Gymnasium Peeves!

Lately I have been trying to be more regular at the gymnasium. Yes, I call it "gymnasium" and always have. Unfortunately the flow of my work-out routines seems to always be interrupted by people's inconsideration. Here is what I mean...

1. I wanted to use a particular machine but an individual tapped my shoulder and said he was already using it, then walked to another machine. In confusion, I observed what he was doing, only to find out that he was in the middle of a routine that consisted three separate machines. I asked if I could jump in between his sets and his said "no."

2. Similarly, I strongly dislike it when people keep several pairs of dumbells next to their bench and not even use them.

3. I feel very uncomfortable when the men walk around completely naked in the locker room unnecessarily. Sure there are times when you have to change, shower, etc., but I can't stand it when the men abuse their nudity privileges and just flippantly walk around with their junk exposed. "Use a towel at least!"

4. I think it's disgusting when I'm in the jacuzzi and people decide to just dip their feet in or they literally wash/bathe themselves in the tub.

5. When there is gum in the drinking fountain and you can smell the mint as you drink. It just disgusts me knowing that the gum was previously chewed by an unknown person. Who knows where his/her mouth has been?

6. It's just as nasty when people do not bring a towel and there is sweat all the bench or machine. Sometimes I don't notice and when I sit down I feel something wet in my knee-pits.

7. I hate it when I'm lifting very heavy weights, I push so hard, I accidentally fart. I typically leave the scene of the crime and hope the people around me think it was somebody else.


Anything else?

Matisyahu- Jerusalem

Perhaps it is my recent trip to Jerusalem that has given me a love for this song but if you listen to the lyrics, I am sure it is just as powerful. -Enjoy

In the ancient days, we will return with no delay
Picking up the bounty and the spoils on our way
We've been traveling from state to state
And them don't understand what they say
3,000 years with no place to be
And they want me to give up my milk and honey
Don't you see, it's not about the land or the sea
Not the country but the dwelling of his majesty

[Chorus]
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
fire not gonna come from me tongue.
Jerusalem, if I forget you,
let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do.

Rebuild the temple and the crown of glory
Years gone by, about sixty
Burn in the oven in this century
And the gas tried to choke, but it couldn't choke me
I will not lie down, I will not fall asleep
They come overseas, yes they're trying to be free
Erase the demons out of our memory
Change your name and your identity
Afraid of the truth and our dark history
Why is everybody always chasing we
Cut off the roots of your family tree
Don't you see that's not the way to be

[chorus]

Caught up in these ways, and the worlds gone craze
Don't you know it's just a phase
Case of the Simon says
If I forget the truth then my words won't penetrate
Babylon burning in the place, can't see through the haze
Chop down all of them dirty ways,
That's the price that you pay for selling lies to the youth
No way, not ok, oh no way, not ok, hey
Aint no one gonna break my stride
Aint no one gonna pull me down
Oh no, I got to keep on moving
Stay alive

[chorus]

Ingredients for a pretty rad youth ministry!

Photo to my left are lovely Jr. High Students circa 2003 (I know, I look like one)

When considering the necessary characteristics that entail a “healthy” youth ministry, there are several components one must consider such as; demographics, church vision, and goals set forth by the youth leadership. With that said, I do still believe there are essential characteristics that should run through the DNA of all youth ministries and below is my attempt to articulate my thoughts and beliefs regarding these elements.

1. Hope: As I search my theological convictions, I cannot help but to view my faith journey with Jesus as a journey of hope. In such a broken and hopeless world, I put my faith and trust in Jesus and in his death and resurrection which I believe makes it possible for restoration; of people, the church and the world. I believe that God’s mission and desire is to reconcile the world unto Himself[1] thus making a way for healing, comfort, peace and joy in the midst of a broken cosmos. To have hope in the cross is to have hope that God, through Jesus, makes a way for salvation- a salvation that starts today! This means we have the ability to experience the Kingdom of God here on this earth (as the “Lord’s Prayer” goes …thy kingdom come they will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”) and salvation is not about a place we arrive to once we die from this physical earth but rather the moment we place our trust and hope in Jesus.

Photo to the left are students who broke into my office in the middle of the night and decorated it with pictures of themselves! I love them! 2003ish

Now what does this theological mumbo jumbo mean for youth ministry? I hope that every youth ministry seeks to create an environment of this kind of Jesus-hope to all who come through. That means each student can come just as they are with all their hurt, brokenness, anger, and “baggage” and experience hope in a God that desires for them wholeness, healing and restoration. So many adolescents experience tremendous amount of hurt and abandonment from their family, peers, and community and the church should be the one who embraces and receives them in their arms of love. I believe that students should always find hope in the church in the midst of whatever they bring to the table and the hope they receive is real, powerful, and only brought about by Jesus Christ and his salvation for the broken.

2. Parents and the Church: I cannot speak enough about the importance of parental and church congregation involvement. Every youth ministry should evolve from “youth ministry” to “family ministry.” I believe it is vital for parents to be involved in the faith journey of their children and children of others in the youth ministry. Parents should be encouraged to participate with youth leadership, worship, and service. The church congregation should also embrace the students as part of the body rather than a separate ministry sharing the same facility. The church should seek to be advocates of the youth and understand the importance of healthy nourishment of the future generation.

3. Missional Community: I believe God calls the community into action, into joining God in what God is already doing in the world. Therefore a characteristic of a healthy youth ministry should embrace that call and take it very seriously. This can take shape in several forms. Students of the youth ministry should be encouraged to bring their friends and family to the church, not for the sake of attendance, but because we truly believe that at the church, transformation can take place. This should be done through cultivating relationships and building bridges with the community around.

The question, “how do we (as a community) become a blessing to others?” should be a
continuous question throughout the life of the ministry. Ultimately then, this question transforms into action. Serving the poor, the needy and the disenfranchised is a model that Jesus exemplified and in essence, as a community, we must emulate Christ’s character to become the character of the youth ministry.

4. Incarnational Ministry: It seems to me like the passing out of gospel tracts, the hell-fire-brimstone talks and similar “methods” into bringing students to Jesus is coming to an end- if not already. Today it seems to be about authentic and genuine relationships being created and nurtured by the church and the world around. The phrase “reaching students where they are at” seems to have become cliché. Personally, I hope we can redeem that mentality of youth ministry. I believe it is crucial for the youth ministry to take seriously the fast changing youth culture and understand that the culture today will not be the same tomorrow therefore, it is important for a youth ministry to continuously understand the world our students live and the challenges they face at school, amongst peers, in their families and in other areas of influence. I am an advocate of creativity, casting vision, and implementation to fight for our students and to teach them that true joy comes from an authentic relationship with Christ and by loving others particularly through joining God and God’s mission to the world outside the walls of their own home and church.

---

[1] I will occasionally use pronouns referring to God such as he, him, himself, etc., for the sake of redundancy and impersonality. I believe that God’s image reflects both men and women equally.

"A Fine Frenzy"

I know what you’re thinking, “Prentice, that was so two years ago!” Apparently I failed to receive the memo regarding this artist, the memo stating, “She is amazing, you should listen to her!” The memo that everybody seemed to have been the recipient of- nonetheless- I am a huge fan! Better late than never!

Some may argue that much of her tracks on her latest album “One cell in the sea” have very similar sounds. This may be true but her voice, lyrics, beauty, creativity and sheer musical talent makes up for any down-side she may be accused of having. By the way, “A Fine Frenzy” is not a band persay but she is an artist by the name Alison Sudol originally hailing from the beautiful Seattle, WA then relocated to Los Angeles, CA.

Like many singer/song writers, she writes from her heart, from her experiences, from her life. She is a story teller through the beauty of music who captures the audience and sends them into a trance. Many times, I cannot help but to think I am in a dialogue with her then remembering that it looks ridiculous speaking to my computer.

One of my favorite songs by her is called “Hope for the Hopeless”

stitch in your knitted brow
and you don't know how
you're gonna get it out
crushed under heavy chest
trying to catch your breath
but it always beats you by a step,
all right now

making the best of it
playing the cards you get
you're not alone in this

there's hope for the hopeless
hope for the hopeless
there's hope

cold in a summer breeze
yeah, you're shivering
on your bended knee
still, though your heart is sore
and the heavens pour
like a willow bending with the storm,
you'll make it

running against the wind
playing the cards you get
something is bound to give

there's hope for the hopeless
hope for the hopeless
there's hope

there's hope for the hopeless
hope for the hopeless
there's hope

“I agree”

www.Afinefrenzy.com

"More Lord, More..."

Lately I have been rethinking my critique on what it means to be “Spirit filled” or as commonly labeled “charismatic.” I believe these terms have been frequently used in an inaccurate manner in evangelical Christianity today. I believe each believer in Christ is “sprit filled” thus having the charismata of God but for whatever reason these theological realities have been limited to two specific gifts; a form of mysterious language better known as “tongues” and prophesy. It is important to understand that many have misconstrued the very word “charismatic” and until we embrace a more holistic understanding of these words, it will be difficult for us to settle such a heated conversation that has risen in our churches.

Furthermore, being “charismatic” is not just events that occur during certain times but rather an ongoing attribute that necessitates continuous nurturing. I have also heard many times people saying, “Whoa, that service was very charismatic.” The question that comes to mind when I hear that is, does that mean other services are not charismatic or does being charismatic turn on and off? The answer is “no” because the Spirit comes from the soon arrival of Jesus Christ, that means it is a future aspect, the gift of the Sprit is preparing us for what is about to happen which is Christ’s return. Therefore it is an ongoing gift to the community and doesn’t stop. Being charismatic then is about how we live in this community while awaiting this future promise of Christ’s return. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “[we are] marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.”

With this said, it is easy to translate my thoughts into something purely ecclesiological and none to do with nature of pneumatology.

If this is your critique of my blog thus far than I agree whole heartedly. I confess my skepticism towards the churches and pastors that focus heavily on tongues and prophesy and in addition “signs and wonders.” Again, perhaps this is due to my heavy influence of scholarship and academia. Nonetheless I have been convicted that I have missed the point. I suggest that being “spirit filled” or being “charismatic” encompasses what we believe to be truth in the biblical text and with something that surpasses human knowledge and enters into the supernatural.

I still do believe that many churches that claim to be “charismatic” have become manipulative and destructive towards the community of believers and therefore I believe my skepticism to be justified. Recently I have been attending various “charismatic” services so I can be more aware of this worship style and there I saw a woman’s hand shaking for the entire three hour service. I over-heard her say to a friend that she couldn’t help it, it was the Holy Spirit. I had to ask myself, “Why in the world would God provoke her hand to shake for 3 hours? What does that accomplish? Most importantly, how does that edify the body of believers?”

I have also seen and heard many people speak in a mysterious language yet never have I heard an interpreter as Paul commands there to be. I have heard people literally bark! “Ruff, Ruff!” Need I say more? I have seen people suddenly become psychics and “reveal” to people their soon to become health, wealth and prosperity.

Indeed through the lens of intellectualism, I am skeptical of such expressions of the “Holy Spirit” but I have been realizing now more than ever that God is a supernatural God! Take for example the resurrection, the central belief of the Christian faith. A man named Jesus was crucified on a cross and three days later he came back to life! I don’t know about you but that seems very supernatural. Also the many miracles and healings found all throughout the scriptures, what shall we do with those?

Though I end this blog still being skeptical of the ever-so mass produced language of tongues, being slayed/drunk/blasted/blazed by the spirit, and prophetic powers, my desire is to change my skepticism into “careful-ism.” I do believe that God is a God of the supernatural and perhaps God does speak to certain people in mysterious languages and God does speak prophecy into some but I still want to acknowledge the abuse in such declarations of God.

I end with this...

Maybe being “healed” doesn’t mean the cancer disappears but the healing is in the soul. Maybe the ”prophecy” doesn’t always have to look as if it only comes through a certain individual but rather a community crying out together, simply saying, “We need help! We need to change! We have totally missed the point!”
Maybe we need to stop depending on “signs” and live by faith and the promises found the Bible.

I guess the question still stands, where is the balance?

Awesome Youth Talk!

I ran into this clip of a man speaking to youth. I think it was an interesting talk! At the same time, I hope I never have to experience such embarrassment.

What Would You Do? Islam-a-phobia?

We have all seen it worn on people’s wrists, perhaps your own, on car bumpers and clothing attire; the catch-phrase “WWJD,” What would Jesus do? Maybe the better question is, “what would you do?” I apologize for such blasphemy to those who stand behind WWJD and live their lives upon that theological perspective and in no way am I trying to disregard Jesus’ teachings and his exemplary life but rather, I am seeking to present a different question, a question that I had to re-ask myself last night.

I was watching a show on Primetime ABC entitled, “What Would You Do?” In this particular segment there were various enactments of injustice with a hidden camera capturing the responses of passing bystanders.

The part that I am discussing now is regarding a Muslim woman who was an actress and an “American” Restaurant owner in Texas who was also an actor. He refuses her service and makes very offensive racial comments regarding her ethnicity and her cultural headwear. Although the restaurant owner was acting, the scene became very real to me and broke my heart tremendously. I was filled with anger, hurt, sadness and compassion for the Muslim woman even though she too was acting. The point of the show was to see how many people would come to her defense and to see how many people that would do nothing which was all caught on a hidden camera.

I tried to find a clip on youtube but had to success but here is a link to the website, there is a clip on the top right side of the page.

*Warning: The conversations that you hear may be extremely offensive*

http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/WhatWouldYouDo/story?id=4339476&page=1

During this segment, tears literally rolled down my eyes by observing the bystanders’ reactions. Remember- they had no idea there was a camera so they were not acting in any way. They truly saw an injustice happen before their very eyes and they stood up against it. Of course there were plenty of other reactions, such as some; turning a blind-eye, simply ignoring the entire scenario or some would even join in on the taunting of the Muslim woman.

Again, the tears that came from my eyes were not caused by the abusive and ignorant comments of the restaurant owner nor was it because I felt sorrow for the Muslim woman (though I did very much) but from the bystanders that stood up against such behavior. I was extremely joyful to see that there are still people who will not tolerate such disgusting acts and they will defend the disinherited and the defenseless against the unjust.

Then I had to ask myself, “What Would I Do?” I hope that as follower of Jesus and as a human-being, I too, would think no other but to intervene in such injustice and bring about grace, peace, compassion and a heart of reconciliation. I hope that it would be an automatic reaction, an instinct, and that I would see no other choice.

What would you do?