Half

Man, this place is dusty. . . looks like it hasn't been used in a minute. 

I want half. Right now there are just too many of them, duplicating and re-duplicating the work of others. A lot of times, they're doing it right across the street from each other.

Of course, I'm talking about churches.

I love (read: hate) when you come to an intersection in a town and as you sit there, there are 4 churches in eyesight. Probably 3 right there at that corner! How did we get so many churches crammed into such a small area?

Yes, yes, I know. It's because of disputes of theology, doctrine, blah blah blah. Look, I don't care. Get over it. Is the filoque really what's keeping you apart? Salvation at baptism or before it (or after)? If so, get over yourself. Sheese.

Here's why I want half the number of churches.

1. Unity. Showing the world that we're not a bunch of children arguing about where a comma should be placed, but a body of Christ followers devoted to loving and serving the world just like Jesus taught us and prayed for before he was hung on a cross. Are you a Methodist or a Christian? Are you a Catholic or a Christian? Are you stupid or are you a Christian? Get it?

2. Money. It makes the world go round (and some say the mo you have, the mo problems). What if two churches decided to join up and close the other facility. Bango bongo. You just got double the funds. That youth pastor you wanted to hire, congrats! You now have the money for it. Or maybe you wanted a small groups leader, or an outreach pastor, or any number of staff positions. You got it! But as it is now, you got First Church of the Lame trying to "win" more townsfolk than Second Church of the Lame. All the while they're destroying themselves from the inside.

3. Love. Love, baby. Lovey dovey. How will the world know we follow Christ, if we love each other. The Man said it himself. So why don't we do it?

So, I know I'm being sort of curt (not Russel). And I know I'm being way too naive about how much some doctrine matters. But a boy can dream, can't he? Maybe it won't ever happen. But as someone smarter than me once said, the journey is the destination.

Rev.

SFC - Phase III

Wow. I'm only on CD number 2 and man, have I found a good one. A special shout out to Naterob for getting me hip to these guys.

If you know me, you know I like my rap underground and old school. None of this ring tone rap that they have out now (definition: ring tone rap - rap who's music quality is equal to what you would find defaulted on your cell phone). The first hip hop that I can remember truly liking was A Tribe Called Quest. Smooth lyrics, jazzy beats, all mixed together to form something that you could jam to while cruising the boulevard.

Would you, in your lifetime, think that you would find something Christian that is on par with Public Enemy or Eric B & Rakim? Probably not. I most certainly didn't.

Bring on SFC's album, Phase III.

SFC stands for "Soldiers for Christ" apparently (finding any information about these guys is tough). This piece of awesome came out in 1993 and as far as I could find, this is their only record. What happened to them after this is a mystery to me. So the only thing I have go off of is the record itself.

Have a listen:



If you recall, I was looking for some Christian music that I could jam to in my car and not feel weird or chumpy. Also, I want good music. Not music that is "good for being Christian music".

I think SFC fits the bill and then some.

Some people might flinch at the following song because it uses the N word. And rightly so. It's a word that is degrading and inherently wrong. When white racists use it, they're telling black people that they're lesser people. When black people use it, it's promulgating the ghetto mentality that being ignorant and "gangsta" is something to be proud of. Both are demeaning and bring people down.



Oh, and not to mention, it's a great song. Beat is awesome. I love how they switch beats when they switch subjects.

So that's a taste of SFC. If you like, I highly recommend seeking out the whole album. There's an instrumental track with their DJ, DJ Dove, breaking it down proper old school style. I love it.

Kickin' it old school,

Rev.

Dear Mama

I've had a few things I've been wanting to write about but just haven't had the time. Here is the first of a few. This was back near Mother's Day. 





When you're a kid, you're parents were the best. Your dad was stronger and smarter than other kids' dads, and course, could beat them in a fight. Your mom was the best cook and was the most beautiful woman you've ever seen.

Then the teenage years hit and as you gain perspective on yourself, you also gain perspective on your parents. Not only is your dad not smart, he's actually not that bright at all. He's made bad decisions with his money, causing the family some struggles. He is definitely not the strongest, with his pot belly showing from the bottom of his shirt. Your mom wears too much make up because she's insecure and that food? Well, it's barely fit for prisoners.

Usually a little later in the teens, you get a little more bitter with the 'rents as you realize that a lot of the faults they have are passed along to you, causing no amount of angst and anger towards them. Armed with the knowledge that most of the problems you have in your life is being caused by your parents, you are quite bitter with them.

Soon enough your 20's come along and you start to see your parents as real people, instead of the enemy or the hero of your youth. Sure, they caused you problems but really they're just people trying to make it like everyone else. Dad's not that bright but hey, not very many people are. And mom, well, she's old. No wonder she's not that pretty. Your folks are regular schmucks just like everyone else is.

However, if you're lucky enough and smart enough, hopefully you'll take the next step. Where you see that despite all their flaws and insecurities, despite being bad with money and losing a job, and despite not being able to cook worth a lick, your parents tried their best to raise you and to love you. And it's because of their effort, despite their short comings, that you love them back.

Suddenly, dad is strong and mom is beautiful again.

Christian Music To Do List

So, to really get into this Christian music scene, I think there are a few things I need to do. What are they, you ask? Well if any of you know the Reverend, and most of you do, you know I think in lists.

1. Keep reviewing CD's. I still have quite a list of music I want to check out. In fact, I just ordered a CD today off of Amazon. I'm going to check out the old stuff  (Stryper!) as well as the new stuff (Casting Crowns, etc.). Not to mention up and coming artists (my homey's in Chasing Chariots).

2. Apparently, Cornerstone is the Christian music Mecca (like how I mince religions?). A special shout out to Steph for getting me hip to it. It's in Bushnell, IL (where?). Luckily, my beautiful assistant and girlfriend, Robyn, loves to travel and likes live music. So this little shin dig is a must.

3. I need to read this book (again, shout out to Steph). Rapture Ready: Adventures in the Parallel Universe of Christian Pop Culture. As the title states, it's an exploration into the world of Christian pop culture. From Christian music, to Bible and Creation museums, Christians books, and all things Christian media. I'll be getting this from my local library soon. I'll let you know when I'm done and will report back.

4. I'm tempted to watch that movie, Fireproof. No, I'm not married (I'm sure Robyn is happy to read that) but I'd like to see a Christian movie. I've heard people tell me about it (good message, bad acting). But I'd like to see it for myself. Pop the popcorn, Robyn! We got us a moo-vee to watch!

Whew! Sounds like a busy schedule! But I'm excited to check it out. Deep down in my heart, I know there has to be something in all this mess for me. You know, that CD I can keep in my glove box and not feel like a cheese ball for putting it into the stereo.

Did Robyn know this is what she signed up for when we started dating?

Rev.

Free at Last - DC Talk

Before I can start this review, we have to go back in time. Think back to 1992. If you're a white guy, you had lines shaved in the side of your head. My black friends had boxes. Ladies had that 6 inch poof ball in the front of their heads. Maybe you wore an IOU sweater with your Bugle Boy jeans. Maybe you're still wearing them, in which case, please update yourself.

If you were a young Christian who liked rap, then you listened to DC Talk. . . wait, no way. I most certainly did not. Dude, Dr. Dre's The Chronic came out that year. That's what I was listening to. Not that cheeseball stuff.

Alright, alright. I need to be less biased. I, also, need to remember that it was 1992.

For this music review I need to take off my "hard core hip hopper" hat and put on my "I like pop music that I can dance to" hat. It's a dirty, gross, stinky hat but sometimes a man has to take his lumps.

It's with that in mind that I present to you DC Talk's Free At Last. A pop/rap album that came out in 1992, when C+C Music Factory was giving you things to make you Mmmmm and Mark Walhberg was Markie Mark. And it's in that context that I review this CD.

Within those bounds, I have to say, it's not that bad. The beats are right on par with what Markie Mark was doing. You know, that rap mixed with R&B mixed with techno beats.

Check out their Jesus is Just Alright song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqCccV6Y31s
(they wouldn't let me embed it. Lame).

Musically, as I said, it's standard early 90's studio beats. That organ beat, the yelling voice samples, and the stock scratching sounds. The funny thing is that in that video shows a band playing. . .um, yeah, I don't hear any band playing here.

The lyrics aren't too bad. A little corny because they're "religious". But I challenge anyone to listen to any pop music from 1992 and tell me it's not completely lame flavored cheese. So I give them a pass on this.

I do want to point out that this Toby Mac guy is actually quite a good rapper. Remember, this is coming from a guy who listens to Jurassic 5. I think he's a solo artist now. I might have to check him out. Soon. . .

I also liked this track a little. I've always had soft spot for that neo-gospel sound:



They also do a cover of Lean on Me by Bill Withers that sounds a lot like that other version done by Club Nouveau. Personally, I hate all covers of this song. The original was too good. Oh well.

Would I ever in my life buy this album and play it? No, I would not. However, if you like 90's pop and you're looking for something Christian, well, I will point you here. You won't be disappointed.

Personally, my search continues. There has to be something out there for me.

Reverend

Christian Muzak

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Christian music sucks.

Wait. Does it?

Well, as far I've heard, it does. Everything I've heard been either contemporary (boring!) or just some knock off of whatever is popular (lame). I remember being at church when I was kid and some of my church friends talked about DC Talk. I think I heard one song and almost vomited in my mouth. After hearing the likes of Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, and Wu Tang, these weak Christian rappers didn't stand a chance. How could they compete? Not to mention, they talked about "not having sex" and "Jesus" where these other guys were talking about guns, drugs, and women. You know, exciting stuff.

A lot of Christian music is just a knock off of popular music. To some people, that's good enough for them. If the singer is good and it's got a good beat, they like it. But for a music snob like me, I need something more. I need new, creative, innovative, eclectic, and interesting.

I remember seeing that chart in church that said "If you like this band _____ then you'll like this Christian band _____" Yeah right. I'm sure if I like Nirvana then I'll love Stryper. Do they take me for a fool?

But I do feel a certain sense of guilt for not listening to Christian music. I feel like I should listen to it.

Also, I love finding and listening to new music. Anyone who knows me knows that I take a lot of pleasure in listening to things that no one else has heard of (ever heard of Buffalo Daughter? Didn't think so!).

And that leads me here: I'm going to be exploring Christian music. I'm convinced that if I look hard enough, dig deep enough, and really set my mind to it, I can find some good Christian music. Music that I could actually put into my CD player and not feel weird listening to it. Music that my secular friends would turn an ear to .

Even now, I have found one group that I might like. But you'll have to wait to hear about them.

The Wandering Reverend wanders into the land of Christian music. It'll be scary, weird, and most certainly corny.

Rev it up!
Rev.

Jesus Makes Great Booze

It seems like this has been coming up in my conversations a lot lately, so I figured I'd take some time to write out some thoughts on this subject.

The subject, you ask? Jesus, booze, and freedom.

This is a subject that's been debated for centuries and I'm certainly not going to it settle here. But I do think that this debate brings up a bigger topic which I find interesting.

A little background.

There are some Christians who believe that having any alcoholic beverages is wrong. I think the reason they believe this because drinking too much eventually leads to getting drunk, which is bad. And on that point, I agree with them. Getting drunk is not a good thing and the Bible clearly forbids it.

However, not all drinking leads to getting drunk. I know for me that I can have at least two beers and not feel anything. Some people can't do that, or maybe they can do more. It's different for everyone, which is the point I'm making here.

Being a Christian isn't about following a set of rules, it's about your relationship with God. Sure, there are definitely things we shouldn't do but one of Jesus' main points throughout his entire ministry was that it isn't about checking off a list of do's and don'ts, it's about the love you have for God and your fellow man.

To be clear, there is such a thing as sin and we should avoid doing them. But what Jesus made clear in the Sermon on the Mount is the heart of the rules, not the letter. These rules were put into place to help you please God and to help you live a happy and decent life. For example, if you're married, you might have never had sex with another woman, but at the same time, you could be looking at other women and wishing you could have sex with them. Well that, as Jesus said, is the same thing as having an affair! Just not doing it doesn't make you good, it's also defeating that desire to want to commit it.

Keeping and knowing the heart of all those rules it the hard part of being a Christian.

Back to drinking, it's definitely wrong to get drunk, but perfectly fine to have a few drinks within your limit. But it goes further than that. There are times when I should check my freedom at the door. What if I'm hanging out with a recovering alcoholic? Should I have a beer then? No way! Conversely, what if you have buddies that like to hang and have a few beers? Would it be good to meet up with them for a beer and have a meaningful conversation? I think it would be.

What about seeing naked girls? Is that a sin? Well, again, I think it has to do with how you see them, not if you see them.

There is an awesome organization called XXX Church. Their specific ministry is to witness to those who are involved in the pornography business: porn stars, strippers, and prostitutes. Not only do they go to these places, they even set up a booth at their annual porn conventions!

Just as in drinking, where it's necessary to know how many you can have without getting crocked, you'd want to know just how tempted you'd be around a bunch of naked people. Personally, I'd need to stay away. My mind would turn quickly from the reason I was there. However, the men and women at XXX Church have been called to do this and are much stronger in this area than I. I'm sure that after being at one porn convention, they've seen enough naked people for a life time!

Gambling? Same thing. Know your limits. Can you go in, lose twenty bucks, and then walk away. Or would you be hitting up the ATM to go and "win it back"?

As the bumper sticker says, "Freedom ain't free" and it is most definitely true in a Christians case. Our freedom was bought at a price by Jesus and his sacrifice. And at the same, we need to be responsible with our freedom. Most importantly, we need to ask are we using our freedom to please God?

The Rev.

Malcolm X

Sorry, another rerun from my other defunct blog. Again, if you've already read it, move on. If not, enjoy! 

Malcolm X is arguably one of the most controversial figures in the last 100 years. Some say he was a racist. A terrorist. An instigator. A hero. A villain. And just about any other descriptor there is in the English language.

Well, I just got done reading his Autobiography and I have come away with one descriptor - admiration. Now don't get me wrong, I don't agree with him on issues or religion or other matters that interest most people. But I can't help but have tons of admiration for the guy. He was a tireless fighter for whatever cause he was involved in at the time.

Obviously, there's no way I can do justice to the massive topic that is Malcolm X. There have been books written about all aspects of his life not to mention his own autobiography, which I have read. But below are a few things that I have I took away from the reading.

1. This first thing you might not pick up from reading through the autobiography. It really came to light from the epilogue that was written by Alex Haley, who was the collaborator for the writing. Haley notes that Malcolm, once they had engaged the writing agreement, only had time to come over and tell his story late at night. He would go to Haley's apartment at around 9pm, Malcolm would tell the story and Haley would take notes. Then, Malcolm would leave at 2 or 3am and be back up at 7 or 8am. This man was tireless!

I wish that I had only half the energy he had. Throughout his life, no matter what his goal was, be it being the best hustler, best burglar, best Nation of Islam minister, or being the leader of his own Muslim Mosque, Inc., he threw himself entirely into his cause.

2. Throughout a lot of his life, he made no bones about it - Malcolm X did not like Christians. Now, towards the end of his life, he did start warming up to us Jesus followers but before that, no way. And after reading the book, I can totally empathize with him.

Throughout most of his life, when he was building his disdain for white people, what faith did all those cruel white folks profess? You guessed it - Christianity. They were all Bible carrying Christian folk who also just happened to be violent racists (not all of them, of course).

The lesson I take away from this is that people only partly judge us by our beliefs. Mostly, they judge us by our actions. What we do. How we handle ourselves. The words that we say. Christians who are out there need to take note of this. As Jesus said, "they will know you are my disciples if you love one another" (John 13:35)

3. This guy was not afraid to change his mind. As he learned new things, he changed the way he acted and what he was doing. Honestly, I think it was from his distinct desire to never be a hypocrite.

You remember him mostly as being the anti-white people minister for the Nation of Islam, which is not bad, as that was how he spent a good portion of his life. However, once he broke with the NOI, he took a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he learned that all people, no matter what color, were equal. Racism, the way he knew it, was unique to the United States.

So what did he do? He changed his plan. He changed himself to reflect this new found revelation. Yes, it cost him in many ways, but at the end of the day, what does that matter? How can you live a life as a hypocrite?

4. Finally, I walk away with inspiration. Mostly with I noted above. If I could live a life like it was my last day, be a Christian that people see through my actions, and not be afraid to change myself with new information, I would be an immensely better person.

I recommend to anyone and everyone who happens to read this to check out the book. And I challenge you to not walk away and be inspired or challenged to change the way you live life.

Peace,
The Rev.

 

Coram Deo

This church was a conundrum.

First, I found Coram Deo because they had an ad on Facebook. It popped up randomly one day (next to the hundreds of "singles" ads I used to get, but thankfully are gone now that I'm "in a relationship with" Robyn) and I thought, wow, a church that's advertising on Facebook, that's interesting. I checked out their website and it looked awfully trendy. So, I decided to check it out.

Well, it sure did look trendy inside. I walked in the front door (oh yeah!) and inside was a very modern looking space. I'd say there were seats for about 100 people (but only 20 ish in attendance), with a cool stage set up front. On the walls were some weird/modern/odd art work. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be spiritual, but it definitely was weird. But over all, the place had a nice design that was very inviting.

And the people were inviting. I've said it before, I'll say it again. Friendly but not pushy. I had conversations with a few people who seemed very cool and relaxed. They told me about the church, how it was a church plant that was started about a year and half ago. At some point, their pastor resigned and they are looking for a new one. Ouch. Not the best way to start a church. . . good leadership is key, people!

Worship started and the band started rocking. Okay, remember how at South Street they didn't have words for the music but they sang songs that people knew, so it wasn't a big deal? Yeah, not here. No words to sing along. The songs were ones I didn't know. Not to mention, the music was "rocking", so you could barely hear what the singers were singing, so it wasn't like you could pick it up as you went along. The one highlight was one song (no clue what it was called) where two guys were playing the drums. It kind of had a Miami Vice intro feel to it. For a second, I thought I was Tubbs (I'm not cool enough to be Crocket).

Since they're pastorless, they had a guest preacher. He was. . . okay? His sermon was on the parable of the wedding banquet. He kind of talked about and kind of talked about what it meant. But mostly he would just segue into other topics. Kind of all over the place with no real point that I could pin down.

Oh well. He's not the regular guy, so c'est la vie, oui oui, oh la la, and all that.

I'm kind of stuck with this church. Part of me thinks, wow, that place was crap. But the other part of me says, well, they're just getting started and had a little set back having their preacher resign. The people were really nice and the one guy I talked to said he really liked it there because they were committed to outreach. Maybe all that outreach is still in the planning stages, I don't know.

So there ya have it. Personally, I'd say give them a few more months to find a preacher and to get things moving in the right direction.

Revvy O'Wanderson

Pastor Packs Pistol

Like I said, I'm doing this bi-weekly-ish right now. So this isn't a church review. It's actually a re-run article from a blog I was going to start but never went with. So if you've read it, skip it. If not, enjoy! 

This Sunday I attended Akron Baptist Temple, where as a part of Ed's sermon on commitment, he noted that he packs heat. A gat. A heater. A bullet dispenser. No, he doesn't carry it with him but he keeps one in the house, just in case someone were to break into his house he would be able to protect his family.

I disagree with this idea 100%. I'm of the firm opinion that no Christian should ever have to carry a gun, for it is written (I just like using that term), Ephesians 6:10-18 that our "armor of God" is that of spiritual armor, and our weapon is the Word of God, not a physical sword. Not to mention killing an unbeliever would send that person to Hell, something I could never live with.

Pastor Ed disagrees. He believes that a man must provide and protect his family, as that is his God given role in the family. He quotes 1 Timothy 5:8, which states that anyone who does not provide for their family is worse than an unbeliever. Pretty strong words, for sure.

So which is worse, sending an unbeliever prematurely to an eternity in Hell or not protecting your family?

With that, however, my point is not about gun control or whether or not a Christian can kill someone. It's about disagreement.

This applies mostly to me, as I can be quite the argumentative guy. As Christians, we're never going to agree with one another on every topic and issue of Scripture. It's just not going to happen. We have strong views on baptism (how and when), communion (how often), pre-destination (Arminianism or Calvinist), and a slew of other topics.

I mean, what is one to do? What if your church takes a stand on a doctrine that you find wrong or maybe you find it heretical?

First, I'd start reading and researching. More than likely, your leaders/preacher is not the only Christian to have such a belief. As the Good Book says, there is nothing new under the sun. There are so many different flavors of Christianity right now and they all have their own little seasonings that make them all a little different.

And if you do your research, you'll find that a lot of them have a few verses of Scripture to back them. They might even have a more firm backing than you do on your side of the issue. Which would suck, cause now you've gotta eat that crow.

Also, you should look at the intent of the person making the argument. Are they using the Scripture in order to get away with something sinister? Or are they simply stating a belief based on Scripture that they find true? And in all things, is based in love?

Did I mention prayer? Nope, but I should have. A little confession, I was doing my re-read of this before I remembered that I should put this in here. Isn't that how we always are? We do everything else first before we go to God and ask Him. What a bunch of ding dongs. Anywho, start with God. He'll give you some direction and insight on where to go. And since he's the boss, you're starting in the right place.

A fews years ago at my old church, the Pastor Naterob7 (that's his X Box Live tag) gave a sermon in support of the death penalty and of Christians going to war. I was livid. Not only was I having a bad day (oh, was I), but this ding dong is up there on the pulpit preaching what I thought was completely anti-Gospel! If not for my stance on non-violence, I would have gone up on that pulpit and knocked him out.

I was ticked, to say the least.

However, not too long later, the Weekly Standard ran an article about the arguments on both sides for going to war and whether Christians should be for or against. Both sides rattled off Scripture and early Church Fathers writings on the subject to make their argument (I, of course, thought the pro-war argument was weak) but it was interesting to see both sides of the argument examined and stated.

As I stated, I still disagree with him on this subject but I can now see his point of view and how he came to such a conclusion (no matter how wrong it is. Ha ha). Not to mention, since he's a good friend, I know that his intent was based in love, not in some pursuit of revenge or anger. Oh, and not to mention, he's got degrees in religious studies I don't even have a chance of getting!

Patience, love, and solid research are the key to effectively addressing the issue. Rushing to judgment and anger will get you nowhere and fast.

Salutations,
The Reverend

South Street Ministries

Akron, the awesome frontier. These are the voyages of the Wandering Reverend. His five year mission: to explore strange, new churches, to seek out crazy Christians and churches, to boldly go where no reverend has gone before!

Wowza. What a church we have this week.

My attendance at South Street Ministries was predestined for sure. First, my sister Anna's bible study group at Grace Brethren sponsors some of their activities and has done work with them in the past. She had told me to check them out some time ago and I never did. Second, the guy who put the tattoo on my left arm goes there and told me about it then. Finally, a couple of guys from First Glance brought it up at bible study last week and invited me out.

God was pretty much smacking me in the face telling me to go there. And let me tell you, sometimes it's good getting smacked in the face (not all time though, just to be clear.)

So on Sunday morning, I attended the early service at Grace with Robyn (woot!), had some breakfast, and headed over to South Street.

South Street is located on Grant Street (say whaaa?) near downtown, and very near the Summit County Jail. They meet in  the old Croatian club (at least I think that's what it used to be). When we walked up, there were kids playing outside and people talking. I think I've mentioned this before, but I love a church with a front door on the street. It just makes going in seem that much more inviting. Not like going in through the back door, like you're going into some secret club where you gotta tell some guy a password to get in. (The password to get into South Street is "The Rev sent me.", FYI.)

Once inside, what a lay out. They kept all the tables and chairs that came with the place. I'd say there were about 40 or so people in attendance. We made our way to a table with few people at it. A younger guy and woman with her maybe 6 month old baby.

What a hodge podge of people. There were black and white. Rich and poor. Saved and unsaved. All in this one room! I love this kind of random gathering of people! The people at the table next to us were stuffing envelopes wedding invitations. Ha!

Worship started and consisted of a couple of ladies with lovely voices singing with a CD providing the musical background. No lyrics on a projector or hymnals but it seemed that most people knew the songs (Amazing Grace and others). Yeah, it was bare bones, but for a guy that gets easily distracted by misprinted lyrics on the big screen, it was nice to just sing some songs from memory and let it really flow from the heart.

After this, Duane, the pastor of the church, came up and asked people how God had been working in their lives during the week. About three came up and talked. Again, no raising Sunday Christians here. Like he said, they wanted to know how God has been working in their lives throughout the week, not just on Sunday.

You wanna know what was awesome? The sermon. Why? Because there wasn't one.

Pastor Duane read the story of Zacchaeus, and then told us to split into small groups and discuss why Zacchaeus had a sudden change of heart. So the two guys we came with left (good riddance!) and a mom with two of her sons came over and sat down. After we talked for a little bit, Duane called everyone back.

Was he going to start preaching now? Heck no. He called on people to answer his question and see what their group had come up with. I can't really put into words how awesome this set up is. People reading and studying the Bible together and then discussing it together. And not at "bible study" time. Right here during church.

What really brought this to an apex was the last person to speak. He was a young kid, maybe 16, he said (paraphrasing), "Here's this guy Zacchaeus who had everything, and then there's Jesus who had nothing. But there was something that Jesus had that Zacchaeus wanted." Wow. In any other church setting, would a 16 year old kid feel comfortable or be given an opportunity to speak his mind about this?

South Street is awesome in so many kinds of ways. They have several outreach programs that go on during the week, check them all out here.

I will definitely be making my way back here a few times in the future and if you're looking for something different that will show how church should be, please check this place out. You will not be disappointed.

Rev.

Kenmore Connection Article

For those of you who don't live in Kenmore, here is the article that I wrote for the Kenmore Connection. On a side note, First Glance could still use your donations to continue doing the great work that they do. Click here to make a donation. Enjoy! 

I love Kenmore, plain and simple. I've lived most of my natural life here, made some of my best friends on Saxon Ave, and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. When I became an adult and it came time for me to buy a house, I only looked in one zip code - the 44314. I can't help it, I just love it. However, like any good love story, this relationship has had plenty of rocky moments. In Kenmore we have all the problems and issues that come with being a post-industrial, inner city community.

Through it all, I've defended our town even when it wasn’t easy to defend and I felt like I was being loyal for the sake of loyalty. It was sad. But last summer, I found some hope. I can't remember exactly how I found out about them but I know that when I did, I was ecstatic.  

First Glance, a teen outreach center on Kenmore Blvd, is the medicine for what ails us here in Kenmore. By reaching out to teens and helping guide them in their formative years, they're helping to lower crime, keep kids drug free, and make our community a better place, through a variety of methods.

They have a program that helps young mothers learn parenting skills and supply them material help that is earned through a point system, not just handed out. Another program, named Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, is a teen girl abstinence program where the girls hang out, have fun, take field trips, and eat. Wednesday nights are skateboarding nights. Here, kids can (legally) show off their skills and hang out with other skaters on an indoor course. They also have two open recreation nights where the kids can come in, hang out, and be themselves. There are computers, basketball, skateboarding, video games, and food. Through all these programs, First Glance serves several hundred students from the community.

However, the biggest service that First Glance offers is hope. When a kid is struggling at home, has no place safe to go, or is a teen mom, they need to know that there is hope that this situation isn't going to be like this forever but that it can change for the better. Volunteers at First Glance are there to reach out and offer comfort and guidance and let them know they can make better decisions. They can choose to be a good person. And maybe one day they can make a difference in Kenmore for someone else. 

I started volunteering at First Glance back in October on the Thursday open recreation night. When I started it didn't feel like I was doing much. I go in, hang out with the kids, make small talk, and it's over. I really didn't feel like I'd done anything significant. In my mind, I thought I would be given a more distinct job, not just show up and hang out.

Since then I've learned I was very wrong. Where First Glance shines is the forum they provide for us volunteers to connect with these kids: a non-threatening place for us to get to know these kids and provide help without judgment. Over time, a few of the kids started warming up to me and I began finding things out about their lives. You find out that their parents are divorced and they are living with their mom and grandma. That they get picked on at school. And that they don't have very much money. 

That's about as far as it's got for me, the new guy. I've only gotten to know a couple of kids and at this point, they're only talking to me. My real test will be when one of the kids comes to me with a real problem looking for help - how will I handle it? 

I'm excited to be a part of First Glance. I'm excited to see how their efforts are going to change Kenmore. I'm excited because one day, because of First Glance, Kenmore will be a place that people will be proud to be loyal to.

Goss Memorial Church

As you regular readers know, I have been volunteering at First Glance for about the last 6 months (click here to make a donation!). I hold the group of people that work and volunteer there in high regards. So when I heard that most of them attend Goss Memorial Church in Kenmore, I figured it'd be a good church to check out (not to mention, it's only 5 minutes away, and when you're up until 1am playing Call of Duty, you need that kind of closeness).

I have to be honest, Goss was a pretty run-of-the-mill Sunday service. Worship was pretty good and the preaching was pretty normal. Nothing really exciting or anything that would jump out at you. The only real beef I have is that at one point, they asked any visitors to raise their hands so that they could give them some information. Talk about sticking out like a sore thumb and feeling awkward. 

Really it was just your average church service that would blend in with any other church on the tour.  

After that, you might not think I like Goss, and you'd be wrong (of the dead variety). 

For almost a year, I've been wandering to different churches, seeing different worship styles, preaching styles, and service set ups. I've seen worship bands that could probably tour and some that probably should have never left their moms basement. I've heard preachers that have great eloquence and style, and some that couldn't convert their own choir. Good, bad, and indifferent, I've seen 'em all. 

And at the end of the day, none of that matters not one bit. Or as Saint Paul might say, it's skubala (click that link, non-theologians, for a definition). 

Goss shines not in its Sunday service but in its service throughout the week. Not only is Goss a supporter of First Glance and their efforts, but they also support multiple missions groups, both here and abroad. They have a vibrant youth program that attracts over 50 teens (not too shabby for a church thats attendance is about 130). I was able to talk some friends of mine (what's up, TK!) and they shared even more about outreach programs that Goss is involved in, from service with teen moms and young men to services in the school. 

Churches throw quite a bit of money into their Sunday morning worship, but what would be the result if they took that time and money and focused hard core on outreach, small groups, and other programs that focus on people and not a weekly event? 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Sunday worship is bad or that churches that have cool rock bands and speakers are doing something wrong. What I'm saying is that if your focus is slanted towards Sunday, then don't be surprised that you're raising up Sunday-only Christians. 

Goss is awesome. It seems to me, with their focus on outreach and the community, that they have put their faith where their mouth is. You can keep your big rock bands and lightning, give me a church whose heart is with the people any day. As the good book says, As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. 

One side note before we end, Kevin, the guy I know from First Glance, seemed like he was running the whole show! Not only is he the youth pastor, he lead worship as well, playing the guitar, piano and organ! What the heck?! I think at one point I saw him out in the parking lot, changing a flat tire and delivering a baby. 

Double kudos to Goss, 

Rev. 

Marvin

Yes, I know, not a church review. Sorry from the bottom of my heart. It's been a crazy couple of weeks with too many trips to the hospital. I promise I'll be back in the swing of things soon. In the mean time, how about some good music? 

I have a confession to make - I don't listen to Christian music. I know, I'm terrible. The one and only Wandering Reverend (TM) listens to secular music. For some reason in my life, it just never caught on with me.

Growing up, my family never really listened to Christan music. My mom went from classic rock and disco to country. My step-dad didn't really listen to any music (he was a sports talk radio guy. . . very boring for a kid). So between the two of them, no Christian music really made its way to my ears. My musical tastes were mostly influenced by my friends. Back then we mostly listened to hip hop (that's "rap" for you old folks), Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and others. There was some rock in there but that was never really my thing.

The Christian music that my Christian friends told me about always, well, sucked. First of all, it was usually rock (not really my cup of tea) and in my opinion, back then, it wasn't that good. There was DC Talk, the only Christian rappers, but their skillz were dismally pale compared to the rap giants of A Tribe Called Quest and the Beastie Boys.

Fast forward a few years after I fell out of the church and then found religion again. I still had my same finicky musical tastes and there was still no Christian music that really stood out to me. What made it worse is that I was leading a teen youth group and was in charge of trying to get these kids away from the secular and into the religious. I had no alternative to the secular radio stuff they were listening to and my CD collection probably would have made even them blush!

Honestly this weighed on my mind quite a bit. The songs I liked were really awesome musically but the message was far from sacred. I even went as far as to "clense" my collection to get some of the really bad stuff (Goodbye Wu Tang! I will miss you!). As if God was saying something to me, I used the money I got from the CD's to buy a DVD player. . . which promptly broke. Ugh. . .

I had always had an ear for old Mo Town (most hip hop being comprised of samples mostly from this era) but had never purchased any of it. Just whatever was on radio was all I ever heard. I was at Best Buy with my cousin, perusing the music, and noticed they had a Marvin Gaye CD on sale. So I picked up What's Going On and put it in the CD for the ride home (he lives about 40 minutes north of me).

That was the most musically spectacular ride home I have ever taken.

His voice, perfectly soulful. The music was both classic and way ahead of its time. The themes were love, war, and his relationship with God. I had found the most perfect CD. I listened to it the entire trip home and as if God was smiling on me, the CD ended as soon as I pulled onto my street.



I was blown away. But the best part of this music is that it was very spiritual and to me, very Christian. With songs like Wholly Holy and God is Love, there was finally some Christian music that I could listen to! I can't really put into words how happy this made me.



If you haven't listened to this album from front to back, you are missing out on life (even better, it's one of those albums where the songs flow into each other, making for a great album experience).

I'm still struggling to find some good Christian artists that I can really get behind (Chasing Chariots is doing a great job!). There are other bands and even some hip hop (gasp!) that I have found that is actually quite good. . . and Christian. But I can always take relief knowing that when I need it, I can always throw some Marvin on, enjoy some good music, and think about my creator.

Right on, Marvin. Right on.
Rev.

Grace Brethren - Bath Campus

It's a new year and you've got yourself a new, improved, Reverend. And like anything that's labeled "New & Improved!", it's just the same thing with new packaging and a higher price. This guy right here is no different. Actually, you're getting less. I'm starting back up the wandering but probably only every other weekend. As for a higher price, I'm trying to find a way to pass an offering on here. What will I call it? eOffering? iPlate?

Anyways, this Sunday I ended up at Grace Brethren in Bath, Ohio. I have actually been to this church before. I have some family that goes there (What's up, Rains' Family!) and had some friends that attended there for a while.

So why did I end up here this Sunday?

I pulled into the parking lot and can I just say, ugh. I mean, it's a good problem to have, but the parking was kind of crazy. Cars lined up on the street and what not. And it really tested my good Christian patience when the guy who was trying to park in front of me just had to back into his space. It took forever! Sheese! But like I said, good problem to have. . . I guess.

Grace is that church. Which church? That church in your area is the blowing up. I guess quite a few years ago, they were a small struggling church of only a handful of people. Now, they run 2 packed services, just had a huge building project, and if my relatives are right, they're supposed to be expanding again!

Is this why I ended up here?

I was running just a little late and made it in to hear the worship music a-rockin'. Pretty good stuff. Band-wise, I don't think they were better than The Temple, but it's not really about quality and more about leading a good worship, which they knocked out of the park. Songs were great, the people who were leading the music were into it and all were praising the Lord. Good stuff.

Could this be why I ended up here?

Some announcements followed where of course, they were pushing those midweek small groups. And that's why I think this place is blowing up - small groups. I'm telling you, this is where it's at. And any church that does this well is bound for greatness. The benefits to small groups are so many: accountability, relationships with fellow Christians, deeper Bible study, a chance to ask questions, an outlet to serve and organize service, etcetera etcetera. A church that doesn't have a vibrant mid-week small group program (whether they be home groups or at church) is a church that's struggling. It's a church of Sunday-only Christians.

And if you're thinking that's why I went there, you'd be wrong.

Up next was Pastor Jeff, preachin' the word. This guy is pretty good. It seemed to me that he kept is simple enough for those that are new but had enough meaty bits for those seasoned Jesus freaks. Strangely enough, his sermon was on a topic that I had been talking to my good friend Nathan about the night before (God be so funny like dat), which is reading the Bible.

He mentioned that a study took several people who were considered "spiritual" and they were asked what they did that helped make them that way. And of course, the one habit that they had in common was consistent Bible reading.

And of course, it home with me. I've definitely been slacking in the Bible reading department. And it's not like I haven't read it. I've probably read the New Testament several times through and maybe 50% of the Old Testament (I zone out on those "begats" and census's). I think it's a definite lack of a Bible study. I mean, how  many more times can I read it before I'm just randomly memorizing. Or, as my man the Ethiopian eunuch once said, when asked if he understood what he was reading, "How can I understand it unless someone explains it to me!".

I need to find a Bible study.

So after hearing the good sermon, we sang a few more songs and we were Audi 5-0.

Overall, it's a really great place. Friendly people, great worship, awesome preaching, and of course, those pimptastic small groups. What more could you ask for in a church?

But again, was all this the reason that I was there? I mean, I really knew most of it, as I had been there before and know people that go there. So what reason does that leave? You already know the answer: a lady.

Hermeneutically yours,
Rev.