A United Method

LOST (and found): Together

2012-01-05T23:56:00.001-06:00

Ever go to Six Flags? Disney World? Grand Canyon?

Did you go by yourself? Probably not. It isn't that you can't enjoy those things by yourself (and let's be honest, sometimes you do need to get away) but the memorable moments in life are always better with friends and family.

So what do you do when you want to watch your favorite show (LOST) with twenty six friends?

Why not teach a class on it?

That is the joy I'm getting to experience right now at Birmingham-Southern College. It's just an interim class (one month) but it is a joy that I am relishing. One of the fun aspects of the class is that watching all of LOST was not a requirement for the course. This has... complicated... the holistic approach that LOST needs but has allowed for me to re-experience seeing it with new eyes again.

Jack Shepherd (names are important) reminds his beach-buddies that we either can either live together or die alone. While LOST is not really a matter of life and death, the wisdom of this proclamation also speaks to value of each and every person. Each and every story. Each and every struggle.

When I share my favorite things with others they cease being mine and become ours. Let Regina Spektor say it for us:

No, this is how it works
You peer inside yourself
You take the things you like
And try to love the things you took
And then you take that love you made
And stick it into some
Someone else's heart
Pumping someone else's blood
And walking arm in arm
You hope it don't get harmed
But even if it does
You'll just do it all again

We like to think of life, salvation, and maybe even death as something that affects one person at a time. This is an unfortunate fallacy of our society. We are in this together and I'd bet we'll find a way to live together.

Don't have time.

2011-12-27T18:13:00.001-06:00

"I don't have time" - this isn't a truth; it is a justification when I don't care enough.

So now that I'm posting to my blog again I'm reminded of how great it is to take time to be with family. There are so many places in life where I just don't have time... have you said it before too?

I have.

But when I say "I don't have time," more often than not it isn't that I'm caught in circumstances I can't control. More often than not - I'm simply deciding my priorities.

Who hasn't shrugged at that person and need and said to ourselves and God - hey, I can't control what I'm going through.

Hogwash. (that's the word I'd use while preaching so I don't say a dirty word)

The truth is that there is more than enough time. We make our own time. Those things that matter most to us - football, movies, music, alcohol. Always time for those things, right? Always money to be found for one more fix.

That is one great thing about the holidays - we don't have time. And yet, we spend time with our loved ones and realize how much we needed this. We are forced, in a way. Perhaps the birth of this Christ child forces us to take time?

At least, that is what I'm experiencing. I need my family. They make me who I am. I might slip into being the middle son but it is totally worth it. I sure don't enjoy Christmas because I need more stuff. In fact, my favorite gift this year was a donation to angel tree in our honor.

What has been the greatest gift you've received this Christmas? Mine has been time. Time I don't have. But time I won't trade.

Further up, further in.

2011-12-26T22:18:00.000-06:00

It has been over two months since I've posted last. Life has moved fast but I'm suddenly aware that a new year is beginning.To be honest, I have not been able to manage my time well. Transitioning into a new job, enjoying my family, and keeping up with other responsibilities seem like great reasons to not care for my blog.However! However....I miss you. I miss reflecting and sharing and being able to speak my thoughts. Truth is there are many thoughts, many events, and many issues that I have been involved with in 2011 that I have not shared about online.But 2012 is coming. It isn't a new years resolution - it is a commitment to reflection and finding the Holy Spirit in hindsight.Looking forward to the journey, again.

Chapel Sermon, November 7th 2011

2011-11-08T17:31:00.000-06:00

It's almost the holiday season!! Have you started looking for deals? Thinking of what you want in that stocking? Giving good gifts can be a challenge. Listen to this sermon to hear a bit about that.

Sermon from Chapel, 10/31/11

2011-11-01T10:25:00.000-05:00

Do you have enough time? People are running around like chickens with their heads cut off (sorry, old southern expression). So what to preach about in Chapel?

How about giving more time?

The sermon from Chapel on Halloween, October 31st, 2011.

Halloweeeeeeeen!

2011-10-27T17:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween and all that. Blah, let's just get to All Saints' Day, okay?

A few animals who are truly creepy.

Coffee with Jesus

2011-10-24T17:11:00.000-05:00

If you love Jesus and you love coffee, then you'll love this: https://www.facebook.com/RadioFreeBabylon

Just a snippet that you can click to enlarge (and there are many more like it). -

Chapel, October 3rd 2011

2011-10-04T10:34:00.000-05:00

Why do you go to church? Is it because that cute boy you like goes there? Is it because of the guilt your mom instilled in you? Is it because you just long to be around people and Church folk are the best you could find (lulz, please don't let it be that). I think we continue to go to church because every person - every single person who has ever lived - is longing to find God. To be in relationship with God. This sermon is about the best way you can follow Jesus. Perhaps one of the most hopeful sermons I've ever preached.
-

LOST (and found): Movin this party

2011-10-03T17:44:00.000-05:00

I've been approved. Originally I had hoped to post LOST themed devotionals on my blog to feed my need to process the show. Well, Birmingham Southern College has deemed me worthy of teaching an Explorations Term in January. So my devotionals will take a bit of a hiatus while I direct my LOST energies towards actually building a curriculum. Cool huh? Here is the summary:

LOST:My Religion

JackHinnen

ABC’s hit television series, LOST, was a success because it spoke to religious, philosophical, and moral choices people make every day. J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Lieber, and Damon Lindelof infused LOST with theological struggle and dynamic characters that mirror a lot of the places we find ourselves. This course will explore those themes, characters, and plot and discuss their implications in society and our own lives. Course work will include watching specific relevant episodes across all six seasons to facilitate class discussion, two five page essays (one on a moral dilemma or thematic dichotomy within LOST and the other on plot or myth progression of the show), a 30 minute presentation on a specific character and their religious perspectives, and readings from The Gospel According to LOST by Chris Seay and Lost Humanity: The Mythology and Themes of LOST by Pearson Moore. Students are expected to spend 30 hours a week on work in and out of class and will be provided episodes during and around class times.

A Simple Question

2011-09-27T17:14:00.000-05:00

What word would you use to describe someone doing something good specifically to elicit a response?

- Will King Vain.
  6 hours ago ·
- Danielle Warren Self Conniving.
  6 hours ago ·
- Laura Down Strange insincere
  6 hours ago ·
- Trav Wilson politician
  5 hours ago ·
- Rick Averyt OBAMA
  5 hours ago ·
- Trav Wilson Yeah, I was going to say socialist politician ... but I was trying to be nice.
  5 hours ago ·
- Ross François Collier Santa Claus
  5 hours ago ·
- Ginny Shope Fowler The phrase that comes to mind is "ulterior motive."
  5 hours ago ·
- Jessica Gissendanner Self-centered
  5 hours ago ·
- Teresa Quiroz pretentious, manipulative, calculating. not genuine. *insincere* is the best word I can think of. I wish I could think of one more fitting for when a person doesn't realize they are doing it.
  5 hours ago ·
- Kyle Bryan God
  5 hours ago ·
- Frank Mullens a troll
  5 hours ago ·
- Armond Moyo Human
  4 hours ago ·
- Teresa Quiroz art!!! haha
  4 hours ago ·
- Jack Hinnen Kyle - see, I don't think God's love is contingent on a response. Hence, it isn't all the bad words you see in these comments. Maybe I'm the only one who feels God's love is the agenda, not a way of getting somewhere else (to the response)
  4 hours ago · · 1 person
- Kyle Bryan I should have been more clear. What I meant by "god" is the current majority of Christianity's idea of God; kind of like Santa Clause.
  3 hours ago ·
- Tom Stalnaker Unloving
  2 hours ago ·
- Jason Ray
  I'm gonna respond then look at the 17 comments- to me I don't care what someones motive is if they are doing something good. I don't care if it is to float their own boat or to impress someone, if they are doing good that has merit in and ...See More
  
  2 hours ago ·
- Kevin Payne This raises am interesting question, as is being wrestled with here: what is truly important - the action in and of itself, or the attitude in which the action is done...
  about an hour ago ·
- Jack Hinnen kyle - I agree, and hear you more clearly :)
  
  Jason - my Dad (as a wonderful 5 point TULIP Calvinist) *might* argue that everything we do (good, bad, indifferent) is ultimately selfish and thus poorly motivated.
  
  What is interesting to me, though, is that my attention was on the validity of the good based on motive, but the validity of the good based on the result.
  
  A minor example:
  
  a.) Jack gives Jill flowers so she'll go on a date with him.
  b.) Jack gives Jill flowers because he likes her.
  
  In both, the flowers are still good. But most people associate an obvious difference between giving someone flowers to get something and giving flowers because you like them. (My original question was simply what do you call it when someone gives you flowers so they'll get something in return?)
  
  A major example:
  
  a.) Christ lives, dies, and invites us to join the resurrection so we can "date" him forever.
  b.) Christ lives, dies, and invites us to join the resurrection because he likes us.
  
  Is there a difference? :)

I believe, help my unbelief

2011-09-21T18:59:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it seems we need to remind ourselves that where we sit is not where we should be. So I offer these prayers tonight:

I believe you want everyone to know you perfectly, help my unbelief.

Every person is worthy of redemption. There are gray areas where I hem and haw and say that there is no hope. Nonsense! The second I think someone else is beyond salvation is the second I separate my reality from God's. Sometimes my unbelief is directed at others but the worst is when I direct it at myself. The road may be long but just because my brain can't fathom a different path or a greater alternative doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.

I believe my worth is found in God, help my unbelief.

Who doesn't compare themselves to others? Who doesn't rely on kind words from strangers or criticism from friends? Where do I get off thinking that somehow those change God's joy in my pursuit of Jesus' face? When pride boils up only to be crushed under unfathomable anxiety or worry - is this a bad thing? It only serves to expose my insecurities and God's amazing love. Sometimes I wish I didn't know what others thought - but that would close so many avenues for God to share Jesus' amazing love to me.

I believe I am loved, help my unbelief.I'm not perfect. In my mistakes, in my weakness, in my sins, and in my hurts - I am loved. Do I have to say it over and over to myself because I don't believe it, or because I'm trying to drown out the other voices in my head? Neither negates your presence. Where can I go from your presence? If I go into heaven, you're there. In the depths I can't get away from you. If I go to the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me. Your right hand will hold me fast.

I believe you are God, help my unbelief.

Where is the center of my world and where is the authority? Do I have the serenity to accept the things I cannot change? Do I have the courage to change the things that should be changed? God, for the love of all that is holy give me the wisdom to know the difference. May your serenity be my own. May your courage be my own. Help me stop trying to be God.

I believe you hear me, help my unbelief.

You have some massive ears. Bigger than Tommy Tuberville's. A bruised reed you will not break. In your gentleness and in your steadfast love may I find the creator of the universe quieting my despair, hate, and fear. Trade them for hope, faith, and love.

I believe, help my unbelief.

The Gathering 9/12/11

2011-09-15T15:18:00.000-05:00

This is the sermon I preached the Monday after 9/11. I didn't get to blog about it but I did get to preach. Check it out - and if you feel really daring, clicky clicky what comes under it

My ICE Group

2011-09-04T10:29:00.001-05:00

I made a video for a project I'm working on with help from the Lilly Foundation. ICE stands for Institute for Clergy Excellence and it is a continued education effort. So some of my closest friends and I put together a video. Since I edited and did it, I figured I'd share.

Change Agents ICE Proposal from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Thought for the morning

2011-08-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

Christians claim Jesus. If we claim Jesus, that means we hope to live like Jesus. If we live like Jesus that means we have to love like Jesus. If we love like Jesus, then we love those who are not like us.

The Son of God came and loved on those who were the least like God. Jesus came to reach out to those who had been rejected, condemned, or ostracized and were powerless to overcome their separation.

Jesus came to claim the ones that no one else wanted - the "godless" and the "wicked."

If we love those who are not like us, Jesus can love them as his own. If we love as Jesus does, we will live as Jesus does. If we live like Jesus, we discover we aren't the ones claiming Jesus - Jesus is the one claiming us. Then we realize while Christ would associate with such people as, "Christians."

Opening of School Worship 2011

2011-08-28T14:01:00.000-05:00

There was a great worship service this morning at Yeilding Chapel on BSC's campus. LOTS of Freshmen came and sang, prayed, and meditated on a word from God. Why don't you have a listen:

New Student Convocation 2011

2011-08-27T17:21:00.001-05:00

I had the honor of praying the Invocation at BSC's Convocation for the Class of 2015. I hope we can continue to pray it through this year.
---------------
Prayer for the class of 2015:

God of new life; today is a day we say thanks. What a difference a year makes. What a difference a summer makes. What a difference to witness, in the arrival of these new students, friends, and family, the future of Birmingham-Southern College.

We say thanks for these students and the new life they will bring to this institution and to our lives. We say thanks for the loved ones who have brought us to this day. We say thanks for the staff and faculty who will sacrifice of themselves to better this place. We say thanks that in this place and in this year BSC will be a safe environment to discover ourselves, our neighbors, and your sustaining grace. We say thanks for your blessings as we endeavor to teach, learn, and grow in our understanding of the beauty of this world. We say thanks for Birmingham-Southern.

Today is a day to say yes.

We say yes to the future that we have yet to discover. We say yes to expensive textbooks, challenging Generals, and professors who seem to see something in ourselves that we have yet to discover. We say yes to the challenges that are ahead in our studies, athletics, and social life. We say yes to the community that will often support us in our doubts and trials. We say yes to what is expected and what we have yet to see. We say yes to Birmingham-Southern.

To say yes and thanks to BSC, O God, we need each other. Through your grace, help us to hear and respect those who may not see the world as we do but will help us to see the world as we ought. We pray you will help us reject fear of the unknown, despair that comes with mistakes or failure, or hate that we resort to in our desperation.

We pray you will give us faith in each other, this school, and the future you have for us. We pray you will give us hope for this year. We pray you will give us love for this school and all that comes with it.

Lead us forward, ever. Amen.

LOST (and found): Two Sides

2011-08-11T17:55:00.003-05:00

There is plenty of duality in LOST. Good and evil, fate and free will, life and death. But in the Pilot, part 2, this duality is best shown in one way we best process it: games. Spoilers ahead.

Call of Duty: Black Ops? What's that? Roll the dice, kid.

John Locke, who has just miraculously regained the use of his legs is non-nonchalantly cillin' on the beach. Walt, bored out of his mind, finds Locke playing backgammon. Ooooo, I found a clip.

The "oldest game in the world." Just in case that didn't sound cool enough, Locke even exclaims, "It's five thousand years old; that's older than Christ."

Older than Christ!? Now you've really got my attention! Anyway... two sides. You'll notice Locke avoids ascribing personality to the two sides. The color simply shows they are on opposing teams.

See what he did there? Which one is good? Which one is bad? Who knows! That is part of the mystery and adventure in LOST and will be a topic we'll get into later.

The idea of two opposing sides is so meta in LOST that it must be presented in a way that is both easily understood (a game) and infinitely deep. Games are important in LOST, you see them everywhere. Chess, Backgammon, football, Connect Four - just to name a few.

Does it seem odd to you that after such a traumatic event as a plane crash Locke would be playing a game? It shouldn't. People need games. Just ask Tuscaloosa how much they are looking forward to seeing the Crimson Tide play after the horrific Tornado destruction of April 27th, 2011. Games allow us a construct by which we can define our reality. The same is true for LOST and the reality faced on the mysterious island.

This is the premise presented in the duality of the "Man in Black" and Jacob, of whom we'll learn more of later. As I said at the beginning, it also crops up in other duality that doesn't necessarily have to follow a good/bad construct. For the world of LOST, you could almost say the entire experience on the island is a kind of game. Granted, a very serious game where people can lose their lives, but a game non-the-less.

------------
Why does this matter for Christians? Well, there is a distinct difference in the world of LOST the Christian perspective of our world. Two ways:

Playing the Game
Christians would do well sometimes to take the Biblical view that our lives are, in some sense, part of a larger "game" - this both means that we should take life "not so" seriously but also of infinite importance. When the game is over, it is over - death even comes with it's own theme music at our funeral. But Jesus clearly offered the idea that because we need not fear death (or, the "end" of the game) and so we can "play the game" the way we need to - without fear of the end result. In LOST and in our world, choices are of vital importance to the individual - but how much does it change the outcome?

As long as I've been alive the "light" team is good and the "dark" team is evil. Think Lone Ranger - good guys are easily identified by their white shirts. They are noble, upright, and always dashing. Bad guys are always dressed in black. They are shady, ruthless, and sit in dark corners laughing maniacally and rubbing their hands together with plans for world domination.

Unfortunately, something is lost when we label certain races, nations, or persons as being on one team or the other. Instead of simply establishing that the two sides are opposed, we confer judgment. It isn't that these judgments aren't true or right - it is that we can't ever see past them.

Let's step further from just playing a game and look at that duality...

Duality of Good vs. Evil
One thing people cannot get away from is the presence of evil in a world that we believe was created by a good and divine creator. Evil, for Christians, often takes many names. Sin, the Devil, Fallen from grace - regardless of your take on Hell (a popular subject today but I'm not getting into fate or free will yet) everyone admits that things are not always "good."

Some people see this conflict of reality and place good and evil on the same level playing field. Think Ying Yang type thing. Good and evil are equally opposed and their only difference is that they are opposed.

This may be true in LOST, but it is not true in Christian tradition. God is not on the same playing field as Evil. C.S. Lewis makes the case that evil is simply a tainted good - it doesn't have it's own virtues, it only uses corrupted virtues - thus making it only an alternative to "good" that can only be reached by corrupting good. In our world, there is good and there is evil. That doesn't always mean we know which is which though, does it. Regardless to how well we can see it, in our world, God definitely is "above" evil. Evil, in a lot of ways, doesn't have the power, resources, or purposes of God. Thus, evil will be and is already, simply at the mercy and judgment of God.

Did I lose you? I hope not. Let me summarize:

In LOST there are two teams, equally opposed and apparently in constant conflict. Yes, there is good and evil in there but both sides see the other as evil and their own side as good.*

In the Christian world view, it is more appropriate to say there is, by and large, good. God's good. Yes, that good gets corrupted - but that corrupted good must be reconciled. Hence, Jesus Christ coming to save the world, not destroy/condemn it. Hence, evil must never be excluded from the "good side" of the game. There is always hope we can all be on the same team.

We would do well to claim God's abundant grace whenever we are playing a game or living our lives - especially lives that we give to Christ.

-----------

* - the Man in Black often espouses freedom and power and the struggle of coming out from under Jacob's thumb. Who doesn't want freedom and power? These things are not bad, in and of themselves. You'll also notice in LOST Jacob seems to do some pretty evil things to keep the Man in Black in check - thus making the distinction of who is good or who is bad intentionally murky. Whole bunch of "grey" between the black and white of LOST. God, on the other hand, never ever ever resorts to evil/bad actions. Even with the best intentions, and greatest freedoms, Christ overcomes the temptations to do the wrong things for the right reasons. He does the right things for the right reasons. And this is why we place our hope and our faith in this God. This is why I believe we can do it too.

LOST (and found): Fear

2011-08-09T09:36:00.000-05:00

What do Jonah and Kate have in common? A desire to run.

Sewing my own drapes is nothing like stitching up your back, tyvm.

In The Pilot, Part 1, we are introduced to most of the main characters that we know and love from the hit show, LOST. Perhaps the most prevalent emotion right from the get-go is fear. People are running around all over the place after the airplane crash, things blowing up, pregnant ladies almost birthing, and all kinds of uncertainties that pull you in. We are even introduced to the Smoke Monster. (Oh hey, disclaimer - there will be spoilers)

There is one scene that resonates with me. Jack - no, not me, that Jack - finds a secluded part of the beach after the harrowing attempts to save lives and avoid more disaster. He pulls his shirt off to find his side cut up and out of the woods pops Kate. Good ole Kate, rubbing her wrists from the handcuffs she only recently removed. Jack asks Kate to sew him up, and she objects, afraid that she can't do it and will throw up and all that.

What follows applies to life and is worth discussing. Jack and Kate talk about fear and how to respond to it. Kate, of course, shares her desire to run.* Jack calms her by talking about a nearly-botched surgical procedure where he talks about a bunch of nerves being like angel-hair pasta. Yum!

Jack's trick for dealing with fear is to "let the fear take over, but only for five seconds." After that, supposedly, Jack can get on with life and do what he needs to do. Worked for Jack at the surgery - he cleans the patient up and succeeds.

Later in the episode, Kate is hiding in the woods from God-knows-what (smoke monster) and, in a fit of abject horror, starts counting to five and then strides back to find her lost companions.

------------
Fear is one of those things we all deal with, yes? I preached this past week on Matthew 14:22-33 where Peter, overcome by fear and doubt, takes his eyes off Jesus and starts sinking into the Sea of Galilee (oh snap! He was walking on water!).

The Dow is falling, the sky is falling, the world is falling apart. Wars, earthquakes, floods, riots. We have so much to be afraid of. And fear is a big problem because it often keeps us from doing what we need to do. In Kate's case, her inability to confront her fear leads to all kinds of problems. I mean, it is serious. She loses friends, folks die, and generally, her fear destroys any hope of a normal life.

Jack's response to fear - to deal with it - is much healthier, even if somewhat impractical. Five seconds isn't long enough for your heart rate to slow down, much less have a plan on how to move forward in a meaningful way.

As a Christian, I recognize Jesus often reminds me to not fear, worry, or doubt. But have you ever noticed that Jesus doesn't say, "you shouldn't be afraid" but instead, "don't be afraid." I may be splitting hairs, but this to me is really important: Jesus acknowledges the fear. And his response is not, "Hey! Don't do that! Doubter!" or to pep-talk me into thinking I can do it. His response is to re-adjust my attention onto Him. The fear is there - admit it. Move on.

Five seconds is long enough to recognize a face. Five seconds is enough to remember that God is still God. Five seconds is enough to take a breath, focus on Jesus, and step out into whatever future God has for us. Even when there is a smoke monster waiting for us.

* - Of course, we know Kate loves to run. That is the whole point of this early character identification. She spends all six seasons trying to run and struggling with fear. It is telling that she stays at the end to deal with the final mess. She has finally overcome her fear.

Does counting to five and "letting the fear in" work? What do you think?

LOST (and found): The Beginning

2011-08-04T15:11:00.003-05:00

Love LOST? Yeah, me too. With a little help from Netflix and lostpedia, I'm going to be doing something that I've wanted to do for ages. I'm going to start a LOST Devotional. Here is what I hope to do:

- Bridge the thematic links between happenings/people/themes in LOST and Christian thought.
- Act like you've seen it. I was going to try to keep it spoiler free, but so much of watching it after the end of the show shows the depth and breadth of thought.
- Not break any laws. As much as I'd love to show you corresponding clips of LOST that match what I'm talking about, ABC probably won't give me permission to do so. And while I'm trying not to break any laws, you'll find my official straight-out-of-my-head disclaimer at the bottom in fine print.
- Have fun with others. I love talking about Christianity and I love LOST. Surely there are those who have a similar sentiment. At the same time, I know haters are gonna hate. Yes, LOST has suggestive themes and isn't for everyone. Yes, LOST is not a Christian show. Don't care. Have fun.

What do you think? Should I change the ground rules? Have something you'd really like for me to touch on?

My "official" disclaimer, should for some odd reason someone cares about this stuff:
- There will be spoilers. All six seasons could possibly be used in every/any post. You've been warned!

- Obviously, there are copyrights to LOST's material and I'm pretty sure ABC, lostpedia, and Netflix deserve credit where credit is due. Basically, go buy/use their stuff and support them, because I watched all the episodes on Netflix, Lostpedia and its users provide invaluable information, and ABC owns the rights to the show and characters. You can also go watch all the episodes on Hulu, but they still don't give me the rights to post clips on my blog.
- The opinions here are my own unless credit is given.
- All Bible translations will be NIV unless otherwise noted.
- Closest actual legal disclaimer: This fansite is not affiliated with ABC, Bad Robot Productions or The Walt Disney Company. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners, and are used here under the terms of Fair Use as defined in United States CopyrightDoctrine. LOST is a registered trademark of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Jesus Loves Nukes

2011-08-02T17:12:00.001-05:00

Well, according to the Air Force via this Gizmodo article (click here).

Even if you (or someone you know) are a "just war" kind of Christian, it really smarts when you ask, "Who would Jesus nuke?"

The Japanese, apparently. Justified by Ethics training by Air Force Chaplains and some well placed Powerpoint slides quoting Von Braun, who really needs Scripture and that whole "love your neighbor" thing?

The writer (agnostic) of the Gizmodo article even pens a bit of theological probing when he says,

For Jesus, the Bible character, there's no justification for the use of force. Much less for the massive annihilation of humans.

Now THAT is Jesus Christ, crucified. Amen.

Right place, right time.

2011-07-20T13:13:00.000-05:00

You know that saying about being just where God wants you? Or when you have such a great string of luck that you are just in the right place at the right time? Life, for me lately, feels like this:

And I'm the guy trying to get across.

Nothing like being in the right place at the right time, especially when that is a moving target.

Hope in Grieving

2011-07-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

Grief is never something we do by ourselves. Recently, a friend of mine, Chase, lost a loved one and it caused him to seek out others who grieve. So he asked me to contribute.

The guest post can be found here. I'd encourage you to check out some of the other posts for his "Grief Week" as grieving is something we all need to do sometimes.

Chase can be found on twitter here.

Traditions!

2011-07-13T11:19:00.000-05:00

There was a recent conversation at BSC about ringing a bell. Made me think about... well... what other than traditions!? Take it away Tevye!

Who doesn't love traditions? They. are. everywhere. The FUN thing about traditions, after all, is that they are meaningful because they are passed down from one generation to another as important. For example - the fact you like your tea when the sun comes up? Not a tradition - that's a preference if it is just your personal thing. The fact that your parents did it, you do it, and you'll pass it on to your children, does make a tradition. Everyone loves traditions. Methodists sure do, even to the point of using it to come to theological conclusions.

Traditions pervade our lives and give meaning to the smallest actions. They often usher in the most "meaningful" events of our lives as well.

Yet as Fiddler on the Roof, the United Methodist Church, and any "outsider" can tell you, traditions can stand between people. Often times, tradition exist for that very reason. To determine who is in and who is out.

Is this a good thing? Is it bad? Who controls traditions? When do you shut them down? When do you start them up?

There are three fierce myths about traditions that I think need to be put to rest:

Traditions are only for old people. Have you ever been to Camp Winnataska? Or Sumatanga? There are traditions at every summer camp. Some of them simple, some complex. But the intended targets for such traditions are always young. Traditions are for young people too! I say this for two reasons: 1.) Traditions are always the transmission of meaning from older to younger. 2.) Young people LOVE traditions. Sure, they may reject the traditions of their elders, but they simply form their own traditions. In a lot of ways, I think young people care more about traditions than older folks.
The oldest traditions are the most important. "But we've done it FOREVER!" C'mon - forever is a long time and you've only been a part of it for... what... two years? The only people who make this argument are people who don't like your tradition (or lack of appreciation for theirs) and want to make their own seem more important. Sure, it may be really cool that the Catholic Church uses the same liturgy every where in the world and it is always in Latin. But that doesn't make it more important than doing it in the local vernacular. Longevity does not outweigh relevance. Besides, there is a false sense of "old" everywhere. Companies, churches, books, families, and societies constantly try to tie their traditions into the past. Remember the DaVinci Code? One of Dan Brown's greatest literary tricks is to infuse meaning by tying back into a past tradition. Remember the Illuminati? Real. Secretly battling the Catholic Church over the centuries? Not real. But a false sense of tradition is established, all the same. To say that the oldest traditions are really the most important is to argue that returning to where we once came is preferable to determining our own meanings of life. I could use the same argument to say America should be a monarchy or we should still be living in caves. (Tradition!!!!)
Traditions never change. Probably the biggest myth is that traditions are always and forever will be the same. Traditions are constantly changing. With every iteration, every generation, ever conversation about what makes a tradition so great, it changes. Traditions are as fluid or important as the people who are involved. No tradition survives intact over more than a single generation. I know there is this lament across America right now that Christianity (and the nation) are changing beyond all hope. Traditions of old are being discarded and we are slipping into being a godless, horrible place to live. Seriously?! Christians from 1300 AD would not recognize what we call Christianity. Christians in 3000AD also won't have any clue. One generation laments the ever changing world - it hasn't always been like this, and by the grace of God it won't always be like this.

This is part of the beauty of our world and of our God. Traditions are for everyone. New traditions spring up everywhere and they are valid to determining meaning. Traditions are always changing, and this isn't a bad thing.

You have any traditions you really love? Any you'd like to see go?

Because BSC students read this blog...

2011-07-06T17:50:00.000-05:00

And because I know you are on facebook - click here.

That'll have to hold us over until Google+ takes over the world or Birmingham-Southern College lets me climb up onto Norton with a megaphone.

Forward, Ever.

2011-06-26T14:30:00.000-05:00

Short of me straight up asking him to guest post on my blog, the current President of Birmingham-Southern College wrote an op-ed that I want to share with you.

You can find the link for the text, here, on al.com's website. Give them a visit, as the article is to their credit.

I'm proud to say that I work at BSC and that it is affiliated with God's church - the United Methodist Church.

By Charles C. Krulak

Gen. Charles C. Krulak and his wife, Zandi Meyers Krulak, meet Birmingham-Southern College students and faculty on March 21, 2011, at his introduction to the college as its new president. (The Birmingham News/Linda Stelter)

The greatest strength of Birmingham-Southern College resides in its people -- in the students, faculty, staff, graduates, trustees and clergy who breathe life into this community each day. While the individuals in these ranks have changed over the 155 years of the college's existence, one thing has remained constant: Birmingham-Southern College's commitment to develop young men and women mentally, morally and physically, and equip them for lives of useful service to the world.

Our dedication to this mission is fierce. It is unwavering. It has seen the college through many trying times -- from the carnage of the Civil War, through the scarcity of the Great Depression, to dark days of the early 1970s when the college considered removing itself from its hilltop perch in western Birmingham.

The financial crisis through which the college is passing and the recent decision of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools that was based solely on where we were in 2009-2010, versus where we are today, is another example of the obstacles this extraordinary college has faced. Through it all, Birmingham-Southern College has prevailed and emerged a stronger place for having weathered those challenges.

This is not pie-in-the-sky optimism, but a matter of record. I have been in fights before, and this is a fight I know we can win.

There is considerable evidence that Birmingham-Southern College is coming back and is coming back stronger than ever. Our financial position continues to improve; our budget is in balance for the fiscal year recently ended. New fiscal controls are in place. New auditors have been engaged. Giving to the college is reaching near historical highs, and we look for even better things in the days ahead.

Our board of trustees is deeply committed to the college, and the two Methodist conferences with which the college is proudly affiliated have rallied in strong support. We have tackled significant fiscal challenges and are in the process of concluding agreements that will reduce substantially the college's debt-service payments over the long haul. These are structural financial changes that will pay big dividends as the future unfolds.

Thus, the college is well-positioned to launch BSC 2020, a comprehensive and broad strategic planning process that will engage all constituencies of the college and important civic leaders in Birmingham and beyond. We will never forget that our college is an integral part of this wonderful city. These are exciting times. All of the pieces are in place for the creation of a plan for BSC's future -- one that will carry us forward for another 150 years.

During this past year, the college's faculty undertook a review of our general education program and produced the Explorations Curriculum, an innovative and bold program in general education that emphasizes the capacities and skills students should learn in college, not merely the completion of a series of "check box" requirements arrayed by academic discipline, as is common at many other colleges and universities.

We are committed to assessing the learning outcomes in each area of the new curriculum, improving on what we know to be true: A BSC education develops in our students the capacity to think critically, to write well, to solve complex problems and to work as members of a team.

We want our students to be intellectually agile enough to prosper in the economy of the future. Through athletics, residence life and our religious programs, we nurture students outside of the classroom, developing young women and men of character who will lead our world in the days ahead.

Our goal, not our dream, is to become one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the nation. This is what has animated us in the past and will propel us into the future. Forward, ever.

Matthew Reed's New Album, "Come and Drink" EP

2011-06-25T12:13:00.000-05:00

I don't listen to Christian music. Well, that isn't entirely true. Every Sunday I worship and appreciate cutting edge Christian music. My ipod has more than a few Dove Award winners of yesteryear. In my youth I listened to DC Talk, Third Day, Audio Adrenaline, Caedmon's Call and Big Tent Revival – remember them? But nowadays I must be set in my ways because finding new artists is something that happens by... well... happenstance.

This is why this music review is really so special – I don't do this all the time. But there is a “new” artist that you need to hear and I'm going to tell you why.

Matthew Reed released a new EP - “Come and Drink” and it has already found its way into the company of said artists. I must admit I was sceptical the first time I heard him. Christian music has a way of being “pushy” - but Matt is anything but pushy. One of my favorite things about this EP is how inviting it is.

Want a hear? here.

You need to listen to “Come and Drink” because it is good Christian music. Just because music is “Christian” does not make it good. But when good music is Christian, I am pleasantly encouraged to draw closer to God. It is like finding a friend who enjoys something you do - listening to Matt's music is like finding a friend who I can give credit to because our hearts are in similar places and we never knew it.

“Come and Drink” is inviting. The title of the EP is inviting. The ambiance is inviting. The theology is inviting. Not pushy - inviting. There is a difference and Matthew Reed gets it. The songs are theologically sound. What I mean is that occasionally Christian songs would rather tell you how you should feel or how we should perceive God. Matt's music invites God to be a priority and our fulfillment. It invites us to invite God - and this is a great gift.

“Come and Drink” is polished. I'm no producer but it sounds wonderful. The time and attention to detail is appreciated. He is a pro. Actually, when Matthew and I were talking about his EP he mentioned he spent several years on the worship team at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham and I thought, "Oh, wonderful, another well-meaning but poorly prepared worship leader." But it is more than polished, it is passionate.

“Come and Drink” is catchy. Every good song needs a hook and progression. "Come and Drink" has forethought and definitive progress. I don't know how to describe it, but as new as "Come and Drink" is, it has blatant and beautiful Old Testament references. The music conjures two thoughts for me: first it exudes an appreciation for so many names of God and the people who call themselves followers. It is like moving through a Psalm. Second, it could be a soundtrack to the disconnect between our current appreciation for the new and modern (as felt in the musical style) and struggles with faith and tradition (as perceived in the throwback lyrics).

If I had a criticism it would be that the content of the six songs is similar. But this is an EP. In a world where singles are more purchased than a full album anyway. Matt can be excused having a great voice that encourages you to actually listen to the lyrics.

My favorite song is "Emmanuel." It gives you room to think and move at a pace that you can enjoy Matthew and dwell on what God is capable of. Great music takes you beyond itself and Emmanuel is one of those songs where I could just listen to it over and over again and hear something new in it each time.

You can get “Come and Drink” here and read more about Matthew Reed here.

That's not in the Bible.

2011-06-05T16:55:00.001-05:00

I love it when we can correct poor theology and increase Biblical literacy. Although I didn't write it, the following is, I think, a good way of talking about what is most certainly NOT in the Bible, despite our belief that it is.

Some of it you may disagree with (like whether the serpent in the Garden of Eden is Satan or not) but I'd ask you not get defensive and instead ask what attitudes we hide behind with pithy sayings that don't add to the truth of the matter, at all. We only stand to gain from determining what is in the Bible and what's not, especially since some Christians love quoting it all the time.

Oh, the article is here.

Bonus questions: Where in the Bible do you find the word, "Trinity" in either Greek or Hebrew? Where in the Bible does it say that marriage is only between one man and one woman? (Extra credit if you can tell me why Solomon having all those wives and concubines was wrong in the eyes of God.) Last one: According to Paul, which is better for a Christian... singleness or marriage?

Yay! I love theology!

"Tight" or "Loose" Societies

2011-06-02T08:44:00.001-05:00

Think America is headed for disaster? Wish everyone would just relax a little bit? Are you paranoid or apathetic?

Believe it or not, such societal norms don't happen in a vacuum but are based largely on context (duh?). There was a study recently that gauged nations on a scale of tightness or looseness. One take away is this:

A study published in Science last week finds that where a nation falls on the tightness-looseness spectrum has much to do with its ecological, historical, and societal threats.

Catch that? Threats. As someone who studied sociology in undergrad I can appreciate the complexities of any society, much less trying to determine the context that has developed. But a study that simply points out that perceived threats lead to how "tight" or "loose" a nation is? Yes please.

It isn't a perfect analogy because individuals vary - but it is true that our boundaries, mores and norms develop from our own (and others) sins. For example if your father is an alcoholic you have good reason to hate drinking.

How interesting then that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, wasn't threatened in the least by the actions of those around him. Despite knowing perfectly the people around him. Despite having knowledge of the intentions of the hearts of his followers and detractors. Time and time again his response of love was out of compassion, not perceived threat or danger.

We Christians would do well to stop feeling threatened and start loving as Christ. Maybe then we can loosen up a bit and quit being such tight wads. Maybe then we can tighten up and not be so lackadaisical.

Interesting article here.

Hi, I'm the new Chaplain at Birmingham-Southern College

2011-06-01T16:50:00.000-05:00

Howdy. So I'm the Chaplain at Birmingham-Southern. As they say around here: Forward, ever.

With the official start comes meeting the wonderful people who make Birmingham-Southern what it is.

Unfortunately the students who I look forward to spending time with are mostly gone. There are a few brave souls still hanging around for the summer. And plenty of faculty who I can mingle with. Definitely getting my feet under me.

With a new job comes PLENTY of prayer. It also brings un-exciting things like organizing books. I told my screening committee that I didn't feel as Chaplain I'd be doing my job unless I was with someone. So....

Consider this an open invitation: if you or anyone you know would like to get together and talk about the future of BSC (or, maybe, the past?) I'm excited about hearing how the Religious Life at BSC can be improved.

Don't get me wrong - I feel called to BSC for a reason (that will be expounded on more later), but I can't use what God's given me until I know better the context of where I am. So help a brother out :)

I'm trying to stay so busy talking to people that I don't have time to hang pictures. I want to be so inundated with chats that these boxes stick around a while.

God has some great plans for Birmingham-Southern, let's talk about how we can go forward, ever.

An Open Letter to Riverchase United Methodist Church

2011-05-28T13:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't written lately. Typically when that is the first line of any post you can pretty much stop reading because what follows is a loose amalgam of what I've been doing. You'll want to read this though. I haven't written because this letter is hard to write. So, here it is:

An Open Letter to Riverchase United Methodist Church.

Dear RUMC Members,

Many of you now know that I will become the Chaplain at Birmingham-Southern College on June 1st. it is truly bitter sweet as my time at Riverchase Methodist has meant the world to me. When I felt called into the ministry several years ago I never realized I would meet such wonderful people following after the Lord.

I don't know how you summarize five years of your life into a simple letter. I'm not even going to try. But I can't "leave" RUMC without telling y'all just how much you mean to me.

First, I need to say thank you.

Thank you for letting me be one of your own. Left and right, young and old, in the Well or in the Sanctuary - people have claimed me. I have more grandmothers, big brothers, and friends than I ever could have imagined. I've laughed and cried with people who wanted me to be a part of their lives. In our sharing of each other I've made friends and family that I will have all my life. Cheryl and I haven't had kids but I feel that your offspring are mine. I don't know how to describe it, but the connection I have with folks at RUMC will only strengthen over the years. Yes, I'll be at BSC and won't be in RUMC's life all the time - but our God has a way of bringing people back together.

Thank you for helping me grow. I think back five years ago and I think to myself that the guy who started preaching in SDL received a LOT of grace. I mean, I've told so many bad jokes and yet people still come to worship (must be the music). In the past five years of my growth I realize I have not made it yet. In fact I've had several people say they "knew we could never keep you" - that might be true, but I can't emphasize enough that my time at RUMC has never been a "stepping stone" in my eyes. Sure, I came from another church and now I'm being called elsewhere. But God is always calling us into new things. My growth wouldn't have happened without the people around me growing with me. We are being called to bigger things with our God - for some of us that means leaving Riverchase but for others it means staying. Right now, I'm growing into being the Chaplain at Birmingham-Southern College and that would never have happened without Riverchase UMC.

Thank you for loving my wife, "from a distance" most of the time. When Cheryl and I got married many RUMC folks came to the wedding and were with us on our special day. Cheryl's calling keeps her in East Lake a bit, but that hasn't stopped y'all from asking about her, making sure I'm taking care of her, and loving on her when she is around. August this year will be 3 years married. RUMC will always be our first Church that welcomed my wife and loved her because I loved her.

Thank you for supporting and loving such a wonderful church staff. RUMC, I've been blessed to work with some godly people - many of whom I'm honored to call family and not just co-workers. These people still need your help. They still need your support and your encouragement. They will try to take the church where they feel God is telling them, and I hope you will listen to their leadership. They aren't perfect, however, so you'll need to help guide them occasionally. But mostly, I hope you'll have grace for them.

But the last thank you, and perhaps the biggest: Thank you for sharing the joy of Christ with me. I know I know, Pastors are supposed to do that for the flock, but seriously? I've been fed. You have renewed my hope in the Kingdom of God really changing this world for Jesus. God loves this world so much and your Church is helping Birmingham see that. There are people out there who don't know how much God loves them. They don't have any idea about who Jesus is and how he works. But if you can share the joy of Christ with me than you can share the joy of Christ with anyone.

Second, we need to say yes to God. Jesus sets us free from slavery to sin and death. Jesus calls us to joyful obedience in that freedom. Our freedom, our obedience, are one in the same. Through Christ we are allowed to truly have the ability to choose (regardless of circumstances). People, unfortunately, have a tendency to look for patterns. We look for security, comfort, repetition, and regularity. There are so many bad things that oppress ourselves and the people around us. We need to let those things go. We need to quit making excuses for our sins and for our hurts holding us back from looking like Jesus. But truthfully idols don't have to be "bad" things. "Good" things can be idols too. Anything I put before my God can be an idol. Sometimes saying yes to God means putting away our "good" idols.

If, at any time over the past five years I have hindered your ability to say yes to God, I'm sorry. But I've tried. I've tried to encourage you and point you in the right direction. I haven't been your savior because you don't need anyone other than Jesus - but I've tried to share him best I could. If I've helped you say yes to God - awesome, it's because God loves you so much!

I've been Methodist long enough that I've heard people complain about how they have had some horrible preacher and it is "his" fault that folks don't love the church. Well I'm completing five years of ministry in what might be (by my estimation) the closest thing I'll ever experience to a "perfect church." What do we say if under such great circumstances we still don't entirely look like Jesus? We still have work to do. No, RUMC is not perfect, but I hope we can continue to take our queues from the one who is: Jesus Christ.

So instead of a good-bye, I hope to say "see you later" because with our God that is how things work. In fact, since I'm still preaching in SDL until the end of the year, I'll see you this Sunday. :)

For all that has been, thanks. To all that shall be, yes.

Yours, In Christ,
Jack and Cheryl

SDL (May 15th 2011)

2011-05-17T12:42:00.000-05:00

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Can you really cheat God? People try all the time I know. But can you *really* go around Jesus some how? He has a term for that kind of person and explains clearly what that looks like. But the Good Shepherd? Come hear about him in this sermon.

SDL (May 15th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

SDL (May 8th 2011)

2011-05-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Mothers Day! Moms make our hearts burn inside us with appreciation! Right? Well, of course. But so should Jesus. This sermon isn't really about mothers. Sorry about that. But it is about the Resurrection - which is pretty cool too.

SDL (May 8th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Latest Tornado Disaster Response Update for the UMC

2011-05-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

From my friend Rev. Matt Lacey, who is doing a wonderful job keeping with the updates:

Starting [today] (Wednesday, 4 May) at 7am, we are creating a Disaster Response Center at the North Alabama Conference Office.

You can reach the center at this number: 1-855-862-8657, starting Wednesday, May 4th, at 7am.

The past 6 days have been a long journey for many of us. As I have traveled to heavily affected areas, I am reminded of what it really means to be the body of Christ. Churches, from the minute the dust settled, reached out to those in need. We began organizing as soon as the storms passed, last Wednesday night, to get relief on the ground.

I want to make this clear: the UMC was on the ground, being the body of Christ the moment the storms hit. I want to thank all of our churches, districts, leaders, staff and volunteers. I cannot express what a difference you have made. Lives were saved, restored, and comforted because of you.

As we open the call center on Wednesday, I encourage you to phone in and ask what supplies you can give, where you can take supplies, what you can do to volunteer (ERT trained, or not), and for updates about affected areas. I want to express my thanks to all those who have helped me delegate and process information on the ground around the conference, so we could help those in this disaster over the past week. We could not have done this without you.

I hope you pay attention to the criteria we released just yesterday which opens up the volunteer base significantly. If you missed it, click here for that information.

If you are available, I would like to invite you to volunteer at the conference office, operating this important phone line. If you are interested in this, please contact Mary Simpson at (205) 226-7974 or msimpson@northalabamaumc.org to be added to the call center volunteer schedule.

Thank you again for all your hard work. In the times of deepest need, God makes God's presence known the most, and that is through all of us, the hands of feet of Christ.

-Matt

Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of Mission and Advocacy, North Alabama Conference

(Source, here)

Power? I'll show you power...

2011-05-04T13:28:00.002-05:00

The tornadoes... the death of Osama. All KINDS of things going on. And yet, a few Sundays ago we celebrated the resurrection of Christ - the verification that even death can't hold back our God. This, by the way, is a greater show of power than tornadoes or military force (as wonderful/horrible as those things may be). My sermon from this past week still applies. The end of the Gospel of John is actually... a beginning. Now that Jesus is risen, we, like the Disciples, get a fresh start. Come hear how life is reborn in the face of death and fear.

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Points To Consider Regarding Alabama Tornado Recovery

2011-05-02T14:25:00.000-05:00

Via the North Alabama UMC blog (and my friend Rev. Sheri Ferguson)

Rev. Sheri Ferguson, Executive Director, United Methodist Pastoral Care and Counseling, Inc.

I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit;
you heard my plea, “Do not close your ear to my cry for
help, but give me relief!” You came near when I called
on you; you said, “Do not fear!”—Lamentations 3: 55-57

It is my hope that the following information will be helpful to you in your response efforts. This includes the imperative that you must have opportunities for debriefing yourself, if you are assisting in relief and recovery efforts. Pastoral Care and Counseling is working with Rev. Matt Lacey, and as staging areas are established our office plans to have counselors available to talk to people. We are also available to assist or consult with you. Call us as 205-824-8320.

Experts tell us there are three stages to any disaster, and each stage is anticipated to be about ten times longer than the stage before it.

Stage 1: Rescue/Emergency
This stage averages from two weeks to one month. Worship services provide much needed comfort, strength and hope during this time.

Stage 2: Relief
This stage averages from three to six months. Bodies have mostly been found, clean up and relocation efforts are underway. Helping bureaucracies are involved.

Stage 3: Recovery
This stage averages from three to six years. Adjusting to losses and change is obviously hard. In the case of this particular tragedy, we can expect that people have been severely traumatized. They will need to tell their story over and over, and for a long time. Anniversary dates generate significant anxiety, and should be anticipated. Fear of re- occurrence is significant.

Suggestions for Clergy and other Caregivers
1. Understand that there can be two basic and divergent needs on a person’s part:
—the need to relive the trauma (children do this through play; adults do this by retelling their story)
—the need to avoid remembering—we can only take so much at a time.

2. Understand that people need to regain their own sense of control. Our theology tells us we are not ultimately in control. Our psychology tells us we need to regain some mastery of our environment and the illusion of control.

3. Understand symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Some people will need referrals to competent, caring mental health professionals during this time. Symptoms of PTSD are both acute (occurring soon after the trauma) and chronic (occurring 3-6 months later). Symptoms include difficulty with concentration, irritability or outbursts of anger, difficulty falling or staying asleep, hypervigilance, recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the event and/or dreams, efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the event, and marked diminished interest or participation in significant activities. In children, you might see more disorganized or agitated or regressive behaviors. Nightmares are common.

It’s important to note that any of these symptoms are considered normal, provided they last only a few weeks.

4. Obviously, this experience can be a crisis of faith for some. People need to understand this trauma in the context of their faith. Hopefully, they will have an already developed understanding of theodicy, existence of evil, and a theology of justice, mercy, and forgiveness. Do not hesitate to use your authority as a person of God to give reassurance, hope and comfort.

Remember, the fullness to heal is in the context of community. While sorrow is private, mourning is communal. Let the liturgy and scripture say what we can’t quite say (Psalm 22, Psalm 139). Opportunities to worship that assist in the grieving journey are important (using symbol, as well as sermon and music).

I would suggest that what people do not need during this time is to have their beliefs corrected. This is not a teaching/learning moment for them.

5. Understanding grief dynamics is essential for caregivers. Also, feelings of intense guilt are prevalent during this time. Children (who developmentally experience magical thinking) and adolescents may experience guilt for surviving or for their families and homes remaining intact. They may also feel guilt about being unable to help or may blame parents or authority figures for being unprepared.

6. Normalize people’s feelings, behavior and experience as much as possible. Stress that people respond in different ways, and that is normal.

7. Elicit stories of strength and past examples of resiliency. People need to remember what they did to feel better in other situations of loss or to hear what others may be doing to help themselves cope.

8. Remember, there are three categories of victims in these tornadoes:
Direct victims—those who are directly affected by loss of loved ones, homes, and communities.
Indirect victims—emergency workers, volunteers, all of us watching this on TV (vicarious traumatization), and those losing their earning power.
Hidden victims- undocumented persons, elderly-shut ins, and children

9. Indirect victims, like most of us, are at risk of vicarious traumatization. This is very real, and we need to understand how traumatized we too can become by listening to stories that truly test our theology, heart and spirit.

10. Remember, there are three characteristics of persons who survive (and even thrive from) disasters:
1) they had one person who has stood beside them throughout the ordeal
2) they have not minimized the magnitude of the loss
3) they are able to find something else to invest in

References:
Hudson, J. Congregational Trauma: Caring, Coping and Learning. Alban Institute (1998).

United Methodist Committee on Relief. United Methodist Committee on Relief Training Manual. New York: General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.

Weaver, A.; Flannelly L, and Preston, J. Counseling Survivors of Traumatic Events. Nashville: Abingdon Press (2003).

This can be found here, at its source.

Tornado Relief Update (5/1/11)

2011-05-01T07:15:00.000-05:00

via the Conference Website:

Southwest District invites volunteers to help in Disaster Response

4/30/2011

Bill Brunson

The destruction caused by the recent tornados have left many asking what they can do to help. There is catastrophic damage across every district of our conference, and, if you are in an area that escaped major issues, I hope that you and your congregation are praying about how you can help. Because of the nature of the storms and the path they take, there may be opportunity for you to make a difference within a few blocks of your church.
However, if you have a team of volunteers and wish to come to the Southwest District (Tuscaloosa, Ralph, Jasper, Reform, and the many other areas of the district that were severely hit), please contact Rev. Nancy Cole atncole@northalabamaumc.org or (205) 399-1994. We have sleeping (at a local church), shower, and feeding facilities to accommodate volunteer teams.
Also, if you have completed the ERT training, please follow this link to volunteer to participate in one if the ERT teams that Rev. Matt Lacey will be deploying into the hardest hit areas of the conference.
Individually, the situation is overwhelming. Connected to one another in mission and ministry, we can accomplish great things.

Disaster Response Needs in the Southwest District: Tarps, UMCOR health kits, First Aid kits, non-perishable food items, diapers, bottle water, gas-powered generators.
Rev. Dr. William B. BrunsonSuperintendent of the
Southwest District of the
North Alabama Conference of
The United Methodist Church

Tornado Relief Update

2011-04-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

via my friend Rev. Matt Lacey, as he posted today on his blog:

North Alabama United Methodists are mobilized and making a difference

We are now understanding the full scale of this disaster. It has wrecked lives, homes, cars, and hearts. But, the United Methodists of North Alabama are mobilized and making a big difference in the lives of many, many people.
Here is the good news: we have established a supply network through many of our churches, and as of today, have organized a volunteer network through the UMCOR and UMVIM partnership of Emergency Response Training [ERT]. ERT teams from within and outside of the conference are now out in full force making a difference.
But, it is not over. We will remain after the news cameras have gone, and after other organizations have left. United Methodists are here to stay.
Here is what you can do:
-Donate supplies. Click here for a list of network churches which are now accepting supplies. Please call ahead and be sensitive that these churches can quickly become overwhelmed and supply needs will rapidly change.
-Give through the UMCOR Advance. The Advance allows 100% of your donation to go to the affected area. You can donate online by clicking here, or through writing a check to the conference office and adding the Advance number 3021326.
-Volunteer. I encourage United Methodists to volunteer with organizations like Red Cross and United Way. For individuals who are ERT trained through UMCOR in the past 5 years (for team leaders 3 years), and wish to act as an early response team, click here to register. Please be patient as volunteer requests come in rapidly. We will have more ERT trainings soon. Please check the conference website for details to come.
-Pray and listen. Be a witness with those folks who have been affected. Listen to their story, and lift it up to God everyday.
Everyone has worked extremely hard. I hope you know churches across the conference have been showing the love of Christ to those in need, and United Methodist have been, are, and will continue to be on the ground, being the body of Christ for the world.
- Matt
Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of Mission and Advocacy, North Alabama Conference

RUMC Tornado Disaster Response

2011-04-28T11:16:00.001-05:00

Greetings in the name of Christ! In the wake of this horrible disaster in the South there is so much that Riverchase United Methodist Church can do. Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of Missions and Advocacy for our Conference, is working with the Disaster Response Team to coordinate our efforts in the coming days. He can be reached at the Conference office or check http://www.northalabamaumc.org for updates. A few suggestions on what you can do now:

Pray - God hears your prayers. Show thanks for blessings and providence but also stay mindful of those who did not weather the storm as well. God loves them too and we should pray for everyone's well-being. Stay mindful of those making personal sacrifices to respond to this disaster.
Work Together - We know many are willing to go out right now but the hardest hit places are still engaged in search and rescue. We would do well to stay out of the way of professionals until called in. Obviously we can take care of our neighbors though and if you see a need, help! But if it is beyond your capacity, call Rev Matt Lacey or the Church office (987-4030)
Donate - RUMC will take up a special offering this Sunday for Tornado Disaster Response. Write checks to RUMC and put "Tornado Disaster Response" in the memo line. There are other wonderful agencies in Alabama responding to the disaster as well. Give generously as our God has given generously!
Supply - Lots of simple supplies like water, soap, bandaids, washcloths, toothbrushes, hand towels, and ziplock gallon size bags are needed. Bring them to RUMC and place in the mission bins marked "Tornado Disaster Response"
Time - If you are interested in offering your time to help with disaster response, please contact Rev. John Ray (205.397.3012)

Our God is a good God who hurts when we hurt. As those who call on the name of Jesus, we can bring new life - Resurrection - to those trapped by sin, death, and this horrible tragedy. Let's be the hands of feet of Christ to a State that needs Him more than ever. Let's Share the Joy of Christ.

In Him,
Jack

feigned attacks / defeats

2011-04-27T09:15:00.002-05:00

Which is better... Blow an enemy's attack waaaaay out of proportion and act like it was worse than it was OR take it like it is no big deal?

Exhibit A:

see more Gifs

Exhibit B:

see more Gifs

As you can see professional soccer players (and the coaches too, apparently) are experts at trying to get the other person "caught." Also, If you are going to get hit by a car, roll with it.

Silly, I know. But today I'm wondering if I'm brave, realistic, and loving. Or am I sneaky, tricky, and manipulative?

Which way do Christians respond to perceived threats? What kind of response does the Cross fit into?

It should be obvious that Christ's love is not about blowing things out of proportion. The cross, after all, isn't a defeat - but it certainly is not a feigned attack either.

Let's quit acting like God's grace in Jesus Christ (the Resurrection we celebrated just a few days ago) is some kind of divine judo chop. It is an open palm not a clenched fist. Welcoming, not aggressive.

Maundy Thursday

2011-04-25T16:10:00.000-05:00

Eh, thought I'd share the sermon I preached on Maundy Thursday. (click below)

I just wanted to say Maundy again.

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Easter! SDL (April 24th 2011)

2011-04-25T13:51:00.000-05:00

Easter Sunday - I love Chuck Norris jokes. They testify (in a silly way) to the awesome power of Chuck Norris. Easter isn't silly and it isn't a joke - but it is a testament to the awesome power of our God. Jesus is uncontainable and unstoppable. Before you go getting all excited - it's worth asking, who would contain him? Who would stop him? We ain't talkin Muslims or Democrats, okay? Jesus has his sights on something much larger and more sinister. Death. Come hear how awesome our God is.

Easter! SDL (April 24th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Day 40 of Lent

2011-04-23T14:17:00.000-05:00

Here we are. I'm half tempted not to say anything. After all, for the Disciples today must have been the day after the end of the world. Grief is an odd thing. It comes and goes, churning our reality into such a soupy mess of "where in the world am I" that we can hardly stand on our own two feet.

But we have arrived at the end and have not yet seen the new beginning. Many will (and have) jumped the gun with their Easter blog posts today about how great it is Jesus is alive. This wonderful outpouring of joy is coming - but today is almost a forgotten day. Between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is a Grieving Saturday. In some ways Christ is still in the tomb.

Do you ever feel that way? That somehow all that is good and beautiful and lovely in this world has been defeated? Killed? Just as today isn't the end of the story this is true in our lives as well. Our grief will change too.

To truly appreciate Easter means going everywhere Jesus took the Disciples. Now that we are at the cross we find grief. Or, we should. You don't exactly conjure those kinds of feelings from thin air. That's why I ask when you've felt defeated... those places are tombs within our souls. Past mistakes.... past shame... past hurts. They can become our grave.

I hate to be a wet blanket when tomorrow holds such promise and joy - but Easter means so much more in the face of (apparent) defeat, not nostalgia or apathy, where many of us Christians find ourselves on this Saturday.

We don't have to stay in the tomb though any more than Jesus does. We grieve. Not as those who don't have hope, but those who know where our salvation comes.

Tomorrow we will all be surprised.

Day 39 of Lent

2011-04-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

There has been a betrayal. A brother betrayed a brother. Why did he do it?

For 30 coins? Hardly sounds worth it to guarantee the death of one of your best friends.

Pressing Jesus' hand? After three years together and Jesus not giving Judas the "strength" show he was looking for, perhaps.

Coaxed by Satan? Why not. Dude is still responsible for his actions.

I'd bet it was a lot of reasons. People rarely do things for one (and only one) reason.

Perhaps I should ask why we do it? Judas was one man but he is a bit of an example. We really don't know much about the guy. What we do know is that in some ways Jesus favored him (trusted him with the common purse - no small responsibility) and that Judas seemed to disagree with some of Jesus' methods (alabaster jar incident).

We should remember on this Friday that passing judgment on Judas also passes judgment on Peter (who rejected Jesus) and also passes judgment on ourselves.

What have you betrayed Jesus for? A girl? Money? A job? Football? Politics? Social status? Church (Pharisees did)? Family (he says something about that one too)?

There are many idols tossing bags of 30 coins our way. There are many ways Jesus' actions aren't what we want. Satan is not the only voice tempting us to stab our Lord in the back.

It is a sad day. But it is a good day too. Thankfully in the face of all those voices, Jesus is willing to face betrayal in an inexplicable way - submitting to it.

Day 38 of Lent

2011-04-21T10:22:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday. In college, Thursday was like the new Friday. Everyone I knew went out Thursday night despite the glaring obviously fact that the week is not over yet. We still had classes on Friday.

Which... no one went to. Well, as far as Jesus is concerned today is his last "free" day before things really go down. Consider it his "last chance" to show/tell his Disciples what is really important.

And, in this final act of assurance, love, power, and authority Jesus decides to....

wash his Disciples' feet? Wah? Where is the last ditch at his enemies? Where is the credo? Where is the "getting back" at all who have harmed him? What kind of knighting ceremony is this? No even some fireworks as he zaps a Pharisee or two? Cast out a demon?

Oh. Maybe family really is what is most important to Jesus. So important, that not even death can hold him back. This is, after all, just a meal. Really, for Jesus there is nothing left to do besides remind them how to be truly great when he is gone.

I hope your Maundy/Holy/White Thursday brings you closer to understanding Jesus' heart.

Day 37 of Lent

2011-04-20T14:53:00.000-05:00

Continuing my assault on labels, perceptions, and how much you think you know about life; I offer this:

see more Gifs

Look at it until you realize it isn't what you thought you were looking at. Weird huh? If you are still having trouble, look at the left one. Look at the right one. See it yet? They are spinning in different directions even if you brain doesn't realize it yet. Which direction is the center one spinning?

We can't even get our eyes and our brain to see things correctly - how are we going to understand the resurrection?!

Sometimes trying to understand Jesus is like this gif - you think you know where he is going with it and BAM, he's actually moving in the opposite way. Tis the language and intent of the Kingdom of God (First/Last, mighty/humble, greatest/least). This is why Jesus wouldn't tell where his authority came from. He spins both ways =P

Understanding the Cross and the resurrection that follows takes new eyes. Get ready. He loves in a way that cannot be contained and won't be stopped.

Day 36 of Lent

2011-04-19T17:25:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus' authority is questioned. Basically everyone important wigs out and tries to test Jesus by asking him where he gets his authority. (Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8)*

His response of course is... "yes. ha!"

OR his response could also be "I'd tell ya but you wouldn't believe me."

I'm reminded this day that we often look at what God is doing in the world and ask Jesus, "Who do you think you are!?" Or more often than not, we feel we should see God somewhere and ask, "Why aren't you fulfilling my desires for a savior!?"

This is a perfect opportunity for Jesus to say, "I'm God! I'm of divine origin!" and yet he doesn't do that. Why? Well, he is side stepping their question because he is not concerned about authority. And what does that question get you, other than division? It isn't concerned about people's lives changing. It isn't concerned about helping people find God.

It is a label. A misunderstood label meant to trap and kill a man. Take note, all you Christians willing to run around claiming to have divine authority. Here is one place where Jesus wouldn't even fall for that trap.

Remember, it is just Tuesday. Yesterday he "cleaned out" the temple and today people want to know why. In our lives may we be willing to validate Jesus' authority in our lives. May we enable him to use us, move through us, and ultimately when people ask where we get our authority to love the unlovable, let's blame Jesus.

Remember, Jesus will be asked about authority again before this week is over. Next time by the Sanhedrin and Pilate.

* - as an aside, the Gospels sometimes have a tendency to remember certain things differently. Those three Scriptures, however, are almost identical in the NIV. This kind of parallel writing just hardly happens. It shows just how important Jesus' response is and how well it was remembered by the Christian community. Obviously, early Christians didn't want to taint this experience by putting words in Jesus' mouth. It is yet another Scripture that shows how much Jesus disliked giving straight answers - despite our best efforts to make him do so.

Day 35 of Lent

2011-04-18T21:19:00.000-05:00

Jesus is God's answer to a bad reputation. In a way, you could say that everything anyone ever ascribes to God should be and can be filtered through what Jesus did and said. As Christians, we say that Jesus is God's son. As the Word (logos) of God, we understand that Jesus is the closest we will come to seeing the Father. Yes?

It's almost like Jesus is some kind of divine logo. Err... not the greek for "word" like theos as "divine" but a logo, ya know? Think corporate identification.

I love logos. I love logos because they are really expensive and sometimes elaborate symbols. If you go to this website - (click here) - you can see one artist's re-imagining what certain company logos would look like if they were honest.

Funny. I wish I could pick the artist's brain and re-imagine what the cross would look like if it were honest. If our Church logo reflected the truth - would we find Christ or another meaning entirely?

This holy week, as we draw close to the symbol that Jesus wished to be associated with the most - may we remember the divine logos is God's ultimate brand.

6th Sunday of Lent - SDL (April 17th 2011)

2011-04-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

We call it a triumphal entry because Jerusalem welcomes Jesus and stirs that a prophet is in their midst. It is triumphant, although, in light of what happens next, is kind of a sham. But there is much to learn from Jesus coming into Jerusalem and into our lives as well. Come hear how we should welcome him.

SDL (April 17th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Day 34 of Lent

2011-04-16T09:15:00.010-05:00

You know what is not in the Bible?

Snow cones. What a shame.

Day 33 of Lent

2011-04-15T09:15:00.007-05:00

Just because Christ is *for* us doesn't mean he is *against* them. God is always for them, too. In fact, it's God's desire that all come to knowledge of the living God through Christ.

It would be a lot more accurate to say they are against God, rather than saying God is against them. But aren't we all in some way? The closer you get to knowing and appreciating the love/grace of God the more you realize we are, by and large, in the same boat - in need of grace, forgiveness, redemption in light of our grasping for good in a world that is broken. Aren't we just playing with labels?

---------

An Englishman emigrated to the United States and became and American citizen.
When he went back to England for a vacation, one of his relatives reprimanded him for changing his citizenship.

"What have you gained by becoming an American citizen?"
"Well, for one thing, I win the American Revolution," was the answer.
(Anthony De Mello)

---------

If Christ is for us, who can be against us?

This isn't just a matter of who we don't have to fear anymore. This is about how much we can love without fear of condemnation. This isn't about putting up walls - it is about tearing them down. It isn't about them, it is, ultimately, about God and us. Will he not graciously give us all things? How can I not be the man of God I'm called to be with the full resources of the abundant love of Jesus Christ?

I often hear Christians say in moments of exasperation, "Well, at least God won't give me more than I can handle." - What kind of perspective is that? God doesn't give us pain, frustration, or suffering. God gives us more love than we can possibly grasp. I'd love to hear a Christian (after being attacked for going too far) say, "WAHOOOO, God gives me more than I can handle!!!!"

Christ is for us. He's for you, me, and anyone you could possibly meet.

We are almost to Jerusalem....

Day 32 of Lent

2011-04-14T09:15:00.000-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

SDL (April 10th 2011)

2011-04-13T16:25:00.000-05:00

People always say, "In God's time" but neglect to mention that when they say that they basically have no idea what they are talking about. If we are honest with ourselves, we are sometimes disappointed with how quickly (or slowly) our God seems to move. Come hear how Jesus' journey to Jerusalem happens in perfect timing and how we can know exactly what that means.

SDL (April 10th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Day 31 of Lent

2011-04-13T13:24:00.000-05:00

Saw a church sign the other day at a very large building that said "bake sale for missions."

The thought occurred to me that we may have it backwards. Instead of having fundraisers to cover the cost of our mission work shouldn't we have fundraisers to cover the cost of our buildings? I think it would probably to be a very successful bake sale AND we would already have all the mission work we could handle worked into our budget (thus, not necessitating special events to cover things we "don't" have the money for).

I think I remember Shane Claiborne saying churches need public space for congregating when the private space of members becomes unavailable. In other words, you could say the church has PLENTY of space. In the homes of church members. It's just, well, honestly, they don't want anyone in their home.

I also remember Mike Slaughter saying that bricks and mortar should always enable ministry outside the church - not hamper it. When you build, it can stop you from being able to do what you need to do because you become worried about maintaining the facility.

Then there is is something in the Bible about the People of God being the Body of Christ, or something like that. (sarcasm by the way)

Granted, I don't know that church and I'm sure they are doing lots of great things to reach out to those in need. Even have it in their budget too.

Granted, I work in a big church working through these very theological questions.

But you get my point. Let's keep first priorities first.

Day 30 of Lent

2011-04-13T13:03:00.000-05:00

I'm sure by now you've heard the song, "Waving Flag" by K'Naan. It was the "theme song" for the World Cup and has had some success in the United States (despite our overall distaste for what the world calls football).

But what you might not know is that the version you've heard isn't the original version. This is the original:

Isn't that interesting? Basically Coca-Cola took a great song about overcoming poverty and violence with hope and turned it into the theme song for one of the (possibly) most commercialized and corrupt sporting events in the world.

Irony of ironies. To his credit, K'Naan developed the remix to be more uplifting so it could bring folks together for the World Cup - and yes, it is definitely uplifting (and about soccer). But the original has a message that should be heard too.

Great song, all the same. Thought you'd enjoy :)

Day 29 of Lent

2011-04-11T13:32:00.000-05:00

Apparently all we need to do to solve world poverty is to distribute decent computers and wi-fi. Don't believe me? Check out this link: (click here). Too interesting to not share.

5th Sunday of Lent

2011-04-10T16:51:00.000-05:00

Today Jesus pulled off the greatest miracle he's accomplished yet. (by way of the Lectionary) Lazarus is raised from the tomb. It is a foretaste of what will come two weeks from now and a foretaste of the very life giving power of Jesus that we can experience now (the Kingdom of God is at hand!) and will experience later (eternal life is, after all, eternal). Of course, it sets the stage for Jesus to enter Jerusalem and go after those who would bring his death.

Life and death are intertwined. But we must choose a master. If you want life, and want it more abundantly - come with Jesus to Jerusalem. Two more weeks. Jesus' answer is not fight, it isn't flight, it is a third way. It is love.

Jesus' greatest miracle today may be calling to us in our tombs. We've been there more than four days (so, we really are "dead" and our lives really do stink) so...

[insert your name here]! Come out!

Day 28 of Lent

2011-04-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

To accept the Kingdom is to put other things first. Always remember that whatever Christ may ask you to give up is, in comparison to what he offers, mere chaff.

We constantly choose between God's creation story as told in Genesis - or the creation story as told by the world. One offers order, hope, peace, purpose, and participation with God in creating life. The other offers chaos, violence,"might makes right", subjugation to God (or any God ordained entity), and ultimately death.

We are created in the image of God and worth redeeming. Give up your stories of despair, fear, and hate. Accept a new story of hope, faith, and love.

Day 27 of Lent (redux)

2011-04-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

Just kidding fun people who like to argue - your argument isn't invalid (see yesterday). You have valid and legitimate concerns. And besides, if you don't raise these issues, who will!?

Obviously your enemies are at work here... the insidious and evil people who wish you and the whole world harm simply because... because.... that is how evil they are. In fact, just my flippant attitude about your argument really means I'm in league with the enemy - it's all a conspiracy, you see. Yesssss... ;)

But I'm going to step back from that a bit. You do, after all, have valid concerns. In fact, it is precisely those concerns that Jesus is interested in answering.

This is why he is on his way to Jerusalem.

Some things we can bring to his attention now. He'll gladly tell us how we have a third way... not fight, not flight, but another way to respond. Turn the other cheek. Walk an extra mile. That kind of thing.

But if you are curious how Jesus ultimately (his greatest act yet) responds to sin. Well, you'll have to come with me to Jerusalem. Come and see.

Day 27 of Lent

2011-04-07T09:15:00.002-05:00

People looooove to argue. It seems that no matter what you do or what you say - it's going to anger them, upset them, send them in a tizzy, or whatever.

To those people I offer this:

Day 26 of Lent

2011-04-06T09:15:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite parts of Daniel Erlander's book Manna and Mercy (mad props homie!) is page 45. If I may quote him...

Everything Jesus said and did portrayed the precious pearl he called the reign of God. Lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors, sinners, poor people, discarded ones, blind people, debtors, outcasts, children, women, men, elderly people, sick people, Gentiles, Samaritans, Jews, demon-possessed people, outsiders, heretics, Pharisees, lawyers, and even rich people and big deals were...

invited, touched, healed, forgiven, given hope, included, liberated, cleansed, made whole, received, affirmed, held, given dignity, called, honored, loved, embraced, fed, reborn, freed.

Can you see it yet? The Kingdom of God? We are almost to Jerusalem... come with us!

SDL (April 3rd 2011)

2011-04-05T09:25:00.000-05:00

Fourth Sunday in Lent - Going to Jerusalem wouldn't matter unless we can see what really happens. This Scripture is about sin - and how we see sin matters as we prepare for the cross. Come hear who sinned. Come hear how sin makes us all blind. Come hear how Jesus will help us see again.

SDL (April 3rd 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Day 25 of Lent

2011-04-05T09:15:00.001-05:00

Today I am missing John the Baptist.

He was so fun to watch. Looked funny, talked funny, and made me smile. He was so entertaining that people would walk all the way from Jerusalem to hear him along the Jordan. The "big deals" of Jerusalem would come out and he'd call them funny things. He didn't care about what they'd say - brood of vipers might have been my favorite.

But what he had to say wasn't meant to be funny. He was serious - dead serious. He warned us that someone was coming after him - someone who would liberate us from our manna hoarding. He would liberate Israel from oppression.

He was so specific. Bearing good fruit is simple. Dare I say, easy - if you have too many clothes, share with those who don't have enough. If you've got extra food, give some to someone who doesn't have any. If you are a soldier (or person in authority) quit using that authority to rob from folks. Specific.

I miss John the Baptist because he knew Jesus was coming. He knew what Jesus had planned. Now I'm on my way to Jerusalem with Jesus and I just don't know...

I don't know if I can follow Jesus all the way to Jerusalem. That is where the "important" people are. That's where the power is (outside of Rome). That is where people find God (in the Temple).

But with John the Baptist? Out along the water's edge in the wilderness? He saw things differently. We committed to setting our lives straight out there by that water. I can't go back to the wilderness - Jesus has already been there. I can't go back to Galilee - those good country folk are Jesus' people. I have to go to Jerusalem with Jesus.

If John the Baptist were with me, maybe I could do it. He was crazy enough to do anything. He might not have been "important" but he sure did love God. Jesus... he wants to confront people where they are. John may have been crazy looking, but Jesus is nuts. He doesn't fight. He doesn't run. He has this third way of affirming the oppressed and the oppressor. His justice will set us right - I just don't know if I can stand up to those who I need to stand up to.

I bet he's doing it for his cousin. I bet he's doing it for me. I bet he's doing it for you. John gave his life for this man - hopefully I can do the same.

Day 24 of Lent

2011-04-04T15:45:00.003-05:00

Pax Romana?

Or... Pax Christi? A simple question I have for today: what kind of peace are you looking for? Back in Jesus' day there were two worlds. The Roman world, and everything outside of the Roman world. The story in the Bible is that Jewish people struggled under the tyranny of many oppressors: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Rome. But Monty Python has another perspective:

The genius behind this of course is that there are obvious perks to having Rome come in :) Pax Romana - or, Roman peace, existed within that world (and everywhere Rome conquered) and outside was chaos, death, despair...

Give yourself to Rome and you get a Colosseum, aqueducts, security, and "peace" - surely there isn't anything wrong with this? But there was a trade off. The Romans would brutally maintain order. They could tax your face off. They could draft your children. They could do whatever they want. They are, Rome, after all. Rome maintained order by military force.

Within Israel/Palestine arose a Jewish sect that followed this guy named Jesus. Rather than trusting in the "pax romana" they trusted in the "pax christi" - this community, who started being called Christians in Antioch, weren't really anti-Roman... not by their standards at least. They were so pro-Jesus and that superseded any earthly allegiances. They also weren't anti-Jewish, by the way. It went beyond political or religious law. The early Church knew a peace that passed understanding. It was a peace people would die for (as opposed to kill for).

The peace that Christ gives isn't like the world's peace. The world understands a peace that, paradoxically, needs war. Rome must conquer. And only through violently overtaking and forcing peace upon the heathens can the world know peace. As they say, to the victor goes the spoils.* But Christ's peace? This isn't some Ben Harper hippie concept where "I'm okay, you're okay" and there isn't any conflict. Christian peace is propagated by showing the world that Christ's response to all the pain, suffering, violence, division, and... well.. chaos - Christ's response is love. Through showing the right way to do things (and going to Jerusalem to do it) Christ shows us what true life really is. Christ's peace is active and moving and alive - but built on another strength than military might.

Jesus shows us a way to live where peace is not offered by whoever is "strongest" but where peace is offered in allegiance to a loving God. Israel is to be a nation set aside - a nation blessed to be a blessing. A nation to show other nations who tire of war and pain how to live righteously.

Rome had Pax Romana and Ceasar to give it. Christians have Pax Christi and Jesus to give it.

Okay... so if you followed Ceasar you got roads, aqueducts,sanitation, security, and all the wonderful comforts of civilization?

If you follow Christ you get... what... persecution? death on a cross? How exciting. Beneath that is something much more wonderful. True freedom. True life. True love. Follow Christ and you receive life everlasting. The Kingdom of God is within grasp - it can be ours.

Now, my friend, we live in an era that doesn't know Pax Romana, but perhaps Pax Americana?

If you had to choose... between Pax Christi and Pax Americana... which would you choose? What kind of peace do you want? We are on our way to Jerusalem to learn a new peace. One that can save this world.

* - coined by an American, by the way.

Day 23 of Lent

2011-04-04T15:04:00.001-05:00

There is a Scripture I've been bouncing around in my head lately...

The Parable of the Two Sons

28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. (credit here, NIV)

4th Sunday of Lent

2011-04-04T00:44:00.000-05:00

We are almost there. Do you see things the way Jesus does?

I can only imagine that as he traveled to Jerusalem he felt the pressure. Constantly in the Gospels Jesus is all about God's time. That means occasionally people try to "force" Jesus' hand and they... can't.

But it is almost time... on the way, we must understand why Jesus would consider the cross a good thing. What if...well, I don't want to jump the gun. Let's just wait :)

Day 22 of Lent

2011-04-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

What brings you joy and what makes you roll your eyes? What things (or people?) are you most committed to or most worried about losing? What angers you? What do you desire? What are you passionate about? What do you spend your resources on? Do you have a cause in your life worth dying for? What do you love?

What can you laugh at?

I'm sure if you and I answered these questions we would learn a lot about each other.

Put all these together and we might find a "shortcut" to describe the reality that is ourselves. That, my friend, is a label. What label is most important to you in who you are?

I know many people who would say the greatest label that describes them is "Christian" - in other words, they want to identify with the person of Jesus Christ. Behind that label we find a description of reality that should mean we desire to be like Jesus. It is in a way giving Jesus props for sure. In other words if you are thankful for Jesus saving you then you can identify with him - but that appreciation is shown so much more in your response to his love - not just accepting a particular label.*

So let us be done with this nonsense of calling ourselves Christian and not wanting to be like Christ.

If we cannot be joyful with what makes Jesus joyful, we have some growing to do. In a different way, I really am asking not "What would Jesus do?" but "What would Jesus grow in you?" How can I look more like Jesus? It would be so cool if rather than starting from an earthly reality and having to think about God's heavenly perspective, I simply cut to the chase and adopt a heavenly perspective? We must literally become like Jesus - not a follower who must consult before each and every choice.

There are so many attitudes... so many choices... so many things to be excited about. We might not know God, but we know the story of God's people. We might not know God, but we know God's son. We might not know him perfectly, but we have been given Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason to know him better.

Through those revelatory mediums I can, as I know him better, get a better grip of when Jesus would say "amen!"

Someone coming to faith? Amen! Someone being fed? Amen! Clothed? Amen! Sacrificial giving? Amen! Reading Scripture? Amen! Upholding the sanctity of life (before and after birth)? Amen! Coming out of oppression? Amen! Giving up our need to oppress? Amen! And giving up hating the oppressors? Amen! Giving up hating the oppressed... amen! Overcoming addiction? Amen! Giving up self so that others may live? amen! (I use a little "a" for that amen because I wrestle with this revelation more than any other. I continue to discover how a death is required before a resurrection can occur. I say this, of course, looking at my own life in light of Jesus' life.)

Bombing another country? ... .... .... Placing my trust in money? sex? power? (something other than God)? ... ... ... Holding on to excessive "blessings" just in case? ... ... ... Accepting a victim mentality that will not grasp Jesus' saving grace? ... ... ... Placing holiness above compassion? .... ... ...

I'm not asking if God does what God wants within Scripture. I'm asking if Jesus does. What is God's greatest response to the anger, doubt, ignorance, violence, wars, hypocrisy, disconnects, and apathy of the world? To send this guy named Jesus. Who showed us how to live perfectly. Showed us how to die perfectly. Showed us that resurrection awaits those who call on his name (after death).

There is a reason the cross is lifted up as the greatest revelation into the nature of Christ/God. Jesus (as Alan Storey and others like to say) is God's answer to a bad reputation. To put it another way- If Jesus would say amen to it, we should as well. If he wouldn't, we shouldn't.

I'm not saying that is easy - after all, Jesus knew God the Father perfectly and sought the Father's will, perfectly (and we killed him for it). We have a ways to go to get to understanding God's nature perfectly.

But hey, 22 days into Lent is certainly not too late. Let's wrestle with it.

What kind of things can you imagine Jesus saying "Amen!" to and what do Christians say "Amen!" to that you think Jesus might have a problem with?

* - Yes. We are saved by grace. We are saved by Jesus doing something we cannot do ourselves. Amen and all that. By God's grace that unconditional love never gives up on us actually trying to live into that grace, however. And anyone who tells you different has lost their hope in Jesus Christ.

Day 21 of Lent

2011-04-01T09:37:00.004-05:00

I'm pretty sure that while Christians argue about him, Jesus will continue to get to the lost and least.

The Pharisees - they were so worried about keeping the law. And why not? It was the greatest example of God's amazing love.

You read that right - the law is a gift. Torah helps the Covenant people continue to be the people God called them to be. Not eating pork, observing the Seder meal and Sabbath, and supporting the orphan, widow, and foreigner - these things don't just make you healthier, feel good about yourself, or help you live longer - they exist to make the Covenant people different.

But as the Pharisees argued about the law and how to best keep it, they missed God's son. Sure. They looked different. That was so important to them that they put being "holy" above being Godly. When the greatest example of God's amazing love showed up, they were "first in line" and still missed it (notice too that Jesus fulfills the law, not negates it).

Let me back that up: God's chosen people missed God's chosen son and yet he came and did exactly what he needed to do. Of course, the Jews who missed this amazing truth didn't say, "Oh! Hey! I'm sorry, I got that whole righteous thing wrong!"Instead they became defensive. They tried to stop him. They decided it was better to kill him and be done with him than try to live up to his standards or love the people he loved. Even God's people couldn't stand between Jesus and the lost sheep. Even worse, while God's chosen people were the very vehicle for Jesus to arrive (he was, after all, Jewish), they were the foil by which his ministry showed God's unconditional love (read: they showed conditional love).

Now, as we, the body of Christ argue about Jesus, we risk taking our eyes off why Jesus came in the first place. Why did he come? Well my friend - that is the good news. That Jesus came to save the lost and the least.

Does God "need" us? I know that we are blessed to be blessings. If we deny others those blessings - our blessing dies with us. But if we share our blessing it lives on. But if we deny someone those blessings... God will find another way to bless those who cry out to him. That is as likely as the rocks crying out, but still likely. God's first desire is that the Covenant people will be the main conduit for righteousness. But how sad would it be if Christians become, not the conduit, but the foil? Will we lament when we become the example of the conditional love God will supersede? Or will be become defensive? Try to stop him?

I'm not saying there are not things that must be addressed. I'm not saying God won't continue to use faithful Christians. I'm saying when we let our "difference" as Covenant people (i.e. Christian) stand between us and our God, we can forget those who Jesus came to save. Our differences are still not strong enough to stop Jesus.

Take heart. You can't stop God's love yourself. However, would you rather be part of God's love or simply side-stepped by it?

That is what I thought. Let us love as Christ loved. Take heart. The arguments around us can't stop God's love. Jesus loves you and can help you get over anything that holds you back. May he help us all to look more like him! We can do this together.

Day 20 of Lent

2011-03-31T09:10:00.002-05:00

Halfway there... if you gave something up for Lent - hang in there.

Of course, the great news isn't that you are 20+/- days away from eating Chocolate again. The great news is that we are 20 days away from Jesus giving the world his ultimate response to all the crud that holds us back in this life.

Emily Hicks, in her devotional for our Church's Lenten Devotional, says,

I believe God wants us to serve Him and witness to others with a clear, unburdened conscience. If we are laden with guilt, we cannot function at full capacity or live life to its fullest.

Right on. Help is coming!

Day 19 of Lent

2011-03-30T09:28:00.001-05:00

Rob Bell! John Piper! Heaven! Hell! Universalism! Ahhhhh!

Just kidding. Chill out. But now that you are here...

Our God loves righteousness. Jesus is, after all, righteous as God the Father is righteous. And we seek (if we can call on the name of Jesus) to live in a way that is Godly (righteous). This means we try to look like Jesus. How can we look like Jesus? That is simple. It isn't easy, but it is simple. Do the things Jesus did - see people the way Jesus saw them - and ultimately accept his righteousness as our own (via the Holy Spirit). This is as much about right action as right belief (faith without works is dead, etcetcetc). A corollary term used to describe God's desire for righteousness is that God is just. Or we say that God desires justice. Righteousness is so much more than stamping out evil just as justice is so much more than punishment. God's greatest act of justice (or, bringing the world to righteousness) was to send Jesus. His life, death, and resurrection showed us exactly how righteous a person ought to be.

Our God loves mercy. Jesus is, after all, merciful as God the Father is merciful. I think we first truly encounter the Father (as Jesus understood the Father) when we feel forgiveness - not fear. Sure, the Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom - but we only fear what we do not know. And to admit that you don't know God should probably put some fear into you. But for every Scripture proclaiming how scary our God is and how much we should fear that God - there are, like, 10x more verses about how much that God loves us. We appease those that we fear (don't hurt me! Here is a sacrifice!) but we love those who forgive (thank you! Let me share mercy as well!). I think Jesus.... said something about that. A similar term used to describe God's mercy is forgiveness. Forgiveness is a lot bigger than just wiping away all those sins you've been accumulating (as an aside, are you a sinner because you sin or do you sin because you are a sinner? Biblically it is the latter). If we want to look like Jesus we go around forgiving. Not because they are repentent - but because Jesus was merciful. There are so many places in the Bible where Jesus heals, forgives, and shows mercy to those who's faith/repentance/righteousness is never even discussed.

These concepts of God - righteous and merciful - are best seen in community. As Les Miserables proclaims in the finale - "to love another person is to see the face of God."

To pull a bit from Daniel Erlander (to his credit!),

righteousness is following the words of the covenant gift, the Holy Torah, which describes the manna life, the just way to live together. Mercy is practicing compassion towards the most vulnerable in society - the widows, orphans, and sojourners. Yahweh understood that righteousness without mercy leads to grumpy legalism. On the other hand, mercy without righteousness leads to wishy-washy sentimentalism.

God wants us to love righteousness and love mercy. So get over yourself. Give Jesus some mad props for doing it better than you've pulled off so far. Chill a bit on talking about Heaven and Hell and just love some folks.

Day 18 of Lent

2011-03-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered why people sing in the shower? Well... I know why I do, even if it isn't very often.

Because I sound so amazing. ...

The soothing sound of running water... the feeling of hot water on a cool morning. It'll make you sing out of pure joy. And because of the reflective hard surfaces of the tile make your voice sound amazing. Really. The resonance makes your voice sound more full. It's a mini-echo chamber.

You know what an echo chamber is? Caves can be echo chambers. Medieval cathedrals are echo chambers. Thats why those monks sound awesome - it amplifies the sound.

Nowadays though, unless you are in the audio/visual business, you might have heard the term with regards to our media in America. Figurative, not literal, echo chambers are all around us!

There are some positive implications to the term really. It feels great to hear your own voice echo back at you. It validates your position and encourages you in it. It can give polish or increased depth to perception.

But the negative should be obvious as well. Echo chambers dampen voices besides my own. They can blow something out of proportion. They can give excessive pride. They can simplify things to the point of glossing over complexities. People grow complacent and soft inside echo chambers.

Used as an expression in our society echo chambers are to be avoided.

We always accuse our enemies of existing in echo chambers. But it's worth asking if we are in echo chambers. The only echo chamber that is acceptable is one that reverberates God's voice.

Let us not look for other people to accuse being in echo chambers. Let us ask if we - those who call on Jesus' name - are living in echo chambers that are not echoing God's voice. But we love our echo chambers. We abhor those who don't echo God's voice and love those who do. We are taught from an early age that "birds of a feather flock together" and this means you should only associate with those who say and do the things that "echo" God's voice. I love this approach. There is only one problem: Jesus was his own echo chamber.

One of the biggest knocks on Jesus' ministry was that he spent too much time with sinners. Sinners! Those who (usually in the Jewish sense) denied being part of "God's" echo chamber - the Temple.

Yes, Jesus had twelve great guys to hang out with - but they weren't exactly good at saying back to Jesus what he told them. They didn't hear what they wanted to hear from Jesus. They weren't encouraging him in his ministry (Peter/satan/rebuke/etc). It wasn't until he was resurrected that they found the strength and courage to not need their own echo chambers.

Jesus was a master at speaking to people trapped in their echo chambers (Pharisees, Methodists, whatever). That is why he came, after all, to save us from what holds us back.

Listen to a voice not your own once in a while. Hear a different perspective. Appreciate what others have to say. Some in this world have no voice. This is because no one cares what they have to say - not because God didn't give them a voice.

Speak a word of truth into the echo chambers of the world. The greatest truth we (as followers of Christ) have to offer is that there is a God who loves us. Jesus is the son of God and reveals to us the Father's love.

SDL (March 27th 2011)

2011-03-29T09:15:00.000-05:00

Third Sunday in Lent - In one of my favorite Scriptures Jesus sets our priorities straight. Waaaay too often Christians worry about things that Jesus could care less about. This is one reason Jesus must go to Jerusalem. The holiest places can sometimes be the most misguided. Come hear the way we should worship.

SDL (March 27th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Day 17 of Lent

2011-03-28T17:40:00.000-05:00

Gungor. Ever heard of them? They'll be at our Church April 12th. 7pm in the "Well" (gym) Tickets are $10 for this Dove award-winning and multiple Grammy nominated band.

You want to come? I thought you would. Go here for tix and just ask if you'd like more information.

Have a listen:

3rd Sunday of Lent

2011-03-28T14:40:00.001-05:00

What do Invisible Children, Rush of Fools, and I have in common?

Jesus! Well, Him, and we all got to participate in an event this past Sunday called "Together" at Birmingham Southern College. Being United Methodist we use a particular word to describe Churches/Christians working together...

"Connectional" - the idea that churches are intertwined together through the system of pastors/laity working together for Jesus. So when there is a connectional event where Christians can come together, it makes me heart warm. At its best, connectionalism enables the church to be a larger body of Christ that can do more than simply be a bunch of smaller bodies. At its worst, connectionalism holds us all back because it stifles risk, boils down to politics, and ultimately diverts our attention away from Jesus.

This event was, for me, the good kind of connectionalism.

Thanks to all the youth who came out from around Alabama. Especially from Riverchase UMC.

Day 16 of Lent

2011-03-26T20:11:00.000-05:00

I think of times when I come alive
and the times when I am dead.

I ponder the features I assume
in moments of aliveness
and in times when I am dead.

Life abhors security:
for life means taking risks,
exposing self to danger,
even death.
Jesus says that those who wish to be safe will lose their lives;
those who are prepared to lose their lives will keep them.

I think of times
when I drew back from taking risks,
when I was comfortable and safe;
those were times when I stagnated.

I think of other times
when I dared to take a chance,
to make mistakes,
to be a failure
and a fool,
to be criticized by others,
when I dared to risk being hurt
and to cause pain to others.
I was alive!

Life is for the gambler.
The coward dies.

Life is at variance with my perception
of what is good and bad:
these things are good and to be sought;
these things are bad and to be shunned.
To eat of the Tree of Knowing Good and Bad
is to fall from paradise.
I must learn to accept whatever life may bring,
pleasure and pain, sorrow and joy.
For if I close myself to pain
my capacity for pleasure dies
- I harden myself
and repress what I regard as unpleasant and undesirable,
and in that hardness, that repression,
is rigidity and death.

So I decide to taste in all its fullness
the experience of the present moment,
calling no experience good or bad.
Those experiences that I dread - I think of them,
and, inasmnuch as I am able, I let them come
and stop resisting them.

Life goeshand in hand with change.
Whatever does not change is dead.
I think of people who are fossils.
I think of times when I was fossilized:
no change, no newness,
the same old worn-out concepts
and patterns of behavior,
the same mentality, neuroses,
habits, prejudices.

Dead people have a built-in fear of change.
What changes have there been in me
over the past six months?
What changes will there be today?

I end this exercise
by watching nature all around me:
so flexible,
so flowing,
so fragile,
insecure,
exposed to death
- and so alive!

(Anthony De Mello)

Day 15 of Lent

2011-03-25T23:59:00.000-05:00

I remember when the internet didn't exist. Well... to put it another way, it was a very minor role in my life and it cost me long distance charges.

There was a BBS in Auburn - we lived in Dadeville. I downloaded games across what was probably a 9600 baud modem.

Wait, come back. Before I lose you in my techie jargon - I have a theological point to all this, I swear.

Do you remember what it was like without the internet? This has been bouncing around in my head because I think now about life with the internet and I try to remember what it was like before it.

I think finding God and spending time with God pulls a similar analogy. Sure, there wasn't an internet - but we had ways of finding information. Encyclopedia Britannica. TV entertained us on Saturday mornings. I'd actually listen to the radio in the car. All those things are so antiquated by today's standards. With God, I would say I still looked for meaning to life. I looked for God and talked to my idea of God. But now that I know Jesus and seek a relationship with him. All those things I used to do seem so antiquated.

You get my point, yes? Our strivings to find God look pale in comparison to finding Jesus (for me). Sure, there is truth out there. But it is so minor that once you find God in all the ways Jesus showed was possible, would you really want to go back to the way it was?

I might look back fondly at those days of yesteryear and smile. But I wouldn't want to go back to it.

And the same is true with Jesus. What was behind must stay behind. I've traded the old for the new. To go back now would be... not taking advantage of the greatest relationship I was created for.

Onward and upward.

Day 14 of Lent

2011-03-24T17:38:00.001-05:00

Sorry, I just can't stop laughing at this... this is for my friend Halley Power. Oh, and Mark Asbury. I think you were definitely in on that stunt too.

Day 13 of Lent

2011-03-23T16:54:00.000-05:00

Science! Religion! Coming together at last for... the Spring Equinox?

Just read the article. Thanks Pope Gregory XIII! Spring is officially here and that makes me happy. Never mind the pollen - being able to roll the windows down without sweating like a pig is a blessing itself.

Day 12 of Lent

2011-03-22T23:47:00.000-05:00

Thoroughly convinced I need to read more about Jesus.

Not Rob Bell, not John Piper.

Jesus.

oh, and yes, I'm going to read more Rob Bell and John Piper to discover Jesus. :) HA!

SDL (March 20th 2011)

2011-03-22T14:53:00.002-05:00

Even people who don't go to church know what John 3:16 says. But do you know what John 3:17 says? Do you know who Nicodemus is? Context is important, and this Scripture can speak to the context of our lives. But it certainly gives us context to why Jesus is traveling to Jerusalem. Come hear it a new way.

SDL (March 20th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Day 11 of Lent

2011-03-21T11:10:00.000-05:00

A tourist says to his guide, "You have a right to be proud of your town. I was especially impressed with the number of churches in it. Surely the people here must love the Lord."

"Well," replied the cynical guide, "They may love the Lord, but they sure as hell hate each other."

(Anthony De Mello)

2nd Sunday of Lent

2011-03-20T17:44:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday was about Jesus' temptations. This week was about reclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

Reclaiming? Yeah. Christians can forget the Gospel. Gospel does, after all, mean "Good news" - so it makes sense to me that we should remind ourselves the good news of Jesus Christ. What makes this fun is that Jesus, himself, says very little about the Gospel. He states why he came to the world, but he doesn't outline said Gospel piece by piece for our simple intellectual enjoyment. You get a lot of *why* Jesus came - there were plenty of people who thought Jesus was crazy and asked him. Usually he ended up telling parables... which for most of us, is just a cop out right? Or quoting Old Testament scripture (Luke 4). Occasionally he'll make such a simple comment that we balk. Those things aren't actually used to teach anyone. .... in case you can't tell, that last sentence was dripping with sarcasm.

Most Christians rely on one well known person to define the Gospel: St. Paul of Tarsus. Certainly nothing wrong with Paul - he is in the Bible and all. It's just he gets quoted A LOT right now. It is as if the Gospels can't speak for themselves nowadays. Anyway... if we are going to glean wisdom from Paul to tell us about Jesus (as opposed to just letting Jesus speak for himself) then my favorite Scripture would probably be Romans 5 - that Chapter revolves around one simple truth: but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Not quite the same "jumping off point" as Jesus in John 3:1-17, but hey, you can't have the good news without explaining why it is good news right? It is good news because (choosing) Christ saves people. Bottom line.

It might sound weird, but I hear more people outside the church yearn for a Gospel that saves people than inside it.

And yes, I just threw the gauntlet down. Jesus did come for these people, after all. It makes sense they'd want him.

Within the walls of many congregations there seems a great desire to look more like Pharisees than Jesus. Have we traded the Gospel for legalism? Is our faith reduced to right beliefs? Or worse yet, not having wrong beliefs? Is it about knocking people down or picking people up? When did it cease being simply Good News and became "Good news for people who live, talk, and breathe a certain way?"

I'm so tired of Jesus' good news being reduced to a formula for determining who is in and who is out. Surely it is more than that. Surely I can spend a lifetime dwelling on the goodness of Christ and the Gospel he brought. Do I have to spend the rest of my life squashing out false Gospels? Or just living/believing/choosing/doing/telling the true Gospel? Surely I can rely on God's grace...

Jesus loves me. I think that's hard enough to accept completely.

Oh, and no doubt someone will see fit to rebuke or reproach me - feel free. It's been one of those days. I'm sure someone smarter than I can amend this minor theological treatise.

Day 10 of Lent

2011-03-19T09:15:00.000-05:00

Another friend of mine has been spending Lent blogging about her family. I'm going to take a queue and devote this one to my immediate family. Albeit it is short and incomplete:

- Dad. I love you. You aren't perfect, but you are perfect for me. Thanks for showing me that God's grace never ends. A bit audacious to have religious conversations with 6 year olds on long car rides, but I'd say you did a good job. hahaha - I'll always know that you are proud of me. No mistake I make can ever change that, and I don't know how many people can say that about their earthly fathers. Thanks for being awesome and loving me. I'm proud of you - I think of you every time I walk into a hospital. But no, I won't be Calvinist ;)

- Mom. You have been Jesus Christ for me. Thanks for always encouraging me to seek Christ in personal and social piety. I'm sorry I stole your blond hair :) I can't clean under my fingernails without thinking about how you'd dig under there. In so many ways you should know that I'm thankful for how you have helped make me who I am. Both in how you've raised me and now how I've been "my own" person and still draw from your motherly wisdom. The wee-baby moon will always be with me. I love you.

- Oldest brother. The hands we are dealt are not always "fair" but you've shown me that sanity is something we choose for ourselves. :) I miss you, I don't see you enough, but I love you and I trust you will not sacrifice any of your dachshunds in any bizarre rituals. You are more successful than I could hope to be and are definitely the most "normal" of our family, and you of all people can appreciate how much of a compliment that is. I wish I could be as cool as you. I'm blessed to have you to look up to and I know you will always be there if I need you. Let's not let life keep us from enjoying each other!

- Older brother. Your laugh is infectious. I like to think we share so much in common that despite the miles between us I experience you in some way every day. Any time I read something you've written I am blessed. Does it sound like I'm proud of you? Because I am. You are a father, a husband, a brother, that I will always aspire to be. Trying to be like you didn't stop when I FINALLY got to hang out with your friends in high school. It isn't competition - I've always felt we were in this together. I love you and see you continue to create life in ways I admire.

- Younger brother. Is there anyone in this world like you? No. You are completely unique and beautiful as the image of God. Seriously man, spare the girls' hearts and keep that hair short. I am proud of you and who you are - I haven't always been the kindest big brother and for that I'm sorry. But I'm not a kid anymore, and neither are you. You are your own man and I love you. I'll always be here for you - maybe a little too closely. In other words, if I can think of someone I'd jump to defend - you are it. Continue to seek God and always be yourself. Even if that means wearing red shoulder pads.

- My wife. We haven't known each other that long but I feel like I've known you my whole life. And yet, saying that, I still look forward to knowing you better. I want to see the world the way you do. One thing I love about you is how you love others. It grows my understanding of God. God loves me. You show me that every day and I hope I can show even a smidgen of that love back to you and our God. I promise to always choose you. I don't know if I've ever experienced joy like I know in your face. I'll save the rest for your birthday card. ha!

I love y'all and I am blessed to have you in my life. God is good.

Day 9 of Lent

2011-03-18T09:15:00.001-05:00

Some sayings are so engrained in society that they are offered without objection or afterthought. Take for example a saying that is not in the Bible and can have only minor theological value:

"God helps those who help themselves."

I've only heard this in the context of separating the "haves" and "have-nots" - we look at those who are "blessed" and say, "Look, you gotta pick yourself up by your bootstraps. God helps those who help themselves."

Or we see someone who is degenerate, shrug, and offer, "It isn't because God doesn't love them. God helps those who help themselves."

The saying doesn't come from the Bible. It is attributed to Benajmin Franklin and I read somewhere it may have come from an English politician who was eventually executed for opposing the crown. Anyway....

This often used saying is antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The very nature of Jesus Christ is to come for those who cannot help themselves. Let me back up.

The Old Testament is the history of a chosen people (The Jews) who continually prove how helpless they are by themselves. God provides their every need once brought out of Egypt. Literally helping them when they cannot help themselves. Lest they forget how helpless they are, the Jews main religious holiday remembers how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. Fundamental to the Jewish identity is a notion that you are helpless without God's help.

To that end, Israel received grace upon grace. They received the Torah (law) that would help them be the faithful covenant people they were called to be. They received a covenant to be God's people. They would be separate, holy, and different than the rest of the world. The rest of the world would learn from Israel how to be a godly nation.

Several laws were established that cared for... those who can help themselves? No. Orphans, widows, and the impoverished were explicitly held up in God's holy law. One of Israel's dictates was to care for the helpless. Sure, there were laws to keep all of Israel holy - but it is the "haves" who must care for the "have-nots" by God's holy decree. To not do so is to forget how helpless Israel once was.

Fast forward to Jesus. Israel is a nation that, again, is under the rule of a foreign power (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Rome, etcetc) Again, helpless. Although this time, trapped not only under Roman rule, but more subtly, bound between proverbial rock and a hard place: Hellenistic culture and the Jewish religious whiplash of legalism. Some kept the law "so well" that it had replaced their relationship with a Living God.

Jesus told the Pharisees he didn't come for those who were healthy, he came for the sick. The outcast. The widow, orphan, prostitute, tax collector. From the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 4 (lips of Jesus, but Isaiah 58/61) -

Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Why did Jesus come? To save those who are beyond helping themselves. In lest we think now that Jesus comes we can simply do it ourselves, Jesus tells us he sends the Holy Paraclete (that's Advocate/Spirit/Comforter to most of us) to help us.

There is never a moment in the Christian life that Jesus says, "Okay! You've completed your training, you don't need me anymore." And I don't mean to strip the saying of any positivity - but if we think we help ourselves, we deceive ourselves.

Take it away Proverbs 28:26! "Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe."

And from Paul, who's words these days seem to have the more weight than Jesus' words, from Romans 5:6-8 - "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Don't read too much into my approach. I'm a thorough Wesleyan and believe we can freely choose Christ - but even that is possible because of God's prevenient grace through Christ.

Can the saying be saved? Only if it is used in the context of saying that God honors our efforts. But then you shouldn't say "God helps those who help themselves" you should instead say, "God helps those who need help." or "God helps those who ask for help." Both, I believe, are true.

But we should probably stop saying this. Instead, may we lift high the risen Christ as our savior and proclaim (for ourselves and others),

"God helps those who can't help themselves."

Day 8 of Lent

2011-03-17T09:15:00.015-05:00

Teachers are just glorified babysitters. Well, my aunt says so. She sent me this newspaper clipping:

Made me smile so I thought I'd send it. And yeah, if you hadn't figured it out, she's a teacher. A good one at that.

Also, just a reminder, if you gave something like coffee or meals up for Lent, I'd encourage you to put your ashes to action. Donate those funds to a worthy cause, like http://www.mission2gather.com and DO something with your penance.

Day 7 of Lent

2011-03-16T09:15:00.004-05:00

The master would insist that the final barrier to our attaining God was the word and concept, "God."

This so infuriated the local priest that he came in a huff to argue the matter out with the master.

"But surely the word 'God' can lead us to God?" said the priest.

"It can," said the master calmly.

"How can something help and be a barrier?"

Said the master, "The donkey that brings you to the door is not the means by which you enter the house."

(Anthony De Mello)

Day 6 of Lent

2011-03-15T09:15:00.001-05:00

That is not in the Bible. Yeah, you heard me right. That phrase you just attributed to the lips of Jesus - it isn't in there. No where. I'm still close enough to Ash Wednesday to know that one particular "Christian" saying needs to be quashed:

"Cleanliness is next to godliness"

Last Wednesday we put ashen crosses on our heads to remind us just how unclean we are (by making ourselves more unclean - yay!) Saying that "cleanliness is next to godliness" is aaaalll about being... well... cleaner.

Sure. You can find Scripture that deals with the Israelites being Holy/clean (Leviticus, mostly) or Christ-followers being of clean and pure hearts (John, Corinthians, James). In fact I really love the idea of being more like Christ, but this is precisely the reason I have to bemoan this saying.

Because when people say "You should be clean because God is clean" you are in fact implying that dirty people are... well... not just dirty, but not valued by God.

Perhaps I'm going overboard. It's just a harmless saying, right? Maybe. But I've only heard this statement in two contexts: 1.) Mothers trying to convince their children they should be clean. 2.) Belittling the homeless / Applauding the wealthy. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say it in a positive context like, "Hey, Jesus washes away your sins! Cleanliness is next to godliness!"

Cliche sayings like this thrive on a deep underlying desire to speak to us. They work because they are catchy, rhythmic, and often leave you wanting to slowly nod at such succinct wisdom. They applaud who you desire to be and condemn those not like you. But that doesn't mean they are correct OR Biblical in how they are perceived.

Jesus had a thing or two to say about cleanliness, didn't he? To those who thought they were clean: Jesus said they had missed the point. The Pharisees had cleaned the outside of the bowl but left the inside dirty. In his most scathing language, Jesus told them they were white-washed tombs: beautiful on the outside but death and decay inside.

How's that for clean?

To those who were unclean (by society's standards) Jesus didn't just say, "hey guys, go get clean!" but he ate with them, partied with them, lived with them, touched them, dwelt among them. All while they were dirty filthy sinners. He told the unclean that while no one else might care about them, he came for them. He didn't care if they were dirty. He didn't care if they were next to godliness at all, actually.

And yes, I think Jesus wants to make them clean, but that wasn't a pre-requisite to loving them. When no one else loves you but Jesus, it's hard to not appreciate his sacrifices for you.

Doesn't quite roll off the tongue, but...

Cleanliness may be next to godliness, but Jesus is next to dirty.*

*Also, not literally in the Bible like "Cleanliness is next to godliness" but there is Biblical precedent for it. Not that he is dirty, but he associates with the dirty :) Thank God.

Not in the Bible.

2011-03-14T14:56:00.001-05:00

You know what's not in the Bible? The footprints story.

Thanks, Adam Davis.

SDL (March 13th 2011)

2011-03-14T14:51:00.001-05:00

Ash Wednesday may be the start of Lent, but this is where the rubber meets the road. Everyone can relate to the temptations of this world. But how many can say they are good at winning against them? Come hear how we can do that as Jesus starts his Journey to Jerusalem. He'll meet a lot of temptations on his way...

SDL (March 13th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Day 5 of Lent

2011-03-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Pi Day! It is March 14th - 3.14 (as we Americans like to organize it).

Wait... do Europeans celebrate pi day on April 31st? No such luck, HA! Guess they'll have to stick to some form of 22/7.

Anyway, Pi Day! A day celebrating the amazing uniqueness of a number. While some might think such geeky math stuff is not for the theological minded, I beg to differ.

Pi is an excellent example of a mathematical constant. That is geek talk for saying, "it's everywhere." Just like God, pi is behind so many things in life it is hard to appreciate just how encompassing it is to our lives.

Pi is everywhere, but we also cannot fully grasp it. By it's definition it is both an irrational and transcendent number. Just like God, you can approximate pi but never completely get the whole number.

All that to say that I think Pi is a really awesome truth that is part of God's truth.

The more you know!

1st Sunday of Lent

2011-03-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Seven is a big deal in Christianity. Guess how many Sundays fall within Lent!?

...six...

But the 7th Sunday is Easter. Coincidence?! I think not. So what do you talk about on the first Sunday of the biggest lead up to the biggest Christian holiday?

Could I talk about the temptation of power and how it skews your world-view?

Just ask Charlie Sheen. Just ask Japan. Just ask the NFL (players or owners, doesn't matter). Just ask those four Auburn football players who were arrested this week for ARMED FLIPPIN ROBBERY. Just ask Harvey Updyke. Just ask politicians on both sides of the aisle. Just ask John Piper or Rob Bell. Just ask Apple or Google or Verizon or AT&T or China or the Romans or Egyptians or.... well....

Or you could ask Jesus. You know only those who have completely resisted temptation know it's true power. The rest of us all wussed out.

Yes. I think I will talk about temptation on this first Sunday of Lent. Hope to see you in worship, bring your ashes (figuratively).

Day 4 of Lent

2011-03-12T10:31:00.001-06:00

A guru asked his disciples how they could tell when the night had ended and the day begun.

One said, "When you see an animal in the distance and can tell whether it is a cow or a horse."

"No," said the guru.

"When you look at a tree in the distance and can tell if it is a neem tree or a mango tree."

"Wrong again," said the guru.

"Well, then, what is it?" asked his disciples.

"When you look into the face of any man and recognize your brother in him; when you look into the face of any woman and recognize in her your sister. If you cannot do this, no matter what time it is by the sun it is still night."

(Anthony De Mello)

Day 3 of Lent

2011-03-11T14:32:00.000-06:00

How are you doing on your fast? I hope God is being glorified in it. You know, Christians do lots of little silly things sometimes to remind ourselves of who we are and who's we are.

But on this day I'm reminded that Jesus doesn't want us to just gift up sugars. He wants us to give up ourselves.

A friend of mine recounted a conversation he had. Vague enough? Point being I wasn't involved... but my friend said that in this conversation he was discussing the wonderful scripture of give unto Caesar what is Caesars. It's Matthew 22:21 by the way and in it's context is simply a statement meant to avoid the snares of those who are trying to trap him (irony!!). But in the middle of this conversation my friend's conversant said,

"Well, 10% is enough for Jesus, it should be enough for the government."

Frankly, I could care less what % of my income the government asks for. But I'm pretty sure I know what % Jesus asks for. Christians throughout history have been trying to figure out what is "enough" to give to God. That attitude has left generations of people relegating God from a God of abundant love to a God of "just enough" both in giving and receiving.

Jesus didn't give "just enough" and we aren't expected to do that either. With the government, you give what is asked because if you don't, you'll get thrown in jail.

Is that how people see our God? One who will throw you in jail if you don't give what is asked? This is nonsense. It is nonsense not because God can't "throw us in jail" but because to come at the Gospel from this vantage point is to cheapen God's love into some kind of law.

I hope that your Lent becomes not just a small way that you actually start eating healthy (more power to you if that helps though) but instead a small step towards giving God even more of yourself.

Jesus doesn't want 10% - he wants all of you. And if you can give him your all, he will come to dwell within you and this world will know of the abundant love of God.

Day 2 of Lent

2011-03-10T09:15:00.002-06:00

I'm not an artist. But my wife is. She can mix paints, see things in a blank canvas, and view the world in a way I cannot see. Yesterday though, I got to play artist. I mixed the oil and ash. I dabbed my thumb in it and wiped it on foreheads. When I did this, I told little children that Jesus loved them. I told adults, "Be mindful of your sins, and trust in the Gospel." This isn't my handiwork, but what was on their foreheads looked like this:

That is my forehead. With a cross on it, of course. The cross used to be a symbol of pain and death. In Jesus' day, it was the ultimate in pain and agony. Looking at it reminded you of Rome's immense power. Looking at it told you to shape up, or else.

The cross was a symbol of abandonment, pain, and ultimately - death. Mortality.

Strange symbol to put on your forehead in oil and ash. The symbol has, like me, been redeemed. Now, I get to put it on foreheads to remind us that even if we are dust - we are redeemed dust. Dust that can be alive. Dust that can know joy and peace and purpose.

You know the first law of thermodynamics? It is that energy can be neither created or destroyed. Interesting scientific law, don't you think? I love it. Some would say it denies our God. I say it is a fancy scientific way of saying, "ashes to ashes, dust to dust."

Your body is made of star-dust. The atoms in your body have and always will ("always" as we understand it) exist. How cool is that? Of course, it took a long and winding path to get you into the person you are today, but that is every day creation for a Creator-God.

Obviously, you are bigger than dust. But only if you give yourself to a God who specializes in animating star dust.

Give it a try.

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-09T21:02:00.002-06:00

I'm giving up Charlie Sheen for Lent.

Just kidding, I can't get enough of the guy. What I really plan on doing (with my wife and a few friends) is giving up foods for dinner. We've decided that since the majority of the planet eats rice or beans all the time, we are going to give up everything but rice and beans for dinner. Sure, we are pretty social people so there may be one night a week we eat out with friends - so, six nights a week we will eat rice and/or beans.

I tell you this not to toot my own horn (indeed, I preached about that tonight... my horn, tooting it) but to encourage you to start Lent off right.

Don't just give something up, take something on. http://www.mission2gather.com is a good place to start. Whatever money we don't spend on pricy foods we'll donate to these great causes. You won't know about that though...

Tonight I preached about Secret Sacrifices. (Matt 6:1-16, 16-21) I don't think Ash Wednesday is really about moping around, wallowing in sin, or whipping ourselves into a frenzy.

What it is about is an inward awareness of where we are - developing a contrite and repentant heart - and then using that to both change how we live AND appreciate what Jesus did in Easter all the more.

Christians are unfortunately known for being hypocritical. The fact is that everyone is hypocritical, it's just the Christians who won't admit it. I don't think the solution is to run around the globe doing all kinds of great things so that people will suddenly think Christians are awesome.

What we need is to start living like we want to please God. Giving to God like we care what God thinks. Praying to God, not so others will hear us. Giving to God, not so others will see us. Fasting for God, not so others will think we are so holy.

The standard acts of piety in Jesus' day were prayer, fasting, and giving. They are still standard acts of piety today for a reason - because they work.

Work? Yeah. They work. If you pray, if you fast, if you give, you. will. find. God. And yet, we don't. We contrive amazing excuses to avoid trying to be more like Christ. And when we DO these things we often have the wrong motive, thus depriving ourselves of God's great rewards.

For some, Lent isn't the season leading up to EASTER - it is just a second chance to try again on those new years resolutions. It is going to take more than a few resolutions to become a better person - it is going to have to take a life devoted to God, a death, and then a resurrection. It's coming though.

Don't let your Lenten season pass you by. It is a great 40 days* to draw closer to an amazing God. Pray, fast, and give your way into a godly heart.

Oh, and while you are at it, give up Charlie Sheen. Seriously, tiger blood?

*(Sundays are mini-Easters. You don't have to fast when you are with the bride groom, whoop whoop!)

SDL (March 6th 2011)

2011-03-08T09:00:00.001-06:00

Transfiguration Sunday - Have you ever had something happen to you that changed your appearance? No, I'm not talking about dying your hair or getting a tattoo. I mean have you ever been loved so that you took a chance? Have you ever been so hurt that you couldn't get over it? Jesus stood with some of his disciples on a mountain and they saw past this world. Come hear how we can do the same.

SDL (March 6th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Transformation

2011-03-07T20:26:00.000-06:00

To a disciple who was forever complaining about others the master said, "If it is peace you want, seek to change yourself, not other people. It is easier to protect your feet with slippers than to carpet the whole earth."

(Anthony De Mello)

SDL (February 28th 2011)

2011-03-01T09:05:00.004-06:00

The human brain is an amazing creation. If you think hard enough, you can actually give yourself an ulcer or a headache. Have you ever worried that much about something? Your brain might be an amazing creation but it can't work by itself. It needs a heart to keep it in check. If you find yourself worrying about anything and everything (all the time), come hear some encouragement. I have some wonderful reasons you can leave that bit of your life behind.

SDL (February 28th 2011) from Jack Hinnen on Vimeo.

Is Jesus a Doormat?

2011-02-28T14:14:00.001-06:00

Few things are as heart-wrenching in ministry as situations that have no easy way out. Sometimes people will come to my office and express feeling trapped by where they are. So often people see loved ones make the same mistakes over and over and ask, "How many times do I have to forgive them?" The assumption is already made that if you continue to forgive that loved one, they'll keep messing up.

Others who struggle with their own sins ask, "Doesn't Jesus say, they should forgive me?" The assumption is already made here is that if forgiveness is offered it somehow lets the offender "off the hook" without their having to change any behavior.

A woman in an abusive relationship may ponders Jesus' teaching in Matthew 8:21-22 and ask, "I don't have to be a doormat, do I?" The assumption is already made that to forgive the abuse is to approve of it.

Matthew 18:21-22 says, "21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

All of these questions, while heartfelt and important, miss the vital understanding of God's forgiveness. They all assume that forgiveness somehow negates justice. To the contrary: in all of these questions forgiveness follows God's justice. To put it in perspective I need to ask my own question: “Was Jesus a doormat?” In the most important way, “No.” Ultimately, anyone who walks over Jesus will eventually kneel at His Name. Sin and death have no power over him. He's proven that already. So no, Jesus was not a doormat. Doormats don't make any kind of response, and Jesus most definitely responds to people walking over Him.

But in ways that I shudder to understand, “Yes, Jesus was a doormat!” I should hasten to remind you that Jesus chose to allow himself to die at the hands of his oppressors, which makes Him the ultimate doormat. On the cross Jesus responds to all the sin we can create. He not only let others walk all over him, He let others walk all over Him when they didn't even realize what they were doing (Luke 23:34). But His response is not to rebel, rise up, and destroy his oppressors. His response is neither fight nor flight, but it is love. In this amazing grace, Jesus ceases to be walked over and instead can be stood on. He is the foundation now, you see? We stand on Christ's amazing love to redeem and reconcile (read: forgive) those around us. We stand on His amazing love to free others from oppressing us (read: forgive). This does not validate the wrongs others commit against us but instead undergirds our forgiveness. And that is the perspective we must wrestle with. We need to forgive as he forgave us. The same forgiveness we have been shown is the foundation on which redemption, justice, and grace stand.

May Christ be our foundation, not our doormat, as we seek to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for forgiving me. I'm sorry when I take advantage of your forgiveness and continue in sin. Help me to not only appreciate your grace but to also share that grace with others. Forgive us we pray. Amen.

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

I wrote this devotion for RUMC's Lenten Devotional guide. Big thanks to Nancy Harper for editing it.

You should know!

2011-02-25T12:45:00.001-06:00

@YouVersion: Time's Almost Up for Free NIV Offline from YouVersion http://bit.ly/ghBLhh Shared via Tweetcaster

Eat Your Pudding

2011-02-22T09:29:00.001-06:00

Before the visitor embarked upon Discipleship, he wanted assurance from the master.

"Can you teach me the goal of human life?"
"I cannot."
"Or at least its meaning?"
"I cannot."
"Can you indicate to me the nature of death and of life beyond the grave?"
"I cannot."

The visitor walked away in scorn. The disciples were dismayed that their master had been shown up in a poor light.

Said the master soothingly, "Of what is it to comprehend life's nature and life's meaning if you have never tasted it? I'd rather you ate your pudding than speculated on it."

(Anthony de Mello)