elevation

Oversold

2008-10-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

Take a moment to see the trailer for the film I've written the script for... stars Crissy Moran and Stephen Zimple. Good stuff... a modern day parallel to the Hosea Story. :)

Now @ Wordpress...

2008-03-19T15:29:00.001-07:00

http://davidcowan.wordpress.com/

my "real blog"

2007-11-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Just a heads up for anyone that cares... lol

My real blog, now found @ lowercasechurch.com has been down for several months due to two reasons:

1. When I upgraded to iWeb 2.0 - I didn't back up my files *slaps forehead* - so, I lost everything...
2. I have simply not had the time to rebuild it since then since Elevation has been gearing up for launch... a launch that will take place now in Feb.

So... I am in the process of rebuilding it! Stay tuned... SO much has happened. I wish it didn't crash! :)

Reminder

2007-03-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

For any that actually return here, this is just a reminder of what's written below. lol

Blog is now moved to lowercasechurch.com - God bless!

lowercasechurch.com

2007-01-13T00:03:00.000-08:00

Hello to anyone that may find this by searching the web, I just wanted to put out a reminder that this blog has moved to lowercasechurch.com - and unfortunately for now, since I am using Apple's "iWeb" program to create the site and uploading it to my own url, there is no way for you - the reader - to comment there... if you would like to dialogue about something you've read, please feel free to e-mail me @ dave@elevationchurch.tv -- much love to all of you...

- David Cowan
myspace.com/dccowan
myspace.com/elevationchurchtv

new post

2006-08-25T23:54:00.000-07:00

I have a new blog entry @ http://www.lowercasechurch.com/blog/blog.html

sorry that i do not have comments up and running, either... hope to have that fixed as well... thanks for your patience. I am so new to this web stuff. :\

:D

DCC

blogging change

2006-08-23T03:09:00.000-07:00

Hello to my vast readership! lol -- just so you know, I think might be abandoning blogger for something different... if you would like to see what's new, find it here: http://www.lowercasechurch.com/home.html

I have built a site that I hope will catch on... as I thought about coming over here to Arizona, I was thinking it would rock to have a site devoted to showing a church plant as it develops from start to launch. So, this site (which is up and 90% running) will provide a blog, a podcast, and various media items that I can share with anyone interested throughout the world. I did the entire site myself, including the photography... this is my first ever website. Did it all with Apple's iWeb software. Rockin... please stop by and enjoy.

Couple of items to get working: comments and the podcast. I will have to use a third party program for adding comments... so, until I do, my new blog will be comment free. Sorry about that... also, as many times as I have tried, I have not been able to get the podcast on the site. Weird... will be working on that one. :)

See you there!

The Big Move

2006-08-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I last made a post... and for good reason! We moved over 2,500 miles away! Two weeks ago, we loaded up the family and moved from Baltimore, MD all the way to Phoenix, AZ. After a killer Ashes Remain show the night before, we set out to move from good ol' 9846 Sherwood Farm Road. I think we made it back home around 12:30 AM and then had to get everything together to leave @ 9 AM. Well, needless to say, we didn't get out at that time, but we did manage to get going around 10:30... so, that's not too bad. :) We were greeted in the morning by some of the most incredible people in Maryland. What awesome friends Kimme and I have! Thanks a million to all of you that took the time to come and pray over us on that Thursday night, and those of you that sent us off on Saturday morning. You rock... and we know your love continues. Thanks for the continued prayers, phone calls, texts, e-mails, and the like... you have all helped to make the transition more bearable. Thanks!

Once we left, we knew we couldn't last long. We were sooo tired. We ended up spending the night in Knoxville, TN which wasn't that far away. The next day was the longest, taking us from there all the way to Garland, TX. It was there that we spent the night @ my dad's house. We managed to get some decent rest there, and after a nice breakfast, we hit it again. The third day contained the most boring of drives ever... wow... is west Texas desolate. :( Once we crossed the state line into New Mexico, things started to look up. But really, nothing prepared us for the landscapes of Arizona.

Once we crossed the state line, it was like God was saving His best for last. Kimme commented after we were almost to Phoenix that she had seen more beauty in the previous two hours than she had in her entire life. Now, granted... neither of us have seen the Alps, the beauty of Switzerland, Austria, or Northern Italy. Neither have we seen the Carribean, Hawaii, or the jungles of South America... but to us midwesterners used to the plains of Kansas or Oklahoma, this landscape was breathtaking.

One of the coolest things about the trip on the last day was seeing the huge meteor crater just five minutes south of I-40. Wow. It's 3/4 of a mile wide and is 4 miles around in size. All of this from an object that was 150 wide and moving @ 11,000 mph.

Simply Awesome!

I think the kids totally loved it.

They also totally love Arizona. So far, so good... they love the sun, the cactus, and the fact they get to wear shorts year-round. The heat hasn't bothered them, nor has it bothered Kimme or I. We love this place... and we have already been receiving confirmation ater confirmation that this is where we are supposed to be... more on that later when I have the time. Thanks again to all of you that have written, called, texted, and prayed... The Body of Christ is beautiful.

Leader of Leaders or Lead Disciple Maker?

2006-07-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

Something I have been trying to wrap my brain around lately in regard to leadership within the church is the difference between these two distinctions: seeing church staff as "leaders of leaders," vs. "lead discipler," or "lead disciple maker." What are your thoughts on this issue? (I am hoping this blog entry will become more of a dialogue than a single post of my thoughts alone. Post away! Is it one or the other? A combo of both? If so, to what degree? Which do you feel is most important (i.e. expectations of staff members)?

I have many friends all over the country involved in ministry as well as local Horizonite leaders. I'd love to hear from all of you.

DCC

I love Horizon, so should you...

2006-07-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I gave my last message this last Sunday @ Horizon. That was sort of surreal. What a blessing the last 6 years have been! I have been blessed in working with some of the greatest followers of Christ I have ever known. I have seen many lives changed, and I have had the privilege of baptizing many of them... How cool is that? I have also seen the birth of two new churches here in Maryland... nothing could be better.

It looks as if we not have a commissioning service; time seems to be ticking away. Much of what I will say here I had hoped to share there, but this will suffice:

I love you... each and every one of you. You have all taught me so much. You have been my greatest of teachers. I am thankful for every experience I have had with you because each experience has strengthened my relationship with Christ in some way. Thanks! I will miss you; every one of you. Thanks for being my family, my community, my friends.

My prayer is that you will continue to carry the torch for Church Planting, that the mission set before us to reach the NE will be met, that relationships will embody a healthy community, that you never lose sight of God's Word nor quench the Holy Spirit, and that you will continue to love one another in the manner that Christ loves you. Always remember the ones that have yet to hear and have yet to experience Christ's love and grace. Develop them, as God gives you the grace to, into fully devoted followers of Him. Persevere, press on... never give up! Be a people known for grace and encouragement, not criticism or challenge. May you love people with the five love languages: lift them up with praise, give them a hug, spend time with them, serve them, and lavish them with gifts. Forgive one another. Stand for Truth, know the Truth, and live the Truth. Be ever broken before God, never prideful or arrogant. Always remember that Christ loved you while you were yet sinners, and love all the sinners of the world as Christ did for you.

My prayer is that God will bless you and keep you... all of you. And that He that began a good work in you will see it to it's completion. I leave you now, but only in a physical way. You will always be in my heart, as cheesy as that may sound. I will take you wherever I go.

God's peace...
DCC

The Beginning of it All... (see the two posts below as well)

2006-07-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

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

More Historic Musings, see below too!

2006-07-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Post dated: 6.10.2004
Called: "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.

What I wrote when we first started Horizon in Towson

2006-07-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dated: 7.15.2003
---

Paul wrote:
Rom. 15.20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation.
Rom. 15.21 Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand."
Rom. 15.22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
Rom. 15.23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you,
Rom. 15.24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.
Rom. 15.25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there.

I share his thoughts. I learned early in ministry that I have a desire to start new works. It's in me deep; it's in my blood. The thought thrills me to no end. I remember with my first start (more like a para-church deal than a church itself) -- the MIX, in New Orleans -- how addictive it was. Man... to see people schedule their time during the week to come and worship God when before they had no interest was a complete thrill for me.

Now @ Horizon, it's not different. First Owings Mills -- a place with 30,000 people in a one mile radius -- and one struggling church of like 30 in our area when we started. Towson... the numbers are even greater in density, being more urban and with a college campus right next door. Well... there are churches around, but most of them are rather old school... nothing wrong with that, but in the scheme of things -- they are probably finding it harder and harder to reach the college students around them. In comes Horizon...

Yet, the last part of Paul's words are sobering. He desired to get to Spain someday. The passion that drove him in Christ to start new works was the passion that set his sights on Spain. But... most likely, he never made it. Spain was reached, in time... but not by Paul.

Someday, my passion and zeal will drive me elsewhere... and hopefully when I am 60+ years old, I too will set my sights on a new frontier. But, even in that moment -- what matters most is that my zeal and passion infects others so that when I am gone... the dream continues.

Paul's dream continues in me.

DCC

Relationship or Mission?

2006-07-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

What is the tie that binds us in the church? What should be our deciding factor when it comes to vision, strategy, or our long term purpose? Among many I know or have served with in ministry, this question boils down to two options or vantage points.

One viewpoint would suggest that our relationships should be our driving force. And to give credit where credit is due, this group is not opposed to mission by any means. In fact, this view point can in many ways champion mission... especially in that there is a focus on doing mission together with those you are close to... those one has a relationship with. This viewpoint is very present tense focused: what does it mean to be the church NOW. All of this makes perfect sense and there is good reasoning, even Biblical support for this perspective.

The other viewpoint (and the one that I am partial to) is that mission should be our driving force. This vantage point suggests that the spreading of the Good News of Jesus surpasses even our relationships. That is not to say that they are in conflict with one another, not by any means. But this ideas suggests that mission, the Great Commission, is why we the church exists. This view of things is very future focused: who will a part of the church THEN? This, too, has Biblical precedent... and for good reason.

Why is one above the other? Well, for one major reason (and a few lesser ones): Our relationships change... Our mission never changes...

Imagine if the early church defined the nature of their existence on who they knew or had relationship with? Would there be a church today if that was their perspective? I doubt it very much. No, instead, mission was the driving force above and beyond relationship. That is why the early church was able to send people, resources, and prayers to and for people they did not know. The people of Macedonia did not know, hang out, grab coffee, disciple, or lead anyone from the church in Jerusalem. Yet still they gave... why? Because there was a prevalent understanding among the early church on mission.

This is the primary difference between the church in Jerusalem and all the churches that followed. One focused on each other and it's own community, that being the church in Jerusalem. The others, from Antioch on, focused on mission... that is to say, those outside of their community. One model is never replicated again in Christendom (Jerusalem) and the other was multiplied over and over again (Antioch). One did not send resources or people regularly, the other did so as it their life depended on it.

Is mission done apart from relationship? Absolutely not! In fact, it was from the mission that relationships developed -- without people, missions cannot be done. Kimme and I came to Baltimore from New Orleans because God had called us there... it was being on mission that drove us here to a people we did not know. Christians from all over (that we had relationship with) gave of their time, resources, and prayer to see that this work was completed... many of these people are not known by Horizonites. Let me speak of a few:

Mrs. Barbara Beck.
She owned one of the first 20 stores that sold Apple Computers back in the early 80s. In fact, of the first 20, hers is the last one standing. What did she do? Well, she initially gave $10,000 to begin a video ministry at the church I was serving in back in 1997. From that came much of the video stuff we now do @ Horizon. It was because of Barbara Beck. Not only that, but she purchased at least one lap top for us, put money down toward another, and in 2000 gave Horizon the old Blue G3 desktop that to this day still produces a lot of our graphic art from Designer [Ted]. At least once a year I give Mrs. Beck a call to say thank you for her gift towards missions, because I know her gift keeps giving. She keeps paying it forward even to this day.

Paul Morrell, Jr.
Paul is the reason at least %25 of the people that come to Horizon (both Owings Mills and Towson) have ever come to visit on Sunday morning. Probably a handful of people know Paul, but for sure very little @ Horizon know his name. He is the artisan behind both versions of our SoulHorizon.com site, and one time Horizon even owned the domain kidhorizon.com to which he created that site as well. Paul gave of his time and also financial resources due to his desire to help a new church plant in Baltimore.

Tad Thompson:
Tad was once the youth minister for a church in Bentonville, Arkansas. I doubt that a handful actually know or remember his name, but he - like the people above and below - is another reason why the people that now attend Horizon, attend. Tad and First Baptist Bentonville's youth brought tremendous resources to help get Horizon off the ground. They first brought about 80 kids and sponsors, loaded up two buses full, and handed out 10,000 Horizon brochures to all of the people in Owings Mills. They gave us the money to produce this piece which Clay so skillfully made and with it, we had over 635 people register for our very first block party. From this event came a couple, Nik and Krem, that were of Indian descent. They had been having dreams about becoming Christians for two weeks. Then, they received a flyer about a block party from a Christian Church. They considered it a sign. They came not knowing what to expect. On the Sunday following, they came to Horizon. In two months, they both received Christ and became Christians and were our first to be baptized. Tad's group came out the following year as well... this time, we managed to produce a 16 page color magazine with incredible launching results. What compelled Tad and this church to do this? Mission.

Two anonymous givers in 2003:
Once during an announcement at Horizon in Owings Mills I asked if anyone knew someone that would like to give Horizon $10,000. There was an outburst of laughter. :) And to this I explained that I wasn't kidding. Horizon was about to risk it and start a new work in Towson, and though we had enough get some things, we were not really able to purchase everything we needed. And on top of all of that, there was an issue of cash flow. Though we had the money for some things, we could not spend it because we needed the cash flow to remain strong in order to avoid bounced checks.

The very following Sunday, there was a gift for the amount of $10,000! After services, I was told by someone in the church (that will remain nameless) that he wanted to meet with me the next day. We met in the food court of the Owings Mills Mall and he proceeded to tell me how when I shared that request two Sundays prior that he really sensed that God was telling him to give the $10,000. I said, "Surely you heard the announcement; we received the check yesterday." He explained that he did, but that didn't release him from that calling. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a check for $10,000! That was $20,000 raised in 8 days, and double what was asked. Later that week, Tad (mentioned above) managed to give the amount needed for us to get a quality projector. SO... every dollar we needed for beginning Towson was raised in 8 days from people of mission. Amazing.

A man named Phil:
I won't mention his full name because he would never want me to share it. Again, only a handful know of him. But even if they don't, they will remember the incredible color magazine that Andrea Battaglia made for Towson's launch. Guess who enabled us to do this? Phil. Not only that, but last year the BCM/D that sends funds towards our salary phased out all of the catalyst church planters, of which I am one. I needed to raise $22,500 -- namely because Horizon was not yet ready to take on that much of a load as they do now. Phil and I met for coffee. He explained that he and his wife had heard of our need, and he said that they wanted to pay the difference. Can you believe it? And frankly this is only a fraction of the ways he and his wife have blessed Horizon... but I am seeing that I am writing a book here. Phil and his wife are people devoted to seeing the mission fulfilled... to seeing people that have yet to hear of the Good News of Jesus have that chance. They give generously.

Over 40,000 churches:
As a Southern Baptist church plant, one thing that many of us do not realize at Horizon is that we are indebted to about 16 million people that attend 40,000 churches. Why? Because these 40,000 churches believe in mission over relationship. They give to the Cooperative Program, which in turn gives resources to missions, training for missionaries, and to equip missionaries all over the world. Together, churches of all sizes -- from 11 people to 15,000 -- are able to be a part of something bigger than themselves: mission. In this endeavor every prayer and every cent is equal, the weak and the strong are equal when it comes to mission. Have we yet to learn what Jesus meant with the widow's mite? I think so...

It was humbling to know and realize when Kimme and I bought our first home in 2000 that we didn't really own it. It was owned by people all over the world that we didn't know that gave so that we might serve here in Maryland.

All of this is why I was so deeply saddened by Horizon's decision to divide resources, divide mission, and go our separate ways. The prevailing understanding at the time was the because we didn't have adequate relationships with one another, we could not share the load together. Instead, we decided to go from "all in" to 6% in. And even now it would seem that this has even changed. Guys... in 5 years Horizon will not be the same. Try even 1 year! The relationships will change. People move. People die. People come and go. And when we are not centered on what our mission is as a church, the relationships that come 5 years from now will not know about the mission that began 6 years ago: to begin a movement of church planting reaching from DC to Boston. Instead, they will have some good hang out time with some friends (which is awesome) but they may never know they are a part of a church meant to reach the NE for Jesus Christ. The people in Boston are waiting on us, they just don't know it yet. Will Horizon get there? I truly hope so! That's what I have labored for and that is what the people above (and many others) have given and prayed for.

I find that my greatest regret in all of our discussion last year about Horizon's future is that I didn't have the wisdom at the time to fully articulate the issue at hand. To be honest, I was a bit distracted at the time with other issues.. but unfortunately the issue was divided into what seemed two categories: relationships or money. And when something is painted like that, who would vote for money over relationship? That would sound extravagant, if that was really what the issues were about. Indeed, the REAL issue was (and is) between relationship and mission. Notice that in every case above about people Horizon didn't know that's impacted them greatly I mention money. Well, that's because each person followed the example of the early church: they sent resources toward people they didn't know to help accomplish the Great Commission. Money is not the focus, Mission is... but it's easy for us to see budgets and get confused about what the real issue is.

Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28.18-20

Does it take resources to make disciples? Baptize? To teach? No, it does not... Neither does it take websites, guitars, sound equipment, video projectors, Retros/Luaus, mass mailers, storage space, coffee, doughnuts, bagels, laptops, cameras, rental space, printers, ink, paper, or children's equipment... yet these are things that churches need. Is it any wonder why Paul made such a focus on giving towards missions? He did so because being on mission can provide the means to help a local church spend the time it needs to on building healthy relationships... that is, to make disciples. Missions also means sending the people that will make disciples... And hopefully, following the example given by people they do not know, these new disciples will be part of what God is doing outside their sphere of relationships and help others hear the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Well, I could write about this all day and night. It's what I have been thinking about and praying about both day and night for the past two years.

Most Beautiful

2006-07-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys... just had to say it! I married the best woman in all the world for me... she is astoundingly beautiful. I love her soooo much. Is it normal to be this in love after 16 years together? 11 years of marriage? Man...

Thank you, God for your constant blessing to me in Kimme. She rocks my world, is my #1 supporter, she is my best friend, and the mother of my children. What a blessing! Thank you, Lord...

DCC

Do you want a Revolution?

2006-07-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

Whoop! Whoop!

:P

So... do ya? As our country celebrates another year of independence, I have been reflecting on the issues that led to our nation's birth from the tyrannies of the United Kingdom. It gets little notoriety when compared with the Civil War, but the topic of revolution was as much divisive at the time of our nation's birth as succession was in 1860. Brother fought against brother, Patriot against Loyalists to the king of England. And this division even meant the division of father and son. I had no idea until this year that one of the most prominent cases of this was with Benjamin Franklin and his son, William. William can be seen in many paintings along with Franklin while his father was conducting electrical experiments. Their bond was very close for many years... that is, until the King felt that he could tax the colonists without representation. Tensions began to mount between father and son, and their struggle was a public one. Both refused to bend and neither would listen to each other's reasoning. And the rest is history...

Every revolution has a cost, and generally the highest price comes in the form we least suspect.

Sorry this is so short... it's late. I'm tired. And though I had many profound things to say, I'll simply let the statement above speak for itself.

Tombstone, Arizona

2006-06-25T07:49:00.001-07:00

So, as I write this, I am at the Phoenix airport awaiting take off. Let me just say that this trip was an awesome one... I actually had time (without the kids) to sleep until 9 am. Amazing, ain't it? I managed to hang out with a lot of the ministers that will most likely become good friends. Went to see Nacho Libre (eh... ok movie, I guess. Maybe it will grow on my like Napoleon Dynamite did?) with some of them. It was awesome to just chill with some AZers. Likewise, it rocked to hang out with Louis and Phil -- both of whom are the church planting strategists in the west and east valleys. They rock, and it was great to hang out with them while sampling the incredible Mexican food Phoenix has to offer.

But, I must say... the highlight of the week was this last Thursday in Tombstone, AZ. I had planned on spending at least one day relaxing, doing nothing but something fun. I haven't done that since I don't know when... and here was my big chance! I really wanted to be in Sedona on Thursday, but recently AZ is riddled with fires (some schmuck flicked their burning cigarette butt out of their car window and into history... HUGE fires). So, since Sedona was out -- I had to choose somewhere to go. I had considered some downtown attractions like the Phoenix Art Museum, but I figured I could do that later once we moved here. At long last, I decided on Tombstone and started driving.

The rugged landscape of Arizona is breathtaking for someone that's spent so much time on the plains. Granted, this is not the Sierras, Alps, or the Rockies. But, it IS a beautiful rugged landscape of cactus covered mountain after cactus covered mountain. Sometimes one might wonder if one is on the surface of Mars... beautiful, arid, and sand everywhere. Usually, I am quite bored with long trips (Tombstone was approximately 3 hours away from my hotel in Chandler), but the scenery kept me moving (along with the help of some Ashes Remain tunes. ;) )

As I made it into Tombstone, I had a pleasant surprise! I managed to pull into the very first stop into town to use the restroom which happened to be a Holiday Inn. Low and behold, as I passed by the dinning room, I saw a familiar face -- Jason from the hit show GHOST HUNTERS on the SciFi Channel. And sitting next to him was Grant, the other founding members of the TAPS team. In time, I managed to hang out and get pictures with all of the show's crew: Jason and Grant, Steve and Brian (Wheezy), Donna and Lisa, and even Tango. They were in Tombstone to shoot a new show for season three and I was in the thick of it with them. I got to watch them shoot the show, at least the scenes on the outside of the Bird Cage Theater. For those that know me well, you know that I pray for all of the members of the TAPS team. It's something I do... and it was awesome to meet all of them in person and let them know "Hey, I'm that evangelical pastor that prays for you from MySpace" -- that opened up some cool conversation and some great hang out time with the cast. It was pretty awesome to hand Steve a copy of some Ashes Remain and hand Donna a copy of a Horizon Church DVD. Very cool... So, if you don't mind, pray for them, too.

Now, as cool as it was to stumble upon a TV show doing their thing, Tombstone was cool in it's own right. If anyone wants to study the heart of darkness, look no further than this town... or more specifically, Boot Hill Cemetery. Six or so rows of people buried in the late 1800s reveal some of the violent nature of this town during the wild west. For a lot of the cemetery's permanent residents, there is a description of how they died: Murdered. Shot. Suicide. Lynched. Hung. Stabbed. Drowned. Scarlet Fever. Suffice it to say, in Tombstone... death never took a vacation, especially during the early 1880s. It would seem that when Wyatt, Morgan, and Virgil Earp settled here things just got worse and more tense. I doubt it was because of their arrival, but they obviously stepped into history in October of 1881 with their confrontation with Clanton and the Cowboys @ the OK Corral. It was surreal actually standing in the stop where the infamous shootout took place. I had no idea that when it started, each of them were in an area that measured a mere 18 square feet! That's close quarters for Doc Holliday's shotgun, and all the various 45s. Afterward, three men were dead and three men were wounded. Wyatt didn't get a scratch.

Also very revealing was the social life of this town. The Bird Cage was the local entertainment spot for the town. It served several purposes in it's short reign: saloon, casino, and brothel. The New York Times called it, "the wildest, roughest, wickedest honky tonk between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast." No doubt, that was true. The place is riddled with bullet holes: 140 in all. Between the main floor and the downstairs rooms, it saw just under 20 gunfights and 26 deaths and all it's eight years of being open. Along with the violence came a big dose of sex: The name, "Bird Cage", was derived from the 14 cages suspended from the ceiling in the main hall. The "ladies of the night" were put on display in these cages so the men could make their selections. The popular song refrain from that era, "she's only a bird in a gilded cage", was actually about the ladies at the Bird Cage Theater. One of those ladies became the wife of Wyatt Earp, who left his drug addicted wife for his new one, famous Josephine.

The town itself is just as you would imagine it with most of the building still intact as they were over 100 years ago. I found myself sort of taking it all in: "man... look at this. I'm walking the streets of Tombstone!" All of it was very cool and a great way to relax for a day. The only thing missing was Val Kilmer to be in character as Doc Holliday (why did he not get an Oscar for that???) and show me around town.

When any of you come to visit the Cowans in Arizona, come with me to Tombstone. It's worth the trip.

DCC: 6.25.06

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

2006-06-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Horizon on Leadership

2006-05-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

I was asked by Paul McGrew to write some of my thoughts on Horizon before I leave for Arizona... some general thoughts on what we do, what we could do better, etc. I have been working on some of this for a while now, and thought I would share at least this segment on leadership @ Horizon. Enjoy!

Definition of Leadership:
We have typically equated discipleship with leadership, making the two terms synonymous with each other in our community. We are basically saying that those that are leading people are leaders. Yet there are a few things to clarify:

What does it mean to lead someone?
Well, if we have defined leadership as being synonymous with discipleship, the answer is that we lead someone through discipleship. So, what does that mean?

We have often described this process as "connecting." Many times we ask another, "who are you connecting with these days?" Of course, "connection" takes place in various ways:

Sunday morning chat, possibly a first time conversation.
Grab some coffee together, or grab lunch or dinner.
Chat at Link Group, etc.
Spontaneous gatherings of community (Ashes Remain shows, Java Mama's, football, movie nights, etc.)

Connection/Discipleship is lived out in different phases, and messily - not cleanly divided between the three:

Social: In this phase of the relationship, neither person knows each other that well, but there is a desire to get to know each other more. Perhaps there are common interests, goals, relationships?
Friendship: In this phase, each person gets to know each other a little more. There is regular, or at least semi-regular, times in which each get together.
Vulnerability: In this phase, the relationship has deepened to a level of vulnerability in which both people are able to trust one another and spur each other on towards Christ-likeness.

Somewhere between the friendship phase and the vulnerability phase, connection becomes discipleship. This is an important distinction because with it comes our definition of what a leader is. In other words, if all one does is connect (i.e. social setting gathering, casual conversation, etc.) this person is not leading. Though one may be good with the initial element of what it means to lead, they are not leading unless there is a pattern of developing relationships past this phase and into discipleship. Yet, if one does develop relationships past any initial connection, one will see a leader leading.

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATION:
Notice how Jesus' time with his disciples took this same course from initial contact to vulnerability.

Can leadership be measured?
Leadership in our context is investment in people. This makes measuring results difficult for obvious reasons. Living the Christian life and investing in others is more of an art than a science. Yet still we are able to say, "that person is a leader." Why? Because there multiple examples of one's leadership as this is lived out within the community. In other words, leadership is demonstrated.

In what ways is leadership demonstrated?

Jesus said in Matthew 7.15-20:
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

In this passage, Jesus beautifully articulates that evidence of one's character is born out in the fruit their life develops. Likewise, evidence that a leader is in one's midst comes from the fruit of that leader's life: the people they have invested in.

Pause for reflection:
Think for a moment about your investment in people. Who is now living out their faith because you have invested in them? Who is pursuing Christlikeness like never before because of your encouragement to do so? Who is being vulnerable with you, confessing their sins and seeking to move forward towards what God has called them to do or be? I realize this exercise can make you uncomfortable. This may look like I am asking you to brag on yourself, but I am not. I am asking to really own up to whether or not you are leading others to pursue their relationship with God and helping them by walking beside them in that journey. If you cannot think of anyone, this is not a moment to be discouraged, but rather a moment to consider what needs to change in your life.

Cross the Threshold of Connection to Discipleship:
A connector generally waits to speak or meet up with people in his/her Link Group until the Link Group actually gathers. A discipler, on the other hand, has been doing so between the meetings. He/she knows that Link Group happens between the meetings, not only during. In doing this, a leader at Horizon is investing in others and in time, new leaders will emerge. Multiplication is impossible without this.

Lost on Leadership

2006-05-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

If you have been one of the few (such as myself, until recently) that have not seen ABC's show "Lost" then you may not want to read this (that means you, Aaron!). If you have, though, you know full well how engaging this show can be. One of the best things about the show is the character development, especially that of the island's leaders:

First, there is Jack. Jack is a surgeon, a leader first-rate. He is a man of science and reason. He relies on sheer will and determination. He is the first leader to emerge. Why? His skills were needed. As soon as the plane hit and bodies were strewn about the beach, he was instantly put to work saving lives. Due to his knowledge and skill, he rose to the top first with all eyes to him on basic decisions. For every decision, there is an obvious set of reasons. For every plan, there is a well thought out strategy. Sometimes this leads him to be at odds with people, namely those that feel he uses more of his left brain than his right. Why only do things based upon reason alone?

Another leader proves to be John Locke. Locke is a man that was once paralyzed from the waist down until hitting the island. In keeping with his miraculous healing, Locke is a man of faith and therefore the complete opposite to Jack. Locke makes decisions more on gut instinct, not reason. He may not be able to tell you why he thinks it's best to do something -- he just knows it is. Such irrational explanations drive Jack insane, as does Jack's left brain only decision making, macho man-strategy style to Locke.

Like oil and water, these two go head to head on numerous issues over time. And of course, there are times where one is right and the other is wrong... seemingly somewhat equally. Each one makes decisions were someone dies or is saved.

Not surprisingly, when the two become at odds with each other rather than choosing to work together, the enemy (known as "the Others" on the island) is able to do his bidding without notice. Jack and Locke are too busy worrying about each other and focused on their own distrust to see that the enemy has begun to use this division as a strategy against them both.

A house divided against itself shall not stand.

Interesting, isn't it, that we all have two hemispheres in the brain? Each one covers it's own purpose for being: one generally for reason and the other generally for creative thinking. If one were to operate without the other, a human would be inoperable. The right brain cannot say to the left, "I have no use for you. You're not creative enough. Take your spreadsheets, metric conversion tables, and science and get the heck out of here!" Neither can the left brain say to the left: "I have no use for you. Your dreaming amounts to nothing! You are all talk, and no action. Away with your fantasy world and hit the real world, buddy!" No... that would be silly. Instead, together, these two work together in our bodies to offer us balance. Surely, we each lean one way over the other with all sorts of nuisances in between... yet it remains true that without both we would be rather one-deminsional people.

However, in the world of leadership in the church today (yes... I know... a REALLY broad statement), we carry the same divisions armed with lighted torches and pitchforks -- rallying to our beloved side of things, rarely considering the other worth the time. Though Jack and Locke make somewhat poor illustrations for leadership in the church, the point of connection is still there... there are many more concerned about getting the theology right that they forget to LIVE it right. Likewise, there are many so concerned about living it that they forget the very roots from where their faith comes from: the Bible and the torch of right theology through the ages. Both camps have a lot to offer... and both camps, left out of check with one another, leads to destruction.

Beware of anyone that considers another brother or sister in Christ's voice not worth listening to any longer. BEWARE, and do not be party to his or her crusade. For such a person prepares the way for the enemy to come unannounced into the camp. Given time, the fruit of such action will become evident. It always leads to division, distrust, and destruction.

At the end of Season 2 (yes, I am addicted!), that exactly what we find... leaving me to wonder what Season 3 will bring. Will these two mend their ways and learn to lean on one another? Or will their separation be complete. Thank God the ending of our story here as the church is assured (and we are able to do more than stick in a DVD and watch it; we are a part of it now!).

Heading 2 - A R I Z O N A

2006-05-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends. I am writing here to formally announce that Kimme and I will be leaving the Maryland area for Arizona sometime late this summer. Over the past year, we have sensed that God may be leading us elsewhere... and with that, we began to really pray about this. Just where was God sending us?

Ironically, about this same time our six year old son, Joshua, announced to the family that he was praying that we would move to Arizona. All of this was coming from a kid that had never been there, so we found it odd that he persisted in saying this for months. Coupled with this prayer for God's direction came something that I have put on the table for some
time: that being my education. I have always sensed that God wanted me to continue my education, perhaps with a Ph.D. so that I could teach on a college campus someday and interact directly with students in that capacity. Well, we started praying about that, too... I finally decided that I did not want to go back to seminary for this degree. Instead, I wanted to earn a degree from a secular perspective so that I might be able to have legitimacy within the evangelical
community (with a degree from OBU and NOBTS) as well as the world at large. So, I began to research various programs around the country that offered something that might fit the bill. Guess which one fit best? Arizona State University!

So... early this year Kimme and I traveled to Arizona to find out if this was where we were supposed to go. I met with the chair of Religious Studies there and spoke about what I wanted to research there: the emergent church culture, and or church planting as a missionary movement in North America. I was completely surprised when he said that he felt that would be a great thing to work on there at ASU! I walked out stunned, and joyous at the same time!

And of course, the question remained... would I still be planting churches? You bet! It's what I do. So, would Arizona be interested in a church planter that sought to go back to school? You bet! ASU has the largest enrollment of any school in North America with over 60,000 students. The effectiveness of the Baptist Student Union? Around 30 students... that's like .0001% of the enrollment. So, with the idea of reaching students while being a student, Arizona Southern Baptists were interested in speaking with me further. In time, excitement has really grown for this new church plant (which looks surprisingly similar to Horizon's original vision. ;) ) For the first time in Arizona Southern Baptist history, there are two
associations that have asked for the same funding for the same church plant. Both Estrella and Valley Rim associations have agreed to work together in making this happen. If that weren't enough of a confirmation, one of Arizona's most trusted and respected Christian men, Byron Banta, encouraged his church (Corona Baptist Church, Chandler, AZ) to sponsor this new work. Pastor Banta is truly an amazing man of God and Kimme and I are very honored to have him work so closely with us in this endeavor.

So, suffice it to say guys, we need to move. God is clearly moving us there... it's been an amazing few months watching all of this come together.

David Cowan

The Power of Prayer

2006-05-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

I had the most amazing experience last night. It was mother's day and I had not yet reached my grandmother and given her a call. We connected, and the most amazing conversation ensued. I don't know how many of you know this, but my grandmother has cancer. She is refusing treatments, which is saddening to all of us that love her so. But she feels this is the best thing for her, and we are done arguing with her. But with a disease like this, one knows that the end is near. This is unlike a sudden death like a car crash, or whatever. So, in a weird way, this has been a blessing... I know that now is the time to say all the stuff I need to say. I didn't have that with any of the other three grandparents that died, so I am cherishing this with Grand Ann.

At the end of our conversation, we ended in prayer... as we generally do. Man, this was an amazing prayer... saturated and dripping with the Spirit of God. What an honor and privilege it is to have a grandmother that I can pray with... one that led me to the Lord, one that has passed the torch of evangelism to me... and hopefully generations ahead!

I love you, grandmother. You have run the race. You have fought the good fight of faith. I am proud to be your grandson.

MEMPHIS DECLARATION: MAY 3, 2006

2006-05-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

If you (that being all two of you, maybe? lol) keep up with my blog you will remember a post about a pastor named Wade Burleson and his recent struggles as a trustee with the International Mission Board over missionary approval policies that were recently approved that are simply out of step with much of what it means to be a Southern Baptist, let alone a Christian. Well, to keep all two of you further informed, there was a recent gathering of SBC leaders in Memphis that conjured up the following declaration. Of course, this gathering has no "official" status, by any means, but I believe it's impact to be greater than any sort of formal declaration... namely because it is from the grass roots level and because it comes from such a diverse group of SBists. It's worth a read. It's worth some consideration.

MEMPHIS DECLARATION: MAY 3, 2006

We, as men and women who share a heritage of Southern Baptist identity, declare that we stand together and confess Jesus Christ as the one Lord to whom we must reckon an account for our words and motivations in this gathering.

We further acknowledge that the Word of God is the sole basis of our confession and cooperation, and we are confident that God has sufficiently revealed in it all that is needed to direct Southern Baptists in fruitful cooperation toward Kingdom ends that bring glory to Jesus Christ, who is himself the focus of divine revelation.

We publicly declare before all Southern Baptists that we believe the unity, mission, and witness of our denomination is seriously threatened by the introduction of the narrowing of cooperation through exclusionary theological and political agendas that corrupt the healthy and mutual fellowship we enjoy as Kingdom servants. We believe that the parameters of Baptist cooperation in missions and evangelism must be consistent with our rich theological heritage, and that all attempts to impose excessively restrictive criteria on participation in Southern Baptist missionary work are counterproductive to the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Because we desire to be and to remain faithful to our confession of Jesus Christ and his Word, we do not keep silent, nor shall we, since we believe that we have a common message to speak in this time of great need for unity and Kingdom focus in our convention. In view of this shared conviction, we declare the following:

1. We publicly repent of triumphalism about Southern Baptist causes and narcissism about Southern Baptist ministries which have corrupted our integrity in assessing our denomination bureaucracy, our churches, and our personal witness in light of the sobering exhortations of Scripture.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to a renewed pledge to integrity demonstrated by accountability in our denomination, both before God and each other, lest in preaching the meekness of our Lord to others we ourselves will be found guilty of wicked, sinful pride.

2. We publicly repent of an arrogant spirit that has infected our partnership with fellow Christians in the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, without the hearing of which men are incapable of conversion.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to a renewed pledge to partner with Great Commission Christians for the glory of Jesus Christ, who is proclaimed with power when his disciples are at peace with one another.

3. We publicly repent of having condemned those without Christ before we have loved them, and that we have acted as judge of those for whom Christ died by failing to live with a redemptive spirit toward them.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to engage culture actively at every level by living redemptively as the Body of Christ in the world.

4. We publicly repent of having forsaken opportunities to reason together with those who share our commitment to gospel proclamation yet differ with us on articles of the faith that are not essential to Christian orthodoxy.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to building bridges where there have been none, in listening more and talking less, and in extending the hand of fellowship to all who share our confession of Christ and our commitment to extend His Kingdom.

5. We publicly repent of having turned a blind eye to wickedness in our convention, especially when that evil has taken the form of slanderous, unsubstantiated accusations and malicious character assassination against our Christian brothers.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to confront lovingly any person in our denomination, regardless of the office or title that person holds, who disparages the name of our Lord by appropriating venomous epithets against our brothers and sisters in Christ, and thus divides our fellowship by careless and unchaste speech.

6. We publicly repent of having misplaced our priorities on the building and sustaining of institutions of secondary and far inferior importance than the local church.
Therefore, we renew our pledge to the local church as the primary focus of our ministry and service to advance the Kingdom of God and bring glory to his Son.

7. We publicly repent of having disrespected the sovereign grace of our Lord Jesus Christ by falsely presuming that our strength as a people of God is found in uniformity rather than unity within the parameters of Scriptural authority.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to honor our identity as people of one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, whose affirmation of biblical authority does not necessitate absolute uniformity on all matters of doctrine or practice.

8. We publicly repent of our inattentiveness to convention governance by not seeking to hold trustees accountable to the body which elects them to preserve our sacred trust and direct our entities with the guidance, counsel, and correction necessary to maintain the integrity of those entities.
Therefore, we covenant with one another to assist in the preservation of our convention's sacred trust and fulfill our biblical responsibility to hold those trustees elected to serve our entities accountable, and to pray for them as they seek to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities.

Finally, we believe the conversations that have begun in these days express our desire to preserve the Southern Baptist Convention should God, in his providence, so choose to sustain our witness and strengthen our commitment to these ends. We pledge, therefore, to one another that we will continue this dialogue by inviting others in our respective spheres of influence to participate with us by seeking to renew our commitment to denominational accountability, institutional openness, moral and ethical integrity, and properly prioritized Kingdom efforts.

Weddings

2006-04-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well, earlier tonight many of us witnessed the wedding of Mark and Missy here in Houston, Texas. What a wonderful wedding! Everything was, quite literally, perfect. It was a bit surreal finding Horizonites here in Texas, but I think we all fit in pretty well... perhaps minus the two-stepping country music (or was that just me? lol). The weather was unnaturally arid, and beauty surrounded the Parador in the full bloom of spring. Wonderful.

On top of this, I found myself on the top of Mt. Hood, Oregon - literally two weeks ago today performing another wedding (though in Mark and Missy's, I simply read Scripture). That, too, was a fantastic wedding of another kind - this time in a winter wonderland. All of us stayed in the Timberline Lodge on the side of Mt. Hood and then traveled a couple of thousand feet higher by snowcats to reach the Silcox Hut where the wedding took place. This, of course, was quite a sharp contrast from the spring wedding here in Texas.

Still, as both weddings differed in look and feel, there is one common thread through each: JOYOUS CELEBRATION. Each couple just brimmed with excitement and joy; each couple allowing friends and families to experience their own unique version of their dreamed wedding celebration. While one met in the warmth of the south, the other met in the cold of the north. While one played music from irish pipes and fiddles, the other pumped out traditional wedding tunes, and later... a splash of Usher and 50cent. :)

One thing that I take away from all of this is the fact that I have forgotten to celebrate. I need to do that more often. Kimme and I need to do that more often. My friend, I can only guess that YOU need to do that more often as well.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!" -- The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4.4.

No home to speak of

2006-04-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

I have done a good deal of traveling as of late... from being a guest speaker at a conference in the SW to performing a wedding on top of Mt Hood in Oregon. All such trips lead me to casual conversation in which the normal string of questions ensue:

Where are you from? Where did you grow up? Etc.

Oddly enough, it is so hard for me to truly answer that. In fact, it feels like I have never truly had a home. When I was a kid I moved almost twice a year. I remember switching schools all the time, having to rebuild relationships, friendships, all from scratch. Is it any wonder that I am a church planter? lol -- But still... only one place was ever truly home for me growing up, and that was the Cowan house. I never lived there, so I guess it was never really a home, but it's the closes thing to stability that I have ever had. When Captain died in 2004 (and grandmother 2 years earlier), that "home" was gone from me as well...

All of this helps me hold loosely to this world and life here. Wherever I am, that is home. Whoever I am with, that is family. And, of course, my real home is heaven. It's a place I have never been but know I will see someday. Jesus is already preparing a place for me, as he has for every believer before me and as he will for every believer after. Thank God that THIS home will never fade away or die. Heaven is an eternal home, and my life here on earth as I follow him is preparation for the next chapter or phase. Thank God life does not end here. Thank God for eternal life...

"For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

--

PS: I will be in Houston this weekend for Mark's wedding (more travel, and KC after that. lol) Being in Houston will mean catching up with old friends and family. I will return to my aunt's home in which Captain died. I suppose this will be sort of a final goodbye for me... if anyone reads this, please pray for me on that. Thanks...

DCC

What is our Canon?

2006-03-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

The word "canon" comes from the Greek meaning, "a straight rod," or "a carpenter's rule." During Christianity's beginning it was used with the idea of a standard of opinion and/or practice. In time, "canon" came to be used as a testing rule in logic, art, ethics, and grammar. Finally, among Christians in 367 AD, "canon" came to reference the Scriptures... those that were accepted as God's inspired Word of God. Likewise, in time all other texts became known as "uncanonical" -- such as the books that compile the Apocrypha, and books like the Shepherd of Hermas and the Epistle of Barnabas.

Today, we take this stuff for granted. The Bible is the Bible, right? But there was a great struggle for the early church as they wrestled with what was canonical and what was not. In fact, this process took hundreds of years. The true "emergent church" of Christianity worked out this stuff for a long time as they wrestled with what is truly the boundaries of God's inspired Word.

Fast forward just shy of a couple thousand years, and you find another movement that has called itself the emergent church. This new brand of church has moved away from accepting propositional truth at face value and moved instead toward a "living truth" - that of community and experience. No more is there coloring within the lines; there is no longer neat categories and everything in it's place. Like a child finger-painting, the emergent church is embracing the messiness of spiritual life. As the emergent church sees the modern church taking it's last dying gasps of breath, it dreams of what could be in that great big world out there.

Just an observation, though: I wonder if the pendulum has swung the other way now? I wonder if this move toward community and experience for finding the boundaries of God's truth has left the emergent church looking for another canon? Does each community define it's own canon? Does this "canon" change for each community? Truly for the first couple hundred years after Jesus' life and ministry here, all sorts of Christian communities considered such books as The Shepherd of Hermas as inspired. But this is a bit different. I am curious about the future... If anything, to see this unfold will be like watching a child grow up.

*grabs the popcorn... grabs a comfy chair... dims the lights... presses play*

What Are We 2 Do w/AFRICA?

2006-02-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

You know... 150,000 people died in the tsunami last year... and the whole world stepped up to contribute to help bring relief with that terrible disaster. But did you know (I didn't) that 150,000 people die in Africa EVERY MONTH due to AIDS/HPV/POVERTY? That's a tsunami every year. :shock:

I didn't know this until I watched Bono's speech/sermon at the National Prayer Breakfast that he gave a couple of days ago:

Copy and paste the link below...

mms://wmscnn.stream.aol.com/cnn/us/2006/02/02/bono.speaks.cnn.ws.wmv

Interestingly, in the spirit of a prophet from Israel or Judah, Bono suggests that the issue of Africa is one of justice and not of charity. I think he's right, and it was challenging to me in a big way. Something to think about...

Horizon Towson has connections with missionaries in Africa or that work with Africans. Let's remember to PRAY for them... Let us also find ways to give more than our thoughts, but our $ as well.

--

As a side note, the best quote/section of his message was this:

"A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life. In countless ways, large and small, I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I was saying, you know, I have a new song, look after it… I have a family, please look after them… I have this crazy idea…

And this wise man said: stop.

He said, stop asking God to bless what you’re doing.

Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed." -- Bono

As a side note, Bono will be speaking at the Leadership Conference @ Willow Creek this year in August. Wish I was going. Anyone want to buy me a ticket??? Please? lol

What do a Rockstar, a former Strip Club Bouncer, a Tattoo Artist and a Preacer have in common?

2006-01-28T21:21:00.000-08:00

Yeah, we are all friends... great time hanging out with Josh Smith, Rob Cranford and Norm Wright yesterday. Ain't the Body of Christ beautiful? I think so...

Wade Burleson is cool...

2006-01-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

As mentioned in my previous post, the saga over the IMB (International Mission Board) of the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) and their attempt to add to Scripture is astounding. :( But all I can say... the more I read, the more I love Wade Burleson. This guy rocks!
---

Burleson: ‘We are at a crossroads’
Monday, 23 January 2006
by Bob Nigh
Managing Editor, Baptist Messenger

TULSA—“We are at a crossroads as a convention,” Wade Burleson told about 80 persons gathered for a Tulsa Metro Association luncheon Jan. 16 at the Radisson Inn.

BGCO president Bob Green, pastor of Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights (in red sweater) leads prayer for Enid, Emmanuel pastor Wade Burleson as Tulsa-area pastors lay hands on Burleson after he spoke at a Tulsa Metro Association luncheon Jan. 16. PHOTO: Bob Nigh

Burleson, pastor of Enid, Emmanuel and president of the Baptist General Convention from 2002-2004, is the central figure amid a growing controversy among Southern Baptists. While he was elected by messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention last June in Nashville to serve a four-year term as a trustee of the International Mission Board, Burleson now finds himself virtually a pariah on the board after he spoke up concerning new guidelines for the appointment of IMB missionaries. On Jan. 10, the IMB board voted to recommend that Burleson be removed as a trustee at this year’s SBC convention in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14.
Passage of that recommendation will require approval by a two-thirds majority of SBC messengers. The missionary personnel policies Burleson objects to involve baptism and a “private prayer language.” Under the new policies, missionary candidates who admitted to using a private prayer language or missionaries not baptized in a Southern Baptist church or one which teaches “eternal security” would not be approved for appointment.
“The issue I am attempting to address is an issue that is not personal, but I believe is an issue that will determine the direction we will go; it will chart our course for decades to come as the Southern Baptist Convention,” Burleson said. “The issue is not tongues. The issue is not a new policy on baptism. It is not Wade Burleson.
“The issue is, when will we as a convention cease narrowing the parameters of cooperation for evangelism and missions?”
He explained further.
“What I mean by that is this. We as Southern Baptists are all conservative, we’re evangelical; we’re Bible believing Christians, but many of us disagree on interpretation of minor, non-essential doctrines,” he said.
“When can we come to the place of realizing that we are all conservative, evangelical people who love the Lord Jesus Christ and are concerned about winning the world for Christ, and when will we stop saying, ’You must interpret Scripture the way I do in order for you to cooperate with me on the mission field?’
“The Baptist Faith & Message is a great fleshing out of those essential doctrines that we hold to, and I support it. I am afraid that we are now moving beyond the Baptist Faith & Message, and these new policies on tongues and baptism are just an illustration.
“I am fighting for us as a convention to cooperate even though we disagree on the minor, non-essential doctrines of Scripture.”

Wade Burleson

Burleson said he feels there is a small group of IMB trustees trying to control the entire board.
“I believe there is a subset of trustees attempting to set direction,” he said. “I believe with all my heart that is happening at the IMB. And that direction is contrary to the leadership of (IMB) president Jerry Rankin and staff, who are doing, I believe, a fine job in leading our convention in the area of missions.
“I asked them if they were aware that Miss Bertha Smith, the greatest missionary we have ever had, a missionary to China who lived to be 100 years old, died in 1988 and led thousands of people to Christ, had a private prayer language? Are you aware that Rankin, before he was hired, told the board and search committee that he had a private prayer language?
“The old policy stated if you spoke publically in tongues on the mission field, you would be fired because the missions agency is determined to make sure the Gospel is shared with clarity. That’s a policy I can live with.”
Burleson told the Tulsa-area audience that attempts were made by IMB trustees to keep him silent on the issue.
“I believe because I was new they felt like I should be silent,” he said. “As a result, I was squelched in ways I’m not yet free to tell you about at this time. I went to those who squelched me, which is always my policy, to see if it could be worked out. It could not be worked out.”
As for the issue of tongues, or a private prayer language, Burleson said, “I don’t have a private prayer language. My mission as a pastor is to preach the Word of God. But, what you do in your prayer closet is your business.”
He said he especially disagreed with the new policy on baptism.
“The one policy that really bothered me was the new policy on baptism, which essentially said this, ‘you can not serve unless you were baptized in a Southern Baptist church or a church that teaches eternal security,’ Burleson said.
“There are three things that bothered me about the new policy on baptism. First, it goes way beyond what Scripture and the Baptist Faith & Message teach concerning baptism. Second, it places emphasis on baptism identifying you with a certain church or doctrinal teaching rather than baptism identifying the convert with Jesus as a follower of the Christ. Third, the IMB is now telling local Southern Baptist churches that a baptism good enough for them is not good enough for the IMB. This violates the autonomy of the local church.
“I am shocked that the IMB is now telling me that a baptism—good enough for our church—is not good enough for them.
“I think they see me as a troublemaker. But, this is a matter of conviction; it is a matter of policy.
“For weeks, I spoke out, and I was not alone. Others did, too. What we were trying to do was to convince the trustees that this was going way beyond the parameters of Scripture and the BF&M.
“I was not even trying to convince them that I was right. I don’t care if they believe that way. I just don’t want them telling me that I can’t cooperate with them on the mission field because I don’t believe like them. That’s the bigger issue.”
IMB trustees reportedly were upset when Burleson eventually took his concerns beyond the board room and began a Web log (blog) or online diary.
“So, persistently, passionately, graciously to people, I spoke up,” he said. “And I think they saw me as a person who was rocking the boat.
“They ended up voting for the new policy in November and here’s where the rub comes . . . since my accountability is not to my fellow trustees, but to the Southern Baptist Convention; since my responsibility is invested in me not by my fellow trustees but by the SBC, I have the privilege to take this issue to the SBC.
“I did, through a blog—every day for several months, never using names, never attacking people. It’s all been (a matter of) principle; we have to see where we are headed, draw a line in the sand and say ‘no more.’
Burleson said he knew going public would not be well received by fellow IMB trustees.
“I knew there would be some discomfort over me going public, but I believe I have a responsibility to the convention, so I continued,” he stressed.”
Burleson expressed dismay that the board’s new policy put Rankin in an awkward position.
“This put Rankin in a very difficult position,” he pointed out. “You now have the president of an organization not qualified to be a missionary within the very organization over which he presides!
“I believe if I just let this thing slide, I’m afraid 10 years from now, it will be the death knell of our convention.”
On his Jan. 11 blog, Burleson said, “I have consistently maintained that a growing problem within our convention is the removal from leadership and service those who do not conform to specific interpretations of the Bible . . . . my desire has been to capture the interest and commitment of what I believe is a critical mass of conservative SBC members in general, and a younger generation of SBC pastors in particular, who are increasingly feeling disenfranchised because of attempts to demand conformity to interpretations of the Bible with which even reasonable, conservative innerantists may disagree.”

Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K

2006-01-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ted once said, "Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K." :lol: Well, it would seem that the same is true for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. What strange things are afoot at the IMB? Well, there is a move to prohibit anyone that has a private prayer language from serving overseas, and there is a move to now require that all IMB personnel be baptized in a Southern Baptist Church.

WHAT???

One primary target in this (and in every shakedown, there is always a scape goat... just ask Jesus) is Wade Burleson, a pastor of a church in Enid, Oklahoma and a trustee on the IMB. There is a move to remove him from the Board because he has been vocal about these new changes. Now, I could wax eloquent about all of this, but I thought it best to simply quote from the scapegoat himself. It's good stuff...

Wade Burleson:

Never Forget It's About Missions

The International Mission Board is the one agency that causes all of us as Southern Baptists to get excited about cooperation. Though I have discovered that there is a wide variety of beliefs regarding ecclesiology, eschatology, missiology, soteriology and other interpretations of Scripture among the IMB trustees, I can guarantee you every trustee I have met is interested in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Some of us just disagree on how to get it done.

I have tried to remind everyone in this blog that the major issue for me is NOT so much the new policy forbidding the appoint of missionaries who have a private prayer language, or even the policy that rejects prospective missionary candidates who are not baptized in a Southern Baptist church or in a church that teaches eternal security. Sure, I believe both new policies go beyond Scripture and the Baptist Faith and Message, but they are only symptoms of a deeper problem.

The real problem?

We are continuing to narrow the parameters of fellowship and cooperation in the area of missions and evangelism by demanding conformity and agreement on non-essential doctrines. Now you must be a cessationist and very close to a Landmark in order to be a Southern Baptist missionary.

We have lost sight of the gospel.

The gospel is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The gospel is the good news that God saves sinners through the work of His Son. We are called to preach Christ. We are commissioned by Christ Himself to be ambassadors of this good news. We are to go far and wide, or at least support those who do go far away, in the sharing of this good news that God saves sinners through Jesus Christ His Son.

I am still trying to understand why we are now EXCLUDING Southern Baptist missionary candidates who have a clear grasp of the gospel, who are members in good standing of Southern Baptist churches, and who in every way would have been qualified to serve as an SBC missionary for the past 161 years, but are now persona non grata (an unwelcome person).

I have received several emails with heart wrenching stories of missionaries who are now not able to serve with the IMB because of these new policies. Allow me to tell you one without going into the specific details of names and locations.

There is a very dark region in Central Asia, a place where missionaries and trustees have been praying for a gospel presence for the past three years. This very, very dark place is dangerous for anyone who names the name of Christ.

Recently, a young Southern Baptist couple felt God's call to this very region. They would never be recognized for their service because of security reasons. Their lives would be in constant danger, and frankly, there would be no guarantee they would ever make it back to the States alive. They passed all of the candidate interviews with flying colors, impressed all the IMB staff and trustees, and brought a surge of excitement and anticipation to the CA region as an answer to many prayers.

When the new policies were past by the trustees November 15, 2005 the Candidate Consultant went back to the young couple and asked, "Do either one of you have a private prayer language?"

The wife, unbeknownst to her husband, had prayed privately in ecstatic utterances for years. With full integrity she answered, "Yes."

This young couple was then rejected as SBC missionaries while in training at the Missionary Learning Center. Many tears were shed. The Candidate Consultant was heartbroken. The Central Asia region was shocked.

Why were they declined? The trustees, not the staff, declined them.

I propose a dark region in Central Asia is still dark because we trustees lost sight of the gospel, and our mission, and went way beyond Scripture, the Baptist Faith and Message, and our duties to keep our eye on world missions and evangelism.

That's the issue.

I have been criticized because I have stated the reason why private prayer languages became an issue among the trustees two years ago. It is not conjecture for me. What I have been told makes me very sad.

The baptism policy makes me just as sad. There are trustees who have said to me, "I am a Landmark and proud of it." Listen, I can cooperate with a Landmark any day of the year in the area of missions, but the essence of Landmarkism is to separate from everyone who does not view the administrator of baptism as important as Landmarks do. Our convention split over Landmarkism back in 1850 and if we are not careful we will soon face a simlar problem in 2006.

We must stop narrowing the parameters of cooperation in missions and evangelism.

So, I don't want to get bogged down in a debate about "private prayer languages" or the proper administrator of baptism. I don't even want to get into a debate on whether or not I should stay as a trustee of the IMB.

I want us as Southern Baptists to realize we have no higher motivation for cooperation than the mission field. We must WORK to keep the doors of cooperation open.

We must not forget that it is all about missions.

In His Grace,

Wade Burleson
--
To read his blog in total, see http://www.kerussocharis.blogspot.com/

Truth and Guilt

2005-12-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

Tronster asked on Horizon's message board (link to the right) "Does the concept of 'truth' come in to play at all in why we feel guilty?"

When he posed that questioin, this passage came to mind:

John 3.16-21:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

Guilt has a lot to do with Truth, IMO. When we are faced with truth, we have to decide... will be step into the light? Will we really allow our motives, deeds, our words be known? Because you see... stepping into the light is like stepping into truth, and vice versa. But the feeling of guilt kicks in when we are made aware of truth... (Side note... whether we feel guilty or not is really a moot point. If we are guilty, we are guilty whether we "feel" it or not).

Paul describes two kinds of guilty sorrow/conviction: Godly, and Worldly

2 Corinthians 7.10-11:
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."

When we are in the throws of guilt when faced with the truth... we have the choice of how to respond. Notice the actions of Judas vs. Peter when Christ was murdered on a cross. BOTH of these guys lost all of their integrity. BOTH of them blew it, big time. One betrayed and the other denied... but both did each, really. The difference, though, is that one gave up... he caved to worldly guilt that leads to death. There was NO WAY he could come into the light, into truth. How could he? (Or so he thought?) His solution? Death. Peter on the other hand, wept bitterly. He did not resort to killing himself as Judas did, but rather is found with the disciples in every mention of him after Jesus' death. It could be argued that Peter had the most to lose in something like this... he is always mentioned first in lists of the disciples. He was obviously a strong leader. His credibility was shot, left in ruins. Yet, he did not run away... he made things right. And you know what? So did Jesus... that's what the entire 21st chapter of John is about: Jesus' restoration of Peter. I would call this Godly guilt or sorrow. Peter, as hard as it was, chose Godly guilt as the way to deal with this.

Alanis Morissette has a song that says it best: "The only way out is through..." -- how right she is.

And with that said, there is also another way people deal with the truth and guilt. It's the worst kind... probably even worse than Judas' way, and that's to deny guilt or truth all together. Paul describes such people as "hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4.2) A person can become so convinced of their own spin/lies/perception of reality that they believe it to be true- whether it is or not. When that happens, with a conscience seared as with a hot iron, there is no way for this person to admit any wrong doing at all. With everything in them, they sense no guilt for what they do. That... is a very dangerous place to be... the worst place to be.

Just some thoughts on truth and guilt.

Does Influence = Leadership?

2005-11-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Matthew 16.5-12:
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

It would seem that the idea of "yeast" would be that of influence: the teachings of the Pharisees, their way of thought...

But then later in Luke, Jesus says this:

Luke 12.1-3:
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

Here, the yeast is labeled as hypocrisy.

This seems consistent with Paul when he says:

1 Corinthians 5.6-8:
"Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast — as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth."

But here is the one that best deals with yeast as a metaphor for influence, also from Paul:

Galatians 5.7-10:
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
'A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.'
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be."

That one really nails it. Influence is a powerful force, and in some cases, a dangerous one.

There is, however, a passage that sees this form of influence in a more positive light:

Matthew 13.33:
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

The Kingdom of Heaven works the same way... Here I am reminded of the very first passage listed above. What did Jesus do with 5 loaves and 2 fish? He multiplied them! His working power worked through what was there and it was multiplied. Awesome... Likewise, Jesus invested in 12 men and several women... fast-forward 2,000 years -- we are here. A little worked through the dough producing amazing results.

OK, JUST HAD TO SHARE THIS!

2005-10-31T06:24:00.000-08:00

Ok... as you many of you know, I recently compiled a DVD with various Horizon videos on it to hand out. Well, some I also mailed a few copies to people (like Ashley in Germany and Matt/Andrea Battaglia in Missouri). One of the people I mailed a copy to was a boardie in Kansas City from the Moby Boards. Her screen name is SunFlowerSeeds and she is Jewish. She is often in the Spiritual Forum @ Moby.com where you can find me, many times. Well, I had made mention that if anyone wanted a copy of the DVD over there that I would mail it to her... well, she requested a copy and I sent it...

Below is her response... I am astounded.

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Hi !

I don't know where to begin..... I drove to Salina Sat morning, Howie and his mates, Sandra & Robert, wanted to watch the CD also.. so there were four of us... ( Howard made pop corn ! )

Sandra is a serious christian, she's baptist, born, bred and raised all into that sounthern gospel thing. She got me into the music, I love some of the WOW worship stuff she listens to, and have even made mention of it on the moby boards. She's got a heart of gold and has told me so many times that Jesus simply had more love for humans than could possibly be explained..... she's fun to banter with on religion, because she never judged me and she never made me feel like an outsider. I've been to church with her a few times at her Grace Baptist Temple in Salina, Pastor Chris is a great guy, always talking about how we're to LOVE each other... and I guess Sandra listens, she's sure full of love for everyone.

Robert, her husband, is a new christian. He got to know Christ through Sandra, who witnessed to him and I guess she decided he was kinda cute. They've been married 10 years, a great couple. Full of compassion for each other, oh they fight, I've seen them, but they are full of so much love and forgiveness. They have no problems saying they believe it's only be the "grace of God" they are still married. That word again, "grace".....

Howie is a great friend. I've been buds with him for YEARS... since college days. He's a christian too, and I've heard him talk for years about Grace......

My point??

Well, we watched the WHOLE video, we watched it all in one sitting......

and the parts about That Dame Grace....

I was in tears.
Literally, in tears.... bawling like a baby.... Sandra got up to get me some kleenex and I couldn't stop crying. They just sat there, quietly, watching me cry, while Sandra held my hand.....as I cried and cried....

I understand.........I never understood before.. but I understand it now... it makes sense...

I can't follow the law exactly... not 100% PERFECTLY, I never could, I never will, and I'm not ever going to....

Jesus made it possible so I didn't HAVE to.... I still believe the law is there for a reason, don't misunderstand, I'm not going to just suddenly decide the law in not important, but I understand GRACE now.....

Grace.. is like Sandra has been telling me for years....You do the BEST you can, and you let Grace cover the rest.. since I can't be perfect, I just do what I can to very best of my human ability and the grace of christ's blood will cover the rest.

How so simple ! How so easy to understand, once you understand it. why did it take so long to understand????

DO I believe Christ died for me ??? YES !!! I do. DO I believe that Christ came to abolish the jewish law?? NO, I don't.....

We stayed up and talked for hours and hours and hours about all of this... The four of us, talking about christ, the law, The Passion of Christ, ( I've never seen it yet, that's next weekend.. ) Howie said there is something called "Messianic Christians" that he thinks I should get a hold of and Jews for Jesus organization I looked up on the internet.

I can't begin, to THANK you and your church, enough, for putting that together. It was so clear to me, it just hit me like a rock. That Dame Grace, oh yes, she's finally, mine

And the rest of the CD, well, it was very very very good, but as you can tell, the grace part was what hit me the hardest.....

so forgive me for not going into how awesome it was that you used movie's and awesome hitory lessons to make a point about fear, that was way too cool.

Because, now I'm scared, I have fear now too.... afraid of "now what?" I've accepted Christ, now what do I do with my jewishness ????? Sandra says "nothing, keep being a jew.. but know that Christ saved you, NOT your law abiding.."

So ! I don't want to be trapped in my fear, I should probably watch that part again.

But anyway, the CD was great, I loved it loved it loved it.

And what talent there must be in your church !!!!!

AND-- my life is different... I don't know what I mean.. I guess, I have things to do...

I won't be on moby too much anymore.. maybe it was just a moment in time for me to "meet" you and have you send that to me.. I do believe that "strange" things happen with our lord.. I've always believed in that...

anyway.... saying "thank you" seems Tawdry, but it's sincere and I appreciate you for what you've done.

I pray for you.......and your family and your church.

Thank you.

From all four of us !

With much gratitude and love,

your sister in Christ : ( I LOVE saying that now ! LOL )

Sari
---

Isn't that AWESOME!? Of course, really her friends there in Kansas City really had much more to do with it. But, "That Dame Grace" was the way in which God delivered the "get it" factor for her... Sweet!

DCC

Good is the Enemy of Great

2005-10-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

Why settle for good when great is a few steps away? Good is the enemy of great.

MultiCongregational - ONE Church

2005-10-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ever had a dream hit you square between the eyes? One that you just can't shake off or dismiss? I have... and it's this dream: to be a part of a one church that is made up of many congregations all over the world... a church in which every congregation shares a common vision... common values... the same Lord, and yet is indigenous to it's surrounding community. A church that shares all of it's resources, one in which the good of the whole outweighs the wants of the one... that every congregation is in this church, together... on mission together...

I can see Horizon churches in England, in Africa, in California, in New York, in Seattle, in Miami.... all sharing resources together, sharing the same message, working together in the same missional focus.

I can see people from each location encouraging one another about the stories of what God has been doing all over the world, each sending out missionaries to help the other, and each carrying each other's burdens in prayer and action.

Crazy? Maybe... But I can't shake it that this is what I am here on earth to do and be a part of.

New Orleans

2005-09-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

What in the world is going on? One of the cities that's played such a huge part of my spiritual journey with Christ is in utter ruin. When people say it's a city on the verge of collapse, they are kidding themselves. It HAS collapsed. Please pray for those trying to get out... please pray for those that are on the brink of death... please pray for those stuck in the death, stench, and decay of the convention center! The situation is astounding. I believe the crisis here is far greater than that of 9/11 and the need is that much greater.

Prayer:
Father, in Jesus name, I pray for the people of the Gulf Coast. I pray for healing. I pray for transportation. I pray for medical help. I pray for clean, pure water. I pray for fresh clothes, showers, and facilities. I pray, God, for deliverance! And most of all, I pray that those that are crying out to You will be heard. And may the church respond in critical ways to demonstrate the love of Christ in the midst of such tragedy. God, save New Orleans...

DCC

10:1

2005-08-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today, I remember that it was one year ago to this very day that my grandfather, "Captain," died in Houston. Kimme and I made the decision to fly out and we caught him (unknowingly) with less than 12 hours left to live. Wow... hard to believe that was a year ago.

Even more hard to believe is that this month marks when Kimme and I left everything we knew and moved as newlyweds to the Big Easy - or New Orleans - 10 years ago. 10 YEARS AGO!

Even more crazy is that Captain's passing is 1/10th of that time... I dunno... just something I was thinking of today.

PRAYER: God thank you for time. Time to experience Your love and Your grace. I have no idea how many times my heart will beat in my chest, nor how many breaths I will breathe... Still, help every moment be lived to the fullest... taking advantage of every situation for your glory and honor. AMEN.

Broken

2005-08-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Only to be remade... reborn... resurrected.

Sex (a PG-13 post)

2005-07-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, today we finished our second "Sexual Intimacy in Marriage" study. The first one in May was great, but this one was at least 200 times better and all the more convincing that we (meaning the Body of Christ) need more transparency and discussion about this topic.

Today was most powerful since we had a guest speaker... Dena from the http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/ -- a legend (at least over there). :) She stopped in for the second half of our study to tell her story of being married 17 years, being the "ice princess" to her husband, and her very recent awakening. What a powerful testimony of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Just 15 months ago, she admitted, she would have NEVER even SPOKE of things sexual. Pleasure, esp. sexual pleasure, was considered bad, even in marriage. She came from a church (where Mark, her husband, was on staff) that wasn't happy about the results when God healed her sexuality/libido/desire for her husband. And when they discovered some of her posts on the marriage bed site, they made it sound as if something illicit was happening... not understanding or teaching that God is lavish in wanting us to enjoy His gift of sex as the Song of Solomon promotes. So, of course, when she had an awakening of sorts - she was a threat and they asked them to leave. Imagine! Hard to believe...

Yet, it's so true... Christians, on the most part, have chosen to remove themselves from the discussion of sex -- all for the sake of purity and in return have been impure. When we are teens, we are just told, don't do it... remain pure... but that is many times not enough in dealing with the raging hormonal changes taking place. Also, in a day and time in which the average age in which couples get married is extended each year, this of course causes even more tension for a single Christian still trying to stay true to what they heard when they were teens: don't do it, stay pure. The church should be engaged in dialogue about this instead of just giving the knee jerk reaction: don't do it.

And of course, married couples... I think many times the assumption is for a Christian man... "when I marry, everything will be just fine. I will FINALLY have a sex life and everything will be great." Yet... how does the wife feel about sex? What are her views on sex? What was she taught? Is sex dirty? Would she be dirty in enjoying it? Did he or she have past sexual encounters that still linger in their mind? Are there other people in the room, so to speak, when the married couple is together? From what rule book, personal beliefs about sex, are each couple bringing into the marriage bed? Do they know how things work? Have they been "discipled" by older and more experienced friends of the same sex? Many a couple walks into marriage completely unaware of what lay ahead. And in some ways, that's perfectly fine... discovering together is always great.

Ah... but what happens when problems arise? The wife, for instance, that's never experienced an orgasm and thinks sex is ok, but doesn't see what the big deal is. Who will teach her about this? The husband that can't last longer than two minutes, who will help him with this issue? The man or woman with a secret porn addiction... who is going to be there to help? And these issues just scratch the surface.

WHEN THE CHURCH IS SILENT, THE WORLD SPEAKS LIES THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE. And I for one believe that sexual discussion should take place long before someone says "I do." And a couple should as well way longer than 2 weeks before they say "I do."

I am thankful for these last two events, and hope for more. Actually, I would love for Dena and Mark to share their story to our whole church (with 12 and under out of the theater). I think it would do a world of good.

To learn more about Dena and her story, see her profile at the following link below and read some of her posts. If you are married or engaged, I urge you to get involved with the discussions on The Marriage Bed forum. You can post anonymously and ask those nagging questions you've always wanted to ask. Good stuff...

May God help all of us learn to remain pure, holy, and true in whatever state we are in as Christians... whether a teen, a single, or married.

(http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=469)

The Dream Giver

2005-07-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

He gives BIG dreams...

3 conversations in odd places

2005-06-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well, those of you that know me well know that Kimme and I have had quite a month of June. *whew* I have traveled from coast to coast and then back to the plains of Kansas and back for work for my mom (video stuff for her Merck meeting) in Phoenix, Arizona and Kimme's grandmother's funeral in Hodgen, Oklahoma. In these past 2-3 weeks, I've found myself in the most unlikely places having the most unlikely conversations (though none have quite yet compared with the one in the Waldorf in Manhattan mentioned elsewhere). Still... I thought I would share.

#1: On the last night of my time in Phoenix (or Scottsdale, actually) at the Hyatt Regency, the Merck folks had a final dinner, pool-side - stocked with the most incredible food. As we strolled over the 5 star resort to the pool (one of perhaps 20?) one could here the sound of an Indian flute. Sure enough, there was a man playing a flute in full Native American garb. After he had played one set, I came over to speak with him. Unfortunately now, I cannot remember his name, but we had a very pleasant conversation about faith and religion. He was part Hopi Indian, Choctaw (like Kimme), and Apache. He lived, however, on a Hopi reservation and played an integral part of their religious community. He explained to me some of their practices... one of which was an intrinsic belief that their dancing and singing help make the world keep living, breathing, moving. He basically said that they believed if they did not dance, the word would end.

Now, of course... anyone with any sort of scientific understanding of the universe knows, that is not the case... Still, it was a wonderful moment of reflection for me. What if we lived as though the world depended on it? As Christians... what would our lives look like if we lived this way? And what, in turn, would the world look like?

#2: On the plains of Kansas somewhere, Kimme's sister Donna lives in a beautiful home surrounded by a sea of gold fields and buffalo. One night last week, we stopped over to eat some of their home-grown beef. Without a doubt, the best steaks I've ever eaten. :) But, one of the other guests there was Donna's husband's father. He is the patriarch of the family, a family full of cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, and hard working people. After he went on and on about all the game he and his sons had killed on hunting trips in Africa (Giraffes, lions, impalas, leopards, wart hogs, hippos, you name it) he asked me what I did for a living. Surprised that no one had told him, I explained I was a pastor. Instantly, he was gripped with fear... not fear of me, just fear that he had offended me somehow... He preceded to explain that he wasn't much of a church goer. He figured, and I quote... "Any sins that I have committed, I figure I'll pay for myself. I won't have anyone else paying for what I've done."

Man, that nearly took the life out of me... it was if someone had taken the air out of the room, at least for me. I sort of cringed inside, instantly recalling the time all the people Israel shouted for Jesus' crucifixion shouting "Let his blood he on our heads and the heads of our children." Those are prophetic words... words that time does not erase. Wow.

He asked me what I thought of that, and well... I explained about grace. That I knew, for me, that my sins outweighed any means of my pay back. That I would rather in such a case, turn to One that could pay for them, if willing. And he was willing; His name is Jesus.

#3: In Heavener, Oklahoma last Tuesday we all gathered to pay our respects to Lillie Bell Lewis, Kimme's grandmother. The funeral service was in Lillie Bell's church, Trinity Baptist Church. Since I was a part of the service, I took a few moments to meet with her pastor in his office. I wasn't so sure what to expect having preached in many small, southern baptist churches in Oklahoma while attending college there... but I didn't expect to find what I found: as soon as I walked in, I instantly saw the books... books like "The Second Coming of Church" by George Barna and stuff by Pastor Cymbala in Brooklyn. Man, what a refreshing conversation with a fellow servant of God! Our discussions were on genuine Christianity, and how that is lived out with those outside the Cultural Christian Bubble. We both share a passion for being on mission... away from that Bubble. He had mentioned how the day before he had had a conversation with his wife saying, "I think we may need to get out of the Bible Belt," and with that... he may move to Kansas City.

Anyway, I was humbled by this man. Here he is, faithfully serving in such a poor town... a tiny church in a tiny town, faithfully serving God. God has definitely blessed his efforts, growing this small church into a decent size. Here he had served faithfully for 6 years. Made me think of the moment I felt the call, specifically, to come here to Maryland. I sat in the hotel lobby of the Best Western in Westminster, MD and read the story of David and Goliath. It was then I remembered that God takes the small to school the tall... the weak to beat the strong... the foolish to outwit the wise. When I wanted Manhattan, God sent me to Westminster, and I am grateful. Now there is Horizon Church. I pray for this man to be used of God to big things and I am thankful for an example of a man that has been faithful in the small, and will perhaps be entrusted with much.

Well, I wish I was a better writer... wish I could have had all 2 of you that read this with me. :) It's been some good contemplative conversations as of late.

Your friend,
DCC

Blogging Wise

2005-06-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Man... I've come to the point where I wish I could automatically blog various thoughts throughout the day because by the time I get to my computer, the moment is passed or there is just too much to do verses putting stuff on here. I know there were at least 3 really cool things that happened while I was away in Arizona that I wanted to blog, but didn't because of time. Perhaps I will make a point to. It was a great trip for spiritual reflection. More later? I hope so... :)

metaphor as spirtual laughter

2005-05-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Imagine that you are sitting with your friend and suddenly, his/her face starts to convulse involuntary. Facial muscles, particularly the lips, stretch and there is a peculiar expression in his/her eyes. Your friend's vocal organs vibrate and he/she is making a sequence of rhythmic expiratory sounds. Oddly enough, nobody around you even turns his head to look as your friend chokes, trying to take broken, sudden inhalations, while your friend's shoulders jerk and their entire body twists and shakes.

Call 9/11? Not hardly. Its called laughter!

Little is known about laughter... but there are a few things we do know. Laughter is unique to human beings. Like language, we don't share it with any other creature on earth. Many theorists hypothesize that laughter and language must be associated.

I agree... I wonder if there is some connection with getting a joke and getting a metaphor. Both require language and cognitive ability... and both have an "Ah, ha!" moment.

One experiment was performed at the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Here, one researcher elucidated the unique pattern of brain wave activity via electroencephalograms during the perception of humor. He found that during the set up to the joke, there was activity in the cortex's left hemisphere. This is where the brain begins its analytical function of processing words. Shortly afterward, most of the brain activity moved to the frontal lobe. This is the center of emotionality. An instant later, activity spreads to both the right and left hemispheres as the right hemisphere's synthesis capabilities joined with the left's processing to find the pattern and "get the joke." A few milliseconds later, before the subject laughed, the increased brain wave activity spread to the occipital lobe. This area of the brain processes sensory information. The increased fluctuations in activity reached a peak and crested as the brain "got" the joke and the external expression of laughter began. (Derks, 1992)

Could it be the same with metaphor?

One of the theories on why we laugh is called the incongruity theory. This theory suggests that humor arises when logic and familiarity are replaced by things that don't normally go together. Researcher Thomas Veatch says a joke becomes funny when we expect one outcome and another happens. When a joke begins, our minds and bodies are already anticipating what's going to happen and how it's going to end. That anticipation takes the form of logical thought intertwined with emotion and is influenced by our past experiences and our thought processes. When the joke goes in an unexpected direction, our thoughts and emotions suddenly have to switch gears. We now have new emotions, backing up a different line of thought. In other words, we experience two sets of incompatible thoughts and emotions simultaneously. We experience this incongruity between the different parts of the joke as humorous.

Wow, I am reminded of all the metaphors Jesus used to teach us... just when we think we know the ending, he turns it at the last second like a good stand up comedian. Was the sermon on the mount given at the local improv?

William Fry, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Stanford University Medical School and expert on health and laughter, reports the average kindergarten student laughs 300 times a day. Yet, adults average just 17 laughs a day. Interesting that Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these and that in order to enter heaven, we must do so like a little child.

Chuck Gallozzi says: "Our five senses are not enough for ideal living. We need to use our sixth sense: our sense of humor. Humor isn't about merely telling jokes; it's the way we view the world. We can be sincere about life without taking it so seriously. We can laugh about our mistakes and pain."

Louis Kronenberger explains: "Humor simultaneously wounds and heals, indicts and pardons, diminishes and enlarges; it constitutes inner growth at the expense of outer gain, and those who posses and honestly practice it make themselves more through a willingness to make themselves less."

William James (1842-1910), said, "We don't laugh because we're happy, we are happy because we laugh."

Ah, the power of language to effect change.

Canon

2005-05-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Is there ever a time that a church or religious organization becomes it's own canon to the point in which is in conflict with God's canon? Are there times in which the community overrules God? What is our response to be within that community, if this is the case... and what has God done Biblically in cases such as this, supposing they do exist?

I realize this is a loaded question with lots of definitions to be made and articulated, but I thought it might be a good topic to jump start my blog. :)

The Birth of a Rock & Roll Band

2005-04-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday night, I joined a slew of Horizonites traveling on 2 school buses to DC for an Ashes Remain show... I've got to say, I'e seen these guys a lot in concert, but this was perhaps their best. All of them gave the performance of their lives... Absolutely astounding. I think I witnessed something beautiful, something miraculous. Though the idea of AR came about years ago, there is something just different about the band as of late. The change is apparent to all... I can only imagine what the future holds! :D

Everyone's a Critic

2005-04-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

Stealing this title from Alicia Farrell's blog. Seems as though her small group focused on fasting from criticism for 2 days. She mentioned how doing this made her realize how much she was critical of others in nearly everything. I imagine I would have the same experience. It's so easy to cast stones. It's easy to condemn. It's easy to compare and say, "I'd never do that" or "I'd never say that," etc. Yet, when truth is revealed, we are all found wanting.

Matthew 7.2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Props to Alicia and that small group for such a great idea. Anyone wanna fast with me?

Celebrating the Life of Jason Wallace, Jr.

2005-04-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I made a trek to Essex to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church to share in the grief of Jason and Allison with the death of their son. The service was beautiful. The transcendent nature of the sanctuary was a reminder that all of us in Christ transcend this world to the next. Graphic reminders abounded that our Lord suffered the same fate we all will soon face, that of death... stations of the cross were all around. Yet, this little one has beaten us all to the punch. He's there already...

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these... Amen.

I was reminded of the day Joshua was born. There simply is no other feeling in the world than to feel your newborn's grip on your pinky. To see a child, your child, brought into the world is such an amazing thing. I couldn't help but think... what if I had lost him after a week? Each hour would mean so much. Each breath. Each touch. Wow, what things we take for granted in this life. Jason... you have been a great teacher for me today.

My prayers are for your mom and dad, my friend. May they see you again in time.

How did we get the Bible?

2005-04-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Just how did the events of history become recorded in the texts of sacred scripture? Just as a reminder to any that happen to check out my (rather unbusy and vacant as of late) blog that this Saturday from 2-4 @ our house there will be a study about this very topic... Hope some of you can make it! :)

Horizon's Baptism Service Last Night

2005-03-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

What a great night it was! Thanks to Leslie for really taking the lead to make this happen. The MAC was a great place for this event in the cold of winter.

I told Clay it's amazing to think it all began years ago in NOLA. The call. The dream. We looked through a glass dimly and the future was there for the taking... and one day at a time, God put the pieces together... connected us with the people that would lead with us, etc. There are times I just pause and take it in, and look around and think: "Look at all of these people!" God has really blessed. Good stuff yesterday... esp. the new lives of Jess and Suzanne.

Storytelling...

2005-02-27T22:14:00.000-08:00

Ah, the power of a good story. Is this the calling of all Christians? To tell their story? Our story? Our family's story? God's story? The story of Jesus... the Greatest Story Ever Told? I think so... choose the canvas... choose the the oils... choose the clay... choose the screen... choose the scene, but these must be told, shared, remembered. Something I was reminded of today: Horizon's new message series named after a book entitled: "The Story We Find Ourselves In," and the great storytellers of our day at the Oscars... Dave Reichley? Paul Morrell? Holly Briscoe? someday...

Thank you God for my story, as insignificant as it may be in the scheme of things. Use it to your glory...

I'm in love...

2005-02-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

Strange. I've always heard it said by married people that their flame died out years before... that the fire was gone, etc. How is it that after 10 years of marriage and 15 of being a couple that I can say that I am more in love with Kimme than ever before? How is it that our love is hotter than ever? She is more beautiful than ever... she is my support; my advocate... she challenges me, encourages me, and gives me strength. She is my absolute best friend. And while I've had lots of great friends over the years, she is the one that's always there. I am such a blessed man... She is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and no one knows her like I do, and no one ever will. What we have is so special. :) Marriage is a wonderful friendship with some killer benefits. Like the feeling of accomplishment after working hard on something challenging and beating the odds... that's how I feel. The results are stunning, unique, and beautiful. I'm in love.

Kimme, I love you...

I love the Moby Boards

2005-01-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

Ah, yes... a mass ball of confusing thoughts and ideas all put into one forum: the Spiritual Discussions Forum @ Moby.com. Clay rightly calls it the Tower of Babble. lol

But, here is why I go there... here is one conversation with someone asking questions about Christianity...

Sapphire Dragon: My opinion and my question:
I don't think he was a lunatic. I think he was just different, like the Buddha. Jesus proclaimed he was the son of God, and I believe he was as much as we all are. I don't worship Jesus because I don't feel he was any Supreme Being, though I don't deny his greatness. Does that mean I'm not a Christian? Is not the basis of Christianty worshiping Jesus Christ?
---
DCCowan: The basis of Christianity is finding grace because of what Jesus did for the whole world: dying and coming back to life. At least, that's the basics of the Christian faith...

Mark 10.45:
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
---
Sapphire Dragon: hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?
And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully.
---
DCCowan: In reply to: "hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?"

Yes... it is. There are a lot of claims about Christianity that make it sort of like a house of cards. If one is taken away, the house falls. One of these is the resurrection.

The Apostle Paul says it best:
1 Corinthains 15.12-19:
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all people.

If Jesus did not raise from the dead, he died in vain. Christians, like me, would live their lives in vain... the most pathetic on the planet. It would then just be (frankly, like the Passion of the Christ) like a story of a man that died a brutal and horrible death... and that's it.

But, for a Christian, that's NOT it. For us, Jesus was both 100% man and 100% God... he was like us in every way, except he didn't blow it like we do. Even when he lost his cool, it was appropriate. His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death.

In reply to: "And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully."

The only way to understand this concept is to understand, at least briefly, about the sacrificial system mindset of the Hebrew people thousands of years ago. The idea is basically that if a wrong is committed (of any kind), someone has to pay for it.

A modern day example: if someone commits a crime, like murder, all family members of the deceased seek justice. The murderer should do time and face the consequences. If the crime goes unpunished, one would say that there was a lack of justice.

Well, back up a few thousand years... the same applied then, too. Out of this came the sacrificial system. People would bring an offering/sacrifice to God for their sins... the ways in which they fell short, etc.

One sacrifice of note, was a spotless lamb. Each year, people would bring their offering as an atonement (a forgiveness, cleansing) of sin. In other words, the crimes/sins of the people were placed upon this poor lamb.

So... year after year after year... this was done.

In steps Jesus, and a new way of looking at this. In Christianity, Jesus became the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (as John the Baptist described him). Once and for all, a final sacrifice was made. A spotless "Lamb" was given up in our place... and the sins of the world (even yours, even the most hideous hypocrites of the world like me as well) were placed upon him on our behalf.

In Christianity, we see the judge that pronounces us "guilty as charged," step down from his bench to take our place of judgment and pay for our crime in our place.

In fact, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus' last words from the cross were: "It is finished." The word was really one word in Greek. It was a word used for business transactions, purchases, and the payments of debts. It means "Paid in full." Like when you fully purchase your house, or your car, etc. In other words, our debts were all paid... once and for all. And of course, I don't mean in a true monetary sense, but figuratively.

Hope this helps a bit.
---
Sapphire Dragon: ohh yeah, it helps. 'specially the explanation of the whole sacrificial system. and this
"His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death."
is about the coolest thing I've ever read concerning Christianity.
Thank you for taking the time to explain all that. :)

-------------

Man... I love stuff like that. I love it when the pieces come to together.

Goodbye 2004

2004-12-31T00:01:00.000-08:00

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!?

Merry Christmas

2004-12-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

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

Understanding the Bible

2004-12-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

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.

Republican Party ≠ Christianity

2004-11-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Capernaum Project

2004-11-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

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.

BE

2004-11-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

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!*

Story/Plot Driven

2004-10-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

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...

Little Round Top

2004-10-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

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."

Buzz

2004-10-01T02:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Alive

2004-09-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Church on the Move

2004-08-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

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.

So, we're living here in Allentown

2004-08-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Captain

2004-08-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

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!

Leaving for Houston

2004-08-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

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

Wild

2004-08-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

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.

RiSk

2004-07-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

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!

Generation Gap?

2004-07-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

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...

Ashes Remain

2004-07-12T22:36:00.001-07:00

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...

Isolation

2004-06-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Fat Coaches

2004-06-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

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!*

Navigation

2004-06-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

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.

The Birth of a Vision

2004-06-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

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.

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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

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

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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!

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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

New Deal

2004-06-05T00:23:00.000-07:00

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.

Vision

2004-06-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Joshua Graduates!

2004-06-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

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."

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

DCC

2004-05-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

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?

2004-03-17T22:27:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-03-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

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...

2004-03-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

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...

2004-03-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-02-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

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

2004-02-16T23:12:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-02-14T17:01:00.000-08:00

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. :)

2004-01-31T23:31:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-01-31T23:28:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-01-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

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

2004-01-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-01-21T22:46:00.000-08:00

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*

:)

2004-01-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

13 women in the store now. 3 guys. One working, me and some random dude.

2004-01-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

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.

2004-01-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

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...

2004-01-13T22:58:00.000-08:00

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

2004-01-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

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

lol

DCC

2004-01-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

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

2004-01-07T20:24:00.000-08:00

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!

2004-01-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

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

2004-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

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

2004-01-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

DCC