about how to get extra use out of every purchase, every initiative, and every event. For example, our Beyond 1000 initiative operates on a triple bottom line in which every event needs to fulfill the mission, generate business-related revenue that can be worked back into the ministry, and garner some media attention—we want our Beyond 1000 initiatives to be so effective that every communication outlet in our town is knocking at our door to get the story.

This doesn’t mean we don’t spend money on little things. Our Beyond 1000 initiatives are missional in nature and we give a larger sum of money to individual ministries to make an impact. Not just buy supplies. Not simply put a Band-Aid on something.

Having a large scale Plumbline like “Everybody Matters” causes us to think things through, not spend willy-nilly, think creatively, think long-term, and think beyond doing something for the cool of it. Rather than saying “here’s some money, do what you want” we are forced to make sure what we are doing actually does make a difference in people’s lives. Rather than starting a ministry because some other church did it and most Christians expect it, we pause to think about what new things God is speaking into our culture.

Oil For a Change Recap Video

2011-05-21T22:50:00.000-04:00

Oil For a Change

2011-05-19T16:30:00.004-04:00

If you live in Jackson and know single moms in the area or you are a single mom yourself, this might make your day . . .

Imagine a line of cars outside of a local Auto Care business full of single moms and their kids waiting to get their oil changed, fluids checked, some hot dogs and drinks, and a car wash--ALL FOR FREE. This weekend!

Oil For a Change is a cooperative effort between Westwinds and Choice
Auto Sales and Service of Jackson. This year, on May 21st and September 10th, Oil For a Change will give away free food, car washes, and oil changes to over 300 single moms (165 each date).

Last summer, Ben Redmond and I did a message series entitled “Jesus Jackson” where we discussed how Jesus would respond to issues specific to Jackson and the people who live here—unemployment, underemployment, Jackson’s view of itself, opportunities to heal the community, the young and old, transplants and native Jacksonians, our work ethic, hope for the city, etc. We asked, “What would Jesus care about in Jackson? What would compel him? What would make him sad? What would he celebrate?”

I spoke one particular Sunday and mentioned a list of dreams I had for the city while encouraging others to dream in the same way letting people know “You can’t separate who you are from where you live,” and “God wants to use what you do and who you are to impact this place in a way that only you can.”

After hearing the list of dreams and being encouraged to imagine ways individuals could help Jackson, Carmela Lazarus, a local business owner and Allegiance Health employee, approached me with an idea. She heard me mention in a long list of dreams an idea to change the oil in the cars of single mothers as a display of hope and healing for our town.

Carmela (whose name has an accent on the first syllable) said, “My husband Chuck and I own a business where we service cars. I think we could actually do something like this.”

And so, the idea for Oil for a Change was born.

You can listen to one of the interviews we did on local radio station 89.3 The Message below.

Oil For a Change 89.3 Interview

On Christmas Eve, Westwinds Church traditionally gives an offering to something in the community that offers hope. We told the story of our dream for Oil For a Change and on December 24, 2010, Westwinds raised enough money to change the oil in the cars of over 300 single mothers.

Tickets for oil changes are available in advance at Westwinds, Choice Auto Sales and Service, or the day of the event at Choice Auto Sales and Service. While we don’t want to turn anyone away, supplies are limited to 165 each weekend. Your best bet is to get advance tickets or show up early.

National Day of Prayer--Prayer for Jackson

2011-05-05T13:27:00.005-04:00

David and I were asked to pray for the city and county of Jackson today in Bucky Harris Park, downtown Jackson. I don't usually write my prayers out but I did for this. You can read David's prayer here. Below is my prayer:

Lord, this is not an incantation. No magic words. We hold no sway over you. We do not control you. We do not somehow release your hidden power.

YOU are our God. We are your children. This is our plea.

Mark us as a people that stand for, not against. Make our rally cries and our shouts be "Jesus." We don’t want to be known as haters and demonstrators. We want to be known by our love for You and one another.

Remind us that no city has ever changed from the outside in. Laws, standards, the right to pray, the claim of a Godly heritage, or association with a person or organization has NEVER made someone righteous. YOU change hearts.

Change our city’s view of herself. We want to hold our head high with “Your kingdom come” as the goal. Your kingdom come, not someday in the future, not as a rescue, not as an escape from something, but right here and now—changing the landscape.

Strip us of a spirit of entitlement—every one of us. Make us givers.

Help our city regain her title as an epicenter for the arts and industry. When we see the photos in businesses around Jackson of how it used to be, remind us of what it can be again.

Squash the stories of how we had a choice to host a college or a prison and chose the prison. That story is tired and damaging. And help us love those prisoners and their families—they aren’t a stain on Jackson. You’ve entrusted us with them.

We’ve seen the maps with famous movie stars and football coaches who came from Jackson. We pray those maps would include average people with extraordinary dreams who changed this place in Your name.

Remind us not to play the comparison game with surrounding cities and help us learn from one another. We don’t want a little brother or sister complex.

When we hold up our right hand resembling our state and point to that spot on our hand to show where we live, we want to do it with pride.

Our prayer is that our kids wouldn’t grow up and say, “I can’t wait to leave this town.” But, rather, "I can’t wait to invest here."

That Jackson would not be our Nineveh—no half-hearted prayers, no hatred, just complete obedience.

No longer do we want to hear “last one out of Jackson turn out the lights.” Make us an idea machine, a beacon of hope, a change agent, a city on a hill. Please.

Help make our parks and public areas safe and inviting.

We pray for jobs to become available. Instill in all of us a work ethic—working for You. Working for the kingdom.

Give us dreams and ideas dangerous to the kingdom of hell

We pray we won’t be sponges that take from the city but streams of water providing life and vitality.

We don’t want to just exist here. We want to live.

We pray we would not waste resources but protect, conserve, be good stewards, take care, and build up our city.

We ask for businesses to flourish and to be marked by generosity.

No barriers between races.

No delineation between neighborhoods

Make us proactive in issues of poverty, health, economy, and environment.

We pray for our youth center being built in this town. We pray we can create a place to invest in our kids. They are not our future. They are our here and now. We need them. Help us love them.

We pray our media outlets would be flooded with stories of redemption in Jackson.

Psalm 127:1 “Guard the city”

Unless the LORD builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.

We don’t want to be laborers that labor in vain. We don’t want to pretend to guard without You.

Proverbs 11:9-11 “Bless the city”

⁹ With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.

¹⁰ When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.

¹¹ Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.

¹² Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

Make us a people who bless.

In the name of our Savior. Your Son. Jesus Christ. Amen.

They Aren't JUST Quirks #2

2011-05-02T12:06:00.002-04:00

This is the second post in the series I promised on plumblines—“They Aren’t JUST Quirks.” I highly suggest you read the first post first. In short, plumblines are those things a leader believes about ministry that shape the way he or she leads. A leader doesn’t need to explain them or justify them all the time. Larry Osborne says, “Plumb lines don’t represent the only way to do ministry. They represent your way of doing ministry. So don’t worry if they seem somewhat narrow or controversial or even if they thin the herd…”

Let’s take a look at another Westwinds plumbline.

I’m proud of Westwinds as an Idea Machine. I often feel like I work in a lab where ideas are tried on for size. We are a giant petri dish where ideas flourish.

But often, people will come up to us and suggest an idea. That WE should do. Not them, but us. A great idea for a fundraiser. A ministry. An event. A satellite. An initiative. A company. You name it.

Some of them are quite passionate about their idea and quite passionate about me or someone else making it happen. They are often surprised by my response. Sometimes, they are not too happy with my answers and my lack of willingness to take the reins.

Now, we believe strongly in funding dreams, giving direction, supporting, teaching, etc. But there is a difference between someone telling a leader what he or she should do and asking a leader to coach and support them as they work to shadow God, build the church, and heal the world. At Westwinds, we also believe strongly the church leadership does not exist to see other people’s dreams to fruition.

We have a deep seated belief about owning dreams that is expressed in this plumbline:

Plumbline #1 "What you do flows from who you are."

So we tell our staff, “for any idea/project/dream the leader (the person with the dream or idea) has to supply a truthful vision of the future. The leader has to go deep inside themselves and figure out what they want and why and how in order for it to work.

This is why we sometimes get impatient when other people (lay or staff or elder) come to us with good ideas that they don't want to lead themselves. If any idea is truly worth following through, it must come from somewhere. It must come from within the leader - the person who is willing to sacrifice to see the idea birthed into reality.”

In short . . . “No leader? No ministry” has been echoed many times. That may seem cold to some. After all, when someone comes to us with an idea to hand off to us they usually have in their mind it is the greatest idea in the world, Jesus will be lifted up, the city or world will change, and/or it is the answer to all our financial problems. This all may be true. And if it is, they should lead it. Because no one knows the idea like they do and no one will care for the idea like the one who imagined it.

But then someone will say, “but doesn’t our church always look for good ideas?” The answer is yes. But we still believe the energy to see things to fruition come from within. This is why we all need to stay sharp. I have always been fond of Howard Hendricks’ belief that all his students needed to drink “from a running stream rather than a stagnant pool.” Life long learning, listening, reading, networking, stretching . . . all vital to church leadership.

If someone has an idea at Westwinds, we require they write out their proposal and meet with a ministry leader to give them the steps they need to be successful with everything from promotion to funding to recruiting volunteers to branding and everything in-between. This process is not a hoop, it’s a jumpstart. Sometimes, this process is a moment of truth and the person realizes there is no possible way they can work this dream. Other times, it’s the impetus for self-actualization they need to start on a successful path.

Leaders also need to constantly be reinforcing the Westwinds' people our value that everyone needs perMission to follow the dreams inside of them for God. It is this permission that moves us forward, though we recognize that permission still needs coaching and accountability.

They Aren't JUST Quirks

2011-03-21T10:20:00.005-04:00

These days, we've been having a lot of talks with our staff about the way "we" do ministry at Westwinds. A lot of our talks have come out of discussions and reflections on plumb lines. Identifying plumb lines is a concept we first heard about in Larry Osborn's book, Sticky Teams.

In construction, a plumb line is used to measure verticality, depth, and the center of gravity. We like to think of plumb lines in terms of our personal bents, preferences, and even quirks in regard to "doing" ministry. And, David and I (my partner in Coriolis—our shared leadership team) have a few of them.  

Larry Osborn says, “Plumb lines don’t represent the only way to do ministry. They represent your way of doing ministry. So don’t worry if they seem somewhat narrow or controversial or even if they thin the herd… if forced to choose between a great mission statement and a clear set of plumb lines, I’d choose the plumb lines every time. That’s because the devil and most disagreements are in the details."   

I lead a group of artists, scholars, entrepreneurs, and monks—to name a few. They all have individual style. They all have ideas. They have their own way of getting from here to there. Some are processors. Some are busy bees. Some are mellow. Some are prepubescently hyper. I love all my staff and volunteers. A lot of diverse personalities.

Then there is me. I am my own brand as well as everyone else on staff. I have a lot of deep-seated beliefs about art, ministry, leadership, style, aesthetics, church life . . . I have a 20+ year history in professional ministry and a lifetime of stories where things worked or didn’t work. And, my job—along with David—is to look forward, change, take the temperature of our church, read the signs, be aware, influence momentum, point the way, and cast vision. Besides the more lofty leadership things, in large part, we are paid for our taste.

We've recently realized not everyone on our staff knows our plumb lines. Some beliefs about ministry are lodged deep within us and they influence our decisions but they don’t always translate well in our decisions. So, sometimes we might passionately make a decision about something that seems trivial to someone or like a little quirk someone might write off as “That’s just John. He’s opinionated.” Or, “That’s just David. He’s a dork.” When in reality, there is deep meaning behind even the little decisions.

At best, our plumb lines are inspiring, influential, exciting, educational, and everything you would want in a leader. But we are also aware that some of our plumb lines can be interpreted as silly quirks unless you know where they come from.

For instance, if you come to me with a homemade poster you drew with magic markers and you want to tape it up on the bathroom wall at church, I will tell you no. I have a deep-seated rock solid opinion that this is very tacky. On the surface, this seems trivial. No one is not coming to Jesus because of homemade posters. However, this is all part of a plumb line I have that is very meaningful and well-seasoned.

On our list of plumb lines, homemade posters fall under #16 on our list which is:

#16 EVERYTHING SHOULD BE DONE WITH EXCELLENCE AND CARE
We work toward version 4 of every idea (an initial concept, plus 3 rounds of revision). Everything is subject to peer review. Every first-draft gets push back. We don't like things that look like they didn't take too long. This is why we steer away from things like clip art, crafts and craft-y things, clutter, homemade flyers, crayons and markers on posters, etc. Excuses are not acceptable here, though people will often try to make them.

If we were on a group road trip and had a deadline and destination we couldn’t just leave each to his own way or we would eventually get separated, give up, get lost, change course, and maybe end up hating each other. On a group road trip someone needs to herald this route and this schedule.

That's the role of Coriolis (shared leadership) at the Winds.

Plumb lines. They are more than mission, vision, and values—they are the ‘rules of the road.’ We told our staff over the last month, “We are hoping these will help us ensure that our ministries, decisions, and initiatives line up with the core values and priorities we claim to have. And they let everyone know how we're supposed to do things around here . . . these don't represent the only way to do ministry, or even necessarily the right way to do ministry, but they do represent our way of doing ministry. Their purpose is to clarify how we plan to shadow God, build the church, and heal the world right now.”

We originally came up with a list of over 100 things. Yep. But, after closer examination we were able to see patterns and group our sound bites into categories. Over the next few posts, I will share some of our plumb lines here and toss them around a bit. I am hoping it generates discussion and you can identify your own.

FolkGalore

2011-03-12T17:17:00.016-05:00

Tickets are now on sale online for FolkGalore here!

About FolkGalore . . .

Life is a story. Your story. My story. Our story.

On April 4-8, the city of Jackson and surrounding areas will be invited to celebrate the art of story through music. Think of it as a “happening” as opposed to an “event.” The happening is called, FolkGalore.

FolkGalore is:

Story.
Music.
Redemption.

For 5 days and nights, venues throughout Jackson and the surrounding areas will host numerous musicians and artists creating multiple stages ripe with stories celebrating the human spirit. Over 20 different stages and venues will host multiple musicians each of the five days and evenings.

Coffee shops, theaters, youth centers, churches, and house concert venues will be filled with music and art exploring what it means to live, love, triumph, fail, celebrate, dream, and learn how to get along. One of the best ways to share in the larger story we are all a part of is through folk music.

Folk music, which is widely defined, has “story” at the heart of it.

For centuries, stories have been told through music and art. Folk music takes its name from “folklore” which consists of a culture’s legends, tales, music, oral history, proverbial wisdom and sayings, jokes, visual art, popular beliefs, fairy tales, customs, and personality.

Folk music has incorporated many genres over time to include Americana, alt-country, blues, country, bluegrass, acoustic, singer-songwriter, and a wide variety and variations of those genres.

But Folk is always about stories.

April 4-8 is Spring Break. With the way the economy has been, not many folks are preparing to travel out of town. We are bringing Spring Break to Jackson.

One $20.00 pass will give participants “all-access” to the venues for concerts and any after parties with the musicians.

On Friday, April 8th, the event will culminate in a concert with renowned Americana artists The Steel Wheels. The Steel Wheels show is included in the all-access $20.00. However, tickets for this show will also be sold separately at the door for those only attending this concert and none of the other weekly events. The Steel Wheels only tickets will be $12.00 at the door.

All ticket proceeds will go to United Way to breathe life and hope into Jackson through foreclosure prevention programs in our city.

No Way To Win

2011-02-27T18:54:00.000-05:00

Please watch this video! I'm in a contest for XTRANORMAL movies on "love and relationships." I promise this argument is not autobiographical.

All the Cool Kids are Singing it Part III

2011-02-25T17:13:00.001-05:00

This post is the third in what will be a string of posts on the role of the music pastor (or worship pastor or creative arts director or worship arts pastor or whatever you call it) giving special attention to the art of, need for, and absence of indigenous worship in the local church.

I have always had a love/hate relationship with popular church music. Part of me feels a great camaraderie with other churches when I know I can travel across the world and sing the same songs churches sing at home. Part of me is deeply bothered by it.

The part of me that likes it is the part of me that feels immediately comfortable and like I am part of something bigger than the local franchise I belong to. It’s fun to go to conferences where everyone knows the same songs.

The part of me that hates it sits at a conference where they try to do popular songs and turn Crowder into chowder. Or, I will be at a Latino church with a full percussion/hand drum/bongo/conga section where they cover Tomlin and force his 6/8 song in the key of Ab into a 4/4 Salsa structure.

Not too long ago I got asked by a middle-class, white missionary to go to Africa and teach some worship pastors songs in the vein of Worship Together/Vineyard/Maranatha! Music. It would have been a great opportunity but I was heartbroken on how they wanted me to go about helping them.

The indigenous music of the African culture is beautiful but absolutely nothing like what they wanted me to teach. I told them I would consider coming over and teaching them to be the best possible “them” they could be. I would teach them to listen to the music of their culture and emulate and celebrate it.

They refused. They said they wanted to “resource” the pastors, not teach them my philosophy of worship.

I can think of few worse musical blunders than teaching an African band how to play (or even rearrange) popular white-bread-soccer-mom worship tunes. This is what Promise Keepers did a few years back with a Latino version of “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” Painful.

We are more concerned about getting product into people’s hands so they can in turn share the product. We buy the product that is marketed to us because it is easy and accessible. We often choose our music like some choose “art” for their homes by going to Kmart and buying a Thomas Kinkade print. Pre-framed. From the bin.

I will acknowledge my own bias here. I have an adversity to things that are packaged. Things that look and sound like they didn’t take much time. Things that are cookie cutter.

But, I think there is a deeper systemic problem within the church music world. Complacency.

Church musicians don’t need to be great artists, or thinkers, or poets anymore. They don’t have to be proactive. They don’t have to necessarily even work on honing their skills. They just have to know where to go to buy simple, accessible, easily reproducible music.

I saw an ad recently where a church was looking for a worship leader. The description of the person they were looking to hire went something like this:

“Mid to late 20’s, familiar with popular worship music, preferably leads from guitar.”

That was it.

Nothing about passion, art, self-motivation, creativity, skill . . .

Nothing about familiarity with the music culture of the church seeking to fill the position.

Nothing about the music culture of the town the church was in.

Just someone who could reproduce the recipe.

I wonder how it would fly if we searched for senior pastors the same way? “35-45 years old, able to reproduce popular sermons, preferably speaks from a manuscript.”

The worship band has become a jukebox.

I realize I am overstating. I know I have a burn-on for this right now. However, I think we need to start expecting more from our worship music and leaders . . . and ourselves.

Imagine what could happen in churches if musicians approached the music like a good preacher approaches a sermon; taking the temperature of the church, asking God what He wants to say to the people, collecting stories and writing them down, retelling stories, studying, researching, not settling for the same thing they said last week, speaking the language of the culture . . .

Certainly there are wonderful pieces of music that should be considered for your own church’s corporate worship. You don’t have to write it all yourself (although we will talk about that in another post).

There are a lot of songs to choose from. They don’t have to be Top Ten songs. They don’t have to be getting airplay on Christian radio. They don’t have to be written by a “worship” artist.

But I think we need some metrics for discerning what corporate tunes are best for our local franchise of the church. Maybe we should start with these . . .

1. Does this reflect my church’s personality?
2. Do people in my town actually enjoy this kind of music or do they step into church and hear a totally different thing than they are used to hearing? Where do I live? Is this music foreign to my people? (it’s okay to celebrate new genres of music for sure but don’t force a genre into a culture as a norm).
3. What is the most popular radio station in my area? Might I think about more songs that reflect that style?
4. Are there musicians in my church who are good at doing another style of music and can I invite them to share their gift with us? Where are the rappers?
5. Do the lyrics really reflect something our church understands and embraces? If not, am I willing to teach through it? Do I teach through songs for the benefit of non-believers? Is the songs language a barrier to the non-believer?
6. Just because 175 worship music CD’s have this song on it does it mean it’s good?
7. Do the lyrics make sense? Are they intelligent or dumb? Are they forcing rhymes or saying something that matters? (P.S. I don’t think all songs have to teach something).
8. Is the song actually biblical? Have I checked that out?
9. Is this song saying anything new or different? Or, is it the same thing we’ve been saying over and over in the same way?
10. Does this song sound the same as everything else we do (key of G, 4/4, four on the floor, aptly placed solo, etc.)?
11. Does it stretch our creativity and require us to play anything other than strumming and hitting something?
12. Am I doing this song simply because everyone else is or do I really like the song?
13. Does this song have the same kind of rhyming conventions as everything else or is it doing something different than rhyming “face” with “place?”
14. Does this song sound just like the other songs this guy did? If so, why would I want to do this one?
15. Is this song true to who I AM as a musician? Or, do I think I have to be something I am not in order to be a worship musician?
16. When I do this song, does the church actually respond to it in any way, tell me they like it, sing along, or give me any clue we should keep doing it? Should I drop it?

All the Cool Kids are Singing It Part II

2011-02-17T17:53:00.003-05:00

This post is the second in what will be a string of posts on the role of the music pastor (or worship pastor or creative arts director or worship arts pastor or whatever you call it) giving special attention to the art of, need for, and absence of indigenous worship in the local church.

First we need to talk about what the role of the worship leader is in scripture. What specifics does the Bible give us for a qualified worship leader and what he or she should be doing?

Nothing.

Well, kinda. The role of worship leader is really an extra-biblical role. It doesn’t mean it is wrong. We certainly assemble a list of general leadership qualities from scripture. We can read about singers and poets and musicians. We know pastoral qualifications. But, the role of worship pastor or leader is a role we have created in the church.

Quite frankly, we can say the same thing about the role of senior pastor, children’s pastor, youth pastor, and a myriad of other roles.

So, God gives us an incredible amount of freedom in crafting roles that best suit the needs of local franchises of the kingdom.

So, what do we do at Westwinds? What is the role in our environment?

At The Cue (our weekend shindig) , our aim is to facilitate an environment—celebratory, liberating, engaging, full of hope and expectation, affirming, restoring, free of distractions, thought provoking, and reflective—where individuals can meet with God (though it will not always be all of those things at once).

Our goal is not to get people to worship corporately. Though certainly, that happens in our environment. We cannot manipulate it if we tried by nature of worship being an act of an individual’s own will. We can influence and create space conducive for it.

But worship—biblically speaking—is a responsive way of living. It is more fabric and global than simply an act or strictly about music or any interactive vehicle we may design. Typically, church nomenclature has minimized and contextualized worship into acts largely revolving around music as well as other acts within the “worship service.”

But we still have worship services. And, the corporate worship experience can be an amazing response.

Yet, I am troubled at how homogenized, uniform, similar, streamlined, and packaged our corporate worship has become in the church world. It’s an assembly line.

It’s Costco.
It’s IKEA.
It’s ClipArt.

I would suggest one of the most often overlooked roles that should be honed in a worship leader is that of . . . artist. You would think that would be a “duh.”

As worship artists/musicians, people who best connect with God through creative expression, our role is to create. To make things.

We create space.
We create vibe.
We create reflections of godliness.

But, the corporate nature of the church has molded artists into it’s own image.

We are losing our ability to discern what is good, what is mediocre and what is crap.

Furthermore, we are losing our ability to foster creative environments, respond to what is going on around us, speak into the chaos, and create commentary and discussion in light of our local church.

Is it wrong to cover the latest Chris Tomlin song in church? Absolutely not. It might be perfect.

But, I would suggest if we sit back and take what the industry is giving us without question and kid ourselves into thinking “it must be good because everyone else is singing it” we are slowly dying.

If we constantly allow someone else to tell us what our congregation needs, we are missing out. And, we are probably lazy.

And . . .

We are killing our imaginations.

We spend more time thinking about how to copy the chord progressions and find the right inversions of chords than we do dreaming, searching, and making.

All the Cool Kids are Singing It

2011-02-14T18:00:00.002-05:00

Some time ago every church I know was singing Matt Redman’s, “Heart of Worship.”

I love the story behind the song. Matt told us when we were in Ireland a few years back that it came out of an experience in their own church where they recognized while they were contributing to a worship music revival of sorts, they had somehow found themselves wandering and trying to find meaning in their own musical expression.

And so the words . . .

When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come / Longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will bless your heart… / I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You, Jesus.

Beautiful song. I’m sure many identified with it. In many ways, I did personally.

It was a song born out of a particular experience.

From a particular franchise of the kingdom.

It hit a nerve with many churches and they embraced it.

But we never sang it at Westwinds.

Because it wasn’t us.

When the song came out, a lot Westwinds was not concerned about coming back to the heart of worship.

There was no coming “back.”

They hadn’t been there.

I have had a love/hate relationship with the “worship music” machine. There is great pressure in the church music world to sing the next new thing put out by the latest and greatest of worship music artists. The latest song pimped at a conference. The next song by “that person.”

And some of them are amazing.

I think most are not.

Every once in a while I find a gem that surprises me like a stray dog on the porch. I take it in and keep it forever. But, honestly, most of it . . .

Sounds the same.

Doesn’t move me.

Isn’t well thought out.

Is repetitive.

Doesn’t say anything new.

Is the same chord progression as the last.

Sounds Hickory Dickory Dock.

Bores me.

Is dumbed down.

And . . .

Doesn’t speak to our individual experience.

I know this sounds cynical to some of you. Fair enough. I am at times. But this is not a rant about the motives of the industry or artists.

My concern is for the church.

Do we really believe what we are singing? Do the songs we sing resonate with our people?

Too often songs are introduced to our churches simply because they are available and easy and it's getting airplay on the Christian station. But that doesn't make it good.

The only reason the industry keeps cranking out garbage is because . . . we buy it.

And even if a song is good, it doesn't mean we should be singing it.

Over the years, we have celebrated MANY songs written by some great artists. We have sung them shoulder to shoulder with many churches across the world. Many have become anthems for the kingdom.

But, I would argue much of what we sing in our churches is because we think we “should” be singing it. Because all the cool kids are. Or because “that” artist wrote it and he/she is “anointed.” Or because a label or organization is pimping it.

In many cases, I feel like the church is eating the cafeteria hot lunch it is being served because they signed up for the cheap meal plan. The food is accessible and affordable so we just consume it.

We need to get in the kitchen.

This post is the first in what will be a string of posts on the role of the music pastor (or worship pastor or creative arts director or worship arts pastor or whatever you call it) giving special attention to the art of, need for, and absence of indigenous worship in the local church.

Chapter One of "King Me"

2011-02-07T16:50:00.003-05:00

Here is a sample of my latest book, "King Me." It's the entire first chapter (minus the QR Codes in the print version). You can buy "King Me" from Amazon by clicking here.

Chapter One: Jailhouse Rock

Psalm 47 (NIV)
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.
2 How awesome is the LORD Most High,
the great King over all the earth!
3 He subdued nations under us,
peoples under our feet.
4 He chose our inheritance for us,
the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.
Selah
5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy,
the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth;
sing to him a psalm of praise.
8 God reigns over the nations;
God is seated on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble
as the people of the God of Abraham,
for the kings of the earth belong to God;
he is greatly exalted.

If the Kingly Psalms were a rock opera (and that’s how I like to think of them), Psalm 47 would certainly do a good job of rocking the house from the start.

“Crank up the drums. Crank out the bass. Crank up my Les Paul in your face (a quote from Sammy Hagar’s ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock.’ It’s a fun song even if it isn’t true).”

Scholars have written many things about how to read the Psalms. We will discuss some of them here. Understanding form, genre, history, poetic device, setting, tone, word structure, original language . . . they can all be helpful in our study of the scriptures, and I think it is good to pursue all those avenues.

But while there are some very helpful scholarly tools to help us understand the Psalms, I like to start by asking,

“How does it make me feel?”

“How does this song move me?”

Honestly, this is how we approach any other piece of literature or art. We take it in, examining how it moves us. And good literature should move us.

Otherwise, we call it a textbook.

The Bible is not a textbook, just something we study. It is not simply a roadmap. It is full of poetry, song, romance, intrigue, murder, deception, history, prophecy, sex, love letters, wisdom . . . the list goes on.

So read Psalm 47. How does it make you feel?

There are nations clapping.

People shouting.

Cries of joy.

Celebration.

There has been a victory.

Promises have come true.

There is music.

The Tower of Power horn section is there.

People are singing.

Someone is shouting out instructions like a Jazzercise© instructor.

“Sing praises!”

Someone is pointing to a King.

It’s a party.

It’s chaotic.

It’s Jailhouse Rock.

I’ve heard the Book of Psalms defined as an “instruction book” for us. Many books and devotionals have been written on how to “use” the Psalms to better your life.

Everything within me rejects that notion.

Maybe it’s because I’m a feeler. Or a songwriter. Or a poet. They all blend together.

I can’t read a Psalm like Psalm 47 and think of it as instruction manual.

It’s an invitation.

It’s a call to get on the Soul Train.

Could you imagine reading a book about “how to throw a party” and actually enjoying it?

1) Buy neato lights
2) Stock the fridge
3) Clean the house
4) Send out invitations
5) Plan some neato games

By reading that “how to” book, would you actually become a better partier?

The only way we can possibly view the book of Psalms as “instruction” is to place ourselves in the middle of the party and allow the psalmist to be our DJ.

If the psalmist is calling out dance moves, then sure, I can see it as instruction.

However, the instruction isn’t like being prescribed medicine, it’s instruction that comes by trying it on for size.

It’s not step-by-step instruction.

It’s instruction by immersion.

My wife is a great cook. In order to enjoy her food I simply have to open up my mouth and put the food inside. The experience is the lesson. If I don’t try it, I don’t enjoy it.

I need to experience her cooking in order to enjoy it. Reading her recipes, while she is a good writer, is not fun and it doesn’t fill me up.

The instruction in the Psalms is that of accepting the invitation and experiencing God’s goodness along with the blessing of unity with His people.

There is a scene that is played over and over in movies—it is a tried and true motion picture device. You can probably think of ten movies that use this same formula:

1. Somebody is depressed (usually over a guy or girl breakup).

2. The friends stand by, telling their friend to pull out of it and “cheer up” (usually with something like eating ice cream out of the carton together).

3. Then someone gets an idea to do something really crazy to shake their friend out of this state of blah (a trip to Vegas usually works).

4. Next thing you know, they blow off work and pull an all- nighter celebrating and remembering what really matters—they have each other.

The empty talk and instruction to “pull out of it” never works. It takes breaking the routine and monotony, pulling together as friends to do something a little crazy, to move on and regain focus.

Maybe the Psalms are a little like a trip to Vegas (without the hangover or the regrets).

But only if we go.

Reading the brochure doesn’t count.

Still, the Psalms are more than instruction. More than invitation.

They give permission.

To join in.

To shout.

To dance.

To laugh.

To cry.

There is a big “feeling” element to the Psalms.

My aunt Jane is a published poet and my uncle Bob is a painter. I spent a lot of time with them as I was growing up. Aunt Jane read me poetry and taught me how to write it. Uncle Bob gave me blank canvases, paint, and turpentine and coached me to make pictures. They also had a Kimball “Magic Chord” organ and a few songbooks they encouraged me to mess around with.

Auntie Jane and Uncle Bob encouraged me to perform as well—to share what I had created or learned. When family came over, they would ask me to stand on the coffee table and sing.

I remember very clearly performing Eagles’ “Best of My Love” for all my cousins and their families. It was just part of who I was and who I was becoming.

It was natural.

Doesn’t everybody sing and perform and paint and stuff?

Later in life, I found out the answer was “no.” At least, not without encouragement, freedom, and permission.

Their encouragement and permission gave me the freedom I enjoy in worship today.

As I got older, I lived with that same reckless abandon and freedom of expression my auntie and uncle fostered in me. But . . .

The church tried to beat it out of me.

Not “The” Church, but the little church I was part of with my parents for awhile.

We sang while holding hymnals, starring straight ahead, not too much volume in our voices, definitely not making up any parts or straying from what the page said, cold, monotonous . . . I’m getting shivers thinking about it.

I so badly wanted to shake things up a bit. I asked if I could play guitar to liven the mood and use my talent for the church.

I was turned down.

Guitar was an instrument of decadence to these folks. Guitars drew attention to themselves, along with a host of other instruments. There would be no guitar in The Sovereign Grace Reformed Baptist Church of Foresthill, California.

I wonder if they ever read the Psalms.

That was my experience.

So who beat you up?

Who or what tried to steal your joy?

What made or makes you scared to engage?

There is a great deal of freedom, encouragement and permission to participate in the Psalms. You don’t have to look at the Psalms that are specifically music-centric (like Psalm 150) to see that celebration is part of the deal for the people of God. Even when instruments are not specifically mentioned (though implied since these are songs) there is a great rumble. Loudness.

Continuing with the “how it makes us feel” line of observation, let’s ask some questions, looking more closely at what and who the people (and we by invitation) are celebrating.

Psalm 47 is grouped with 93-100 as a Kingly Psalm because of similar language, tone, and so on. But here, sandwiched in between 46 and 48, it makes great sense. 46 and 48 celebrate a kingdom, a city within a kingdom and a holy place.

This place is Zion—The Holy Mountain.

This place has a King.

This King is victorious.

Over all kings and kingdoms.

Commentators point out that this imagery of a mountain, a city, and a king is metaphorical language very similar to the language used to describe the myths of the Canaanite pantheon of gods, whose chief deity was named El. In their mythology, El had a palace on a mountain, and all good things flowed from there.

The Hebrew poets may have borrowed this imagery to one-up the myths. Psalm 47 invites all nations and peoples to examine Yahweh, the great King, who rules over all.

But it’s not just an “our God can beat up your god” sentiment, though there is a bit of that in the Psalms. It is an invitation. It is what some might call evangelistic in nature. It is headline news: Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Yahweh is King. Come join the party.

Some believe this song was commissioned and composed for use in the Hebrew temple corporate worship liturgy in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). It was at one of these celebrations that King Solomon dedicated the temple in I Kings 8.

Imagine the scene. All the elders of Israel were called together along with the heads of the tribes, the priests, and the families. Thousands were there when The Ark of the Covenant was brought into the temple.

It was like one of those college frat parties where word leaks out and the next thing you hear is someone saying, “How in the world did this happen?” Where did all these cars come from?

Except, in this case, no one said, “My dad is gonna kill me.”

Dad was pleased.

God’s presence showed up like a cloud and filled the temple.

King Solomon blessed the people and prayed. He reminded them of God’s promises and what He brought them through and gave a passionate speech about the ultimate King, Yahweh.

He reminded the people that it was not about them.

The temple could not contain God.

The foreigner was welcome.

They partied for fourteen days straight.

I love the very center of the Psalm—verses 5 and 6:

God has ascended amid shouts of joy,
The Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
Sing praises to God.
Sing praises.
Sing praises to our King.
Sing praises.

The “centers” of Psalms are important (we’ll talk more about this in chapter 2). They are like the bridge, the part you are supposed to get. They are the summary. They drive it home.

In Elvis’s rendition of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” I have always loved the bridge:

Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be

The rest of the song is important. The other lyrics matter. They fill it out. They set the tone. But here, the melody breaks into a haunting minor key that stands out and grabs your attention. If you get nothing else, know that “I Can’t Help . . .” is a song about fate. Love happens. Just like water flows downhill into the sea.

And so it is with the center of Psalms like 47. If you get nothing else, in case you are wondering what this song is about . . .

Yahweh is King.

There is a party.

You are invited.

Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing.

We will see similar sentiments throughout the Kingly Psalms.

So, how does Psalm 47 make ME feel? I feel like dancing. I feel like rocking. I’m bringing my guitar. I have been invited and given permission to raise the roof. Everyone is dancing.

Best Fails

2011-02-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

I love these videos. Watch at your own risk.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Buy This Album

2011-02-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

My Favorite Westwinds Video Ever

2011-02-05T12:49:00.001-05:00

Westwinds Staff Covenant

2011-02-05T12:24:00.002-05:00

“When you make a vow to the Lord, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.
--Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

I promise . . .

To Communicate
I will share my feelings honestly, and work at solving problems peacefully. When there is conflict or issues between us, I will initiate dialogue in an effort to bring resolution and understanding. I will let my “yes” be “yes” and my “no” be “no”. I will not expect you to read my mind. I will not play head games and expect you to know the right answers and have the right solutions. I will proactively, politely, calmly, and lovingly express my thoughts and feelings. I promise to discuss problems with you in an environment that is free from anger and reaction to the situation at hand.

To Be a Team Player
I will strive after consistency, accountability, punctuality, and loving unity. I will look for ways to encourage, support and serve you. I will do my best to be more than physically present in work related issues with you and will seek to have my mind and heart engaged during these times. I will support the team by honoring the commitments I make, be a good financial steward in overseeing my budget, and giving my best.

To Listen
I will listen very carefully to you and consider your needs rather than insist on having my own way. I will strive to keep from forming my answers, opinions, and/or defense while you are speaking—I will focus on you when you have the floor. I will seek to understand and relate, sympathize and empathize. I will be a shoulder to cry on and a friend to laugh with.

To Respect You
I understand the value and worth of every individual. I will follow the proper channels of authority when communicating even while realizing we’re all on the same team. I recognize there are systems and procedures put in place with the team’s best interest in mind, and I understand and submit to that, understanding hierarchy is not equated with value. I will honor you as an individual with your own likes, dislikes, tastes, boundaries, style, identity and personality. I will respect you by practicing spiritual, moral, and sexual purity.

To Honor You
I may not agree with everything you say. I may have a different point of view. I may have a different way of doing things. However, I promise I won’t devalue you or make you feel like you have no worth When I have an opportunity to talk about you in public, I will do so in a way that is honorable to you.

To Value You
I will encourage you and look for ways to praise you. I will hold you in high regard and protect you by refusing to gossip or slander you. I will not step on you, use you, or take advantage of you. I will also hold you accountable in a loving way because I care about you and have your best interest at heart.

To Love You
I will not manipulate you for my own gain. I will serve you. I will stay faithful to our relationship. I will make sacrifices for you.

To Seek God
I understand that you are not my savior and I am not yours. I do not fully comprehend and understand all the wonders of God. However, I promise to seek Him out, to learn more about Him, and to ask for His help in shaping a healthy relationship between us.

Today Show 1994 on Internet

2011-01-31T14:09:00.002-05:00

My wife called this to my attention today. 1994. My youngest daughter was not yet born and never lived in this world. Crazy.

FolkGalore is Coming in April!

2011-01-13T17:13:00.004-05:00

Life is a story. Your story. My story. Our story.

Stories can encourage us, give us hope, connect us to one another, build a sense of belonging, create pride, empower us, inspire us, and create unity.

On April 4-8, the city of Jackson and surrounding areas will be invited to celebrate the art of story through music. Think of it as a “happening” as opposed to an “event.” The happening is called, FolkGalore.

FolkGalore is:

Story.
Music.
Redemption.

For 5 days and nights, venues throughout Jackson and the surrounding areas will host numerous musicians and artists creating multiple stages ripe with stories celebrating the human spirit. Over 20 different stages and venues will host multiple musicians each of the five days and evenings.

Coffee shops, theaters, youth centers, churches, and house concert venues will be filled with music and art exploring what it means to live, love, triumph, fail, celebrate, dream, and learn how to get along. One of the best ways to share in the larger story we are all a part of is through folk music.

Folk music, which is widely defined, has “story” at the heart of it.

For centuries, stories have been told through music and art. Folk music takes its name from “folklore” which consists of a culture’s legends, tales, music, oral history, proverbial wisdom and sayings, jokes, visual art, popular beliefs, fairy tales, customs, and personality.

Folk music has incorporated many genres over time to include Americana, alt-country, blues, country, bluegrass, acoustic, singer-songwriter, and a wide variety and variations of those genres.

But Folk is always about stories.

April 4-8 is Spring Break. With the way the economy has been, not many folks are preparing to travel out of town. We are bringing Spring Break to Jackson.

One $20.00 pass will give participants “all-access” to the venues for concerts and any after parties with the musicians.

Throughout the week, some musicians will also be holding clinics, lessons, and lunch discussions at various times in various locations. For an extra $10.00 a participant can receive a stamp on their pass to gain access to any of these extras.

On Friday, April 8th, the event will culminate in a concert with renowned Americana artists The Steel Wheels (above photo). The Steel Wheels show is included in the all-access $20.00. However, tickets for this show will also be sold separately at the door for those only attending this concert and none of the other weekly events. The Steel Wheels only tickets will be $12.00 at the door.

Save the date! Tickets will go on sale at the end of February.

People Still Talking About Twitter Church

2010-12-31T23:50:00.003-05:00

I'm amazed people are still talking about Twitter Church and Westwinds' TIME article. But, tonight I saw a blog post by Rachel Motte in Siren magazine online and I had to respond.

You can read the whole article here but these are the parts that concerned me . . .

SIREN:

. . . Twitter, it’s argued, strengthens community ties and offers church goers a new way to express what they are thinking and feeling during the Sunday morning service . . .

. . . In other words, twitter allows people to begin silently “fellowshipping” with other believers before the Sunday morning coffee hour even starts . . .

. . . But is this genuine community? No, not really. That’s the problem . . .

. . . The writer of Hebrews told his readers, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) He meant that literally. No matter how advanced communication methods become, there will never be an adequate substitute for face-to-face interaction, and there will never be a replacement for real-life fellowship . . .

. . . We have souls, and we crave interaction with other souls, but we also have bodies. When we communicate through technology, we functionally disembody ourselves. There’s a great difference, for example, between talking to your mother on the phone and talking to her in person. When you can communicate with someone unseen without even using your voice, you separate yourself even further. Misunderstandings become more commonplace and relationship building more difficult. Instead of bringing us closer to those around us, technologies like twitter actually tend to separate us – and it’s hard to teach people about the glories of the incarnation while dis-incarnating yourself online . . .

. . . So should you tweet during church? Not unless you are trying to help someone far away (say, in the mission field) feel marginally included. When you are in church, you should be in church, and you risk being less than fully present if you’re busy with your iPhone. So perhaps instead of asking WWJT? “What would Jesus tweet?” the real question should be WJT? “Would Jesus tweet?”

MY RESPONSE:

You make some decent points here Rachel and certainly I don’t mean any disrespect but I think your conclusions are a bit short-sighted. I hope we can have some friendly-fire here.

Your presumption is that the weekend gathering of believers is simply about community but I'm not sure that is the biblical apex of gathering together. If community is the goal of weekend gatherings then churches need to make a ton of adjustments. There is no community listening to a speaker for 30 minutes, there is no community watching people sing on a stage, there is no community watching videos, dramas, etc.

I agree face to face communication is preferable but your argument about communication is misplaced. When do people ever communicate with one another during church? It would be one thing if a church was trying to replace face to face communication with technology but instead, a church was introducing another kind of communication into an environment where interaction seldom happens.

You also said, “When you are in church, you should be in church, and you risk being less than fully present if you’re busy with your iPhone.” I see where you are coming from but you are making two different arguments here. You suggest that Twittering isn’t real “community” but you introduce another argument when you mention being “fully present.” If by being fully present you are suggesting one should be still and listen to someone speak, there is certainly no community in that.

At Westwinds we believe the Bible gives an incredible amount of freedom for corporate gatherings. We strive to create an original, unsullied, experience-rich, multi-layered environment where we increase the occurrence of people interacting with God, his Word, his truth, his people, and face their barriers that interrupt and antagonize the life Jesus invites. The only non-negotiable element in the whole weekend experience is God’s Word as the living, enlightening torrent of truth that must be present every week. Other than that one item, everything else is negotiable.

I certainly don't believe Twitter is for everyone. We experimented a few times three years back and we use it occasionally in different ways. One of the things it does is it gives people another way of being involved in the weekend gathering as opposed to just being a spectator. I think we need to think of many other ways of accomplishing this kind of interaction.

John Voelz

Guitar Pickup Tattoos

2010-12-30T21:02:00.003-05:00

I got three new tattoos today—or one in three parts depending on how you look at it. The tattoos are of three electric guitar pickups. One for each of my children. Each child has a distinct personality, set of characteristics, and unique approach to life and love and music and art. Guitar pickups are a good metaphor for my beautiful children and the tats also reflect my love for music.

Karysa, my firstborn, is a classic beauty—much like the “lipstick” pickup on my Fender Telecaster. The Tele is one of my favorite guitars because nothing says “Americana” like a Tele. Classic rockers like Tom Petty, Keith Richards and Bruce Springsteen play Telecasters with lipstick pickups. My man George Harrison played a Tele during The Beatles famous 'Get Back Sessions' as well as on the Beatles' 1970 album Let It Be and 1969's Abbey Road. He also played his Tele for the Beatles' last public performance in 1969 known as the “rooftop concert.”

Lipstick pickups used to be made with actual surplus lipstick tubes when they were put in Danelectro guitars and Sears Silvertone guitars. My first guitar amp and the first guitar I ever played were made by Silvertone and had one of these pickups. I still have a Silvertone amp and play through it regularly.

The lipstick pickup is vintage. Classic. It is great for music that mixes rock with a folk overtone like the jangle rock bands of the 60’s like The Byrds or more recent bands like R.E.M. Karysa is vintage and classic. She is Breakfast at Tiffany’s and a hot cup of organic fair-trade coffee.

Lipstick pickups, like Karysa, are traditional—but not in that boring kind of a way. Far from it. They are artistic, sought after, and very unique. Look for them at pawn shops and antique stores of the coolest variety.

Karysa doesn’t need a lot of gimmicks to make her cool. She doesn’t need to be “effected.” Her tone is clear, precise, and fashionable.

Joe Strummer of The Clash played a famously beat up and stickered Tele with one of these pickups until his death. The Clash are punk rock. Karysa is a bit punk rock as well. Her tats tell the story. No one can put her in a box. She reinvents herself and stands against the system and "the man." I love this about her.

Connor is my single coil pickup—Strat style. I have three pickups just like these on my American Standard Stratocaster.

The Strat is my utility guitar. The pickups, depending on which one I select, can give the guitar a loud, but mellow and warm tone or a brighter and sharper tone. This is the guitar and pickups I choose when I need to cover a bunch of different styles of songs. It is well rounded. It says Blues, Surf, Country, and Rock with equal conviction.

Connor plays by the rules. He is kind and gentle and respected (not that my other kids aren’t but he has a large dose of these traits). The single coils on my Strat are much the same way. Everyone wants a Strat.

Then there is Kasidy . . . my humbucker.

The open coil humbucker got it’s name because of the way it “bucks the hum” of a single coil pickup. They cancel out the hum generated by alternating current. In layman’s terms, a single coil pickup usually hears all the noise created by the electronics surrounding the instrument that use AC. Amps, mixers, motors, power lines, effects processors, studio gadgets and other electronics generate sound that is picked up by a single coil. BUT, the humbucker changes that.

Kasidy is my humbucker for other reasons. First, humbuckers are loud.

Second, they are playful and give guitars a rounder tone when arranged with other pickups.

Third, they create a great natural “distortion” when cranked to the volume of 10.

Kasidy is my live wire. All my kids are creative but she must be creative every second of every day. She leaves messes wherever she goes—her distortion. She doesn’t have a slow button—until she wears herself out from moving. Then she crashes. She bucks the system and makes her presence known.

She “rounds out” the other pickups in the family. She is unique but she also has many of the qualities and characteristics of her other pickups ah-hem, sibings.

As she grows, I pray she learns more and more to submit to Jesus as He harnesses her raw energy to rock the kingdom in whatever way she carves out.

Love all my babies.

The Winds--a Song

2010-12-30T15:52:00.003-05:00

I was excited to hear this song today by guitarist Jeremy Blaska. I hope to meet Jeremy soon. He wrote this song inspired by The Winds--our Cabernet Sauvignon that raised money for art scholarships.

What I Want for Westwinds for Christmas

2010-12-23T15:14:00.001-05:00

God did not make up a bunch of arbitrary rules designed to suck the joy out of your life. Quite the opposite. The “rules” are all about right relationship with Him, with others, and with ourselves.

Some describe sin as a “burden that needs to be lifted off one’s back” as Scot McKnight suggests. Or, think of it this way, when a burden isn’t lifted then sin becomes the weight someone has to carry. We don’t always recognize this “burden” when we are in the habit of sin. We recognize the burden when we feel the weightiness of the consequences of our choices.

Some describe the rules as boundaries and sin, the crossing of those boundaries. The boundaries are meant for healthy relationship with God, others, and self. To cross those boundaries is at best cause for discomfort and at worse, death.

The Bible uses many metaphors for sin. One of my favorites is in the book of James where we read about temptation and sin in fishing terms. We bait our own hook. We cast it in the water. We stare at the shimmering. We bite it. We’re snagged.

At Westwinds, we often describe sin as a breaking of relationship—something that needs to be set straight, corrected, made right. In our series, “Sin Monkey” our working metaphor was that of sin being like a monkey you take home. At first, he’s cute and cuddly and seems like just what you needed—even if you knew bringing him home was not the best thing. Soon, the monkey is growing and destroying your furniture and flinging poo at you and everyone you know. And so our mantra became, “Kill the monkey. Fix the furniture.”

Recently I have had many conversations with folks about sin. Not because I am their conscience. Not because they need to be chastised. Not because they need to be made to feel guilty. Rather, because they need peace. They need to feel whole. They need to have their shame lifted.

This is what Jesus wants to do for you, church. This is what he does.

Westwinds is a great place for everyone to feel welcome. I am proud we foster an environment where you can belong before you believe. I love that our church doesn’t perpetuate the lie that you need to get cleaned up BEFORE you get on team Jesus. Rather, hang with us, do life with us, and practice surrender with us.

We use the phrase, “Come Dirty” around Westwinds to drive home the idea that God wants us to come as we are. Messed up. Fractured. Nasty.

But, the phrase isn’t “Stay Dirty.”

It’s hard to watch anyone make mistakes or choose . . . poorly. Some don’t know better yet. The road is long. I get it. But, the thing that really hurts is to watch people I know who have already submitted to Jesus choose poorly. It hurts to watch people who have been walking with Jesus for a long time make little choices that lead to bigger choices that have catastrophic ends.

And, unfortunately, I have had many conversations lately with people who willingly make bad choices and somehow think they are above the repercussions or that it really isn’t that big of a deal. This is especially true of a group of folks who continue to make horrible choices with regard to their relationships.

So many times, I want to stand up and say, “Attention! Everyone! Stop playing around. Walk away from “XYZ” and run from “ABC.” But, scare tactics and laying down the law never worked for anyone.

And so I watch people burn their hands on the hot stove. Every. Day.

Then, they come to my office and ask for prayer and counsel to deal with the fallout of the choices they made. The fallout they could have avoided. The fallout they were warned about back when they had a choice.

And so, “He” moves in with his girlfriend against his better judgment. They do it because they know they are getting married soon. Then they break up. Then he comes to my office and cries his eyes out because he bought her a car and gave her his last dime and she left town.

“She” falls for a great guy who promises to take care of her. But, doesn’t promise to marry her. He gets her pregnant and bails. She comes to my office and sobs uncontrollably because she has no insurance to take care of the baby and no place to live.

“He” starts looking at porn “innocently” and spends the next few years living in a fantasy world of sexuality that is neither realistic nor normal. Five years later he and his wife are in my office wondering why she can never please him sexually. It is never enough. He has strange ideas about sex.

“She” had a live-in boyfriend as a financial arrangement with sexual benefits. He left her when she started talking about making a commitment. She was so used to living with his extra money from his unemployment check. But now he’s gone. She came in for counsel and admitted she made horrible choices. Then, she invited another dude with a monthly check to move in with her. They say they’re in love.

These are just a handful of the train wrecks I witness.

Is it any of my business what people do in private? Not really. Until they ask to be leaders, ask what they should be doing to grow in their spiritual life, ask for counsel, ask for prayer, become owners, join a satellite, serve on a team, etc. Then, yes.

It becomes someone else’s business when they invite others to edit their lives. This is what we do as Jesus followers.

What do I want for Christmas? I want people to stop screwing up their lives by playing roulette. I want the Jesus followers in my church to listen to wise counsel and pay attention, stop compromising, and rise above by surrendering to Jesus.

I want my church to know abundant life.

The Souls Across the Street

2010-12-20T09:52:00.007-05:00

A few Westwinds folks went caroling Sunday night at Ridgecrest –the new care home/ health facility across the street from the church.

I wasn’t prepared for the vast array of personalities that would great me--how they would make me laugh, make me think, make me cry, give me perspective, and fill me up.

Let me introduce you to some of them (not their real names).

Roomba—we nicknamed her this because she scooted in her wheelchair constantly throughout the home like one of those vacuums that cleans your floor automatically. Just like those vacuums, this sweetheart kept running her wheelchair into the things that were in her way. Like us.

Dapper Dan—Dressed in a powder blue cardigan and a smile, Dan greeted us with a “meow” as he showed us his pet cat—a stuffed animal. I asked him what the cat’s name was. He told me it was “Cat.” We agreed it was really one of the best names you could give a cat.
Darling Darla—she pegged me for a guitar player as soon as we came in. Maybe it was the goatee and earrings that gave me away. She told me she had a guitar in her room and it took her about 5 minutes to learn how to play it. When we were done singing the first carol, she shouted out to all her friends. “Guys, this is what it’s all about . . . Jesus! GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN!” Many nodded in agreement and a couple shared her enthusiasm. She high-fived me about 10 times and begged me to come sing Easter morning and bring my guitar.

Sister Sara—she sat in the back with her head back and her hands raised singing the entire time. When I told her I could almost hear her up front she told me she knew I was lying but she was giving it her all. I told her it was her eyes that were singing the loudest. She smiled and agreed.

Smiley Sadie—she had big bright eyes. I told her that her eyes smiled. They got even bigger and she asked, “REALLY?” “Of course. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that?” She replied “noooooooo” as if I just told her the greatest secret she ever heard. She proceeded to tell her friends that she had smiley eyes.

Playful Pat—“Merry Christmas” I said as I held her hand. “You’re just hear to wreck everything” she said. “Did you have other plans this evening? I asked. “Am I bothering you?” “No, you just came here to break everything” she explained. “Oh, no. I promise you, I will be on my best behavior. I’m only going to sing.” She shook her head and said, “Yeah, right.” She was a tough cookie but at the end of the night she said it was a nice time.

Dressy Bessie—I didn’t understand a word Bessie was saying but she talked out loud the entire time we were there—only stopping when we sang. And, when we sang, she looked straight into my eyes and smiled. She held on her lap a baby doll that was sometimes cradled in one arm and sometimes sitting next to her. Her words were unintelligible but I could tell they were happy words and she wanted everyone to hear them.

Laughing Larry—he slapped his knee and shook his head with a giggle as we were singing. He giggling made me laugh a few times. When I shook his hand after he said, “I was hoping to meet you! You have a wonderful voice.” His handshake was more enthusiastic than most and I think he thought I was a celebrity.

Beautiful Betty—she didn’t say a word the whole night. She just kept crying—not the sobbing kind but the kind where tears slowly and continually trickle. When I took her hand and said, “Merry Christmas” she nodded in agreement.

Grateful Greta—she must have told me “thank you” 100 times. The thing that was intriguing about Greta was that, though she looked old, she somehow looked young. She looked youthful. It was like someone put makeup on a child to make them look old. It’s hard to explain but I pictured her going to her room after we were done only to put on her play clothes and go outside to run around.

Carol the Choir Lady—I am sure she sang in choirs as a youngster. She still had a bit of vibrato though it was labored. However, what she lacked in the vocal polish she once had as a younger woman, she made up for with enthusiasm. I could hear her singing with almost the same volume as the Westwinds carolers. She told me the singing was “very nice, very nice” as if she were the choir director praising her choir after a performance.
Eager Edna—she rolled out of her room in a wheelchair as we were leaving. She told us she missed the performance because she was getting ready for bed. We told her we would sing a song just for her. She said, “Well, I can’t see any of you but I will be able to hear you!” We sang Angels We Have Heard on High for her and she took it all in. Then she asked if I would come in her room to hear another song. She pointed at the snowman on her desk and asked me to take it in the hall and push the button. The dancing snowman sang “The Peppermint Twist” for us. Edna giggled. I told her I would be praying for her this season that she would feel great enough to do the peppermint twist all season long. She laughed, thanked us, and apologized to us all that she was in her nightgown for our “performance.”

We headed across the street to deliver a blessing and left wondering who had the bigger blessing—them or us?

Lord, thank you for the souls across the street. I pray for them and their families this year that you would meet them in a new and potent way.

The Giving Tree

2010-12-16T10:55:00.003-05:00

Last night kicked off the first night of Westwinds’ “Giving Tree” at Biggby Coffee in Jackson.

Once again, tonight and tomorrow between the hours of 6:00p and 10:00p we will be handing out Christmas gifts at the coffee shop . . . just because. Through generous gifts to us and as part of our Christmas Beyond 1000 missional endeavor we are taking this opportunity to bless our community.

This effort is designed for folks in our Jackson community to come in to the coffee shop, fill out a registration form and get a free gift. We have hundreds. You can keep it, or pay it forward to someone else.

We are also drawing from the registration forms to award someone a Grand Prize package valued at over $250.00.

Last night it was a blast to see people opening gifts and getting just what they were hoping for or talking about the people they were going to bless with the gift they pass on. Gift cards, CD’s, Video Games, and a lot of great surprises are under that tree.

One woman told me her whole story and asked, “So, do I qualify?” This is the beauty . . . there is no qualifying.

People are given an opportunity to opt in for us to email them info about Westwinds but they are not obligated to do so.

The blessing in all this is being able to spread good cheer, lift spirits, not ask for anything in return, have great conversation, and let Jackson know there are a group of people who care at 1000 Robinson Road on the corner of McCain.

Last night we talked to 30 people who aren’t connected to a church and are looking for a place to call home. It was good to see smiles as they walked away with gifts and said, “See you soon.”

Grandma's Rusted Car Just Killed a Reindeer

2010-12-09T16:19:00.002-05:00

Best of Then and Now CD

2010-11-26T16:54:00.006-05:00

My new CD is here!

This summer/fall I went into the studio to record 5 new songs that have been favorites around Westwinds this year. I decided to add those tunes to 10 others that have been favorites through the years and put out this CD. Many of the 10 older songs will seem new to many who have only recently been introduced to my music. Some are from out-of-print albums.

This is a 15 song CD. 10 songs come from 2 live albums, an acoustic album, and 3 studio albums. 5 songs have never been released on any album until now.

That's What I Have (NEW)
Ever (From "Vertizontal")
Love Has Come (From "Mystery")
Always Something (From "Westwinds Live")
Life Giver (From "Faith, Hope, Love")
It's Jesus (NEW)
Sing (NEW)
Amazed at the Mystery (From "Mystery")
Dreaming (From "Fleas Naughty Dog")
Your Hand (From "Mystery")
My Silly Heart (NEW)
Anytime Lord (NEW)
Whatever (From "Vertizontal")
YHWH (From "When I Come as a Child")
Champion (From "Vertizontal")

These 15 songs represent nearly 20 years and what seems like at least 3 lifetimes for me as a songwriter, traveling musician, coffeehouse troubadour, street performer, bar singer, and local church musician.

They are my response to living the life Jesus invited me to live. I have played some of these songs 100's of times--from California up to the Pacific Northwest, over to Michigan and throughout Europe. Others are still very fresh in my soul.

If you prefer digital downloads, just wait a couple of weeks. I will let you know when it hits all the outlets like iTunes. Otherwise, you can buy it here. I am also offering a bonus of my Christmas CD, "Fleas Naughty Dog" for only 5 bucks extra. See options below.

Thank you to all of you who have bought my albums and supported me and my music for 20+ years. Enjoy!

My New Book "King Me" is Here

2010-11-19T17:11:00.005-05:00

My new book King Me is now available on Amazon. Or, you can buy directly from me by using the button in the right hand column of this blog (If you want me to sign the book or dedicate it to someone as a gift you will have to purchase directly from me using that button. At checkout, you will have an option for getting me any special notes). The audiobook will be available in a few short weeks.

The Book of Psalms contains a wonderful collection of songs known as the "Kingly Psalms." The Kingly Psalms inspire people with hope and encourage us in our faith, give us a window to the past and a connection with our brothers and sisters of long ago, and connect the worlds of the First and Second Testaments as we see a people praising a King and longing for the Messiah-Jesus-who has revealed himself to us.

This book is a musical and poetic journey through the Kingly Psalms. It's a little bit of a history lesson. But more than anything, it's an invitation into the throne room of a living King who has an invitation of His own to hand out.

If you are a smart phone user, you will want to download a QR Reader for your phone as an extra bonus. The book is full of QR Code for you to scan that will take you on another journey of discovery with fun facts, videos, and websites containing more information. Not too long ago, I posted about QR. You can read that post here.

I hope you check it out. Let me know what you think. I'd love to talk about it.

King Me Part One

2010-11-18T11:39:00.003-05:00

This is a video of the first message in our series "King Me" from this past weekend at Westwinds. You can purchase the book from Amazon by clicking this link.

I Love Flash Mobs

2010-11-18T08:57:00.001-05:00

Where Am I?

2010-11-09T07:10:00.003-05:00

This weekend at Westwinds we participated in a simple interactive worship moment. We invited everyone to take a card off of a table and write something on each side:

Side 1= one word that describes where you are with Jesus/one word that sums up your current spiritual state

Side 2= something you want our staff to pray with you about

About half of our adults who were here participated in this prayerful moment which is very encouraging. It takes some courage to get out of your seat and participate in something.

I am thankful for our people's honesty. These words mean something. I am looking forward to following up with many of them.

This is my prayer list this week. This list and the names attached to them are above my desk right now. These are MY people.

I am thankful for an opportunity to be in relationship with the people of Westwinds. Here are the words that came in:

70%
ABANDONED
ALONE
ANGRY
AWAKENING
AWESOME
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
BEGINNING
BEGINNING/RECONNECTION
BENT BUT NOT BROKEN
BEST FRIEND
BLESSED
BLOSSOMING
BROKEN
BROKEN
CHANGE
CHANGING
CLOSE
CLOSER
CLOSER
CLUTTERED
COMMITTED
COMPLACENT
CONFLICT
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSED
CONFUSION
CONNECTED
CONTENT
CONTENTMENT
CRAVING
CRUISE CONTROL
CURIOUS
DESPERATE
DEVOTED
DEVOTED
DISAPPOINTED
DISTRACTED
DISTRACTED & SEPARATED
DRIFTING
EXHAUSTED
FAITH
FAITH
FAITHFUL
FAITHFUL
FALSE
FASTED
FEAR
FEAR
FIGHTING
FLIGHTY
FLOATING/CONFUSED
FLOUNDERING
FLOURISHING
FOCUS
FOLLOWER
FORGIVE
FORGIVING
FOUND
FREEDOM
FRESH
FRUSTRATED
FRUSTRATED
FULL
GIVING
GOOD GROWTH
GRACE
GRACED
GRASPING
GRATEFUL
GRATEFUL
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWING
GROWTH
GROWTH
GROWTH UNDER PRESSURE
GUIDANCE
GUIDANCE/LISTEN
HANGING ON
HAPPY
HEALING
HOLDING ON
HOPEFUL
HOPEFUL
HOPEFUL
HOPELESS
HOPELESS
HURT
HURTING/TRUSTING/LISTENING
IGNORANT
IN LOVE
IN PROCESSS
IN-BETWEEN
INCONSISTENT
INCONSISTENT
INCONSISTENT
INQUIRY
INTERESTED
INTIMATE
INTRIGUE
JOURNEY
JOURNEYING
JUDGMENTAL
LACK OF FAITH
LACK OF TRUST
LACKING
LAZY
LEARNER
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LEARNING
LIFELINE
LOOKING
LOST
LOST
LOST
LOST
LOST
LOST
LOST/FIND
LOVE
LOVE
LOVING
LOVING
LOVING
MAN-UP / AUTHORITY
MENDING
MOURNING
MOVING & TRUSTING
MOVING > GOD
MOVING FORWARD
NEED
NEEDY
NEW
NEW
NOWHERE
NUMB, LOST, BROKEN, ALONE, DEPRESSED, DESTROYED, FUCKED
OBEDIENCE WITH JOY
OVERSCHEDULED
OVERWHELMED
PATIENCE
PATIENCE
PATIENCE
PEACE
PEACE
PEACE
PEACEFUL
PEACEFUL
PEACEFUL
PEACEFUL
PEACEFUL
PRODIGAL
PROGRESS
PROGRESSING
PURSUIT
REACHING
RECOVERY
REMEMBERING
RENEWAL
RENEWED
RENEWING
RENEWING
REST
RESTART
RETHINKING
SCARED
SCARED
SEARCHING
SEEKING
SELF-CONDEMNED
SELF-CONTROL
SELFISHNESS
SELFLESS
SERVING
SKEPTIC
SMOOTH HIGHWAY WITH RANDOM RUMBLE STRIPS
SPIRITUALLY GRATEFUL
STAGNANT
STAGNANT
STAGNANT
STAGNANT
STALE
STARTING OVER
STARTING OVER
STARTING TO BE FOUND
STRENGTH
STRENGTH
STRENGTH/HOPEFUL
STRENGTHENING
STRONG
STRONG
STRONG
STRONG FOLLOWER
STRUGGLE
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STRUGGLING
STUBBORN SEEKER
STUCK
STUCK
STUCK
STUCK
STUCK
STUCK
STUCK IN MY MIND
STUMBLING
SUBMIT
SUCK
SURRENDER
THANKFUL
THE BEGINNING
THIN
TOLERANCE
TOO BUSY
TORN
TRAILMATES
TRANSFORMING
TRANSITION
TRUE TO MYSELF
TRUST
TRUST
TRUSTING
TRUSTING
TRUSTING
TRYING
TRYING
TRYING
TRYING TO WRAP HEAD AROUND CONCEPT OF GRACE
UNDONE
UNFOCUSED
UNINSPIRED
UNRESTED
UNSURE
UNSURRENDERING
UNWANTED
WANDERING
WANTING
WEAK
WEARY
WITH
WORK IN PROGRESS
WORKING
WOUNDED
YEARNING

Conan! Show Zero

2010-11-08T18:31:00.001-05:00

This Made Me Cry Happy Tears

2010-10-03T06:25:00.000-04:00

"How is my Spiritual Life???"

2010-09-23T17:52:00.001-04:00

A few days ago a friend asked me a few personal questions.

“How is your family?”

“Feeling like you’re getting on top of financial things?”

“How are things at the church?”

“What are you dreaming about these days?”

“Where is Connor going to college?”

“How are that grandbaby and the kids in Seattle?”

These questions, and some others were the fodder for an hour-long conversation. Then he threw me for a loop and asked a question I didn’t really know how to answer . . .

“How is your spiritual life?”

It’s not that I didn’t have an answer. It’s that I thought I HAD been answering that question for the whole hour we had been talking.

He was really asking about my spiritual disciplines—prayer, bible reading, etc. But he didn’t say that. He asked about my spiritual life. This is partly bothersome, curious, intriguing, thought provoking, and a teachable moment.

Random thoughts . . .

1. I believe the spiritual life has more to do with inviting the Holy Spirit to guide, counsel, partner, and speak into my every day situations than it has to do with the things spiritual people do. Or, the things people believe spiritual people “should” do.
2. I believe the way I treat my family, friends, and co-workers is a better indication of how my “spiritual life” is going than the number of days I have spent reading my bible.
3. Recognizing everyday things as spiritual and listening to and sensing the movement of God in those things are an important posture for us. When I start viewing my conversation with the Starbucks guy as spiritual, new things take shape in the conversation, the Starbucks guy, and me. When dinner with the family is seen as spiritual, the conversation takes a different shape and I listen better. I engage differently.
4. Seeing everyday business as spiritual—money, job, recreation, family, etc.—energizes me and removes some of the guilt I feel put on me by other people’s idea of what is spiritual and what is not. I find myself meditating on the Word of God, praying, and inviting God into the mundane.
5. There is no secular and sacred with this posture. We don’t escape the secular to bask in the sacred. Richard Rohr points out the word “profane” comes from two words pro and funum meaning “outside the temple.” When Jesus died, the temple veil tore in two. The world was invited in to the temple at Jesus’ invitation. The temple spilled out into everything.
6. I don’t simply meet with Jesus over a cup of coffee and a bible. If that were the case, I honestly wouldn’t meet with him as often as others would like me to.
7. Inviting the Holy Spirit into the mundane has made me a pray-er. Not just before a test. Not just before a meal. Not just with other believers. All the time.
8. Romans 8 is a good picture of this posture.
9. Certainly my spiritual life is sweetened, sharpened, more intuitive, and I gain greater perspective (etc.) when I take special time out to do things like read, be silent, go on a retreat, etc. BUT it is not SIMPLY those things that define “how my spiritual life is going.”
10. Thinking through these things has been a spiritual exercise.

Just a few thoughts.

QR Church

2010-09-17T10:14:00.003-04:00

One of the things I love about Westwinds is our early adopter mentality and our willingness to try new things. This proves true in the areas of technology, media, programming, and other methodologies.

One of our latest adoptions is the use of QR Code. A QR Code is a matrix barcode. These codes are readable by scanners, mobile phones with cameras, and smart phones. If you don’t have the QR Reader app for your iPhone, go download it now

QR is showing up everywhere. Last year I used a QR coded ticket to board a plane as they scanned my iPhone. QR is shown on commercials between shows, all new products at Best Buy, magazines, posters, you name it.

A few months ago, my wife and I scanned a QR Code during a commercial break and were directed to a site promoting the new show, “Lonestar.” My wife said, you should take advantage of QR at Westwinds for the bulletin and other things.

Brilliant.

Westwinds is starting to use QR in our bulletin (The Draft), our weekend pre-service slides, posters, fliers, newsletters, magazines, albums, teaching atlases, on the doors of our church, on our business cards, and many other areas are being explored.

You can generate QR code very easy with sites like delivr

I encourage all churches to use QR and challenge them to come up with new ways to communicate and get information out through the use of QR.

There is no Such Thing as Balance. Only Seasons.

2010-08-31T20:52:00.002-04:00

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard “God first. Family second. Work third” as the celebrated framework for responsibility.

Wives use it against their husbands. Husbands use it against their wives. Children us it against their parents. Employees (especially in churches) use it against their bosses. People use it to berate themselves.

I get it. It’s designed as a barometer.

But it isn’t biblical.

It is often a weapon against others.

It is often a rebuke.

It often causes guilt.

But it’s only a neat notion and bumper sticker wisdom.

It isn’t necessarily “evil.” But, it is wrong. And potentially damaging.

I have had a few counseling meetings lately where the idea of priorities and responsibility have come up. Everyone I have counseled—EVERY one—has said something about this little triad of God, Family, and Work.

The other word that gets thrown around a lot is “balance.”

For instance . . .

In Susie Housewife’s mind, Bob the Builder has worked too many hours at work. The job has kept him away. Out of town. He missed a baseball game. This quickly disintegrates into “he doesn’t care, his priorities are wrong, he loves his job more than the family and he is out of “balance.” Susie’s remedy is re-prioritizing. God. Family. Work. Susie looks forward to living a normal life. A balanced life.

Or . . .

Ken and Barbie both have jobs and work hard. Barbie is a designer and she has been super busy this summer. Ken has had to watch the kids multiple nights in a row. He is mad at Barbie. She never watches their favorite show with him anymore. It’s been 3 months. Plus, she worked on the Vacation Bible School at church and that demanded attention. Ken thinks she needs to re-prioritize. She is out of balance. He wants his wife back. After all . . .” God. Family. Then work.”

There are 100 stories. You probably know a few.

Listen . . . there is no such thing as balance. It is a lie. Don’t buy it.

There is no balance. Just seasons.

If you want to do something spectacular and wise for your kids, talk as a family about seasons.

Sometimes, responsibilities will require mom and dad to work extremely hard. Sometimes, this work will cause them to be distracted for a bit. Sometimes they won’t be around right at 5:30.

Sometimes, emergencies happen. Beyond our control. And they need to be attended to. And it may mean we miss a game.

Sometimes, because we love people and care about them, there may be someone who needs our help really badly. We didn’t plan on it, it just happened that way. And it might be best for us to attend to that need. And it may cause us to postpone a promise.

Sometimes, mom and dad will dream something big to heal the world. They will make a choice to follow that dream. They have an idea to invest in the community or go on a mission trip or do something that helps others. They don’t “have” to. They want to. And, following that dream will cost. Something will have to give.

Sometimes, you will have a desire to go back to school, start a side job, take up a hobby, join a club, etc. If you decide to do it, someone will have to take up the slack.

Instead of God first, family second, and work third, let’s have a new barometer:

“God in everything. Through every season.”

Sometimes, you will need to tell your family that there are things that are demanding your attention. Explain why. Bring them in on the conversation. Pray together.

Sometimes, you will need to talk with your spouse and explain the dream in your head. Invite them to dream with you. Be honest. Explain that you know what it will cost them.

And this is important: talk about what it looks like on the other side. Most stress about seasons comes from not talking about it ahead of time, giving no warning, not sharing your intentions, not sharing the stress together and not talking about an escape plan. Or vacation. Or what rest looks like when it all dies down.

Sometimes, you will have to fight to spend time with your family. You will need to tell your boss, “Enough is enough.” Do so with grace and respect and with a reliance on the Holy Spirit and wisdom of close friends.

You WILL be out of balance.

Seasons. Understand them. Talk about them. Talk through them. Work through them together.

This is not a post in support of Workaholism. Not even close. If you think you have a problem, talk to someone. Stop the madness. A couple of years ago I blogged about Workaholism. If you are interested in reading that go here

What Would Jesus Dog?

2010-08-23T10:15:00.002-04:00

The comments on YouTube are disabled for this video. I think I know why.

AUDIOBOOK of "Broken Record" is now on iTunes!

2010-07-30T16:12:00.004-04:00

I am very excited the iTunes access for the book is now up and running.

I'd love to hear feedback from any of you who download the audiobook. Did you like it? Where did you listen to it? Was it easy to listen to? What should I do different on the next one? Keep 'em coming?

You can buy the audiobook by using the button below.

Broken Record Audiobook is Here!

2010-07-22T15:03:00.003-04:00

Click on the picture above or here to download the audiobook from CDBaby! The audiobook will be on iTunes and other outlets soon. I will let you all know.

My New Book is Here!

2010-07-16T13:58:00.006-04:00

I am excited to announce my new book is done and available online! “Broken Record: Enjoying the Music of Relationship Through the Hisses, Pops, and Scratches” is an easy read and a humorous yet insightful tool for relationships.

Relationships are like records. Remember those things? Vinyl? Larger than a CD? Some would argue the purest audio recordings are vinyl records. But, they are fragile. Records require special care. You can't toss them around, leave them in the sun, or let them get dusty.

Still, they develop hisses, pops and scratches. It's inevitable.

And, because life is what it is, our relationships get hisses, pops, and scratches—it’s the nature of the beast.

This book is about the records we have saved for and purchased, the ones we have been entrusted with.

It’s about properly taking care of them and playing them over and over again until they become part of us.

Become a relational audiophile.

Learn to listen carefully to the music, to appreciate it beyond the initial, most obvious instrumentation.

Fall in love with it, maybe all over again.

Here’s what the publisher says,
Relationships are difficult. We all have them and we all struggle at times to overcome, or at least get past, the inevitable conflict. Great friendships sour, good marriages crumble and fray, business partnerships that flowed so smoothly break up badly. Often, all we need are some basic tools, to help us through the rough patches to a stronger relationship on the other side of the conflict. Sometimes we already know what to do, but in the heat of the fight, we forget to listen and to use our words lovingly.

In Broken Record: Enjoying the Music of Relationship Through the Hisses, Pops, and Scratches, author John Voelz invites us to sit with him and listen to his record collection–those relational pieces of vinyl that are irreplaceable, invaluable, and that lend color and meaning to life. Through this metaphor, humor, and illustrative story, Voelz takes through nearly every type of conflict a relationship can suffer. He hands us the tools we need to get through the problem while reminding us again about how to take care of our relationships. Listen again to the beautiful music behind the hisses, pops, and scratches that made you “buy the album” in the first place.

I invite you to check it out! The book has a PG-13 caution because of the subject matter, stories and real-life examples that occasionally use language that may not be suitable for children. This book is currently being used as a teaching atlas for the series of the same name at Westwinds Community Church where we have a standing PG-13 label on the weekend gatherings. We pride ourselves in talking about real-life stuff in real-life ways as we interact with the real-life Jesus.

You can purchase the paperback by clicking here

Or, you can purchase the book as an E-Book here . . .

Broken Record: Enjoying the Music of Relationships Through the Hisses, Pops, and Scratches

Check out my publisher's website here!

The Kindle version, Amazon site, and audiobook are coming soon. Stay tuned.

Worship Rises in Canada

2010-07-14T15:12:00.003-04:00

I know a lot of Canadian jokes. I share an office with a Canadian. I live in a state that borders Canada. The jokes I didn’t know before meeting him, he filled me in on. I know about moose, beavers, Bryan Adams, and Celine Dion. I watched the Olympics.

The jokes are all in fun and they aren’t really true but nevertheless my Canadian friends have to work extra hard to dispel the myths that they all smell like maple syrup and keep a pair of ice skates in their car for when a game of hockey breaks out. Well, maybe that last one is true.

Plus, I don’t joke much anymore because it eventually gets to where I call them “America Junior” and they trump me with “Canada’s Underpants.”

And with that . . . the following is NOT a joke.

Worship leader Chris Vacher, a Canadian, had a great idea. Chris and a bunch of his buddies that lead music in their churches started getting together and writing tunes with a few things in mind: indigenous worship, camaraderie, Canadian churches, the church worldwide, stretching each other’s artistry, etc.

They called their writing group, “Worship Rises.” Out of this group, they released a four song EP that showed up on iTunes in the states yesterday. You can buy the EP for a whopping $3.96 here.

Buy it on Amazon here.

Chris shared a little on his blog today about the album and the buzz surrounding it.

Follow Chris on Twitter.

Chris has become a good friend of mine over the last few years and I am proud of him. I want you all to know about the album not because he is my friend, not because we scratch each other’s backs in cyber world, not because he is paying me, but because I believe this is an example of what it looks like when God’s church takes their heads out of their self-absorbed rear ends.

I went to Ireland a few years back and the church I visited did songs they had written. About “the troubles” and the political struggles of Ireland, about living in their world. I fell in love with Ireland and the Irish church that day. Because, I was brought into their story. This EP makes me think of Canada, my neighbor to the North and it makes me smile that they took a risk.

This album and movement teaches us or reminds us--who are music people in our churches--of some great lessons:

1. Indigenous worship is honest, tells a story that is familiar and approachable, and has a special “je ne sais quoi” for the local church that is different than plug and play worship where we pick songs that the other cool kids are playing. Give thought to your music. Tell YOUR story.
2. With that said, it is a wonderful thing to then share your story with the world. They may say, “Hey, that’s our story too.”
3. Magic can happen when we rub shoulders with like-minded people in our greater communities. When is the last time you had lunch with another pastor in town (not from your church)?
4. THE church matters more than YOUR church because THE church is JESUS’ church and Jesus is what matters. Personality, style, doctrine, methodology, tastes . . . they grow strangely dim with a kingdom mindset.

Way to go, Canada. Now, let's talk about the Nickleback problem. Can you help there, Chris?

Steve Taylor's Cash Cow

2010-07-05T17:36:00.002-04:00

One of the creepiest and coolest songs and videos from one of the creepiest and coolest Christian musicians ever. I miss Steve Taylor. He was ahead of his time.

Talking Dog and Smiling Dog

2010-07-01T14:09:00.003-04:00

I took this video on my iPhone on vacation last week. These dogs are at Black River Books in South Haven, MI. That's my family "ooing" and "ahhing" in the background.

The Perfect Key : : : Dana Key, 1953-2010

2010-06-07T17:24:00.003-04:00

My wife and kids laugh at me when I cry because a musician died. They don’t mean to hurt my feelings. They might think I’m “cute” or something. But, when a musician dies and their music meant a lot to me on some level, I can’t help it. Some music speaks to my soul. Maybe it’s because of the place I was at in life when they grabbed my attention. Maybe it’s because they spoke in a way no one had before. Maybe they made their instrument speak in a foreign tongue.

Sometimes, it’s like losing a friend.

Today has been a trip down memory lane for me. The Christian music world has indeed lost a friend.

Dana Key, guitarist and vocalist extraordinaire most known for his work with the band, DeGarmo & Key passed away yesterday from a ruptured blood clot. He was 56 years old.

When I was about 12 years old, my parents became Christians. I had been a Christian for about three years at that time. I was introduced to Jesus by our neighbor—a dear woman who took us to Sunday School every week.

When mom and dad started following Jesus, they did what many of their new Christian friends were doing at the time—they busted up their old rock and roll albums and threw them away with the weed, the booze, and whatever reminded them of their “old” life. Like, the TV.

Problem was, I never had an “old” life like them and I still loved rock and roll.

Mom and dad insisted I get rid of all my albums too. They threatened to destroy them by fire. So, I would hide my albums at friends’ homes and even gave a stack to my girlfriend for safe keeping (my girlfriend became my wife and the albums were spared from the fire).

I was shaped by the contraband I listened to in the 70’s and 80’s. Rock stars were more than entertainers—they were my friends. They were my authority. They were my heroes. I found comfort there. I found peace. I found me.

Many of my newfound Christian friends introduced me to Christian rock and roll. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, it was not cool to be a Christian rocker. Most churches frowned upon the music. Christian rock pioneers were strangers in their hometowns. Many were kicked out of their churches. I LOVED these guys.

Parents who hated rock music hated ALL kinds of rock. Supposedly demons would dance to it. Supposedly, even if you played Christian music backwards, Satan would whisper secret winning lottery numbers to you and make you like Queen.

Back then, Christian rockers were twice removed from the church and the world. They were Christians so the world hated them. They were rockers so the church hated them. I found comfort in identifying with these people. Rebels with a cause.

Early Christian rockers pissed off religious folk. That was a banner I was willing to wear. And, honestly, still wear.

One day (I think in 1981) while at a friend’s home, I perused his album collection. There were a lot of albums I hadn’t heard. A lot of Christian rockers I hadn’t been introduced to yet. A couple of albums really caught my eye by a band called DeGarmo & Key.

They had long hair. They dressed like normal rockers. Their smiles looked like they knew a secret. I was compelled to listen.

For a boy that grew up listening to his dad’s pre-charred albums like Clapton, Van Morrision, Jesse Colin Young, The Who, Cat Stevens, Allman Brothers, etc. this music was just what I needed.

I rode with my friend and his brother who was a few years older and just got his driver’s license to a little store where they sold Christian rock albums. I bought everything by DeGarmo & Key and some others including Larry Norman, Mark Heard, Petra, Servant, and Resurrection Band. My new friends.

I stored the albums at my friend’s home and got there as often as possible. One song by DeGarmo & Key would make me cry every time I heard it.

ADDEY
Addey's a cat, she's a fool, she's a star, she's a queen
She lives in a trap down on third, never heard, never seen
She's desperate for a way to get out
But she don't know what out means
Ah, Addey, don't you be so afraid,
It's not as bad as it seems

She walks cross the floor, toward the door,
To stairs, to the street
She calls up a cab for downtown
There's a man she must meet
Ah, the thought that she has to go through
Makes her cry to be free
Oh Addey, wipe those tears form your eyes
You wouldn't want him to see

She puts on your face with a smile
As she walks through the door
She thinks of her folks, and her home
And what she came there for
Ah, she tells the man that after this time
She won't be back for more
But he says ; “Huh, Addey don't you be a fool
You've said the same thing, time and time before”

She runs down the street,
In the heat, down past Nowhere café
She drops to her knees 'neath a tree
But she don't know how to pray

Oh Addey, there's not life in that rig
Why don't you pack it away
Trust in God for a new kind of life
Honey, He won't lead you astray

DeGarmo & Key was one of my dad’s gateway drugs back into music. After his extreme reaction to all rock music in general, my dad came around and tried on his Christian rock pants for a bit. He too listened to D&K, Petra, Rez, Keaggy, Norman, Mylon and Broken Heart, Mustard Seed Faith, Heard, 77’s, and a host of others with me. Today, dad appreciates all music. Thank God. He even bought his old albums back—on CD.

Today I am praying for Dana’s family and the church he pastored in Tennessee.

Thank you, Dana for helping a kid and all his friends. We all boycotted hell.

Thanks for the music. Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the contraband.

Somewhere over the rainbow
Beyond the land of Oz
Beyond the reach of man
Beyond the stars

There's a silver palace
There are streets of gold
There's a place believers
Call their home

No more separation
No more tearful eyes
No more loneliness
No more goodbyes

--No More Goodbyes, D&K

Chord Sheet for "It's Jesus" the Official Theme Song of "Jesus Manifesto" by Len Sweet and Frank Viola

2010-05-31T18:42:00.005-04:00

I am getting requests for a chord sheet for my new song, "It's Jesus." So here is a link so you can download a PDF or Word doc of the basic chord sheet.

It's an easy song, but this will save you some work and/or allow you to easily put it in your own format for your band at church.

The song is stripped back in it's original form on iTunes.

Len and Frank wanted a song that was meditative and complemented the app's almost "creedal" form. You can arrange the song any way you please. We have done it at Westwinds as recorded, with just me on guitar, just Kelsey on piano, full band with moving solo (including sax), bigger band with rocking guitar . . . it's approachable and pliable.

Praying it will speak well to you and yours.

"Jesus Manifesto" -- A Book, An App, and a Song.

2010-05-31T08:21:00.006-04:00

Over the years, you’ve heard me talk a lot about my love for Len Sweet’s writing and speaking. As a matter of fact, I credit his book, Carpe Mañana as a major part of the impetus for a new chapter in our lives where God ushered us to Michigan to be part of Westwinds Church over 6 years ago. Len has been an encourager and spiritual mentor to me. And, over the years he has become a friend.

In early March, I received a thrilling invitation—-to write a song to be the official theme song of Len Sweet and Frank Viola’s new book, Jesus Manifesto.

After reading the book galleys and taking it all in, I sent some songs I wrote (inspired by the book) to Len and Frank. We all decided on “It’s Jesus” as the song to be released in tandem with the book.

The song is available on iTunes right now! And, you can also download the free app a.k.a. the nano-manifesto from the iTunes store. The app is somewhat of a tract version of Jesus Manifesto complete with a summary, a preview of the book, helpful links, and the song for your iPhone.

Click here to buy the song from iTunes!

Click here for app!

Click here for book on sale at Amazon! ON SALE BEGINNING TUESDAY, JUNE 1st!

You can join the Facebook group here.

This has been a joy ride for me. On a personal level, I respect and admire both Len and Frank very much. I am pleased with the amount of trust they have placed in me. As an artist, I am thrilled with the final product. As a Jesus follower and pastor, I am ecstatic about the book for Jesus’ church worldwide and honored to be associated with it.

Jesus Manifesto is heartening, refreshing, and convicting. My first read through the book was timely—-right in the middle of a series we were doing in the book of Colossians. If Colossians was the melody, Jesus Manifesto was the harmony.

Here is a brief description of what you will find in, Jesus Manifesto:

“Christians have made the gospel about so many things—things other than Christ. Religious concepts, ideas, doctrines, strategies, methods, techniques, programs, and formulas have all eclipsed the beauty, the glory, and the reality of the Lord Jesus Himself. On the whole, the Christian family today is starved for a real experience of the living Christ. We know a lot about our Lord, but we don't know Him very well. We know a lot about trying to be like Jesus, but very little about living by His indwelling life. "Jesus Manifesto" presents a fresh unveiling of Jesus as not only Savior and Lord, but as so much more. It is a prophetic call to restore the supremacy and sovereignty of Christ in a world—and a church—that has lost sight of Him. Read this book and see your Lord like you've never seen Him before.”

Please, go download the song! And, wait until Tuesday, June 1st to buy the book from Amazon. Spread the word!

P.S. Some time ago, there was some talk surrounding an evangelical manifesto that was circulating. Please do not confuse this book with that movement. This book is about Jesus. Pure. Simple. It is not political. It is not militant. It is not about who is in and who is out. It is not about rules and regulations. It is not about doctrine or methodology. It is about refocusing on Jesus in the midst of many distractions.

My New L O S T Theory

2010-05-13T14:48:00.002-04:00

I haven’t heard anyone say this but I’d like to know if anyone is thinking it.

Chew on this LOST fans. SPOILER ALERT. DON’T READ UNLESS YOU ARE ALL CAUGHT UP ON LOST.

This week on LOST, Allison Janney was introduced as the “mother” of our two twins with the black and white wardrobe.

Allison kills the real mother of the twins when she works as a midwife and bashes her head in with a rock. Dead mom appears later in the episode to reveal the true lineage to the boy in black.

Early in the episode, faux momma introduces Jacob to a tunnel with incredible light pouring forth. She guards it. One day, he will guard it.

No one can enter the light because something way worse than death would happen. That something is revealed when Jacob throws his brother into the light and * poof * out comes the smoke monster.

Could the light be coming from Eden’s forbidden tree? The knowledge of good and evil?

In Jewish folklore Lilith is the name of Adam’s first wife, who was created at the same time and same earth as Adam. She left Adam after she refused to become subservient to Adam and then would not return to the Garden of Eden. Some say she was banished. She is most often described as a demon-lady. She has even appeared as a screech owl in stories of old.

A screech owl—you know, like a giant bird that flies at night making strange noises.

Other stories say Adam had a second wife before Eve. Stories describe her as being rejected by Adam because he watched her creation out of dust and couldn’t bear to look at her. She was sent away—unnamed. She became the caretaker of rejects and outcasts.

Any of this sounding familiar?

The Lilith myth is crazy fascinating. It is also said Lilith mated with the archangel, Samael. Samael is a seducer but he is also described as both good and evil. He is also said to be the guardian of Esau. You know, Esau, the brother of . . . Jacob. He is also said to be the angel who wrestled Jacob.

Is this new character, Lilith?

Is this new character Adam's second unnamed wife?

Is the island where she was banished?

Is she forbidden to enter the light much like the edict of Eden?

Is she upset about those who have come to the island because they have been birthed of Adam and Eve?

Did she murder a daughter of Eve and claim the children as her own to get back at Eve?

Do mothers die in childbirth on the island and do babies not survive because they are born of Eden and children of Adam and Eve?

Is the only way off the island for the Man in Black to inhabit the body of a son of Adam?

Do all mothers die in childbirth because Lilith/or the second wife cursed the island after the murder of the boys’ real mom?

Broken Bells "The High Road"

2010-04-16T15:27:00.002-04:00

If you don't own this album yet, get it!

Church Staffs and the Opposite Sex

2010-04-15T11:48:00.005-04:00

Lately, I've received a few requests for Westwinds' policy on staff meeting with members of the opposite sex.

In the past few years, I have personally witnessed (people I know) nearly two-dozen marriages fall apart and/or bad things happen because of romances that begin in the workplace. I have been on staff in two places where marital affairs have happened with people on staff. I have had a half-dozen close friends confess affairs that began in the workplace or while on staff at a church or para-church organization.

It's a problem everywhere--not just the church. But, let's face it--we are in the people business. Caring for them. Listening to them. Spending time together. Planning together. Celebrating together. Close contact. It's a . . . ahem . . . "hotbed" of temptation and potential danger.

In the last 6 months, I have personally counseled 4 couples (not on our staff) whose marriages are in turmoil or ending because of relationships fostered between a spouse and an "old friend" on Facebook. Every one of them began "innocent." Two began when the people were starting conversations about Jesus.

Last month, a fellow pastor friend of mine had a musician in the church catch the worship pastor (a woman) having sex in the church nursery with one of the men musicians before corporate worship began that Sunday morning. I want to throw up as I type this.

Below is our policy. It might help you. At least start conversation. But, your church will not fix any problems based on a policy. Safeguarding comes with conversation, prayer, accountability, question asking, and NEVER allowing anyone to think they are beyond making bad choices.

The following guidelines are to be used for the staff of Westwinds when meeting/communicating with the opposite sex.

1. Please make arrangements to meet on site at the church if a meeting requires a one on one scenario.

2. If a one on one meeting occurs, make sure you meet in an area visible to everyone i.e. not behind closed doors.

3. If a quiet environment is deemed necessary, please meet in a space where the door can be cracked open OR the door has a window in it.

4. If a meeting MUST be arranged off-site, please take the following steps:
a. Let another staff member know the meeting is taking place
b. Call your spouse if married to make them aware of the meeting
c. Meet in a public space where there is a crowd—coffee shop, restaurant, etc.

5. If you find yourself trying to “bend the rules,” you may have a problem you want to make someone aware of and seek counsel.

6. The fist-bump and the side-hug are your friends. There should never be any full-on frontal hugs. We believe Jesus likes hugs. We also believe most men like them—a lot.

7. Be careful not to establish ongoing counseling relationships with anyone in a one on one scenario. Encourage meeting in threes. Even fours. Sometimes, we have seasons of ongoing counseling but be wise.

8. Facebook and Twitter and other social networking are wonderful tools for ministry and also carry a high degree of potential danger for relationships to bloom into something unhealthy. Be careful of direct messages and “secret” messages.

9. At any time, an accountable staff member should be able to read what you have written to anyone in an email, Facebook message, Twitter, etc. unless it is a private family matter. Be careful of your wording.

10. Be careful of gift giving. Appreciation is encouraged but the types of gifts you send communicate something. Make your spouse aware of any opposite sex gifts and, if possible, make a staff member aware of the gift.

11. Touching, laying on of hands, and praying are biblical. Touching! Laying on of hands! and preying are not. Don’t be an idiot. A general rule of thumb is this: If you like it, (in that special way) do not do it. Ask yourself if you would hold hands and pray with the ugly smelly person in the same way as the pretty yummy smelling one.

12. Your cell phone contact list should be shared with your spouse and possibly a staff member.

13. When traveling from one place to another, travel in groups when at all possible. In the rare circumstance where you need to travel alone with the opposite sex, let a staff member know and let your spouse know about the travel, duration, and destination. Trips that are out of Jackson are frowned upon. We are stopping just shy of saying trips out of Jackson are prohibited.

14. Never shall a staff member attend any meeting, conference, or gathering overnight with someone of the opposite sex unless they are married.

15. In a rare circumstance where a staff member is engaged to be married and is traveling out of town with their spouse-to-be for a Westwinds related event, separate sleeping arrangements must be made and communicated. This is not in an effort to be the sin police, but rather to minimize fallout that affects us all.

16. No counseling of the opposite sex is to ever happen alone at Westwinds. Ask a staff member to stay longer if need be. If you are left alone in the building, end or reschedule your meeting.

17. Be willing to fess-up to any mild crushes, infatuations, etc. with a trusted staff member. These things happen and should be dealt with. Confess and ask for accountability. Coriolis is always available to help you through these things.

18. When emailing the opposite sex (or any written communication) in regard to a serious, relational, or potentially volatile situation, please consider having a staff member or your spouse proofread the letter. Again, this is about full disclosure. Quick emails in regard to serving opportunities, scheduling, etc. are not the potential problem. Be more concerned with ongoing written counsel or communication of a nature that may leave room for infatuations to blossom.

19. Learn to communicate love and appreciation for someone in ways that include the whole group--everyone. For instance:
a. Constantly telling the opposite sex you love and appreciate them is not “bad” but it isn’t wise. “WE ALL love you and appreciate you” comes off WAY different.
b. Consider thanking someone’s spouse at the same time you thank him or her. “Dear “Madame X”, thank you so much for the time you spent cleaning the studios! We love your dedication! Please thank your husband “Guy who doesn’t know I sent this letter” for holding down the fort at home while you served here. You are both heroes!”
c. “Here is a gift card for you! I hope you and your wife enjoy a great night out on the town!” Sounds way better then, “Go buy yourself something nice. You deserve it!”

20. Be careful of compliments regarding others’ appearance. It is not inappropriate (necessarily) to tell someone they look nice or their new haircut is styling, but be careful of falling in to these patterns. Ask yourself, “do I say this in order to impress this person or get a response in return?”

21. Avoid talk of a playful yet “innocent” nature. “Now that is sexy!” or “Bow chicka wow, check YOU out!” sound funny and may even be hyperbole (or a way to tease) on your part but leave room for misinterpretation as well as establishing a comfort level with using words that are usually reserved for married couples.

22. Be careful and practice full accountable disclosure when working on long-term projects with the opposite sex. Projects have the ability to stir unhealthy feelings towards another. It is possible to enter a project completely innocent and serve in the name of Jesus and come out on the other side with an unhealthy attraction. This is also true of crisis situations.

23. Be careful of counseling those in broken relationships. Your love and compassionate ear will be foreign to them and feelings for you may develop. This will make you feel good about yourself and probably think more highly of yourself then you should.

My Favorite Kittens Video

2010-04-15T00:07:00.001-04:00

This thing makes me laugh. It just does.

Life Story

2010-04-14T23:59:00.001-04:00

This is Bill. A Westwindee. This is his story.

Passion: Awakening? It Will Take More Than This.

2010-03-27T01:30:00.003-04:00

Earlier today I tweeted:

“Listening to a relatively new album that is apparently popular and wondering why I don't like even one song on it.”

I left it open-ended so people would try to guess what I was listening to. Many people jokingly guessed I was listening to Miley or Justin Beiber. Well, I’ve heard Miley’s album many times in this home with a 10-yr-old girl and, honestly, I enjoy Miley’s latest album more than this one.

The mystery album? Passion: Awakening.

In February, I was given a copy of the new Passion:Awakening CD. I love free music. I listen to most of the free music I get. I’m curious if nothing else.

I tried to like this one. I really did. I wanted to like it. Especially since I’m always on the lookout for good worship tunes to do at Westwinds.

I read the tweets. I heard the hype.

But, I don’t get it.

Some of my friends love it. I’m not a fan.

I asked my wife to listen to it with me just in case I am missing something. In case I wasn’t tapping in to my inner soccer mom and looking past my own musical taste and missing a jewel that would speak to our church.

She’s not a fan either. Nothing grabbed her (although she is more gracious than I am and said things like, “I can see how someone would enjoy this one”). Although, still, nothing got the thumbs up from her to try on the set list.

Passion has turned out some decent worship tunes over the years. Some of our favorite church tunes over the last few years have come out of the movement. Some of my favorite worship music artists have been and are still associated with Passion.

But, this one . . . falls flat in my opinion. It’s not horrible. It’s just not interesting.

I might be getting old but, I don’t think that’s the problem—I can still rock with the best of them and I have a diverse palette when it comes to music. (although I don’t really enjoy listening to any “artists” with acronyms for names, lame monikers, hyphens and dashes in their name if the dash or hyphen follows one letter, or most music made in the Disney laboratories).

Maybe it’s that . . . and I KNOW this sounds like I’m getting old . . . but . . . it all sounds the same. Or, at least it sounds like every other major label worship album with a marketing budget out there with the exception of very few.

Maybe it’s that I’m tired of worship music mimicking U2. And falling short.

Maybe it’s that I wish someone would tell the powers that be that songs don’t need to be four on the floor (ummm, a kick drum every quarter note) to be cool and energetic.

Maybe it’s the mix. Lots of vocals. Lots.

Maybe it's no variety in the instrumentation.

Maybe it’s that the majority of the lyrics are cliché. Overused. Same rhyme schemes. Not a lot of thought. I can get past a lot of cliché lyrics when there is a compelling melody that makes it hard not to sing but I was barely tempted to sing along.

Maybe it’s all the above.

I don’t want to take apart any specific artist or song. I wasn’t grabbed by any of them. Don’t get me wrong, I like many of the artists on the album, I just don’t like the album. Many of these artists are heroes of mine. Great people.

One exception on the album is David Crowder’s version of John Mark McMillan’s, “How He Loves Us” but that barely counts because it is 5-years old. The song has already been done by McMillan, Crowder, Kim Walker, Todd Agnew, Flyleaf, and The Glorious Unseen (am I forgetting anyone?).

A lyrical exception is Crowder’s, “Like a Lion” but, alas, Crowder didn’t write it. It was written by Daniel Bashta who should have done it on the album. The original is better.

There are a couple I might like if I didn’t like them better when they went by another title and were done in 1998. Or 2000. Or 2002. Or 2005.

Maybe the songs will work for your church. Maybe I’ll listen again and something will grow on me. Maybe a ton of people will request we do a song at Westwinds and we decide it’s worth a try. But, after 4 listens, I’m done.

Khiller Video

2010-03-24T23:26:00.003-04:00

The following is:

A) This weekend's feature music at The Winds
B) Ben, our youth pastor in a recent discussion with our youth on the dangers of promiscuity
C) What stands at the bottom of my bed in my worst nightmares
D) Why you should never try crack, even once

Nicolae: An Allegory

2010-03-20T00:26:00.000-04:00

This weekend, we are looking at Colossians 2:6-15. It’s a rich passage full of vivid imagery. We will unpack it on Sunday but I wrote an allegory to process what I was reflecting on in the passage during my study. This is not typology or exact metaphor. Allegories leave room for artistic license so don’t read too much into the narrative (for this same reason, know that you won’t get all your L O S T questions answered but you’ve had fun taking apart the episodes piece by piece—it makes you think). On the other hand, play around with the story. Ask what kinds of parallels you see between this allegory/parable and the biblical narrative.

NICOLAE

Nicolae was raised parentless. His mom was young and frightened, naïve and fragile the night she dropped him off on the steps of the church. He was found, hungry, cold, emaciated, weak, and barely moving let alone crying when the priest hurried him to the hospital.

The hospital then became the orphanage; the orphanage brought him abusive parents. He was taken from their home for his protection and began rotating through a series of Foster homes. Nicolae wasn’t particularly “unlovable.” Quite the contrary.

However, as he grew in years it became more apparent there were implications and consequences of his abuse and neglect. There were challenges attaching to any caregiver of any kind.

Nicolae had come out of a horrific situation in Romania where the government, in this case the communist rule of Ceausescu, had ignored the orphanages for over a decade and even had the audacity to tell the people orphanages didn’t exist. It was one of the many lies they told to paint a picture that things were far better than they actually were.

In later years, Nicolae would curse his namesake and say it was a cruel joke he was named after a man who eventually met his end on a Christmas morning when he was ousted by a kangaroo court. Nicolae Ceausescu, along with his wife, was shot in the stomach for the crimes of genocide and amassing illegal wealth beyond measure. “He had death coming, I live with his curse” Nicolae would sometimes say.

Through a series of convoluted events no one can quite remember all the details to, Nicolae’s life had a turnaround that is the stuff of fairy tales. While reading a history novel alone one winter’s night, there was a knock on the door of Nicolae’s one bedroom apartment. At the door stood a man with a telegram.

“Telegrams are so out of fashion,” he thought (it was the early 1990’s and he had no idea how “out of fashion” they would soon be). “There must be a mistake,” he thought as he read the words, “Nicolae, I am your father.” The rest of the words didn’t matter. This claim that a man named Salvatore was somehow the man that brought him into the world made Nicolae confused, hopeful, angry, expectant, and sad all at once.

Nicolae sent a return telegram for the sake of expediency (and because he somehow thought it might be his “father’s” preferred method of communication). He was willing to meet. No matter how ridiculous the claim. After all, this man did seek him out and he seemed to know how to find him.

He had his eyes. His bold chin. And, though he wasn’t accustomed to taking close notice of people’s facial expressions, he believed Salvatore smiled in the same way as he. Their conversation went on for hours though it seemed like they had just pulled up a chair at the bar only moments before. “This man is my father. There is no doubt.”

Salvatore carefully explained the details of his relationship with Nicolae’s mother, their secret wedding, and his stand against the injustices of the government that earned him a reputation as an enemy of Romania, and the distinction of having a price on his head. He told him of his grandparents (his Romanian grandmother and Italian grandfather who had been a rebel in his own right).

Wanted, dead or alive when he was only 20, Salvatore fled Romania with the help of a couple of Roman Orthodox doctors who eventually started a seminary after the fall of communism in 1989. Salvatore stayed in various places over the 19 years of Nicolae’s life and the 3 months before he was born. He fled the year Ceausescu took office—it was 1974. It wasn’t abandonment; he fled in hope of being gone shortly and providing safe haven. It was then that Nicolae also learned of his mother’s kidney failure and premature death. She was sick when she dropped him off at the church that night. She died shortly thereafter. Nicolae became a statistic.

Nicolae was overwhelmed. He now had a story. A story much more intentional, meaningful, lovely story than he could have ever imagined. And, he had a name. An identity.

Two years passed. It wasn’t until shortly after Nicolae’s 21st birthday that he learned he had the same disease that claimed his mother’s life. His rare kidney disease was congenital and hereditary. The search for a donor did not last long. There was a perfect match.

Salvatore, Nicolae’s father was more than happy to give his kidney. What father wouldn’t give his life for his son if given the opportunity?

The surgery was a success.

For Nicolae.

Sadly, the transplant was successful, but Salvatore died of abdominal bleeding about 11 hours after his surgery. The man Nicolae barely knew had introduced him to a world he never knew and gave him life anew.

Nicolae was saddened and devastated. Yet, he would describe it in later years as poetic and even . . . prophetic. This was his lineage. Rebels. Fighters. And sacrificial love. This was now his mantle.

Nicolae was married in the spring of 1999. 1 year later, almost to the day, he held his new baby girl in his arms.

As he gazed into her eyes for the first time, he thought of Salvatore. He whispered to his baby girl and told her the things he wanted for her. Happiness? Sure, but happiness was fleeting and unreliable. Make good choices? Of course.

But, more than anything, he wanted her to know why she was here. Why she was made. Who made her life possible. It wasn’t just Nicolae who gave her life—there was a much bigger story to tell. She had a history. A lineage. A grand narrative. No one could take that away from her. Nicolae would make sure of it. Death gave way to life. She would need to know the story.

And he reached down and touched his scar.

Fat Context in a Little Coat

2010-03-15T15:11:00.003-04:00

Today, I received a comment on my blog regarding my thoughts on an earlier post about an initiative we are starting at Westwinds. The post title is, “Does Jesus Want Me to be Physically Fit?” I’d encourage you to read it before this post.

An "Andy" posted in the comment section. I almost deleted it because of the tone and I didn't think it was helpful. Then, I thought it is a good teachable moment for us all and a good discussion if we approach it wearing our big boy and girl pants.

I started posting my reply to “Andy” but, it got a little bloated (pun intended) for the comment section. It deserves its own post for anyone interested. Here is Andy’s comment and my reply.

(p.s. if you are going to post or comment about something on the "world wide web" be ready for conflict)

ANDY SAID . . . (and I quote with a cut and paste)

I Cor 6 It's all about Context. Not about eating, smoking, drugs. It's about sex-check it. Never, ever good to twist scripture.

Also..extra-biblical is never biblical-try not to equate trite sayings with the awesome God-inspired miracle of Scripture.

It's better to stick to the script and not improvise in this situation :-)

Also, in context, there are actually a couple of places in the new testament where it does actually address what we eat-mostly don't worry about it so much 'cause it goes in and then goes out, worry about what comes OUT of the mouth. (that's in the gospels) And then Paul's advice not to judge our brothers and sisters by what they eat (hmmmmm.......)

So it would seem that there isn't an obvious biblical connection between what you eat and your spirtitual life.

And since you like the extra - biblical stuff, how about Spurgeon and Moody--now there were two spiritual giants who were also pretty rotund cigar smokin' guys....so maybe we should follow their proven, legacy leaving example, eh?

HERE IS MY REPLY, ANDY

I am not interested in arguing but since you have taken a prodding/mocking approach with me (and I don't even know you . . . do I?), I will at least try to answer you without sounding like a jerk. Even after you accused me of twisting scripture.

Extra biblical is never biblical? Who told you that? All truth belongs to God. Who else would truth belong to? We make (including you) extra-biblical decisions all the time. Does your church have a youth pastor? A worship pastor? A senior pastor? All of these are extra-biblical roles. It doesn't make them unbiblical, unwise, false, or even suspect. We check ourselves against scripture. We check with Jesus. Extra-biblical is not the same as anti-biblical.

By the way, since we are talking about Paul, Paul used extra-biblical literature. In Acts 17:28 he said, “28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'” Paul used a popular saying and held it against a truth of scripture. It didn’t conflict. It was extra-biblical. But, it was still true. That’s all I was doing. I was taking a popular saying, “you are what you eat” and going to the scripture to hold it up to the light. I am not making it scripture. It’s proverbial wisdom. That’s all.

I am a musician. I could talk musical truth with you all day long. For example, Concert A 440 Hz is the correct standard for pitch in the west. I hate math but I know that 1 +1 =2 all day long. I know if I breathe in water into my lungs I will drown—short of a miracle. I know I need oxygen to survive. I know drugs like cocaine will alter my reality. All true. All extra-biblical. I can check all these truths against scripture and they do not conflict.

I also know it is a bad idea to have more than one wife. Not just for me, for anyone. Not just for elders and pastors but for my neighbor. How do I know this? Is there a context in scripture? There is no scripture that tells us all to only have one wife. Sure, Adam had Eve but using your line of reasoning that only applies to the garden. David had many and that went bad. But then again, using your line of argument that only applies to Kings of the United Kingdom of Israel. How do I know it’s bad? I have to be able to apply universal biblical truth to the situation. I will not find it strictly prohibited in scripture. Or, will I?

Just because a specific scripture (I Corinthians 6 in this case) is about a specific instance (sex in this case) does not negate the biblical wisdom for other applications (health in this case). If your body is the temple, it is the temple. Heart, soul, mind, spirit, flesh . . . divide it however you want. It is ridiculous to say the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and say that only applies to sex. There is a difference between taking things out of context and applying biblical truth to multiple situations.

Context is vitally important. Agreed. In this case, the body is the temple. 19"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." To say, "well, yeah, but he was talking about sex he didn't say not to . . . cut myself with knives, eat poison, take drugs, etc.” is short sighted.

What about the guy who doesn't have sex? Is he off the hook on the honor God with his body thing? Or, do we only honor God through sexual union with our wives? Yes, sex is what caused Paul to surface the timeless and awesome truth that we were bought with a price and not our own. We should honor God with our bodies. Period.

P.S. I never made this about fat people. People are overweight for all sorts of reasons. Some uncontrollable. Although, if you want to talk about gluttony, we can talk about that in context all day long.

I love Spurgeon and Moody. Great guys. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening devotional was a staple for me in my early years. Large men. Yep. I'd have a cigar with them for sure. We'd talk about great things. And, I have no idea why they were large. Maybe they had gland problems. I don't judge them. We shouldn't. If I were friends with them, I might know what made them tick. Maybe everything was okay in the gluttony department. Maybe food was an escape for them and it was their porn. I have no idea. The point is, I would never judge them and only address it if I were in relationship with them and holding them accountable. And them with me.

This thing we're doing is not about being fat. It's about health. Building relationships. Following Jesus together.

Disagreeing is fine. Sharpening each other is fine. I would caution you on your tone and accusations. I'm not always that great at it either. But, these conversations go a lot better if we are in relationship and approach things teachable and conversational.

Shalom.

Len Sweet is coming to Westwinds

2010-03-08T08:55:00.002-05:00

In all honesty, Len Sweet has made a serious life-changing impact on both of our lives--David and I. In this video that we used Sunday, to once again promo his coming to visit with our people, we had a little fun with just how much he has impacted the world and changed history.

formspring.me

2010-02-26T16:23:00.001-05:00

This is fun. Ask me anything and I will do my best to answer. http://formspring.me/shameonyoko

Does Jesus Want Me To Be Physically Fit?

2010-02-24T16:48:00.002-05:00

Mission statements are meant to grab your attention, start discussion, clarify your motives, get on the same page, understand where you are headed, clarify what you are not about, etc. But, rarely if ever do they fully surmise the depth of your passions, or your personality. Often, they leave no room for variance or seasonal discrepancies. Some mission statements are purposely worded to fit on a t-shirt. That being the case, rarely do they give an adequate definition that is satisfactory.

OUR MISSION (Westwinds) is to lead everyone toward full life development in Christ.

A couple of years ago, someone lovingly and jokingly chided and teased us (me) about “full life development.” “It’s so vague! What does it mean? Does it mean Jesus wants you to work out and lose weight and stuff?” The laughter suggested that certainly this is not what the person thought we were saying by full life development. They supposed it was something much more “spiritual.”

My reaction to the prodding? Ummm, being physically fit, yeah, that’s part of it.

My answer was met with silence.

I believe being physically fit and healthy is very much a part of being spiritually fit. That conversation has come back to me many times.

Not being overweight or obese is only part of the physically fit and healthy equation. Eating right, making wise choices, strength and endurance, learning to say “no” and “when”, establishing new habits, thinking of your loved ones’ and family’s reliance upon you, planning ahead, sexual choices etc. are all parts of a physically fit and healthy lifestyle that is indeed tied to our spiritual well-being and our relationship with God and others. We often times don’t give this mindset enough credence.

The old adage, “you are what you eat” is extra-biblical proverbial wisdom that is in fact very biblical.

How does it affect us spiritually if we ignore our physical health?
• Exhaustion that deprives us of time with our families.
• Complications that affect our ability to work and provide.
• Attitudes of anger and bitterness because we do not feel good about ourselves.
• Irritability with our loved ones.
• Apathy and lack of motivation.
• All varieties of depression.
• Sleep deprivation and physical pain that keeps us from doing simple things like spending time with others or reading our Bible.

The list goes on.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19 and 20

While we may not espouse any of the diets and fads that attach themselves to Christianity like The Old Testament Diet or Weight Loss God’s Way, and we don’t get so ridiculously specific as to ask “What Would Jesus Eat,” we certainly recognize the connection between unhealthy choices/bad habits and our spiritual condition. Garbage in=garbage out has implications mentally, physically, emotionally, and indeed spiritually.

Westwinds empowers our staff each year with a sum of money designed to impact the local community in creative ways that are “missional.” In light of the mission of “full life development in Christ,” our staff is given the freedom to spend a certain amount of money in the community to bolster and augment spiritual conversation, meet needs, raise awareness, etc. (though each endeavor may not do all these things at once). We call this “Beyond 1000” (our address is 1000 Robinson).

This year, during the second quarter of 2010, we will launch a Beyond 1000 initiative/missional endeavor designed to promote health and wellness—physically and spiritually.

Beginning in April, a petition will go out to the Jackson community through various media outlets encouraging people to write a short essay on “why I need to get healthy.” From the collection of essays, a group of 12 will be selected to join a Westwinds satellite dedicated to health and wellness. These 12 will then be given a 6-month membership to a local gym in Jackson and a 6-month membership to Weight Watchers (subject to rules and accountability guidelines).

As part of the satellite, members will have access to a qualified nutrition and health expert for questions, guidance, advice, and support. They will also have access to a spiritual guide they can contact and be in relationship with if and when they wish to pursue biblical counsel in relation to this challenge.

The purpose of this mission is:
• To provide inroads to spiritual conversation
• To foster community and relationships
• To make a concerted effort to raise health awareness in connection with spirituality

During this 6-month satellite, members will be held responsible for meeting guidelines that include but are not limited to regular satellite meeting attendance once a week, having an accountability partner, regular Weight Watchers participation including a once-a-week meeting, and regular gym usage no less than 3 times a week.

This is all in the initial stages. I’d love to hear what you think.

Gungor

2010-02-15T15:29:00.003-05:00

Saw Gungor last week. This band blew my mind. And my head. And my brain. If they come to a town near you, GO! I am going again tonight in Grand Rapids. This is the future of worship music. This live experience is in my top 5 concerts of all time. That's top 5 concerts. Not Christian concerts. Concerts. Period.

How Video Games Saved Church Music

2010-02-05T23:53:00.003-05:00

There has never been a greater, happier, more fulfilling, more fun period of time in my 20+ years of being a musician in the church as this very moment. By “moment” I am referring to the period of time that began sometime in 2004 and stretches to the present—The age of Guitar Hero.

2004 saw the invention of Guitar Hero. God’s gift to the church musician. On its heels, RockBand came along in 2007 and the angels sang once again.

Not exaggerating.

Church musicians and church personalities come in all shapes and sizes but, if you are in church that is missional in any way (use your favorite descriptive word like seeker targeted, seeker sensitive, relevant, whatever), you are always seeking for songs that are winners. Songs that create moments. Songs that relate. Songs that people dig. As many people as possible.

Talk about livin' on a prayer.

Unless your church is predominantly one demographic, you swing the pendulum knowing every song is not going to hit everyone the same way but you hope it hits some. Few of us have a church full of 35 year olds who crave a Pearl Jam or Nirvana song every week.

Variety is key. But . . .

Something has changed and we owe a great deal of gratitude to the folks at Guitar Hero. They introduced Classic Rock to a generation who used to think it was dad’s old crappy music. Not only Classic rock but a variety of songs that were popular in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s not to mention current hits. Then, with RockBand’s introduction of Beatles RockBand in 2009, some of the greatest music of all time was introduced for the first time to the young masses. Happiness is a warm game.

For the first time in history, when parents are yelling, “turn that down!” there is a good chance it is the exact same song their parents’ told them to turn down . . . or, grandparents told their parents.

What does this mean for church musicians? It means your grab bag of songs should start with these catalogs.

But, the great thing is, it’s not only specific to these catalogs. All of a sudden, Classic Rock is cool across the board. And, all those 30 and 40-something’s who are coming back to church after years of hiding are bringing their kids who already know the words to what dad was listening to in the 80’s and 90’s. Outside of the game playing, younger crowds are listening to Classic Rock and 90’s RADIO because, if it’s cool for the game, it has to be cool. A Kansas song can show up on a game and kids go to iTunes and download the whole album.

Take a trip to Kohl’s or even Hot Topic and look at the clothing. Vintage rock tees such as AC/DC, The Doors, Van Halen and Rolling Stones have trickled down to the stores that cater to teens and they are buying them up faster than dad can say, "radical (or boss, or cool, or awesome)!"

In the last few months at Westwinds, I have run a little experiment. I incorporated Beatles tunes into worship medleys, played songs by The Who, Rolling Stones, REO Speedwagon and others with incredible feedback. By everyone.

The kids, college young adults, parents, and the older folks are all high-fiving us on the same tunes. One older lady who often comments about volume recently thanked me for playing The Who’s “Christmas” that hints at the Tommy lyrics. She is in her mid sixties. “That really spoke to me” she said. “Thank you for playing the music I love. You always do a good job.” (P.S. it was the loudest we have played in a long time).

It is also interesting that worship music heroes like David Crowder have embraced their inner classic rock and, in so doing, have made it okay for the more conservative Christian kids to listen to. After all, Ted Nugent played a guest spot on Crowder's 2007 album, "Remedy."

The planets have aligned. Thank you God. And, thank you video games.

Westwinds: Baby Bottle Fundraiser

2010-02-05T22:10:00.001-05:00

On Cool

2010-02-04T13:51:00.001-05:00

I don’t want to be the cool guy.
I don’t want to have to tell you how cool I am.
I don’t want you to think I’m cool because everyone else said I am.
Cool guys die.
Usually young.
More importantly, cool guys only rarely really live.
I don’t think he’s cool even though they all say he is.
I don’t want to do what the cool kids are doing.
The cool kids are dumb.
More importantly, the cool kids are rarely smart.
I don’t want you to tell me what is cool to listen to.
Or wear.
Don’t tell me what place is cool.
Or not cool.
My friends are cool.
They don’t have to be cool to you.
They’re cool to me.
They treat me cool.
I want to be cool like them.
Don’t say that to me. That’s not cool.
I’m tired of you telling me how cool your new thing is.
Let me decide if it’s cool or not.
If I think it’s cool, I’ll tell others.
But, they can make up their own minds.
I don’t want you to expect me to be cool.
Cool is exhausting.
Cool has no end.
Cool is a game.
A losing game.
Cool changes.
Cool becomes boring fast.
I used to think that’s cool. Now, I think it sucks.
Sometimes, I’m cool.
It happens by working hard.
Sometimes it happens by accident.
I may not be cool tomorrow.
That’s cool.
I lied. I want you to think I’m cool.
Lying isn’t cool. But, it wasn’t really a lie.
I want you to know I’m cool where it counts.
But, not cool in the way I don’t want to be.
The kind of cool that just is.
I’m cool with that.
I don’t want to read cool things just to be cool.
I want to read things that make me say, “that is so cool.”
That is not cool how you are treating her.
Get off your . . . do something about it cool guy.
It is not cool to use the God card to manipulate.
I want to cool my jets.
Part of me is not cool.
My friends know what isn’t cool.
They tell me I’m not being cool knowing I’ve invited them to do that.
They are cool for taking that risk.
Does he have any friends who tell him that’s not cool?
I’m not cool enough to be his friend.
I am more than cool with that.
Are you sure you’re cool?
That was so not cool.
I want to sleep easy and know everything is cool.
A clear conscience is cool.
Rest is cool.
Peace is cool.
Forgiveness is cool.
Progress is cool.
Restoration is cool.
New life is cool.
Change is cool.
Feeling pretty cool right now.

Fiction February

2010-02-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the year, I started reading more fiction. I got bored with trade mags, leadership books, “how-to” ministry books, and books promoting the next new thing. I’m all for self-improvement and stretching and learning from people smarter than me but the pressure to produce and read everybody’s new idea is a constant prodding in ministry circles that can be overwhelming and sometimes counter-productive. It’s not that it isn’t helpful but, at least, we have to acknowledge that being immersed in too much of anything is cause for caution and question asking and pause.

Plus, really, if all you do is drink from the same pool are you really stretching?

Without waxing too philosophical, I am on a fast. A fast from self-proclaimed gurus and self-promoting authority figures. I am withstanding the temptations of the masters of pithy grabbers and clever theology. I am abstaining from authors in khaki pants and golf shirts who wield laser pointers in auditoriums full of slobbering rabid fans waiting for the next breakthrough language for leadership and management.

I am reading nothing but fiction. Short stories. Graphic novels. Fantasy. Horror. You name it. Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, J.K. Rowling, Alan Moore, you name it.

I am embracing the world of metaphor and poetic device. I am inviting the world of imagination to take over. I am going down the rabbit hole.

At the end of the month, I want to have conversations with any of you who want to join me in this fast.

You in?

What Do We Fight For?

2010-02-03T18:24:00.002-05:00

Had an email convo with a friend today. He asked me what mountains I am willing to die on at Westwinds. My response was lengthy but I can also boil it down to these things:

We fight for the Jesus stuff
We fight for the church worldwide
We fight for invention
We fight for non-complacency
We fight to dream
We fight to heal
We fight to participate with our people and our city
We fight for imagination
We fight to be permission giving
We fight for real, no BS community
We fight for accountability
We fight for Jackson
We fight for our people
We fight for the idea of what we can be
We fight for non- religiosity
We fight to create
We fight for authenticity (the real meaning of ethos)
We fight for our individuality
We fight for justice
We fight for the freedom to listen to God’s leading and try new things
We fight to hold it all loosely
We fight to not fight
We fight for the idea and the ideal of Westwinds.

Short Films Blowout!

2010-01-25T13:54:00.005-05:00

Many of you have asked me about the videos I posted last week. These were from a series of videos created for use at Westwinds and beyond. The videos were packaged in DVD format under the name Popnovella. We marketed them for a bit under that name. We are trying to clear out our stock.

The DVD originally sold for 70 bucks but we are clearing them out for 20 bucks. There are 6 short films called "Thought Grenades" on the DVD. Each film is under 5 minutes in length and perfect for church or small groups. The DVD also has drag and drop files for use in Media Shout, iPod, etc. Super easy. Help us clear these puppies out and get some good stuff! We want all the DVD's to go away.

Buy one today!

About Tattoos

2010-01-22T00:55:00.002-05:00

This film is entered in a contest to win tickets to the Sundance Film Festival! Watch it and, if you enjoy it, rate it and leave a comment on the YouTube page. Thanks, everyone.

About a Chat

2010-01-22T00:52:00.001-05:00

This is one of three short films I have entered in a contest. Please watch it! Rate it and leave a comment on the YouTube channel if you like it. Peace.

About a Dollhouse

2010-01-22T00:49:00.001-05:00

I have this film entered in a contest. If you can, please watch it, rate it, and leave some good comments if you like it!

Pure Michigan Mockery

2010-01-12T13:25:00.002-05:00

Michiganders will appreciate this more than anyone. Sad? Yes. Funny? Yes.

HT: Tahni

Old Songs, New Songs, You Know I've Had My Share

2010-01-07T17:05:00.005-05:00

The other night on Twitter, I asked musicians, worship leaders, pastors, and whomever wanted to add anything, how they determine what songs to shelf for their church. When does a song feel old? How many times is too many times to sing a song?

The answers were great--(most were funny responses that were inside jokes about washed-up bands, churches, and such)--but many of them were helpful.

I didn't say what my own philosophy is, I simply asked the question. Most people (according to the survey) rely on gut check, feedback from their band and congregation, a sense of when a song feels "dated", how their church responds in the moment, and the sheer number of times they have done it(VH1 gives away an award each year entitled, "Your Song Kicked Ass but was Played Too Damn Much." Sometimes, that's just the case).

We rely on the same things to varying degrees. We track our songs on a spreadsheet so we don't overdo them, we drop them if they felt good at a listen but don't work live, we play them more when people love them and request them, etc. AND, we also believe the biblical idea of "sing a new song to the Lord" is more than just a suggestion so . . . we regularly bring on new songs and phase some out. Sometimes, songs are still "good" they just need to take a time out.

And, occasionally, one of the best things you can do at a church is bring back an oldie with some new spit polish and fresh arrangements. Familiarity and nostalgia can go a long way.

I like songs to go out like Seinfeld--on top, nothing wrong, just feels like it's time to end. Then, the song always has good memories attached and when we bring it back--if ever--it's like seeing an old friend.

A great add from friend Patrick Murphy was, "I want to say, forget relevance. Stop worrying about old and new." Patrick also added to remember the value of creating within your own group and not relying wholly on songs that are written by and/or sung by others (I'm embellishing a bit). I agree with Patrick in that I never think it's a good idea to abandon a song just because everyone else already did. It's never too late to pick up a song everyone else has been doing for a bit. Think about your own community. Just because Crowder wrote a new song doesn't mean you should do it, even if everyone else is. It may be wrong for you. There is value in singing the songs the church is singing worldwide but, it shouldn't be our only criteria for picking/playing/rotating/retiring songs. And, we highly value indigenous worship tunes.

I'm trying something fun this quarter at The Winds. I made a list of our "favorite" tunes over the last 6 years. The list was HUGE. I picked about 40+ off that list for this quarter (and threw in some favorite original tunes that our church loves). So, Westwinds will be taking a trip down memory lane for the next 3 months. The only songs that will be repeated in 3 months will be a fistful of songs we learned in the last 2 months so they stay fresh and we learn them well. No other songs will be repeated. It's like the Top 40 Countdown for Westwinds.

It was a hard task. Next quarter, we will hit another 25 or so. I thought you might want to see the list. They are in alphabetical order.

1. 1000 Hallelujahs—Mark Roach
2. All Around Me--Flyleaf
3. All We Need—Charlie Hall
4. Always Something—John Voelz
5. Anytime Lord—John Voelz
6. Beautiful One—Tim Hughes
7. Beautiful Wonderful—John Voelz
8. Bless the Lord—Among Thorns
9. Cannons—Phil Wickham
10. Chainbreaker—Charlie Hall
11. Count Me In--Leeland
12. Dress Us Up—John Mark McMillan
13. Eternal One—Robbie Seay
14. Everyone Under the Sun—Vickie Beeching
15. Everything--Lifehouse
16. From the Inside Out—Joel Houston
17. Glory of it All—David Crowder
18. God of This City—Chris Tomlin
19. Here is Our King—David Crowder
20. Hosanna—Paul Baloche/Brenton Brown
21. How Great is Our God—Chris Tomlin
22. I Will Lift My Eyes—Bebo Norman
23. I Will Not Forget You—Paul Baloche
24. I Will Overcome—Charlie Hall
25. I Will Rise—Chris Tomlin
26. Indescribable—Laura Story
27. Life Light Up—Christy Nockels
28. Love Has Come—John Voelz
29. Magnificent—U2
30. Mighty to Save—Reuban Morgan
31. More of You—John Voelz
32. My Reward—Paul Baloche
33. My Song—Bob Bullock
34. My Surrender—John Voelz
35. Nothing But the Blood—Matt Redman
36. Praise Him—David Crowder
37. OK--Mutemath
38. One Thing/Doxology—Charlie Hall
39. Remind Me—John Voelz
40. Rescue—Jared Anderson/Desperation Band
41. Shot of Love—John Voelz
42. Sing—John Voelz
43. Song of Hope—Robbie Seay
44. Sound of Melodies--Leeland
45. Take My Life—John Voelz
46. Take Us In—Vineyard
47. The Least I Can Do—Mark Roach
48. The One—Brian Chandler
49. This is How We Know—Matt Redman
50. Today is the Day—Lincoln Brewster
51. Whatever—John Voelz
52. Wonderful King—David Crowder
53. You Lifted Me Out—Chris Tomlin
54. Your Love Never Fails—Chris Quilala

Muppet Queen

2009-12-28T22:47:00.001-05:00

O Holy Nightmare

2009-12-24T13:29:00.001-05:00

The Westwinds Top 11 (because it's one louder)

2009-12-21T16:05:00.004-05:00

Westwinds Top Worship Tunes of 2009

We get a lot of mileage out of our indigenous worship tunes at The Winds (written by me or others in our band) but there are quite a few we use from the giant pool of resources in the worship music industry that our people love. You may sing some of these at your church.

Honestly, not all of these were MY favorites (some were), but I guess it's not all about me. These are the ones we tried that stuck. People dig 'em.

We got the most feedback about these tunes in 2009 (not necessarily in this order):

1. Life Light Up by Christy Nockels
2. The One by Brian Chandler
3. All Around Me by Flyleaf
4. This is How We Know by Matt Redman
5. God of This City by Chris Tomlin
6. I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin
7. Magnificent by U2
8. Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster
9. Mighty to Save by Reuben Morgan
10. From the Inside Out by Joel Houston
11. Your Love Never Fails by Chris Quilala

Hannah's Prayer

2009-12-14T11:50:00.001-05:00

This made my day.

HT: Cherry Creek Wine/John Burtka

The Winds Wine Video Promo

2009-12-14T11:32:00.003-05:00

What Does a Church Have to Do With Wine?

2009-12-03T18:35:00.005-05:00

What happens when a vintner, visual artists, entrepreneurs, and an art school director get together and ask the question, “how do we shadow God in the redemption of the world?”

Magic.

Meet the players:

John Burtka is the owner/operator and vintner extraordinaire at Cherry Creek Winery in Brooklyn, MI. He is a dreamer and an artist. He is a Westwinds hero. And, more importantly, he is a Jesus lover.

Kim Hastings is the Executive Director of Jackson School of the Arts. Since 2001, the Jackson School of the Arts mission is to make the arts accessible to Jackson County youth regardless of income. The work of including, finding and providing programs to students not served anywhere else is at the center of the Jackson School of the Arts efforts. Kim is vibrant and committed to children.

I met with John Burtka months and months ago about the possibility of combining his art and my art and both of our entrepreneurial minds to create a wine that was by artists, for artists, and for the benefit of our community. Having worked with Kim on other projects, it seemed obvious to us that the sale of a wine dedicated to the artist should benefit the children who wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to be involved with art.

Introducing: The Winds ’07 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Michigan Shore.

Cherry Creek will be marketing a fine-tuned and lovingly crafted wine in December (a couple of weeks) that will benefit the children of Jackson with 100% of the revenue. Not the profits . . . EVERYTHING. In other words, when a $15.00 bottle of wine is purchased, $15.00 goes to the Jackson School of the Arts.

All wine is crafted, cellared and bottled by Cherry Creek and will be available at Cherry Creek stores in the Jackson area. The process has been amazing for me as an artist. From top to bottom, I am proud of how this wine has been crafted. The finished product is the result of 100's of hours.

I am excited about the label that I created with Speedball ink and a palette knife. The label art reflects the freedom we have in celebrating Jesus and enjoying life abundant.

The mission is summed up in the back label:

Kim “reconnected with Jesus” at Westwinds in the last couple of years. She bleeds compassion for the kids. John and his family have attended Westwinds about the same length of time. When you meet them, you want to be their friend. I’m proud of these people.

Both John and Kim told me today, in their own words, “it’s not about wine, it’s not about art, it’s about kids—giving them hope, opportunity, and an experience they may not have otherwise.”

So, if you drink wine, I encourage you to be looking for “The Winds” in the next couple of weeks at Cherry Creek.

We will have a “Wine Release Party” at the Cherry Creek Schoolhouse Vineyard in Brooklyn, MI on December 18th at 6:30. Come hear original Christmas music and buy some wine for yourself and loved ones.

P.S. Westwinds has a “white paper” on what we believe about the consumption and responsible enjoyment of alcohol that is available in the office for anyone who wishes to have a copy. The paper was written with the input and blessing of our Westwinds friends who are in alcohol recovery programs and lead the recovery groups here at the church.

VOTE on Westwinds T-Shirts

2009-12-03T09:37:00.003-05:00

We are making some new Westwinds T-Shirts. T-Shirts help us wear our colors, show our pride, and they are great conversation starters. Here are a list of the TOP TEN T-Shirts I am thinking about making. Please comment and vote for the ones you love . . . or hate.

WE, Oui, Weeeeeee!

All the way home.

Westwinds

Allergic to Boring

iPAC Your Life

Imagination. Permission. Authenticity. Community.

Westwinds

For Those About to Rock

Auntie Em! Auntie Em!

Westwinds

I Know You Are But What Am I?

Westwinds

Turning the Lame Knob to the Left One Weekend at a Time

Keep You Arms and Hands Inside the Ride at all Times

Westwinds

turn up the music

run through the halls

stay past curfew

use your outside voices

touch everything

drink your coffee on the carpet

Westwinds

Standing For, Not Against

Westwinds

Worship How To Video

2009-10-28T15:02:00.001-04:00

It Was Funny at 11:30

2009-10-26T23:22:00.000-04:00

My Art Pieces from Ap(art)

2009-10-26T09:57:00.007-04:00

Okay, if you want to own a piece of my art there has never been a better time. Here are four pieces from the Ap(art) event. All money from these pieces goes to scholarships for kids so they can continue in art programs at Jackson School of the Arts.

Get out your checkbooks people. If you want a piece, you can bid here on this site in the comment section or send me an email at john@westwinds.org. I will contact you with current bid status and answer any questions.

If you aren't an art person, do it for the kids. We'll give the art you win away to someone else.

You can pay by check, cash, or credit card through our PayPal account if you win the bid.

#28 is an oil abstract on a 4X4 piece of 3/4inch plywood. The "frame" was routed into the actual piece with a plunge router and the color gives it depth and the illusion of being inset in a frame.

#33 is a black and white abstract with oil and bondo on canvas. There is a thick wire running around the perimeter of the piece. The contrast is brilliant.

#7 was inspired by the series we are in at Westwinds. The writing on the painting says, "YOUR CITY IS SICK SHE'S HURTING" and the words repeat four times with a different word underlined each repeat for a different emphasis. Your city is SICK. YOUR city. Your CITY. Your city is sick, she's HURTING.

#41 This is oil and bondo on ply. A boy kneels and ponders how he might shadow God in the redemption of the world.

Art from Ap(art)

2009-10-25T10:48:00.003-04:00

Go online to the Ap(art) site and place your bid on any of this art. Click on a piece if you like it and place your bid in the comment section. We will update the site later today with the bid status. Every piece of art is at least at $50.00 currently. Some are over $150.00. All the money we raise goes to art scholarships for the Jackson School of the Arts.

Ap(art) 105.3 Interview

2009-10-23T10:30:00.000-04:00

Evangelism in the 80's

2009-10-21T16:10:00.003-04:00

HT: David McDonald