12.31.2004

Goodbye 2004

What a crazy year it's been...

This year, Elizabeth turned 3... Josh 6. Me? 32. Kimme the same.

We started Horizon of Towson... Mark stepped in. Awesome.

Beth Ann David spent the summer with us @ Horizon. :)

Went to Disney World. It was amazing.

Made a cool short film with Dave Reichley and Jenn Stephenson. Very fun.

Kimme's family came to visit. Her dad hadn't seen where we have lived since 1996.

I ate a $2,000 dinner in a tux @ the Waldorf in Manhattan for free. That was wild.

Had my hardest (debateable) and yet most fulfilling (for sure) year in ministry.

I lost half my salary, only for God to raise the other half. Go God!

Kimme quit her job, only to come back again. Bigger pay, so it worked out.

My grandfather died... Captain is sorely missed! :(

Kimme and I have the best year of our marriage, by far. What a woman!

Josh started 1st grade! Elizabeth started pre-school (um... sort of).


-----

I wonder what 2005 will bring!?

12.25.2004

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone... Our family is currently in Allentown, PA visiting my mom and Len for the Holidays. It's been a good one, mainly just being able to relax and enjoy time together. The kids have been wonderful... what a Christmas for them!

My prayer is for all of you that may read this... May God answer your prayers, your concerns, and your heart's desires as they move into alignment with His.

God's Peace to you.

DCCowan

12.01.2004

Understanding the Bible

There is so much distortion out there about bible interpretation. Here's a helpful introduction for any interested.

There is a science of sorts behind Scripture interpretation (called hermeneutics). One does not interpret some things literally and sometimes not so an argument may be won. Everything biblical (as with ANY ancient document) needs to be interpreted through these two lenses: genre and context.

Genre: Just like when you go the movies and there are a variety of genres of movies, the same goes for scripture. The movie Saw is of a different genre than The Incredibles, for obvious reasons. Think of the bible in the same way... there are several basic types of genre of Scripture, some (but not all) I have listed below:

1. Narrative (like today's documentaries): This genre tells a story. There is plot development, characters are described in detail -- their statements/their actions. A majority of the Old Testament is of this genre (Much of Genesis-Deuteronomy is this, though also a sub-genre of Law, as well as 1-2 Samuel, which is also a part of a subgenre called the Prophets, as quoted above, and the four Gospels found in the NT). To quote Fee and Stuart in How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth, "Each individual narrative or episode within a narrative does not necessarily have a moral all it's own. Narratives cannot be interpreted atomistically, as if every statement, every event, every description could, independently of the others, have a special message for the reader.... the whole unit gives the message, not the separate individual parts."
2. Wisdom Literature (Like poetry or lyrics to songs): This genre includes a lot of poetry, illustration, similie, allegory, and all kinds of imagery. It is basically about choices and how our choices chart the course of our lives. One is not to take many of these sayings literally. For instance, in one of the Psalms the writer says that the trees will clap their hands in praise to God. Do trees have hands? Of course not, but one gets the idea... creation itself is an expression of praise back to God. Not surprisingly, I have seen website after website that try to discredit the bible with verses like that without understanding the importance of understanding a text's genre.
3. Epistolary (like a letter to a friend): This genre includes all of the letters found in the New Testament. Each one contains a particular form that was contemporary to most of the hellenistic world in the 1st century CE (with a few exceptions). Each was written by someone of honor among the community that addressed various issues among the community itself. Sort of like an instruction guide of sorts, a personal letter, as well as a hallmark card in some ways.
4. Apocalyptic: (think of political cartoons today): The strangest of genres and the least understood, this genre is a literary form that does not exist in our own day. The closest example in modern life of what apocalyptic genre was is today's political cartoons. Imagery is used that everyone understands to convey meaning. For instance, if you saw an elephant and a donkey in a cartoon, you would know that one represents a republican and the other a democrat. But, stick that newspaper in the sand for 2,000 years after those parties are long gone, the people 2,000 years from now would think we were nuts (and though we are, that's another discussion). The same goes for the imagery in Revelation with beasts with seven horns and tons of eyes. To readers in the first century, they knew exactly what was being said. This genre cannot be interpreted literally (Though, in the case of the Book of Revelation, one finds 3 different genres at the same time: apocalyptic, prophesy, and epistolary... making it very interesting indeed).

*whew* So... that being said, one cannot simply pick and choose to interpret literally or not. If someone does this, they are abusing the text. Also, one can abuse the text by looking at the Scriptures out of context to their day and apply one's own worldview to the text.... i.e. applying the values/mores of 2004 to a document that's roughly 3,500-2000 years old.

To quote Fee and Stuart again:
"A text cannot mean what it never could have meant to it's author or his or her readers."

That's hard for many Christians to deal with when it comes to Revelation. Much of the stuff one hears from TV preachers about the end times is bunk. Why? Because of what that statement says above: A text cannot mean what it never could have meant to it's author or his or her readers.

11.18.2004

Republican Party ≠ Christianity

Ok... so we had elections in this country not too long ago. All the rhetoric, debates, scandals, and bad TV ads are all over now. President Bush won the election, and not with the nuisance of hanging chads or Supreme Court Decisions. This was a solid victory. With the victory came word across the world that the one factor that made the difference was the importance of moral values. Strangely enough, that was never brought up by the news before the election (at least as I can recall, and I watched a LOT of election news). It would seem that the country's press thought that "moral values" had gone the way of the 1950s.

So, suddenly, all attention was drawn worldwide to the voting power of the conservative Christian. I heard report after report that gave the win for Bush from the hands of this demographic in America. Like clockwork, within hours of the election, the Democratic Party was trying to stake it's claim in the hill of moral values... perhaps a little too late? Ugh... politics (of any form) makes me sick to my stomach.

---
And here I am with a HUGE concern for our nation... While many Christians in America rejoice that their man won the election, I am afraid that their success will be one more nail in the coffin for Christianity in America. Why?
---

Now, two generations removed from church attendance being the norm in America (X and Y being the first two post-Christian generations here in the US), anyone that is not a Christian and is perhaps more liberal in their thinking of how government should work is now equating Christianity with the Republican Party. :( What a sad day for Christianity, even in the wake of a victory in the eyes of many.

Historically speaking, when the church has harbored itself with any organization or aligned itself with a government entity (throughout the ages) for a gain of power, it has paid for that with blood. Religion and politics are a bad mix; it is a deadly elixir. For that reason, I am proud of my baptist heritage that fought for the freedom that our founding fathers did not have in England: the freedom of government control of religion or the control of religion on government.

But the mixing of religion with politics is not only bad for that reason, though that's a good one. The mixing is bad because the lines can be confusing... what does it really mean to be a Christian in America? Now, the whole world (due to massive ignorance and perpetuated stereotypes of Christians from religious leaders like Falwell, Dobson, and Robertson), believes the USA is a Christian nation because we elected a Christian president. Nothing could be further from the truth. According to the North American Mission Board in 1999, North America is the ONLY continent in the world where Christianity is not growing. Gaining a Christian president will not make this nation a Christian one.

So, are political lines and checks on litmus tests what makes one a Christian? Absolutely not! But, that's the perception. Anyone else see this HUGE disconnect?

True power in this world comes by loving your neighbor as yourself and loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And it takes the later to do the former. Political power is nothing. True power comes in love and humility. The power of change takes place when we start doing what we were told to do already: walk as Christ walked... live as Christ lived. How many Christians do you know that do this? Show of hands?... ok... now, when the number of hands begin to increase in this nation and the world around... then, and only then, will we be even CLOSE to being a Christian nation/world.

Yet, now, as it stands we are the scourge of the earth... and not because we "stand up for Jesus." We are the scourge because we do not live as our Lord did, and that is simply unacceptable.

11.04.2004

Capernaum Project

I just got back from a wonderful night learning about the Capernaum Project. This is an incredible ministry that links mentors with disabled youth. The mentors representing Young Life in the Baltimore region spend countless hours every week with kids whether it be taking them to the mall, a baseball game or the beach. Simply awesome. My good man, Sean Napfel was there, representing Horizon... along with Ben and Carissa and my main man Dan Gerding. I am so pumped about this ministry! My hope is that we as a church can take advantage of this awesome opportunity to serve.

11.03.2004

BE

Be the Generation X Church *Scratch*

Be the Post Modern Church *Scratch*

Be the Emergent Church *Scratch*

-------

Be the Church *NOW THAT'S WORTH SAYING!*

10.12.2004

Story/Plot Driven

When Warren's Purpose Driven Church came out in 1995, he sent a shock-wave through modern churches. This primer on church life also rocked my world, and it became an influential force in the making of Horizon. But, with a twist...

Here is something I have been thinking about and thought I would share with you. I believe Horizon is Story or Plot Driven... I will need to explain what I mean. lol First of all, what it doesn't mean. This doesn't mean a wishy/washy approach to church... Not by ANY means. It also doesn't mean that Horizon is all about stories, though I do like to speak on Sunday mornings best from Bible stories. Here is what I do mean:

As a story contains a main plot, so does Horizon. We have one purpose, one goal, and one vision: To connect people with God through Jesus Christ and to each other in authentic community through the multiplication of small groups, Link Groups, and Horizon Churches. Now, much like a plot in a book, this can be worded so many different ways and it's played out through the actions, convictions, and dialogue of the characters. It's not like in a term paper where one states one's thesis. No, this is much more creative than that. The plot thickens as the story develops. And any good story has plot development... this is something wonderful about Horizon. We are on a journey... we know the direction to go, but the story is far from over. In fact, the plot develops as each new person that shares our values and purpose comes aboard. They become characters in the story...


Speaking of characters, Horizon has plenty of those... and there are all kinds. There is the crowd, the community in which we live (think of Warren's concentric circles), and then there are those that are more connected with the story of Horizon. Some attend Link Groups, others to church, and many to both. Some even help tell the story of Horizon to others, and share that they can also be a part of this grand plot. Those are the leaders. Every good vision caster is an excellent story teller and is one that can help develop others into the plot line. Characters add the color to the canvas and a mix of various personalities and giftedness to the story.

more later...

10.09.2004

Little Round Top

Kimme and I spent the day in Gettysburg, PA. I absolutely love this town. It's sort of a reflective harbor for me. It's a place I go to look in deep. Today I spent about an hour at Little Round Top. Here, Joshua Chamberlain -one of my life's heroes, led the 20th of Maine against all odds to hold a tiny hill that if lost would have possibly changed the outcome of the Civil War. I spent about 10 minutes at the extreme right flank and another 10 at the extreme left. Strewn about in strange formation, a make-shift wall of rocks was made by these men around 3 PM on July 2, 1863. It still stands today, connecting the distance between each flank. Behind it, stood the 20th of Maine, a green/untried fighting unit led by a former school teacher. After raid after raid from Col. William C. Oates' 15th and 47th Alabama and ammo running horribly low, Joshua Chamberlain gave the order: "Bayonet! Forward to the right!"

Here is what Chamberlain noted of the events:

"At that crises, I ordered the bayonet. The word was enough. It ran like fire along the line, from man to man, and rose into a shout, with which they sprang forward on the enemy, now not 30 yards away. The effect was surprising; many of the enemy's first line threw down their arms and surrendered. An officer fired his pistol at my head with one hand, while he handed me his sword with the other. Holding fast by our right, and swinging forward our left, we made an extended "right wheel," before which the enemy's second line broke and fell back, fighting from tree to tree, many being captured, until we had swept the valley and cleared the front of nearly our entire brigade."

Today, I spent most of my time on a rock that now has a large monument commemorating this feat of heroism. It's supposedly the place where the order was given. I don't know why, but this place just rings so true in my heart and makes me think of my faith and the opposing forces among us:

Paul, a fellow church planter, noted of his own events:

2 Corinthians 4.7-12:
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

My prayer is that the church will hear the call for bayonet... let's take on the forces of evil with a fierce faith and a bold love. Tomorrow, Horizon launches it's second church in Towson. I prayed at each section mentioned above on Little Round Top that we will used of God for something amazing, something unexplainable except for His involvement... that he would "show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

10.01.2004

Buzz

Well, Clay and I have been getting word of people already getting the new Horizon Magazine in the mail! This is an exciting time... I wonder what awesome people we will get to know because of this? I wonder how many lives will be changed? For those that have been praying about this launch, keep it up.

9.23.2004

Alive

Hey, guys... this is just a post to let everyone know that I am alive and well. Sorry for not blogging much lately. I've been a bit more preoccupied with other things, namely my family which is a good thing. lol -- Also, as a staff and as Link Group leaders, we @ Horizon have been gearing up for our upcoming launch. I do hope to share more soon. Nevermind that someone close to me calls blogging "arrogant." (*wink*) I think it's quite cool.

8.29.2004

Church on the Move

Church on the Move is the church that we visited this morning while visiting my mom in Allentown, PA. It was a good service. I was struck by the presence of a beautiful mixture of all races and all ages. There was a buzz, an excitement, one I have felt before... mainly around Horizon in Owings Mills when our numbers were in the 270s. There was such an excitement and just a sense that God was up to something great. I love that. The auditorium was huge, seating probably 1200 people. There was a large stage with a full band and two large screens to the left and the right of the stage. I laughed out loud when I saw a countdown on the screens (something I brought to Horizon from the Mix years ago... thanks to the idea of my friend Darrell Lindsay). Wow. The worship was electric. They brought in a choir... it was like being with Kirk Franklin. Good stuff. They lost me, though, with 20 minutes of announcements. :( What was that? Before the sermon? Yikes... That stinks. The speaker was not the pastor; the pastor was on sabbatical. I think he was the youth guy. He did a solid job and afterward we celebrated the Lord's Supper. Always good to see what other churches are doing.

8.28.2004

So, we're living here in Allentown

Well, this weekend all of us (the family, that is) hopped in the van an took a trip up to see mom for the weekend in Allentown, PA. This is always a much needed break from the "real world" and a time to contemplate things for me. Allentown is my contemplative town, though not as high on the list as Gettysburg's Little Round Top (my favorite in the world). I am looking forward to see what God has in store for me here. We will be missing Horizon on Sunday and I thought we would go to Mass which we usually do here (Len, my step-father, is Catholic). But, I think this time we will be going to a new church plant up here called: Church on the Move ( see: http://www.cotmlv.org/ ). Should be interesting... more later.

8.18.2004

Captain

Well, last Friday Kimme and I took a flight to Houston Texas to see Captain, as my previous post had mentioned. We arrived around 1:30 or so, and the first thing I thought as we pulled up to Lucy's (my aunt) house was, "So, this is where my grandfather will die." Sad and somber thoughts, but nonetheless truthful. The first thing I did when I walked in the door was find him in his room. He was obviously near the end... slumped over to his left, in a medical bed, and oxygen pumping to his nose... it was that familiar picture of the end you see on TV shows or movies.

Ah! But God performed a miracle for me that day! I stepped over to him and for whatever reason, he looked up... as soon as he saw me he said, "Well look, it's David Curtis!" He couldn't have blessed me more! That alone was worth the trip. I did NOT want the last time I saw him to be @ his funeral. I wanted to say goodbye in person. It was as though he had waited for me. When he spoke my name... well... my name was the last thing he ever said that was intelligible.

I would go in and hold his hand. He still had a firm grip. His body temp was high (he had pneumonia among many other things) and so his hand was rather warm to touch. But still, I held it. I took time to notice his hands. I found it odd that I has never really taken the time to look at them so closely. When I did, I noticed how similar his hands were to mine. His fingers, mainly... strange thing to notice, but I still took notice.

Later that night, the hospice nurse came over and made sure he was ok... then, we all got together for dinner. It was strange eating a family dinner with Captain in the other room. :( Pat (Lucy's husband) cooked a fabulous dinner of new york strips. Laura (her twin sister) was also there along with my dad and Donna, his wife of one year. Finally, Kimme and I took off to get some rest.

Then, around 4:30 AM on Saturday morning, I got a call that Captain had passed about 30-60 minutes before. I got dressed and head back to the house. Crazy that Kimme and I got there within the last 14-15 hours of his life... somehow I just knew I needed to go.

So... while Kimme and I expected to only be in Houston for 3 days (well, Kimme 3 and me for 5) I still did not think he would die while I was there. Needless to say, I cancelled my flight back to Baltimore from Houston. Instead, I traveled back to Dallas with my dad while Kimme flew back as planned. Sad... even as I write this I have not seen my kids in nearly a week. I miss them so much. :( Well, dad and I got to spend some time together. That was nice. Maybe more on that later... that was sorta a mini-trip in and of itself.

Yesterday, we arrived in Russellville, Arkansas. Russellville is where Captain grew up... it's where he and my grandmother lived for many, many years... We got in late and got some rest.

Today, I said goodbye to Captain... his grave site service was @ 1 PM. The US Air Force was there for a 21 gun salute, and the US Navy was there to fold the flag... it was given to my father. Captain was a US Naval officer and served in the Atlantic during WW2. Today he was honored for his service.

The memorial service was @ 2 PM @ First United Methodist Church, Captain and Grandmother's church of many years... Captain's mother was the organist for many years... My great-grandfather Cowan's brother (Bill?) gave the church the bell that's in the bell tower. The history goes way back. The service was very nice. I gave the opening prayer and read three selections of Scripture. Psalm 8 (Captain's favorite scripture), Psalm 23, and Romans 8 (the end) through 9:1. Then, my dad gave the eulogy. He did such a great job. I was proud of him.

Afterward, I told him so.

After the service, the whole family went to the Holiday Inn, a Cowan gathering place over the years... we all ate together. It was all the folks that were in Houston when Captain died, as well as my uncle Jamey and aunt Betty (my grandmother's sister), Clay Shinn (my cousin), Sharon (my dad's cousin... this is grandmother's sister's daughter... this sister died of lupus many years ago, long before I was born), and yeah... others... wow... lots to cover. Have you read this far?

Needless to say... it has been a LONG and DRAINING week. But soon, i will be home. Back in Kimme's arms and the kids in mine. Ahh... home!

8.13.2004

Leaving for Houston

I got word on Wed. from my dad that my grandfather Cowan is near death. My immediate response was fear. I did not want the last time I saw him to be at his funeral.

"I've got to go to Houston and see him before he goes... no matter what."

Nothing like the death of a loved one (or impending death for that matter) to set the mind reeling about every experience, every fond memory... regrets...

I love Captain (what I call him) so much. He is, like my other grandfather, such a wonderful example of what a Christian man should be. EVERYONE that's ever met Captain loves him. He never spoke a cross word. He is such a peaceful man. My prayer for him is that when he goes, he goes as peacefully as he lived.

Captain, I love you... I hope to hold your hand one more time. I hope to hear that wonderful laugh of yours and see your smile. I am soooo gonna miss you, Captain, but I am so thankful for Jesus. He made a way for us to see each other again, and in that I can rest and know... I will see you again. This is simply our last goodbye, but never our last hello.

I love you...

your grandson

8.05.2004

Wild

OK, so I gave in and bought "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge. I didn't take long for me to know that this is a book I NEED to read. Wow... You know, I didn't have my dad around growing up. I don't know how to do anything around the house to fix things and whatever. People wonder why we live in a new townhome. It's not because we like new places; honestly, its because I don't know jack about fixing things. Now... when people show me, I can pick things up, but that happens rarely. I have always felt less of a man because of these things.. and to a fault. When anyone even jokes about me being feminine or lacking anything masculine, I get ready to throw down. I could not be more serious about what I just said. Nothing sets me quicker. It's a sore issue for me because while growing up I never had a male mentor or someone to teach me how to "be a man." No role model. No blueprint. Except for what I found in Scripture. This book is helping me get back to my "roots" of what it means to be a man, and it's helpful. It's especially helpful for me in raising Josh. I want to be that blueprint for him. More than anything... Thanks for those of you that have recommended it.

7.31.2004

RiSk

Risk...

Risk is nothing new. People do it all the time. In fact, risky behavior is almost seen as cool in many ways. Did your school have "that guy" that would always accept a dare? How about the person that always takes things to the edge? Yeah... risky behavior is seen as "cool" in may ways. But for some reason, it's really not seen that way when it comes to one's spiritual life. The only risk given in this context is someone doing missions in Africa, or something. But what about life here... in the here and now? Naw, in the here and now, we seek to play it safe. We want to make sure that the bills are paid, that business is usual, etc. Is it any wonder why the church does not experience the great works of God we see in the Bible? Where is our faith? Its kept under lock and key in our bank account, our career, or our reputation.

I believe that faith in Jesus, being a follower of Jesus, is risking it all! Risking our money, our career, our reputation. It's a tough jump, but it's one he asks us to make:

Luke 9.23-25:
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"

Risk can kill you.
Playing it safe an kill you.
Either way, you're gonna die. lol
But, you will die with different results, won't you?

When I am flat on my back, at the end of my days, I hope I can rest in the fact that I gave God my life for Him to use, that I obeyed when he called, and that I lived an adventurous life following Him!

7.15.2004

Generation Gap?

Judges 2.10:
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel."

I wonder, is the same thing happening today right before our very eyes? I think so...

7.12.2004

Ashes Remain

I gotta tell you... the last few shows have been such an incredible thing for me to experience. What a talented group of musicians! I find myself smiling and belting out the lyrics with all my heart, all with a deep sense of joy... absoluetly the coolest!

A list of what I love about them...

1. I love Ben Kirk. I love watching people watch Ben Kirk; their awe of him is so entertaining to watch! Ben Kirk is full throttle drum playing! There is no one better in rock and roll!

2. I love the fact that they can pull off a victory as one of the top 3 (and hopefully soon, the best) bands in the nation for the Hard Rock Cafe and yet remain so humble and down to earth. When *not if* these guys make it big, expect more of the same. As Jesus said: "He who is faithful with little will be faithful with much."

3. I love that they can pull off such a win without their full crew! Major props to John R!

4. I love to see AR beat the world at their own game! I love to see these guys beat the socks off of bands with cheesy, meaningless names and cheesy and meaningless lyrics. I love to see people with beers in their hands catch the fever for AR!

5. I love Josh Smith. I have been so blessed to know this great friend of mine... 'Nuff said.

Peace...

6.30.2004

Isolation

Wow... what a great Link Group tonight. We have such an amazing group of people that come each week. I continue to be astounded with the Body of Christ.

And yeah... even though I was a part of facilitating tonight with Dave R., I dunno... it just felt like God was speaking directly to me. I wished I could have spilled my guts with everyone tonight, but I've been told I speak too much in LG, lol. My heart was breaking. Literally. Tonight got me back to when I was like 9 years old and my parents were fighting over me in a huge and nasty custody battle. Man... was I alone. I moved at least twice each year, so I was never really able to build lasting friendships. My mom wanted me to side with her. My dad wanted me to side with him. My grandparents wished for me to go with their corresponding kid, either my mom or my dad. I had literally NO ONE to talk to... that is, except for God. Wow, tonight the tears came as I remembered how Jesus was there for me when no one else was. What a great reminder! Man, I just wanted to spill my guts and weep because I was reminded of my worst case of isolation and God's goodness towards me in spite of it all.

6.21.2004

Fat Coaches

Rom. 2.19 If you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,
Rom. 2.20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth —
Rom. 2.21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?
Rom. 2.22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
Rom. 2.23 You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
Rom. 2.24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Though I wasn't necessarily known for athletic prowess in jr. high and high school, I was active in sports, mainly track in field. The discus was my sport of choice, and actually as I look back, I sorta was known for some prowess with it. I won quite a few first, second, and third place finishes with the discus. But one sport I was not too fond of playing was football. Now, don't get me wrong, I love to watch it and playing it helped me appreciate the game more. Well, at least until I broke my leg in a tackling drill! lol But one thing that always bugged me were the fat choaches that yelled for you to run, yelled at you to push harder, etc. when they themselves wouldn't last two minutes doing the very thing they expected of us, the players. It would seem that the only thing they ran for was more jelly doughnuts (not that there's anything wrong with that) and the only thing they pushed harder for were seconds and thirds. Ah... but then there were the coaches that ran the drills with you... did the sit ups with you... worked out and lifted the weights with you. When this sort of coach yells at you, it's different... perhaps because you know the guy isn't asking you to do anything that he doesn't expect of himself as well.

I started thinking about this yesterday and bringing this same context back to ministry and being a pastor. Wow... then it hits home. When I stand up and speak each Sunday, I am sorta like a coach. I am showing folks the game-plan. I am expounding on the fundamentals of the game, reminding people of the rules. Disciplines like study, prayer, giving, and sacrifice are spoken of... yet i wonder... am I a good example? Man... nothing is worse than a fat coach. The same expectations upon any other person are upon me... I am not above the law. If I speak about things I need to strive to live out what I preach. Now, I am the first to say I am striving but never reaching -- I'll say that in my messages. But, still... I want to do better. I want to shine as an example, and do better...

*Drop and give me 50!*

6.10.2004

Navigation

Last night was awesome! In our Link Group I took some time to share a little bit about the heart of Horizon, the direction God has set for us, and the overall vision of the church. I have never, and I mean never, seen a time where sharing/casting the vision has not stirred hearts or encouraged people in some significant way. This was no different. Some of these guys I have known for over a year, but even still, it was like this was all new or fresh to them. Or perhaps, a better way to describe it is that lights were coming on, hearts were being opened. Vision is that which opens eyes to the possibilities, and opens hearts to embrace something "God-sized." What an exciting thing to see with my friends!

Perhaps the neatest part of last night was the discussion concerning Horizon's view of leadership. We are under the deep conviction that when we examine God's Word, we see the following: Leadership is drawing others to Jesus, and into Christ-likeness. The Biblical term for this is discipleship. We see this as leadership, and we see this as something that EVERYONE is called to regardless of knowledge, experience, or personality traits.

Wow, were hearts opening up! It was like an "a-ha!" moment as people were catching the vision that they, too, could be a leader simply by connecting with others, spending time with them, and sharing their faith/walk/experience in Jesus with them. They, too, could make a difference in people's lives and shared what had been shared with them. And THAT'S leadership... The CEO model of leadership found today needs to go (at least in the context of churches), but I digress. :)

What a great night it was, setting our sights on Jesus... redirecting our focus on what lies ahead, and the plans God has for this (His) church.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for gathering such a wonderful group of people to pursue your purpose @ this time in Horizon's history! Thank you, Jesus, for the stories of the early disciples that inspire us, thousands of years later, to keep moving, keep pressing forward. God, may Your will and Your Spirit have free reign over all that happens... especially now as we look toward public launch of Horizon Towson. For all the hearts and eyes that were opened last night, I pray that You will navigate them in Your direction. Build an excitement and a passion that comes only from Your Spirit's fire. Amen.

6.08.2004

The Birth of a Vision

Hey, this is something I have been thinking about posting for a while, so here we go. The following (with more to come) are THE VERY FIRST dialogue/discussion stuff between me and Clay when we first met about hooking up for a church plant. Keep in mind as you read these several things:

1. Clay and I knew each other, though not fully. So as you read these, you see two guys trying to get to each other's heart: what makes the other tick.
2. Kimme and I had been speaking with folks in Maryland since mid-May 1999. These conversations began around late November; hence the reason for Clay's questions about the place.
3. When you see something called "the Mix," that was my previous ministry Kimme and I started in New Orleans. When you see Chicago mentioned, it was the possible church plant we turned down to come here.
3. I have left these unedited. I am sure you will get a laugh or two out of this, as I did, knowing how things turned out.

Enjoy! We'll start with Clay's questions to me in an e-mail dated Sunday, November 21, 1999... subject heading: How Cowan got his groove back.

---

Hey Dave,
Sorry for keeping you on the line earlier. Just tell
me when you've got company and I won't ask any
Maryland type questions.

Speaking of questions...
In what town are you planing to plant?

In the literature this community seems to be more
suburban in nature wanting to be a small town. They
are working to cap off any more quick growth,
preserving farm lands. Is this area a prime spot for
a church plant?

Do you already have a plan or are you still working on
how you would start? have you defined the purpose,
estabished rough goals, etc? or is it too early for
that?

What are you looking for in help (are you really even
looking for help or just intrigued) from someone else
joining you in a church plant? What do you need?

What do you see as your role and giftedness? What
would be your role in the first year, second, and
third.

This county is about an hour and a half north of where
I lived in Maryland. My community (Upper Marlboro in
Prince George county) was a part of the whole
Chesapeke bay mentality and this community looks like
it has more of a foothills personality. A lot of
people are probably moving to Carrol from Baltimore so
those people may be more like the people I remember.

I taught high school art for two years (drawing,
painting, pottery) and there seems to be a focus on
the arts in Carrol county. Could help. Allison has a
beautiful voice and is learing to play guitar. She is
the praise leader for the Bible in Blue Jeans (we did
not get a vote on the name for our mini-mix by the
way) but she is working to get beyond the few cords
she is using now. She has a bachelor's in Journalism,
but one more year and she can get the teaching degree
she wants. If that could happen the first year it
would be good for us.

I am amazed by the possibility of doing this. I am
confident that I could pastor a more traditional
church in the bible belt and be pretty good at it, so
it has nothing to do with running from anything. We
do not have enough churches and we do not have near
enough churches with God-focus...this has to change
and I get giddy thinking I could be a part of that.

I would like to talk to Dr. Weathersby soon. I am
late getting in on the neimiah project, but if I act
right away it can be done. Let me know if you are
still thinking about this and when we can talk more.

Take care
Clay


-------

My response: Dated Monday, November 22, 1999... subject heading: lookin' for housing? groovy!

-------

Speaking of answers...

Speaking of questions...

"In what town are you planing to plant?"
Well, the target area for Bill Crowe (associational director) is Westminister.

"In the literature this community seems to be more suburban in nature wanting to be a small town. They are working to cap off any more quick growth, preserving farm lands. Is this area a prime spot for a church plant?"

Yes, this was my big concern. I really felt like, "Hey, this AIN'T me, OK?" In fact, things look worse when you look at the psychographics. That stuff makes it look like grandma, apple pie, and USA. I was REAL concerned about this, and was honest with Bill telling him beforehand that when I interviewed and saw the town in better detail and didn't "feel" it, I wanted another suggestion. His suggestion was Elkridge, a SW suburb of Baltimore. I was excited about that until our trip to Westminister.

Remember, the intent is to start a church for the 18-30 age group (Exactly what I do here!). I SAW THAT AGE GROUP EVERYWHERE I WENT and NO ONE WAS REACHING THEM. Yes, the leaders of the town are trying to keep the small town a small town, and they are putting a cap on growth (VERY unlike the situation I told you about in Chicago). But I ask you, where are these people coming from? Well, Baltimore and DC. There are MANY new homes, especially on the West side of Westminister, that are very chic. There is NO WAY that these people work in Westminister. No way! So, they have the city mindset, but like to get away to the suburbs. Interestingly, this town has two universities:

Western Maryland College (link)

Carroll County Community College

"TEAMING WITH THE 18-30 RANGE: Do you already have a plan or are you still working on how you would start? Have you defined the purpose, established rough goals, etc.? Or is it too early for that?"

That's a tough set of questions. Here's where I am coming from right now. I have a very rough idea of things at this point. The ball will begin to roll soon about finding out more concerning our target audience. Bill and I have discussed the awesome call survey I had mentioned to you. That will most likely take place in January 2000 sometime. That will help us IMMENSELY in finding out what to do next.

I would be a little nervous about purpose and core values without meeting with the possible "core" people. I'd like to meet with the possible "core" and do a study from God's word about His church as well as an education on the target audience (18-30). Out of that may come something very similar, if not identical to the MIX, but only God knows. I have toyed with the concept of spreading the MIX like a GOD virus across the land, targeting unchurched areas. The MIX might still work, name and all, as a Seeker type service. Who knows? Just ideas, just ideas...

I get the feeling that the format of things will be similar to the MIX, yet maybe a bit more mature, (like, I am not sure about having games, unless we had someone really good to do them or something. My guess is that the professionals may not dig that, but I still think they would dig quality music. I asked EVERY Xer I ran into down there about Westminister, what they thought, and I got an interesting picture. Apparently, music and arts (as you noted) are big. That means, the music MUST be top notch. That will be tough. There will still be need for the ol' acoustic in small group settings.

"What are you looking for in help (are you really even looking for help or just intrigued) from someone else joining you in a church plant? What do you need?"

I am VERY interested in help. I really believe in a team approach. I work really well in that environment, as a typical Xer. As you may recall, that's what the setup was to be in Chicago. My hopes still linger with the possibility that some of the MIXers here will join the work up there. Again, if the MIX spreads, I could see the MIX here in NOLA as a training ground for sending out trained and ready MIX leaders to begin new works throughout our country. Again, just ideas. On a more personal note, I look forward to speaking with you about how YOU feel about working with me and Kimme with this. I think that Westminister may be one in a series of starts I may be involved with. We shall see. That would leave you in the drivers seat in time.

"What do you see as your role and giftedness? What would be your role in the first year, second, and third?"

I see myself as the equipping leader. God has gifted me in putting highly effective and creative people together to make things work. I have the gift of vision, seeing down the road, if you will. I dream BIG and see results. However, I must tell you, I am not an administrator. I really need a good administrator that would work with me. I make a good combo with that kind of working relationship. The first year, hard to say. Second year, hard to say. Third year, hard to say. Ultimately, I would probably be lead pastor (that's what they are hiring me for, anyway), but with the understanding that at some point I may transfer leadership to start another one. There is a possibility, however, that you would be the lead, and I assist you. I HAVE NO IDEA. Only God knows. The question is, do you feel called to work with a particular generation... Are those 18-30 year olds a passion for you... Think about it.

"We do not have enough churches and we do not have near enough churches with God-focus...this has to change and I get giddy thinking I could be a part of that."

ME TOO!

"Let me know if you are still thinking about this and when we can talk more."

Yeah, this week is real tough because Kimme works 6 days straight. She will not be free until Thanksgiving, and then on Sunday, we leave for Westminister to look for housing. I'd really like her to be there for the talks. As it is, I'll give her a copy of this e-mail and the one you sent. I have tried to keep her informed. If, however, you need to chat THIS WEEK, we could arrange it. Kimme may fall asleep on us! Wed. night might be best but that's up to you. We are off at church this Wed. (no activities in lieu of Thanksgiving). Call me, and at least you and I could do lunch. I have plans on Tuesday for lunch, but give me some suggestions.

Thanks!

-------

Clay's Respose:

You are further along than I realized. It is good to
wait until Kimmie (sp?) can talk with us without
falling asleep... unless she talks in her sleep,
maybe. Ya'll let us know when you are ready. Allison
and I are leaving Tue. morning and will be back Fri.
evening. I'm sure you will be focused on your trip
then so we can wait to talk if you want. Enjoy,
relax, buy a pretty house, and dream big dreams.

I'm calling Bill Crowe to find out what I can from his
end. Even though it is crazy early, Allison and I are
feeling peaceful about this. You have a solid mix of
confidence/ability and humility that makes this good.
We are praying.

Take care,
Clay

6.05.2004

New Deal

Jeremiah 31.31-33:
“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

When President Roosevelt came out with his "New Deal" platform, the country was in need a change. The economy was in the dumps. Many were jobless, and the future did not look as bright as before. Ask anyone who lived during the great depression (and their numbers are dimming), and they will speak of the hardships, the trials, and the sacrifices. Yet, in came Roosevelt with a new zeal. He half-way got the country believing that things could actually turn around. His "fireside chats" brought people hope that this guy knew what he was doing. Somehow people felt like they could trust this "New Deal" he kept mentioning.

Back up a few hundred years to Jeremiah's day. Man... things were bleak. The country was hanging on by a thread, with disaster nipping at it's heels. Little did the country know that it was about to embark into their darkest days since their bondage in Egypt. But Jeremiah knew... he knew all too well. His approach was not delivered as smooth as a modern day politician. Jeremiah was not known for fire side chats, but instead a burning fire from within:

Jeremiah 20.8-9:
Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot."

Jeremiah was experiencing what I like to call preaching: "a burning must speak." God's fire within HAS to come out; it cannot remain locked up tight.

Yet, in the midst of this... Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, had a moment of clarity... a moment of peace. In that moment of serenity he asked Baruch to put this new burning on a scroll: God was going to bring a New Deal. This, unlike a politician's campaign promise, was a covenant-sized promise from God Himself. In this "New Deal" was the new way of relating to God. No more were people to relate to Him through their own self-effort, instead... the way was through His good promise alone, that He would do the work for humanity... Therein lies Jeremiah's only fireside chat.

Fast forward a few hundred years to a small, crowded room with 13 men... During the Passover Feast, Jesus proclaims that the "New Deal" has arrived. Through the blood, sweat, and tears of God in the flesh this new way of relating to God would be made possible! How wonderful is the Lord that He did not leave us in bondage! No more are we a slave to sin! The old government is gone! A revolution has taken place! Freedom now reigns, and all because God kept His promise to us...

Prayer: Lord, give us Your "burning must speak." Tell us what You are doing and what You will do! Continue to remove the shackles off the ankles and wrists of those yet to believe and experience You, and make our feet swift to help free them. Remind us of Your New Deal in Jesus, especially when we fail. Remind us, Lord, that the dictator is vanquished, that our foe is conquered. Help us be faithful in this "Kingdom of Heaven" to do what You ask of us... teach us as You did Your disciples. Amen.

6.03.2004

Vision

I was recently reminded of something. In the midst of starting a church, it's easy to get distracted with details... Mainly because the details must be covered in order to do what one must to start a new congregation. But, the details can kill as well...

I guess what I am saying is that I know that God has called myself and Clay to start a movement... a revolution of faith for the emergent generations of Baltimore, the NE, and eventually the country/world. What that means is that the vision is SO much greater than starting one congregation, or even two, or even three. The calling placed upon us is much bigger than that. Once reminded of this, I was in awe of God and felt His burning in my soul. I hope that I can convey this new found passion with those I meet without being overkill or cheesy, because it's truly the reason why I am here: to spread the incendiary heat of Christ's love to all people around this place called Baltimore... the 1.4 million people that live in this great city need to feel the heat, the warmth, and the embrace of Jesus. Once they do, the fire will spread again...

Also, my hope is that Horizon of Owings Mills will be encouraged with the starting of Horizon Towson... This is the second step in a long journey of many steps (many new congregations). I hope that Owings Mills will reap the benefits of what she has done... she gave her best, and gave her finances... she gave what she could and it was enough. Now there is a healthy new church growing in the heart of Towson. :) At the same time, I hope for fresh blood... fresh feet, to help undergird the life of Horizon in Owings Mills. My prayer is that there will be an onslaught of new people, vibrant with faith and love for others, that will infiltrate their ranks and make a positive impact. I also pray for a barrage of new believers... fresh in faith and ones with a new sense of purpose with their new relationship with Christ. For those sitting on the sidelines... my hope is that they will either get on the train or get off. We have had to make a stop as we start the new work in Towson. Owings Mills has had to refresh, and reload supplies before the next journey. But the train is beginning to move again... it's time to get aboard or stay at the station. Either way... the vision that God set in motion is on the move yet again. ALL ABOARD!

Prayer: Lord, please help those who attend Horizon on Sunday mornings and those involved with Link Groups to see the bigger picture. Help them see that this is a movement, and not just starting a church. Help them embrace any hardship and relinquish any distraction that might keep us from the goal of being used by You in this great city that You founded. You sent us here for such a time as this... help us be on-time, Lord.

6.02.2004

Joshua Graduates!

Well, Joshua graduates from Kindergarten today! How exciting! Unbelievable that at the end of this month he will be 6 years old. I am so proud of my son. He truly is an amazing kid.

Side note: Kimme and Josh just had a conversation that went like this:

"Mom, you're a nurse, right?"

"Yes, I am. What do you want to be when you grow up."

"I want to do what Daddy does."

"You mean, help people and tell them about God?"

"Yeah. Except I don't want to have a church in a theater. I want a building with a cross on it."

"You mean, like the church we used to go to."

"Yeah."

---

I guess my son is "old school" @ 5 years old. lol -- I love that kiddoe.

DCC

5.28.2004

I want to make something clear, something that I don't think many get. I don't think there are any of us in leadership with Horizon that are against traditional worship/churches. I know that for me, that was my upbringing. I never went to a contemporary service, or a church that had one until I helped to start them. My bread and butter, so to speak, growing up was suit and tie, preaching behind a pulpit, and organ/choir music. I wore a suit and tie to church every Sunday until 2000, the beginnings of Horizon.

Also, I believe that in some parts of the country, a traditional church is the most effective way to reach it's community. I have no doubt that this is true. Not one doubt.

One thing, though... I know that there is a new generation of pre-Christians that have emerged. And on the whole, the traditional approach does not reach them: suit and tie? what's that? organ music? I though Bach died centuries ago. a pulpit? what's that man hiding from? I know God has called myself and Horizon to reach that elusive fish... the postmodern/emergent culture dude/dudette.

My only wish is that traditional churches would offer churches such as ours, their blessing. I am reminded of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. Paul and Barnabus had been reaching non-Jews, people that did not know the Torah, that did not follow holy days, that did not observe the Sabbath, that were not circumcised, yada, yada, yada... And this strange new group was suddenly embracing the good news that God had come in the flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ. In return, God was showering this strange new group with His presence, His Holy Spirit. Lives were changed, and this was evident to all... The Jerusalem Council met to meet about these strange happenings...

I will quote the whole passage here, if you don't want to read it, skip to
below:

Acts 15.1-31:
Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”
The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up: “Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’ that have been known for ages.
“It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers.
With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings.
We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul — men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.

You know what I long for? What I crave? Is for this same thing to happen today. The emergent church needs the blessing of those in the traditional camp. Now... I know there are many who do not think we need a blessing... in fact, Paul sorta gives us a clue in Galatians about what he felt along these lines:

Gal. 2.6-10:
As for those who seemed to be important — whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance — those men added nothing to my message. On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Still, I feel like a blessing is needed to heal the conflict that is arising in our churches. Is there a group within a traditional church that seeks to have a more contemporary style? Give them a blessing... send them out to start a new work. Equip them. Give them support. Pray for them. BLESS THEM. Likewise... if there were a traditional group to appear out of a contemporary one... the same thing.

More to my ranting later... perhaps someone has something to add?

3.17.2004

3.18.04

Well, today I turn 32. Hard to believe that 16 years ago, I was 16. Each grouping of 16 years has such great memories, great victories, great challenges, and a whole bunch of life in bewteen. Here's to the next 16 years. Hope it's better than the previous 32 combined.

3.10.2004

3.10.04

Social Action:

Tonight I speak @ Goucher in Towson @ InterVarsity's weekly meeting on campus. Their focus this semester is dual pronged: racial relations and social justice. So, tonight, I am speaking on Amos 5:21-24:

“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! "

I love this passage... but it's a convicting one. Here, God is clearly not pleased with the worship of the people that called Him by name. The words are emphatic:

(v21) (1) Religious Feasts: This was meant to be a time of remembrance and celebration of God’s faithfulness. Yet this became a stench before God. Lit. “I will not smell.” He hated their feasts.
(2) Assemblies: Their cooperate worship was also displeasing to God -- lit. “I do not inhale with delight.”
(vs22) (3) Burnt Offerings, Grain Offerings, & Fellowship Offerings: “I will not except” is emphatic. Their confession of sins was hollow.
(v23) (4) Music and harps: Their praise was hollow and empty. The people were spiritually out of tune.

In other words... God's displeasure was such that He was not present in their worship. Sounds familiar...

Wonder what the issue was?

TRUE WORSHIP HAPPENS BETWEEN THE MEETINGS: or more specifically, church is God at work between the meetings.

(vs24) Justice Flowing Like A Strong River: Lit. a powerful flow of waters. Not your average or ordinary creek. This is a torrential flow of justice.
Righteousness, Like an ever Flowing Stream: Not inconsistent in flow, but steady.

Interestingly enough, during this time Israel was in a huge time of prosperity, of which no Israelite had ever known. And no longer was the nation a classless society; it had become a nation of the rich and the poor, with very little in between, a true situation of the have's and have not's. Amos, a sheepherder by trade and reluctant prophet of God, boldly spoke against the ways of the people of Yahweh. The worship of Yahweh had become cultural and devoid of God's presence. There was great lip service, but little faith in action. Yahweh's promises were all the people cared about... not His law. His blessing, not His discipline. His outsourcing of "stuff," not his outsourcing of "hesed" -- Love. God's love always comes through relationship, and that was something they did not seek.

I wonder for the American church in these things... Does Justice flow? Does Righteousness? Do we rightly treat our brother? Do we despise him? Use him? Do we know who our neighbor is? And if we DO know our neighbor, what precipitated that relationship? Most likely it's because they have something we want/need.

Though Israel's culture seemed to be flowing with milk and honey during this time, it flowed with stench that reached God and disgusted Him. Yeah, I wonder about the American Church in 2004. I wonder...

3.08.2004

Manhattan Trip: Life-changing Experience...

Hello world... LOTS to share about my recent journey to Manhattan (48 hours ago). This perhaps the first time I went on a trip and did not take my computer and so badly wished I had... simply for journaling purposes. I experienced so much and wished to get them down while the moment was fresh. Already, some of it is fading, but I want to get it down as best as I can now...

My mom called last week asking me what I was doing on March 5th. As it was, I had no real plans. So, she asked me if I wanted to travel with her to Manhattan and go to a black tie dinner. I said "sure!"

A friend of mom's, Erstine Belton, invited her to come to this $1,200 a plate dinner (of which Erstine paid for two spots) that was a fund raiser for the "The Balm in Gilead," an a non-profit organization for the purpose of mobilizing churches into action concerning the Aids/HIV pandemic.

That alone is worth mentioning... I have felt for some time now, that I need to connect with people with HIV/AIDS and be a resource, a friend, a help. This organization is primarily in place to connect church leaders to do JUST THAT, yet... in an African American context.

Staggering stats... 1 in 50 African American men have HIV... 1 in 160 African American women have HIV. Regardless of ethnicity, 1 in 250 Americans have HIV, but only 1 in 500 know that they do. Crazy... And what has the church done about this?


*crickets*

I met people from all over the world and primarily African American pastors. It was an interesting evening, to say the least. I had my picture taken with Charles Rangel, the US Congressman... snaps shots of Star Jones and her husband to be, as well as Nancy Wilson (who sang "Goldfinger" among other things), and many... many... other people.

The absolute coolest part of the evening was 2 conversations...

One was with a gentleman from Indianapolis. He was just standing there, like the other 400-450 people, and I felt compelled to speak with him. To make a long story short, @ the end of our conversation he mentioned that before he left his hotel room, he prayed that God would connect him with whomever he needed to speak with... and he mentioned that our conversation confirmed God being at work (my mom and I lived in Indiana for over six years, so we had many common friendships, and other things to talk about). When he said that... my mom asked if he was a pastor. He said no; he was a lay leader. But, then I said, "Then I guess you should know, I am a pastor." He became very excited at this, and began to share with me a vision God had given him in helping provide community centers all over the world, that sort of thing... Instantly, I thought of Horizon and our hopes to do something very similar to that... This man is independently wealthy, owner and founder of a large company... perhaps he has funds to help us? Needless to say... we shared contact info... And what's cool is that he comes to Washington D.C. fairly regularly. In fact, he had just meet with the President in recent weeks. Yeah... God at work.

Second, and in my mind, the most AWESOME conversation was at the dinner itself:

Two young ladies sat to my left at the table... being that this event was primarily for African Americans, these two stood out because like my mom and I, they were not. At the dinner, small talk ensued and people found out I was a pastor... Instantly, the lady to my immediate left asked me direct and deep spiritual questions... In fact, she basically asked me to share the gospel with her and tell her the story of Jesus. I was thinking... "this is why I am here @ this $20,000 a table dinner... to talk with these two." The biggest reason for this spiritual conversation? "The Passion." I dunno... it was the most amazing experience. So much more to share... Maybe later, after I process all of this...

3.02.2004

Well, I am at where? Starbucks, of course! Stopped in all the way from a MMBA meeting in Sykesville... I HAD to get over here to Towson to connect with people. For whatever reason, it would seem that my denominational time requirements have increased of late, as well as my need to connect and begin new relationships in Towson. In other words, the two are in conflict and it's been hard to juggle the schedules well...

We just began running spots on the TV with the "Passion Commercial." I hope that many people can connect with our Horizon locations through this medium. I am excited about the possibilities. Wonder what the future holds!?

This last Sunday was awesome. In fact, the last 2 Sundays in Towson have been some of the best, ever, in my Horizon experience. Worship has been phenominal in many respects. 2 Sundays back we had Beth Ann from Liberty in, a friend of Josh Smith. She came with her sister and led our worship that morning. Words cannot describe how good it was. Wow... both the passion and the skill is wrapped up in Beth Ann. What a talented servant of God!

Likewise, Josh Denning came in to speak with us Sunday and did a GREAT job. His love for Jesus and passion for trusting/obeying the Spirit's call is a wonderful example to me... he lives what he spoke about. Sometimes, that's rare these days.

2.23.2004

In Towson again right now... MAN, I love the Apple Store. Free, wireless Internet for me and anyone who has a wireless card... where are all the PC users? Oh, yeah... paying $6 per hour at Starbucks!

*insert evil laughter here*

Speaking of evil... I just witnessed it first hand. There was a couple in their 40s/50s that had a cursing fight right here in the mall. Actually, it was the husband that was horrible. Man... Utterly no respect for his wife, at all. Very disheartening, very depressing. He left her, stormed off cursing obscenities while she walked around alone. At one point she walked right by me, so I asked her "Ma'am? You alright? I am a pastor, is there anything I can do?" I didn't know if she was without a ride? In danger? Or what?

She completely blew it off. "Ah, I just have an irate husband, that's all."

Wow.

How sad that experience was...

DCC

2.16.2004

Hanging out in Towson with Tronster today. Usually we meet up in Fells Point, but he had the day off, so we met in Towson. It was awesome. We meet Lana (an old friend and co-worker of Mark Stephenson) @ Starbucks off of Loch Raven. It was nice to see her and just hang out with Tronster. THEN, randomly... Josh Smith showed up! He had promised Lana that he would come and hang out, so we had a great morning connecting.

While there I ran into a guy named Andy. I noticed him because as he was ordering coffee, he was holding a book by St. Augustine. Not everyone just reads St. Augustine. Found out he was from Grace in Timonium and that he runs a coffee house after their Saturday night services. What a cool person!

Then, Tronster and I went to Frisco's in Towson for some burritos. That was also cool. Good food, and right next to the Ruby Tuesday's in Towson Commons. As always, great discussion with Tronster. He is the best question-asker I know. He knows how to generate discussion... I have really come to enjoy my Monday's with him. Actually, they have always been good, it's just really a refreshing time spent each week.

Then, we were off to my old stomping grounds... Towson Mall's Starbucks. lol.

2.14.2004

So... yeah. Been a while... lol

OK, since my last blog entry Kimme and I went to the Horizon Leadership Retreat. It was a good retreat, filled with a lot of good feelings for both Kimme and myself. It was so nice to see Towson leadership along with OM and seeing "the lights come on" about some things... namely small groups and their purpose... how we can do better, etc. It was also good to just "be" with other friends for a good 2 or 3 days. That was good. And the discussions were great...

It was rough being away from the kids so long, though. Three days was a long time for them to not be with family... but, they survived... so did we.

Haven't spoken in a while... 2 new series where I sorta take a break for a bit. Kinda hard to do... I dunno, since I was a kid, I just felt like that is what I was made for. But tomorrow I am on @ Owings Mills so that will be nice. :)

1.31.2004

From RelevantMagazine.com/boards --

lull45209:
"All I have to say is the most important part of church ought be the message; not the method."

-----

DCCowan:
I 100% agree with you. That's why the method is so important. Jesus called us to be like the disciples, "fishers of men." You don't fish the same way for every sort of fish. That's where method matters. When we get to the point where one way of fishing is the only way to fish, then we have gone the way of the Pharisees (and poor fishermen). The message NEVER changes. The truths of Scripture NEVER changes. The need for a Savior NEVER changes. Culture, however, does... an unfortunate truth for those of us with the timeless Truth.

-----

lull45209:
"Funny you say fishers of men. I wrote a parable on this them awhile back. Check it out (http://writing.jpauldesign.com/index.php?page=bistro) Nothing special, just fitting to what we're talking about ..."

-----
DCCowan:
Thanks for posting it; I am glad to wrestle with this subject with a fellow fisherman.

If I may, though... I think it was a bit of a strawman. I understand the meaning: the old, less flashy yet tried and true method won the day while the "community" dug up trash and caught on fire. More strawmen in the opening portion:

Quote:
"Mixed with the fear of our faiths' tendency toward unexamined adaptation, we shudder when our church begins ushering in multi-media presentations to "enhance" the worship experience, or increase the time taken to sing redundant and theologically weak praise songs (as the pews shelves remain undisturbed with dusty hymnals). We wring our hands as churches seemingly spawn like coffee chains and retail stores, where we pick and choose our flavors of faith, cushioned by music and bands and premium coffee, assured in the comfort of exit polls that determine if predestination and justification by faith are passé."

Wow... where to begin? Maybe I will leave us with a statistic:

Every day in America among evangelical churches, we lose over 10 churches. How many do we gain? A little over 4 a day. The net loss? 6.85.








Every day.



At some point the 50 year old fishing rod our dads gave us breaks (the method by which we fish). The gears where out. The handel slips. A new rod is necessary. God said it best: "Behold, I am doing a new thing." And though there is truly "nothing new under the sun" there sure is a difference between the 1950s and 2004. What's the diiference? A net loss of 6.85 churches every day.

-----

One:
Quote DCCowan:
"'What's the diiference? A net loss of 6.85 churches every day.'

Let us remember....

After Jesus performed a bunch of miracles, the majority of His disciples/followers left Him because they did not like the word He spoke. And He did not try to stop them.

All He did was turn to those who stayed and said 'will you also leave Me...'

The Lord is not after quantity as much as He is after quality."

-----
DCCowan:
He is also not about to let his church be ineffective without consequences. Remember the church in Ephesus and Jesus' words for it? God's presence and power would leave unless they remembered what it was like to be lost... and unless they remembered their first love.

Many times churches use their ineffectiveness as an excuse, as a way to make themselves feel better, IMO. They make themselves believe it's because they truly love God that no one comes anymore. That THAT'S the reason they are closing their doors for the last time, never thinking that it just might be that God has "removed the lampstand from their midst" -- the working power of His Holy Spirit.
Posts today from the RelevantMagazine.com/boards

Sha^2 wrote:

"It seems that many churches and younger congregations now seek making the Truth relevant by watering it down rather than refusing ot compromise the message and making the presentation of it relevant, without compromising the Truth."

---

If the Truth of the Gospel is tampered with, it is no longer the Gospel. And Paul is quite clear about what to do with someone who preaches "another gospel." They are to be "eternally condemned." Strong words, and rightly so.

But, I wonder... perhaps those of us who are Christians and have been for a while, even within this PoMo generation have forgotten what it's like to be lost, or even remember NEVER hearing a Scripture verse?

Imagine having to explain the gospel to someone who has never heard? Think I am thinking of Africa or India? No... try Maryland. I am a church planter here, I can say from first hand experience that we (Horizon) are sharing Jesus with those who have literally no idea that the Bible is divided into an Old and a New Testament. They have no idea that it's divided into chapters and verses. They have never read a single verse. Imagine starting from 0, and getting them to understand what Jesus did for us with the cross and resurrection?

To a Christian that was raised in Sunday School, listening in on a conversationl between such a person and a church planter, the explanations may sound enemic and weak, perhaps even watered down -- but does that make it so?

The proof is in the fruit. And with over 70% of our evangelical churches on plateau or in decline... one has to wonder... what's happening? We are losing ground with each subsequent generation in America and throughout the world. Ah! But, what great times we live in!? There has never been a better time for sharing our faith... ever! Let's get busy translating Christianese into this generation's vocabulary.

1.24.2004

Just saying "hello."

Cool day at home with Kimme and the kiddoes. Love my family...

Kimme made breakfast, home-made pancakes. Yeah, baby! Plus, we still had some 100% pure Maple syrup, which rocks the hizzle. I dunno, that fake stuff (which is just pure sugar) just doesn't compare. Look at me. I know what I am talking about.

Nice snow outside. May make a snow man or have a snowball fight. We'll see... *muhahahaha*

DCC

1.22.2004

Well, I am at the Starbucks again. :)

I am REALLY enjoying my time in Towson. What a cool place with cool people. It's full of people going places, that's for sure... Just wonder where they are going.

Today was great because I spent the morning and early afternoon with Roger Kim, a church planter -- now pastor -- of a church that meets on Johns Hopkins campus property. It was such a pleasure hanging with him! His work is approximately 70% Asian (he's Korean) which jives with me (many of my friends in college were from the east, as well as Kimme being 1/2 Okinawan, etc.) His church meets at 1:30, I think, which is also cool. It means, unlike many churches, I can come and visit without missing Horizon's services. Likewise, he can come and check us out. :) Besides all of that, I think we could become friends, and that's always a blessing!

Tonight is link group @ Tronster's "geek house." Can't wait. What an awesome Link Group. It's mosdef something I look forward to: good times, good times.

----

Another random thought:

I love Auntie Anne's catch phrase -- "Better than the best you've ever tasted." That's boldness, and in their case... the truth. But, I would hate to compare Jesus with a pretzel.

1.21.2004

Awesome day (well, now yesterday). I met with some fellow church planters from the Baltimore Baptist Association in their NCI group (New Church Incubator). It was a pleasant meeting and good to finally meet up with Roger Kim who pastors a church on the campus of Johns Hopkins University. We meet tomorrow (um... today) @ Panera Bread in Towson. I am looking forward to chillin' with him.

Afterwards, we met for lunch with Dr. David Lee, the BCMD's Executive Director. We had a lot of dialogue about church planters versus existing church pastors. He expressed many of the concerns pastors have about church planting and, mainly, church planters. Some of my thoughts to pastors:

1. No, I do not think you are stupid or out-dated. NO WAY. Likewise, do not consider me to be "green," lacking experience, and unorthodox.
2. No, I do not think traditional worship is bad, evil, and ancient history. Likewise, do not consider the way I worship to be bad, evil, or a new form of an old heresy.
3. I do not attend a lot of meetings because I try to devote my time to connecting with pre-Christians.
4. I am hard to reach because I have no secretary. My cell phone and my laptop is my office.
5. Call me anyway... let's connect. I want to learn from you and hopefully I can give you something in return.
6. I give to the Coopertive Program; please do not stereotype ALL church plants to be the same. Some of us know our roots and from where we came.
7. I speak a different language than you, but the content is the same.

More later... It's late! *yawn*

:)

1.14.2004

13 women in the store now. 3 guys. One working, me and some random dude.
Hey... perhaps we could get a link group to meet here every once in a while. Maybe even during the day like now??? Who knows. Just being here, with discussion going, just might help people know about us, hopefully in a positive way.
Ok... so, I am using the T-Mobile thingy @ Starbucks... something I thought I would never do. Primarily because wireless internet is free across from the Apple Store. It's just that this place is full of Horizonites everytime I go.

This morning was interesting because it was primarily 60+ in age. But that was only for a short bit. Today, like last week, it's been a parade of mothers aged 25-35 with 4 year olds and under. Yep. Here is another, with twins. :)

However, today what stands out the most is the fact that there are TONS of singles today. ALL Horizon types. Question is... how to connect? Wish I owned Starbucks. Not a fan of their coffee, but man... they can draw a crowd. Interesting note, as well... most of the crowd here is female. I'd say like 80%. Every now and then, a guy will walk in and ask me about my PowerBook. But, that's about it. One guy just walked in and has stared at it. (HAHAHA... AS I WAS TYPING THAT: "Say... you like that Mac?") That's twice in 20 minutes. Always the guys.

Back to matter at hand...

How to connect with the singles and mom's with the little ones? Hum...

1.13.2004

Well, I found out that Dan also reads my Blog. So, I suppose a "hello" is in order for Dan as well! HOWDY.

Yeah, so for any other readers out there, I am hoping 2004 will be a good year of Blogging.

Peace,
DCC

1.12.2004

Here's a special hello to the only person who reads my blog... the honorable Allison Carver!

lol

DCC

1.08.2004

Wow... at the Towson Mall today, studying and reading while in Starbucks. Wow. I need to do this more and more. I watched as a parade of mothers (and I mean a PARADE) came in with their small children. All of this really makes me wonder when God will reveal the person that will put our children's ministry where it needs to be. The one to do the leg work, that has the passion for children, and is complete step with Horizon's vision for a multiplication of churches. Towson is TEAMING with young parents RIGHT within our target group age-wise. The crowd is a bit richer, which makes me wonder a few other things. Would the average Towson mom enjoy our Towson AMC that's dark and sometimes not the cleanest place in the world? I don't think so... As I type, the parade continues. Yeesh. Anyway... if there is a way to plug into the lives of these ladies, meet them where they are... maybe we could find a leader among them that would draw others to be a part. Food for thought.

DCC

1.07.2004

Well, 9 years ago today... Kimme and I got married. She is my best friend, the mother of my children, and my lover: Three great roles all wrapped into one.


I love you, Kimme!

1.06.2004

Well, soon in will be January 7, 2004. That will mark 9 years of marriage with Kimme. Unbelieveable that it's been that long! This March will make 14 years together. Amazing.

What can I say about the nine years? All I can say is that I am in more love with Kimme now than I have ever been. Words are useless to describe my love for her. Its truly a sad thing that she is so private. I wish more people knew her as I do. Yet, then again... her mystery, in many ways, is for me alone.

PRAYER: God, thank you so much for sending me the love of my life. Thank you for such a great partner in life. It's been a great nine years!


DCC

1.05.2004

Well, just got back from New Orleans. It was a wonderful time, indeed. It was so good seeing old friends again from the Mix. It was really cool. I was there to help with the wedding ceremony for a dear friend, Judie Armstrong (now Judie Hahn). Nice to see her married.

Also, spending time with Josh (my boy!) was good, as well as Tronster (he came with us). It was a trip seeing Josh tear up the dance floor at the wedding reception! Also, it was so cool showing Tronster my old stomping grounds, places of importance. I even showed him the very spot where I discussed calling something "The Link" with Clay via cell phone (we call our small groups, "Link Groups.") Anyway... it was a true blessing to do all of that.


I do hope that 2004 will be the year of the blog. I have much to say, best that I put it here. :)

DCC

1.01.2004

Happy New Year, everyone!

DCC