Mark Conner's Space

Engaging our Culture

Jesus told his disciples to be IN the world but NOT OF the world. Maintaining that balance is a constant challenge for Christ-followers. We can more easily lean towards either extreme, resulting in and isolation or immersion, both of which lead to minimum impact for Christ. 

On my BLOG, I have written some posts about engaging with contemporary culture. You will find articles on topics such as: engaging our culture, global trends, generational issues, creativity and innovation, as well as on the issues of tattoos and gambling. Click here to being reading.

I hope you find your reading insightful! 

Best Movies of 2011

Everyone loves a good movie but sometimes it can be hard to find a good one. Hours can be spent in your local DVD shop browsing through what seems like an endless array of violence, sex and pointless comedy.

Christianity Today issues a list of what they believe are the most redeeming movies each year. Click here to view their list for 2011. Who knows, you might find something worth watching in there. 

P.S. Focus on the Family's Plugged In web site gives a good detailed overview of moveies, which is helpful to know before you see one. However, sometimes their reviews are so critical that you'd pretty much get the opinion that no movie is worth your time. It's important to understand that when you see a movie made by non-Christians it probably will have a good deal of non-Christian values. Neverthless, we need to be listening to the stories of our culture and endeavouring to join in the conversation. 

Linsanity

Linsanity has hit New York. What's it about - the surprising rise of New York's professional basketball team's point guard, Jeremy Lin. Over the last month, he has led his team to some unexpected victories, putting in some unbelievable performances on the court.

Lin is Asian and there aren't many Asians in professional sport in America, a world dominated by Afro-Americans. He's a graduate from Harvard, which doesn't produce a lot of athletes. He was undrafted and has been cut from a number of teams before landing in New York. He's also a committed Christian who hopes to be a pastor one day.

it's a great story.

Of course, there's no such thing as an "overnight success." No doubt, Lin has been developing his skills out of the limelight. Now suddenly he's in it - and he's shining. 

Go Jeremy!

P.S. To read about some leadership lessons from Lin's rise, click here.

 

Lachlan Macquarie Internship: Developing Leaders in Public Policy

From Lyle Shelton, Chief of Staff at the Australian Christian Lobby ...

LYLE: Someone once said if you are unhappy with your leaders, start working on their replacements.

While Australia does have some fine political leaders, there is not too much disagreement that principled public leadership is in short supply. Just when we thought we could not get any more cynical about politicians, our Prime Minister reneged on her pokie promise to Andrew Wilke. 

Knowing our nation faces a crisis of leadership, five years ago ACL embarked on a long-term program to start developing tomorrow’s. Last week the fifth annual Compass Summer Conference was held in Brisbane with more than 70 young people on the program. Compass seeks to inspire Christian young people in tertiary study towards a greater understanding of their faith and how it applies to whatever vocation they might later pursue. While Compass is now a separate entity pursuing an exciting expanded brief, the Summer Conference continues to be run in association with ACL.

In addition to Compass, ACL last year commenced the Lachlan Macquarie Internship – a 13 week live-in program for people with post-graduate degrees with a passion for politics, public policy, the media or law.

Compass and LMI are long term initiatives but in the mean time we must require of our elected leaders – on both sides of the political fence – that they work to restore trust in what will be a long road ahead to restore trust in public leadership.

MARK: Jesus gave his followers a Great Commission and a Cultural Mandate. We have been given a geographical and ethnic challenge to take the good news of Jesus to every people group across the earth. We have also been given a social challenge to influence every strata of society (our kosmos or world), which includes business, arts and entertainment, education, family and government. No doubt, we need more followers of Christ to influence the political realm. Could that be you?

Barna Group: Top Trends of 2011

The Barna Group recently released a list of trends it has observed during 2011 from its research in the USA. Although Australia is very different ftom America, there are similarities, and the profound influence of America on the world continues. 

Here is the first trend ...

1. The Changing Role of Christianity in America.

This year, Barna Group delved into many subjects of faith and culture in America, including the changing role of faith and Christianity. One of those shifts is the relative unknown nature of Christian leaders. Only Billy Graham, the Pope, Barack Obama and Joel Osteen were mentioned by more than 1 out of 50 adults as the most significant Christian leaders. What’s more, 41% of Americans are unable to identify any individual who they consider to be an influential Christian.

Another way in which Christianity hit the mainstream radar was prominent discussion about hell. This issue sparked so much controversy and vigorous debate in part because America is essentially split down the middle on most issues of universalism and religious pluralism. For example, 43% of Americans said it doesn’t matter what religious faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons; 54% of Americans disagree. Half of Americans (50%) believe that all people are eventually saved or accepted by God no matter what they do, while 40% disagreed. With the nation’s population so divided, expect to see these issue continue to stoke lively conversations.

Despite the fact that Christianity’s role is changing, Barna Group discovered in 2011 that there is a great deal of openness among millions of Americans to overtly supporting Christian business and brands. In fact, nearly half of all adults (including all faith groups) said they would be open to purchasing from a business or brand that operates according to Christian principles.

For faith leaders, one of the most favorable Barna findings of the year was the fact that three-quarters of Americans believe that churches are a positive factor in their communities. Just 1 out of 20 adults believe that the influence of churches is negative. While the most common thing that people look to from churches is addressing poverty, churchgoers as well as unchurched residents look to congregations for a range of things.

Other trends include:

2. Down-sized American dream.

3. Millenials Rethinking Christianity.

4. The Digital Family.

5. Maximising Spiritual Change.

6. Women Making it Alone.

As always, trends provide opportunities for the church and the work of the kingdom. God calls us to be poeple who understand the times that we live in that we might know how to live. May each of us as Christ-followers and each local church continue to serve God and His cause with faith and passion this year. 

Australian Communities Report

Olive Tree Media recently launched the results from their Australian Communities Report conducted by McCrindle Research to discover what Australians really think of Christian faith, Christians and the Church. Held in Sydney on 4th November, the research was launched by Archbishop Peter Jensen. Mark McCrindle, Principal of McCrindle Research presented the findings to 50 church leaders and business people. Click here to watch excerpts of the presentation and here to download a summary of the research results or purchase a copy of the full report. 

The Research was commissioned in preparation for a new Apologetics Series being produced by Olive Tree Media in 2012 which will tackle the issues arising from the research. 

Some interesting insights from the research include:

• Overall, 1 in 2 Australians do not identity with a religion. 40% consider themselves Christian. 31% do not identify with a religion or spiritual belief, while another 19% consider themselves spiritual but not religious.
• Parents and family have a strong influence on people's perceptions of Christians and Christianity.
• There is significant "warmth" towards Christianity by a large proportion of Australians.
• The church's views on homosexuality, hell and science were seen as potential faith blockers.
• There was a surprisingly high awareness of some of the core teachings of Jesus, although 6% of Australians believe that "Such is life" was a statement made by Jesus (actually it was Ned Kelly!). More surprisingly, 28% of those surveyed had no idea when Jesus lived and 27% believed he lived in ancient times (BC).  

We live in a land of great opportunity. Although only 10% of Australians attend church on a weekend, many are open to a real and living faith, especially when modeled by their peers and friends. Let's continue to pray and believe that the Australian church will reach many more Aussies with the good news of Jesus Christ in these next few decades. 

 

 

 

You Lost Me - Latest Church Research from Barna Group

People are calling it "The Great Departure" - Christian young people leaving the church. Close to 60 percent of young people who went to church as teens drop out after high school. Now the bestselling author of unChristian trains his researcher's eye on these young believers. Where David Kinnaman's first book unChristian showed the world what outsiders aged 16-29 think of Christianity, You Lost Me shows why younger Christians aged 16-29 are leaving the church and rethinking their faith.

Based on new research, You Lost Me shows pastors, church leaders, and parents how we have failed to equip young people to live "in but not of" the world and how this has serious long-term consequences. More importantly, Kinnaman offers ideas on how to help young people develop and maintain a vibrant faith that they embrace over a lifetime.

Kinneman identifies three types of young people who have left church:

1. Nomads - they walk away from church engagement but still consider themselves Christians.

2. Prodigals - they lose their faith, describing themselves as "no longer Christian." 

3. Exiles - they are still invested in their Christian faith but feel stuck (or lost) between culture and the church. 

Kinnaman goes on to offer "six reasons" why the next generation is disengaging from church:

Teen Speak

Are you still using words like "cool," "man" and "dude?" If so, you are so last century. Social researcher Mark McCrindle has written a new book to help us keep in touch with the language of a new generation, which is full of new ways of communicating, including via text messaging. Ever seen LOL? The book is called Word Up - A Lexicon and Guide to Communication in the 21st Century. The book's purpose is to help older generations keep up with all the changes in communication.

For more, check out the recent news article Dude, Hold the LOL.

If you're looking to learn some of the common text messaging abbreviations - read more here.

YW

How Christianity Changed the World

Have you ever considered the tangible impact of the coming of Jesus Christ on our world? Sociologist, Alvin Schmit decided to do an extensive research project to answer this question. A summary of his research can be found in his excellent book How Christianity Changed the World (formerly published with the title Under the Influence). It is an inspiring and insightful tour of church history, from the first century right through to our modern world. The number of people transformed through their faith in Jesus Christ is nothing short of astonishing, as is the resulting impact on every sector of society.

Consider the following areas:

1. Sanctity of human life

One of the more moral of Rome's philosophers, Seneca, said “We drown children who at birth are weakly and abnormal.” At that time, families wanted no more than one daughter so abandoned infants were commonplace. Followers of Christ valued human life - all life. Afra of Augsburg (late third century) was a converted prostitute who “developed a ministry to abandoned children of prisoners, thieves, smugglers, pirates, and runaway slaves.” Although it took time, through the influence of Christians, human sacrifice was stopped as were the cruel gladiatorial games.

2. Sexual Morality

Rome was known for its sexual permissiveness, with everything from adultery to fornication to pedophilia being seen as acceptable. There we no constraints on any sexual pleasure. This led to a very low view of marriage. Followers of Christ brought honour and faithfulness back into the marriage relationship and urged true love, not lust, as the highest goal.

3. Women’s Dignity and Freedom

In the first century, woman had an extremely low status in society. They had no freedom and were more like slaves to men. They lived in silence and were seen as having no social value. Without doubt, the birth of Jesus was turning point in history of women.

4. Charity and Compassion

The old Roman world was a world without charity. The Christians changed that with their loving care for everyone, including orphans, children, and the aged. 

For Kid's Sake

Lyle Shelton from the Australian Christian Lobby recently said, "Australian kids are not doing well. The ACL-commissioned For Kids’ Sake report, launched at Parliament House, Canberra, on Tuesday, is a loud wake-up call. Its author, the University of Sydney’s Professor Patrick Parkinson, confirms what most of us know deep down but seeing the raw data is sobering.

While standards of living have increased in the past 25 years as we pursue utopia through materialism, almost every other indicator of child and youth well-being has headed south at an alarming rate.

The good news is that Professor Parkinson proposes some innovative solutions and gives hope that there can be a reversal of the negative trends he chronicles.

For further information, click here and to read the report online click here.

The ACL will use the report’s findings and recommendations to lobby both sides of politics to give kids a better deal in public policy.

Technology and Families

A new study by the Barna Group reveals that families are more dependent on technology and media than ever and could benefit from some reflection on how they manage their time on-line, in front of the TV and on their digital devices. The research found that:

• Parents are just as dependent on technology as teens and tweens.
• Most family member, parents included, believe technology has been a positive influence on their families.
• Very few adults or youth take substantial breaks from technology.
• Few families have heard or expect to hear churches address technology.

David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, summed up action that the findings call for: "The Christian community needs a better, more holistic understanding of how to manage existing and coming technological advances. Parents, tween and teens need more coaching and input in order to face the countless choices they make regarding how technology affects their attention, interests, talents and resources."

Read the full report at www.barna.org

Generation iY

Generation Y are the children of the late Baby Boomers and the early Gen-Xers - born between 1984 and 2002. While experts differ on what to call them, all agree they are bound to change the way we approach life. Even if you have no interest at all, or no connection at all with this next generation of kids - you will be affected by how they turn out. 

We could call them Generation iY, because of the impact of the internet on their lives. They have literally grown up online. Theirs is the world of the iPod, iBook, iChat, iMovie, iPad and iTunes. And for many of them life is pretty much about "I."

Nearly half of the world's population is under the age of 25, which represents about 3 billion people. Gen iY is the most eclectic and diverse in history. They are also the first generation that doesn't need leaders to get information; they have electronic access to every pience of data you can imagine. 

All of this will either turn out to be good news or bad news as they migrate into adulthood. Tim Elmore's research reveals that this generation is (1) overwhelmed, (2) over-connected, (3) over-protected, and (4) over-served. That's not the whole picture of course. They can be very energetic, confident and capable. But it's time for those of us who care about these kids - parents, teachers, coaches, youth workers and employers - to pay attention to the way we are shaping them. 

Elmore goes on to describe the paradox of Gen iYs as being:

1. Sheltered ... yet pressured.

2. Self-absorbed ... yet generous.

3. Social ... yet isolated by technology.

4. Ambitious ... yet anxious.

5. Adventuresome ... yet protected.

6. Diverse ... yet harmonious.

7. Visionary ... yet vacillating.

8. High achievement ... yet high maintenance. 

The prophet Joel said that in the last days, God would pour out his Spirit on young and old together. It is not young vs old, or old vs young, but young and older working together for kingdom purpose. If we could only harness the enthusiasm of the young with the wisdom of the aged, what a powerful impact we could have on our world. Fight the generation gap. Be a bridge-builder today. Reach out and connect with a young person today. Listen to them. Challenge them. Show them that you love and care for them. What a different that can make!

For more information about Generation iY, check out Tim's book or his web site.

[Taken from Tim Elmore's new book. See also my previous posts here and here]

Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 2)

Lie #5 - "You can have it now."

This generation get their music - now, their texts - now, their fast food - now, their information - now. They are accustomed to living this way and they have a low tolerance for waiting. Of course, us adults are not much more patient either. WAIT is a four letter word for adults too. We haven't learned to "pay now and play later." We expect instant gratification and we are quick to give up when the answers aren't coming. This lack of self-discipline and persistence will hinder young people in achieving success in their life. 

Lie #6 - "You're a winner just because you participated."

This phrase may sound okay when kids are young and playing in little league but kids are not stupid. Some young people are far more capable than others and ignoring this reality robs kids of motivation. It dilutes the value of achievement. If everybody wins, then actually everybody loses. There is nothing to strive for and nothing to feel genuinely proud of. The real world doesn't work like this. 

Lie #7 - "You can get whatever you want."

Many kids today get pretty much everything they want as they grow up. They shop, research, phone, text-message, and write to friends at any time, any place, to find what they want - and they expect to get it. They rarely have to take 'no' for an answer. Sadly, this sets them up for disappointment later in life because none of us get everything we want. Like the other lies, this one nurtures unhealthy adults who cannot delay gratification, who feel entitled to the best all the time, and who quit when something doesn't turn out the way they would like it. 

Dr. Chris Thurman believes that "the number one cause of our unhappiness are the lies we believe in life." Growing up requires facing the truth and embracing reality. If we truly love our kids, we'll make sure they hear the truth. 

For suggestions on the truths we must communicate to this younger generation, chick here.

[From Tim Elmore's book: Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future]

Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 1)

Tim Elmore (see recent post) believes that many young people are reaching adulthood emotionally unstable and socially naive - due to the lies they have been told. Shame on us - not on them. We have not equipped them to face an uncertain world. Here are some of the most harmful lies we've told to Generation iY:

Lie #1: "You can be anything you want to be."

You can see signs of this popular lie on any edition of a TV reality show. The trouble is that wanting something is not the same as being able to achieve it. Desire is not the same as talent, and talent is not the same as accomplishment. Unless young people match their dreams with their actual strengths, they are doomed to failure. Telling them this lie simply sets them up for discouragement - because the truth is they can't do anything they want. None of us can. 

Lie #2: "It's your choice."

We live in a culture full of options and yet this vast array of choices can be harmful. It creates a self-centred paradigm where kids grow up accustomed to having things their way. The truth is that not everything is an option in the real world. There may be only one right choice or someone else may be making the decision. That is simple reality. 

Lie #3 - "You are special."

Yes, everyone is special and unique but not everyone is outstanding and extra-ordinary. That simply cannot be true of everyone ... and kids soon figure this out. Some spiral down into depression while overachievers and perfectionists often buckle under the pressure that the word 'special' implies. We can serve our young people well by pointing out their strengths and by affirming them, while at the same time preparing them for the real world where not everyone will think they are special.

Lie #4 - "Every kid ought to go to college (university)."

We want students to set their sights high, to get a degree and become a real somebody. We want them to believe in themselves and value their own abilities. The intent is good but the truth is that a three or four-year degree isn't for everyone. Many students later discover that their degree does not fit their gifts, interests or aspirations. The truth is that there is more than one path to a successful future. A university degree may be a fruitful option for some, but apprenticeships, community colleges, tech schools and vocational institutes may be more appropriate for many. 

More tomorrow (click here) ...

Don't forget the Elderly!

People frequently say, "Its a young person's world" and it many ways it is. Youth culture dominates our world and especially the entertainment industry. Yet, the largest and fastest growing demographic in many parts of our world is the elderly. With life expectancy continuing to grow, we will continue to see more and more seniors as part of our communities.

For the church, I believe that God's desire is for 'young and old' to partner together in relationships and kingdom purposes (see Acts 2:17). Too often churches merely mimic the culture by constantly segregating people into different age groups - kids, youth, young adults, married and seniors. Although there are some benefits in congregating with people who are at a similar stage of life, in doing so we can miss the benefits of inter-generational relationships. There are great benefits when adults minister to children and youth. If we can merge the enthusiasm of the young with the wisdom of the aged, what a powerful force the church can be.  

Seniors provide a ready-made demographic of people for us to reach out to. I pray that the church around the world will give more prayer and thought to what we can do to share God's good news with elderly people - many who are lonely and isolated. 

Yes, let's be relevant to and reaching out to the next generation ... but let's not forget the elderly!

P.S. Click here for a good article by Tony Campolo on church staffing and the elderly. 

Fostering Creativity

Here are a few thoughts on some ways we can foster greater creativity:

1. Make time for thinking creatively

Set aside regular time for “brainstorming” - by yourself and, better still, with other people and especially with any teams you are a part of. Think creatively. Research should be everybody’s preoccupation and innovation is everybody’s game

"The organizations of the future will increasingly depend on the creativity of their members to survive. Great Groups offer a new model in which the leader is an equal among Titans. In a truly creative collaboration, work is pleasure, and the only rules and procedures are those that advance the common cause." [Warren Bennis]

2. Ask good questions

Regularly ask yourself, “What’s working well and why?” and “What’s not working and why?”

3. Generate lots of new ideas

"To have a great idea, have a lot of them." [Thomas Edison]

"Genius is one percent inspiration, and ninety-nine percent perspiration." [Thomas Edison]

4. Listen and learn

Be a strategic listener. Expose yourself to different viewpoints and learning and ideas. Look for future trends, people’s needs and new ideas – everywhere!

Creativity Killers

Here are a few examples of "creativity killers" - people who were NOT willing to think outside the box:

• "Everything that can be invented has been invented." [Charles H. Duell, Director of the American Patent Office in 1899]
• "Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote." [Grover Cleveland, 1905]
• "Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?" [Harry M. Warner, Warner Bros Pictures, 1927]
• "There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom." [Robert Miliham, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923]
• "Heavier than air flying machines are impossible." [Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society, 1895]
• "The horse is here today, but the automobile is only a novelty - a fad." [President of Michigan Savings Bank advising against investing in the Ford Motor Company]
• "Video won't be able to hold on to any market it captures after the first six months. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night." [Daryl F. Zanuck, 20th Century Fox, commenting on television in 1946]
• "What use could the company make of an electric toy?" [Western Union, when it turned down rights to the telephone in 1878]

What "box" do you need to break out of? With God, all things are possible!

Tomorrow: some ideas on fostering creativity.

P.S. For some more insightful quotes on creativity and innovation, click here.

The Importance of Innovation

Innovation is very important for any individual, group or organization – including the church!

A few quotes:

1. “In a period of rapid change, the only ones who survive are those who innovate and create change.” [Peter Drucker – Father of Modern Management in Management, p.357]

Change is the only certain in today’s fast paced environment. Accept that it will always be with us. Change is never over (its constant!). See change as an opportunity not a threat. Talk about it in a positive way and help people to not be afraid of it.

Peter Drucker says that both management and entrepreneurship are essential in any organisation. Both are always needed at the same time and both have to be co-ordinated and work together. Not to innovate is the single largest reason for the decline of existing organisations. Not to know how to manage is the single largest reason for the failure of new ventures. We must not just manage the existing but innovate the new and the different.

It is so easy to become busy managing what currently exists (working IN the organisation), that we fail to take time to improve what we’re doing let alone consider doing things differently or doing new things (working ON the organisation). As leaders, we must work on tomorrow not just keep up with today. This is what innovation is all about.

2. "There is no doubt that creativity is the most important resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns." [Edward de Bono – creativity expert]

He also says, "Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate profits.”

3. “Leaders traffic in idea creation. The best leaders I know are ferociously disciplined about seeking them out and incredibly committed to stewarding them well.” [Bill Hybels – church leader and author of Axiom, p.43]

4. "Intelligent people are always open to new ideas; in fact, they look for them." [Proverbs 18:15. NLT]

We serve a creative God who, though he never changes in his character, has designed a world full of variety and freshness (Gen.1:1). We are created in his image (Gen.1:26). It is important that we seek to make our life and ministry fresh and alive.

How can you increase your own ability to innovate?

Tomorrow: some creativity killers.

A Theology of Creativity

Let's talk about creativity ...

1. God is a Creative God

God invented creativity. He thought it up. It was his idea. Creativity is part of who God is. The fifth word in the Bible is ‘created’ – “In the beginning God created … (Gen.1:1)” God started the creative ball rolling and it has been rolling ever since.

Think of creation – God created the entire universe out of nothing. He formed all original things (like an inventor or manufacturer). What an incredible designer he is! There is nothing bland, boring or predictable about God’s world. Think of things such as:

• Colour – we have three primary colours with up to 10 million different hues that a human eye can see.
• Texture – rough, smooth and everything in between.
• Shape and form - so many varieties.
• Movement – wind, water, animals (bird, cheetah, elephant, snake)
• Sound – a thunderstorm, the crashing of the waves of the ocean or the sound of a bird
• Seasons – winter, spring, summer, autumn.
• Human personality – unique finger prints for 6 billion people, no boring predictable clones!

Sadly, living in the city (surrounded by man-made objects) can easily distract us from the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Looking at creation should drive us to worship God.

Think about redemption. God has made salvation available to us apart from our ability to earn it. He has sent Jesus to pay the price for our sin and now offers us salvation (being right with him) as a free gift for which we can do nothing to earn. What an amazing and creative plan!

Let’s look at one of my favourite Bible passages...

Eph 2:8-10. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no-one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV

This passage of Scripture shows us the creativity of God (in creation and redemption) and how he has called us to be like him in the works that we do. We are God’s “workmanship” (his masterpiece) – literally a work of art (Greek poiema).

Six Mega Themes for the Church in 2010 (Barna Update)

A recent report by the Barna Group highlights six mega-themes in the church that have emerged in 2010. Click here to read the full report. Here they are:

1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate.

2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented.

3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life.

4. Among Christians, interest in participating in community action is escalating.

5. The postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian Church.

6. The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible.

Have a read of the report and let me know what you think.

The Paradox of our Time

The Paradox of our Time, by George Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgement; more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life, we've added years to life not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait.

We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character; steep profits and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember, to hold hands and cherish the moment, for some day that person will not be there again.

Give time to Love, give time to speak, give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Avatar

A few weeks ago, I went with my family to see Avatar, James Cameron's sci-fi epic - in 3D. What a cinema experience it was. The graphics and special effects are amazing. No doubt this is a huge step forward in movie-making, similar to what happened when The Matrix was releasedback in 1999, with its slow motion action scenes. Avatar is now the highest grossing film of all time.

Some Christians have jumped on the overt neo-paganism spirituality of the movie. I can see where they are coming from. Others have taken a more balanced approach. I can see where they are coming from too. in his book, Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue Robert K. Johnston shows us that we can see the fingerprints of God in all of culture - including art, film and literature.

On the positive side, I thought the film had a strong creation care theme, which is something we need to talk more about. It was also a story of redemption - laying down your life for the benefit of others. I like that too.

The Story of Stuff

Click here to visit an interesting web site called The Story of Stuff.

Click play, then sit back and watch a 20-minute engaging, fast-paced, fact-filled  look at the underside of our world's production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.

Watching this is definitely worth your time. It will teach you something, it will make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

When Being Cool Hinders Ministry

Craig Groeschel is the senior pastor of lifechurch.tv in the USA. I had the privilege of speaking at a conference with him in Chicago a few years ago. I love his heart and spirit. His church is setting an example in the free sharing of resources for the wider church.

Craig's recent article entitled 'Cool is No Longer Cool' posted on his blog is very good. It highlights the need for us to always avoid allowing style to replace substance or hype to replace the Holy Spirit.

How Sceptical are Aussies?

What do non-Christian Aussies believe and how sceptical are they about Jesus? This was the focus of a recent survey and the results were quite surprising. Read the article here.

No doubt there are far more Australians who would be categorised as 'apathetic' towards spiritual things than there are those who would be 'antognostic'. This means that Aussies are probably far more open to discussion about spiritual things and about Jesus than we may realise.

The Extreme Future

In his book The Extreme Future, James Canton shares the top trends that he believes will reshape the world in the next 20 years. Canton is a renowned global futurist, social scientist, keynote presenter, author, and visionary business adviser. He is also the CEO and Chairman of the Institute for Global Futures, a think tank founded in 1990. He has been forecasting trends for over thirty years.

Here is a brief outline of his top 10 trends:

1. Fueling the future - energy will play a critical role in every aspect of our lives in the future, especially energy alternatives such as hydrogen.
2. The innovation economy - emerging technologies include Nano, Bio, IT, and Neuro.
3. The next workforce - more multi-cultural and more female.
4. Longevity medicine - will new medical breakthroughs lead to longer and healthier lives?
5. Weird science - where will science take us next?
6. Securing the future - threats to our freedom include criminals, terrorists, and mind control.
7. Globalisation: cultures in collision - more global trade and competition; the rise of China and India; the clash of cultures and values; and the ideological battle for the future.
8. Future of global change - the environment is changing, including global warming, pollution, and threats to health.
9. Future of the individual - how will individuals navigate personal threats from technology, governments, and ideologies in the struggle for human rights, liberty, and freedom?
10. The future of America and China - the destiny of these two nations will have a big affect on the future.

No doubt, there is a lot of uncertainty and even fear about the future today. Life is getting more and more complex. New thinking and new ideas are needed to find solutions for many of the world's current and future challenges.

As followers of Christ, we want to be like the people of Issacher, who had understanding of the times so they knew what they should do and how they should respond (see 1 Chronicles 12:32).

The prophet Isaiah was given an interesting picture of the future during his generation ...

"Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance." Isaiah 60:1-3. NLT

Whatever our future may be, may we continue to be God's light in the world and a channel for his love to reach out to all people.

Global Trends

The last two days, we've had a look at a prophetic forecast for 2008 and some microtrends. While we're speaking of trends, here are a number of resources that you might find helpful when thinking about and contemplating the future ...

1. The Barna Group, an organisation led by George Barna, dedicated to pulsing the culture from a Christian perspective and to spotting emerging trends affecting the Christian church.
2. Christianfutures.com, a web site dedicated to helping communities of faith develop foresight.
3. Christian futurist, Tom Sine's, web site.
4. Future.com, a web site dedicated to discussing issues related to the future.
5. Post-Modern Pilgrims by Leonard Sweet. [This book summary is from www.christianbooksummaries.com an excellent web site with free summaries of influential Christian books] Sweet's latest book is The Church of the Perfect Storm.
6. Ten Major Trends by Howard Snyder. [Thanks to Steve Addison for a copy of this article]
7. What's Next: Top Trends, an interesting blog about trends.

As followers of Christ, we are the ultimate people of the future, yet living anchored to the firm foundations of our historic faith, and living with full engagement in our present time. We worship and serve the God "... who is, who was, and is to come."

Should a Christian get a Tattoo?

If you want to amuse yourself, type the question 'Should a Christian have a tattoo?' into an internet search engine and watch the sparks fly! Some people see tattoos as okay while others see them as 'evil' and inappropriate for a Christian.

The Bible teaches that God is holy and that he has called us as his people to be holy also. 'Holy' means set apart to the Lord. Holiness is primarily a matter of the heart and it refers to what's happening on the inside of us. This was the focus of Jesus' teaching (see Matt.5-7 as an example).

There are many misconceptions about what holiness is, including an overly strong emphasis on external appearance and particular stances on a variety of non-sinful issues. Having a tattoo does not necessarily make a person 'unholy' nor does not having a tattoo make a person 'holy'.

I don't think you can build a water tight Biblical case against tattoos. It is only mentioned once in the Bible ...

Lev.19:28. "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord." NIV

If you take this as authoritative and with direct relevance to today then you shouldn't cut your hair on the sides or trim the edges of your beard, as instructed in the previous verse.

Lev.19:27. "Do not cut the hair at the sides of the head or clip off the edges of your beard." NIV

You also shouldn't wear clothing with mixed materials, as mentioned a little earlier in this same chapter.

Lev.19:19. "Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material." NIV

Are you weating a cotton and polyester piece of clothing today?

Should Christians Gamble?

Tomorrow is Melbourne Cup Day, a public holiday held on the first Tuesday of each November here in our local State of Victoria. The day is built around the Melbourne Cup horse race held at the Flemington Racecourse - billed as 'the race that stops a nation'.

Without a doubt, Aussies love to gamble - about anything and on just about everything. There's horse racing, the lottery, casinos, poker, raffles, online betting, sporting events, and the list goes on. In fact, Australians are amongst the world’s leading gamblers. Here are a few interesting statistics:

• By 1999-2000 Australians were gambling almost $114 billion, over 30 times as much as in 1972-73.
• In 1972-73, Australians lost almost $500 million, which was about 1.55 per cent of household disposable income. By 1999-2000 they were losing over $13 billion, or over $900 per head (18$ per week), almost three times as much as in 1972-73, and about 3.5% of household disposable income
• Every person with a gambling problem affects at least seven other people. It often leads to preoccupation with getting money, increasing risk, attempts to stop, lying, and illegal acts to obtain money. Gambling can destroy relationships and can result in depression and even suicidal tendencies.

By the way, the chances of winning the lottery are one in over seven million!

What about Christians? Should they gamble? Ever?

Dinner with a Skeptic

Last week at the 500+ Pastors Conference in New Zealand (see separate post for further details), there was an evening debate on the topic: 'Is God a Delusion?' Pastor Allan Meyer from Careforce Church presented the Christian viewpoint, looking at some of the most common evidences for the existence of God. Dr. Bill Cooke, a leading skeptic from New Zealand, presented his perspective on why he does not believe in God. The event was held in a small historical church building in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand.

Dr. Cooke is the author of The Dictionary of Atheism, Skepticism and Humanism. He is an Honorary Associate of Rationalist International and the editor of The New Zealand Rationalist and Humanist. He was born and raised in Kenya, educated there, in the United Kingdom, and in New Zealand, where he now lives. He is a senior university lecturer in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Dr. Bill Cooke and Pastor Allan Meyer each spoke for 20 minutes, then responded to each other, after which there was a time of questions from the audience that had gathered. The discussion was amicable, though it was clear that both had very different perspectives on the topic, with neither being prepared to move from their personal convictions.

As a Christian and a pastor listening in to the conversation, the saddest thing for me was to hear Dr. Cooke begin his speech by referring to two experiences he had had with Christians and churches in his younger years that were very hurtful. In fact, they turned him away from any notion of God and towards a pursuit of atheism, skepticism and humanism.

No wonder Jesus said that the world would recognise that we are his followers by our love. When people encounter love and grace through Christ-followers they are usually drawn to God. In contrast, when they encounter harshness and legalism they are often repelled from God. What a responsibility we have, those of us who carry the name of Christ.

Nicole and I had dinner with Dr. Cooke and a few others after this event. It was clear that his views of Jesus and Christianity were extremely negative. I chose not to focus on the debate or on our different perspectives, but rather to listen and learn where he was coming from. I wonder how different this man's life may have been had he had interactions with Christians characterised by genuine kindness and warmth. I went away praying that this man will somehow have a supernatural encounter that will show him how very real God is. No one is beyond the reach of God's love.

A Night at the Movies

Going out to see a movie or hiring a DVD can be a fun way to spend an evening, especially with family and friends. However, choosing a good movie is quite another thing. To save the 'hit and miss' approach, it pays to check out as much as you can about a movie beforehand.

One of the best sites for this is Focus on the Family's web site. It has an excellent coverage of a whole range of movies, as well as music and television programs. You may not always agree with their final assessment but at least you'll know what a movie is about and what it contains before you see it. This site is also extremely helpful for parents who want to know what their teenagers are in to.

Here are a few other interesting sites with reviews of movies from a Christian perspective:

• Christian Spotlight on Entertainment
• Christianity Today - Movies
• Crosswalk - Movies
• Hollywood Jesus
• Christian Cinema
• Christian Movie Reviews

Happy viewing!