Driscoll's New Book

Last night I read Mark Driscoll's new book On Church Leadership. He will be writing several books in this series, designed to be read in about an hour. The book was pretty good. He outlined some basic biblical principles about elders, deacons, and church members. He also briefly stated his complementarian view of gender roles (a bit more progressive than I had been led to believe).

July 4th in Leo, Indiana

We had a wonderful July 4th celebration in “Mayberry.” It seemed like the entire community came out to enjoy the festivities. We arrived around 6:00pm and set up our lawn chairs. The Cedar Creek youth were selling pop and water, and there were several church family members gathered at the park. There was plenty of food, games, and fun events. Despite having lived here only five years, I still saw several people I recognized from the community . I enjoyed walking around and talking to people (something about the preacher gene – I can’t help myself). The weather was perfect and the fireworks show was spectacular.

I hope your holiday was a good one.

Happy Independence Day!

NACC Thursday

Last night's worship service was powerful. Dr. Ajai Lall preached about Dangerous Faith, and he talked about the persecution of Christians that is taking place around the world. He is a remarkable man (I had the privilege of meeting him a number of times when I served at Northampton).

I have been enjoying the fellowship with a number of old college friends and many others. Dr. Thom Ranier will be speaking this afternoon, then I will head back to Fort Wayne. It has been a great experience.

NACC Update

Day One was fun. I got to town about 3:00, so I had time to explore a little. I decided to go for a run. Less than a half-mile from the hotel is the Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. I ran down there (the park is next to the Bengals Stadium too) by the Ohio River and found a great running path through a park.

The evening session of the Convention was good. I wandered through the display area and saw several friends. Then the service began. Worship was great and Cam Huxford preached a terrific message.

More tomorrow.

North American Christian Convention

I'm leaving today for the North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati. The NACC is an annual get-together of people from the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. There will be excellent preaching, some great workshops, and wonderful fellowship. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I'm also excited about getting to meet one of my favorite bloggers, Patrick Mead.

New Sermon Series

Next week I'm starting a new sermon series -- Holy Google. Using the ultimate search engine – the Bible – to find answers to the congregation's queries about life, theology, spirituality, etc. The sermons will be chosen according to those topics receiving the most votes. I have done something similar in the past. It's always interesting to get a glimpse into people's hearts & minds. I'm looking forward to it.

This Coaster Rocks

I rode this three times yesterday. The front row view is awesome!

Busch Gardens Here We Come!

Ironman

We saw the Ironman movie today. It was great. I was not really familiar with this superhero but I really enjoyed the movie. It reminded me of Transformers, which I also enjoyed.

Vacation Update

We're having a good time in our old stompin' grounds. Went to Joe's Crab Shack last night to celebrate Aunt Deb's birthday. It was my first time at Joe's. Food was good, but a bit pricey.

I was going to go running today, but when I walked outside I could smell and see smoke. The Great Dismal Swamp is on fire (story here). Video here. Will run another day when the wind shifts.

I'm meeting my friend Dave Willis for lunch at one of our favorite places.

Vacation

I began my vacation today. Had a relaxing day -- I took Tracy to breakfast, then played golf with my father-in-law, then I mowed grass. We leave early tomorrow morning for Virginia. We're looking forward to seeing some old friends and enjoying some time away.

Rob Bell

I have sort of a love-hate relationship with Rob Bell (not that I have met him in person). At times he strikes me as an effeminate postmodern who likes himself WAY too much. At other times I find his teaching incredibly challenging. Our Sunday School class spent the last two Sundays watching Everything is Spiritual. It is excellent.

Last Day

Today is the final day of Camp. Last night several kids came forward at the end of vespers to express their desire to accept the Lord. One camper was baptized in Lake James last night and a few more will be immersed before they leave camp tonight. Preaching to kids is something that I don't do very much, but it was fun.

Thursday at LJCA

It's another beautiful day. WTBW asked about the food. It is delicious. The cook has been here for years. She has a wonderful crew and the food is excellent. The kids (and faculty) are getting a little tired --I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tomorrow night. The guys in our dorm were funny this morning. Nobody wanted to get up. They all dressed in silence, with the exception of a few grunts. But after some sugary cereal, they are all wired once again.

Camp Wednesday

Camp is going great. The Dean has planned a good week. It's supposed to get hot today, but we are having fun. Every year I am reminded why I love Camp -- it can change a kid's life.

Camp Update

Our camp now has wi-fi. How cool is that? (It almost makes up for putting me in the ONE dorm that isn’t air conditioned). 6th & 7th graders — I think the guys in my cabin set a record for funkifying the place in the least amount of time. Usually it takes 2 or 3 days, but last night the place reeked. A pungent combination of sweat, feet, damp clothes, b.o., and axe. Oy!

But we're having fun so far.We have a small group of campers (only about 50 or so). Our camp serves the tri-state area (So. Michigan, NW Ohio, NE Indiana), but the Michigan kids are still in school this week. I pity the guys who will be working the later camp weeks.

We got some rain this morning, but it looks like things are going to clear up.

Time for Church Camp!

I will be heading to Lake James Christian Assembly after church services on Sunday. I’m serving as a “dorm dad” and the Vespers speaker for the week. There will be several dozen 6th & 7th graders there. One of the reasons why I love Christian Service Camp is that it had a tremendous influence upon me when I was young. Life-changing decisions are made at Church Camp. It was there that I became convinced of my need to accept Jesus as Savior. It was there that I decided to give my life to the preaching of the Gospel. It was there that I met other Christian young people, developing friendships that continue to this day.

Please pray for us this week.

Michigan Redneck Speaks to International Group

Yesterday I had the unique experience of speaking to several church leaders from India, Nagaland, and Nepal. The Leaders for Christ International conference was held at Great Lakes Christian College. I was pinch-hitting for a speaker who had to cancel. My friend Dave Thurman asked me to speak about Church Leadership and the Restoration Movmement. I was way out of my comfort zone, but these men seemed eager to hear what I had to say.

Don't Hassel the Hoff

What do you get when you put David Hasselhoff, flying children, weiner dogs, a batman cape, and a good hooga-chakka in a music video? Quite possibly the weirdest video ever seen! (Thanks Trey!)