More talkback fodder this morning was Bettina Arndt writing in the SMH about the negative influence Julia Gillard being in a de facto relationship will have on other women in Australia.
Arndt basically argued that de facto relationship are pretty much universally a bad idea. Furthermore, Arndt contends there's only two groups of losers that come out of cohabiting before marriage - women and children. At least the men are happy.
The general vibe from most people on 702ABC Sydney was that those kinds of views were from another age. Unfortunately Bettina Arndt was the progressive voice in those past days which helped tear down much of the normalcy associated with marriage and cohabitation. In other words, she is perhaps better suited than many to offer opinion on the cost of feminism and the sexual liberation movement, and her verdict is - it was expensive.
But at least the men are happy*.
* I think this adequately qualifies as situational irony.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
News Flash: Politicians Say Stupid Things
I've been listening to too much talkback radio. It's clear. I've become a chatterer. Unsurprisingly there's been significant chatter about politics of late. Perhaps what is surprising for Australia is the insertion of religion into that political debate.
First off there was Kevin Rudd's already infamous comment during his farewell speech;
I'm not sure why some 'Christian' politicians feel so uncomfortable in their skin? Or perhaps why they feel the need to bow to public opinion. It's not as if getting theologically vague brings swathes of people into churches. Christians end up disdaining them and begin putting the word Christian in inverted commas when talking about them, and non-Christians mock them.
Perhaps the best summary of former Prime Minister Mrs Kevin Rudd's gender confusion was on Good News Week last night as Paul McDermott joked;
Now NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has dipped her toe in the murky religious/political water. When discussing her support of same sex couples adopting, KK was asked how this view held with her Christian faith. Rather than saying the truth;
1 Tim 2:1-4
First off there was Kevin Rudd's already infamous comment during his farewell speech;
It is probably not the occasion for high statements of theology, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed if I didn't add something, given it's been the subject of comment over the years in which I've led this party. But to the great God and creator of us all, I think him- or her- as well.There was a telling moment during a Compass special on the Anglican diocese in Sydney last year. The thrust of the story was the conflict between evangelicals and Anglo-catholics. While evangelicals were shown to be young and vibrant, the typical Anglo-catholic church was empty, aged and surprisingly out of touch with reality. Special mention was made of the rainbow on the pulpit symbolically representing the open arms this particular High Anglican church had for homosexuals. Though the minister did admit that he was unaware of any homosexuals in the congregation.
I'm not sure why some 'Christian' politicians feel so uncomfortable in their skin? Or perhaps why they feel the need to bow to public opinion. It's not as if getting theologically vague brings swathes of people into churches. Christians end up disdaining them and begin putting the word Christian in inverted commas when talking about them, and non-Christians mock them.
Perhaps the best summary of former Prime Minister Mrs Kevin Rudd's gender confusion was on Good News Week last night as Paul McDermott joked;
Maybe Kev is just covering himself in case the big guy upstairs with the white hair and beard has been replaced by a woman as well.
Now NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has dipped her toe in the murky religious/political water. When discussing her support of same sex couples adopting, KK was asked how this view held with her Christian faith. Rather than saying the truth;
It doesn't.KK instead tried out this trusted 'anything goes' cliche;
If I look at the gospel message, it is one of acceptance, it is one of love... Jesus sat with the sinners and the saints and he was not a man of judgment but rather a man of love.When the press then asked her later if she was calling same sex couples sinners, KK replied.
That's not at all what I meant to say. My point is this - is that Jesus loved all. He loved all and he accepted all. And for me that is the strongest message that comes out of the gospel.Perhaps what she could have said is;
Yes. They are sinners. But so am I, and so is everybody. Really, if Jesus sat with anyone he was sitting with a sinner. And Jesus is on about judgment - judgment of sinners. But he is also on about providing the means of escape for those sinners by taking the punishment on their behalf by dying in their place as the judgment of God against sinners was poured out on his innocent son. Are same-sex couples sinners? Yes. Are heterosexual couples sinners? Yes. We're all sinners. And God's free gift of salvation is open to all who are willing to admit their sinfulness and trust that Jesus died to restore them to relationship with God.I always thought when people spoke about keeping a clear distinction between church and state they were wanting governance representative of the people free from external constraints. Turns out it's because politicians are theologically liberal people-pleasers.
1 Tim 2:1-4
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
It's not the time for a statement of theology
K.Rudd;
But I thank the God and creator of us all. I thank him.... or her.What?
Gillard the White Witch
Politics is a funny business.
Julia Gillard has just been voted in (by the party not the people) as the new Prime Minister of Australia in a political coup over Kevin Rudd. It's worth emphasising that we should care more about policy than personality, and so it seems bizarre that a new figurehead makes much of a difference to the view the Australian people will have of this government.
Now to ignore my own advice and get personal, I've always wondered why Julia Gillard comes across as cold and sends a shiver up my spine. Of course it might stem back to that infamous photo of her opening her life and home to a newspaper reporter and what was revealed was a stark, cold, empty kitchen.
But I think I've worked it out.
Many Australians are familiar with the comparison between Kevin Rudd and Mr Sheen.
But you heard it here first;
Julia Gillard is Tilda Swinton as the White Witch from The Chronicles of Narnia.
Julia Gillard has just been voted in (by the party not the people) as the new Prime Minister of Australia in a political coup over Kevin Rudd. It's worth emphasising that we should care more about policy than personality, and so it seems bizarre that a new figurehead makes much of a difference to the view the Australian people will have of this government.
Now to ignore my own advice and get personal, I've always wondered why Julia Gillard comes across as cold and sends a shiver up my spine. Of course it might stem back to that infamous photo of her opening her life and home to a newspaper reporter and what was revealed was a stark, cold, empty kitchen.
But I think I've worked it out.
Many Australians are familiar with the comparison between Kevin Rudd and Mr Sheen.
But you heard it here first;
Julia Gillard is Tilda Swinton as the White Witch from The Chronicles of Narnia.
I have a hobby
I love Pixar films. Wholesome. Fun. Detailed. Brilliant.
I will be watching Toy Story 3 today with childish enthusiasm.
Also the beginning of my holiday has inspired me to start a blog about Pixar.
It's something that interests me, and something I find restful.
If it might interest you, you can check it out here.
I will be watching Toy Story 3 today with childish enthusiasm.
Also the beginning of my holiday has inspired me to start a blog about Pixar.
It's something that interests me, and something I find restful.
If it might interest you, you can check it out here.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Moore College Diaries 23/06/2010
My friend JJ told me a great story about our Biblical Theology exam. It highlights for me just how radically different it is studying with Christians. Exams the Christian way.
So the story goes...
One of the guys in our year was running late for our Biblical Theology exam. When he arrived out of breath, the roll had already begun being marked and this poor bloke couldn't find his allocated seat, much to the amusement of the rest of us. Eventually it was located beside JJ immediately before the reading time began and he must have been a bit flustered. As a moment later the invigilator* told us to start reading time, this guy turned over his exam, picked up his pen and started writing furiously. Of course JJ couldn't say anything, because you can't speak during an exam, but this guy was busily writing away unbeknownst to the invigilator. By the time the announcement was made to "Begin writing", he had already finished the first three questions.
"Begin writing". He stopped. Looked up at the invigilator. Put down his pen. Looked at JJ quizzically. JJ shrugged his shoulders.
But here's where it gets interesting. The guy then sat there for ten minutes not writing anything because he felt guilty. He was doing his penance.
*I just learnt this word so I'm using it as much as possible.
So the story goes...
One of the guys in our year was running late for our Biblical Theology exam. When he arrived out of breath, the roll had already begun being marked and this poor bloke couldn't find his allocated seat, much to the amusement of the rest of us. Eventually it was located beside JJ immediately before the reading time began and he must have been a bit flustered. As a moment later the invigilator* told us to start reading time, this guy turned over his exam, picked up his pen and started writing furiously. Of course JJ couldn't say anything, because you can't speak during an exam, but this guy was busily writing away unbeknownst to the invigilator. By the time the announcement was made to "Begin writing", he had already finished the first three questions.
"Begin writing". He stopped. Looked up at the invigilator. Put down his pen. Looked at JJ quizzically. JJ shrugged his shoulders.
But here's where it gets interesting. The guy then sat there for ten minutes not writing anything because he felt guilty. He was doing his penance.
*I just learnt this word so I'm using it as much as possible.
Exam Cram 2010
A three hour doctrine exam last night (6-9PM) concluded my first semester of Bible College. My hand held out for the whole time and I managed to write 2 pages for each of my 5 essay questions. I think my handwriting got progressively worse as the hours went by. My thinking slowed as well because there was a lot more crossed out sentences on the last two questions.
Hopefully though I didn't make too many silly mistakes like this one, which I found in one of the marker's reports from previous years exams.
What place does the ascension have in our understanding of Jesus’ person and work? This was the least popular question: only 15 out of 82 answered it. A small number confused the ascension with the resurrection, but otherwise, the answers were good and occasionally very fine.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
John Woodhouse on the danger of Doctrine.
Just came across this in my notes from Doctrine 1;
We are justified by faith in Jesus, not faith in the doctrine of justification by faith.
Bad Idea #36
Volunteering to go in goals for Futsal (Indoor Soccer) the night before a three hour doctrine exam, subsequently seriously hurting your writing hand in attempting to block a goal, so that it now hurts to hold a pen.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Why does the earth look so old?
Al Mohler answers the question, 'Why does the earth look so old?'
It's an interesting way to phrase the question as it kind of implies that the answer will be, 'Because it is'. Unsurprisingly that's not where his line of thought leads.
It's an interesting way to phrase the question as it kind of implies that the answer will be, 'Because it is'. Unsurprisingly that's not where his line of thought leads.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
K's for Kids
My sister and brother-in-law set off this morning on a 300km walk from Katherine to Darwin to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Children's Charity. There was an article about them in the Parramatta Sun.
Now this moment of procrastination from Biblical Theology study is as good a time as any to update my online friends about my personal McDonald's fast. I must begin by sheepishly acknowledging that the mockers were right, as the extension of the fast to cover all fast food and soft drink lasted only for about two months before my resolve was broken. In my defense, there was a bit of sabotage involved as my darling wife decided not to join me and then each time she indulged in the perspiration of angels that is Coca-Cola, would thrust the glass in my face so that I could smell it.
It has now been 272 days since I had McDonald's. I'm aiming for 1000 days. You can join me for a large Chicken Bacon Deluxe meal to celebrate this milestone on Sunday June 27th 2012.
Now this moment of procrastination from Biblical Theology study is as good a time as any to update my online friends about my personal McDonald's fast. I must begin by sheepishly acknowledging that the mockers were right, as the extension of the fast to cover all fast food and soft drink lasted only for about two months before my resolve was broken. In my defense, there was a bit of sabotage involved as my darling wife decided not to join me and then each time she indulged in the perspiration of angels that is Coca-Cola, would thrust the glass in my face so that I could smell it.
It has now been 272 days since I had McDonald's. I'm aiming for 1000 days. You can join me for a large Chicken Bacon Deluxe meal to celebrate this milestone on Sunday June 27th 2012.
Monday, June 14, 2010
How not to lead a Youth Bible Study - Lesson #1
How not to lead a Youth Bible Study Lesson #1: Off the cuff questions
Proverbs 1:22 says;
Unless of course you want to encourage the young punks to use this as an opportunity to start yelling at each other every imaginable insult they think has a PG rating.
"Idiot".
"SPED".
"Dimwit".
Proverbs 1:22 says;
How long will you simple ones love your simple ways?When arriving at this verse, it's not a good idea to ask a question off the cuff such as, 'If wisdom were to address 'simple ones' today, what would she call them?'
Unless of course you want to encourage the young punks to use this as an opportunity to start yelling at each other every imaginable insult they think has a PG rating.
"Idiot".
"SPED".
"Dimwit".
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Youth Group Games: 75 Newbies
I used to waste my life watching too much television. But an ever expanding bucketful of responsibility (including the recent addition of both GTD and the Hebrew language to my life) has slowly eroded this sinful expression of slothfulness. If I was still so inclined I would definitely be watching a show about to premiere on Channel 7 on Tuesday June 22nd. The show is called Minute to Win It. It's like Who Wants to be a Millionaire but instead of questions you have challenges that you have a minute to complete. I'm pretty sure I won't be watching it (because it's date night), however I have happily pilfered the format for youth group games.
The US website has descriptions of all 75 of the games they play using regular household items. Some of the games you'll already recognise, but I'm sure there will be a few corkers there to satisfy everyone's urge for fresh games.
Here's my favourite of the ones I've seen the descriptions of so far, which I will be trying out in the next few weeks. Whoever thought to put a pedometer on your forehead is a genius.
The US website has descriptions of all 75 of the games they play using regular household items. Some of the games you'll already recognise, but I'm sure there will be a few corkers there to satisfy everyone's urge for fresh games.
Here's my favourite of the ones I've seen the descriptions of so far, which I will be trying out in the next few weeks. Whoever thought to put a pedometer on your forehead is a genius.
Or this one.
And here's a couple of games on the US show.
Is youth group church?
Is youth group church? That's the question that's been sitting somewhere toward the rear of my brain (possibly just behind my left ear lobe) for the past few weeks. I've been considering the question with my fellow youth group leaders about the relationship between youth group and the main congregation. As it stands we meet on a Sunday afternoon before night church which does have some bearing on the way we think about youth group. Is YG just the fun bit and then church is the boring bit? Is YG to attract the young crew to church? Would it be a problem if someone came to YG and not church? Should we do a separate Bible Study to church? The same? Should we do a study at all?
At this stage (ignoring my doctrine lessons on what constitutes 'church') I see YG as a structure which serves the main gathering. That is, YG is not the main thing and is not church. Were we not meeting immediately before the bigger gathering, then I might have a different take.
Because of when we meet, I feel its important to read what we will be later studying together in church. It won't be necessary to read, interpret and apply the passage of Scripture in its fulness during YG, because parts of that will be done by the preacher. Our goal in the YG study is not to simply contrast with the 'fun' games bit, but in an engaging way to introduce the Bible passage and how to read it, and transition into the main gathering. It's a chance to take a few steps back from where the sermon begins and build a method for reading the Bible. Also, hopefully questions will be raised so that we will together be interested listeners as the sermon is delivered in church. I am also working hard at creating a culture of increased engagement and reflection on God's word during church. There is some deep theology (mostly unconscious) driving these thoughts. But that's where I'm at in my thinking.
Furthermore, I remember from a ministry training day with Bruce Linton, being encouraged (and convinced) to make every YG game intentional and related to the big idea of the Bible study. I like the concept, but I'm not sure if it applies in this situation. Now I don't want to contribute to the perception of some of the youth groupers that there is the fun bit and then a Bible bit, but we gather together as God's people around his word. That happens as we transition by beginning to study the Bible at the end of YG and then into church. Games in our situation are much like supper at church. A chance to be intentional, but important for the opportunity to simply share in a bit of life together. If it dovetails well with the study, that's great (just like talking to people after church about what we've learnt) but I'm not convinced that there needs to be an intention over and above getting to know one another. However I'm still just getting to know the YG crew and maybe that's as far as my intention is at the moment. Perhaps as we know one another better there will be more opportunity for intentional teaching all the time.
At this stage (ignoring my doctrine lessons on what constitutes 'church') I see YG as a structure which serves the main gathering. That is, YG is not the main thing and is not church. Were we not meeting immediately before the bigger gathering, then I might have a different take.
Because of when we meet, I feel its important to read what we will be later studying together in church. It won't be necessary to read, interpret and apply the passage of Scripture in its fulness during YG, because parts of that will be done by the preacher. Our goal in the YG study is not to simply contrast with the 'fun' games bit, but in an engaging way to introduce the Bible passage and how to read it, and transition into the main gathering. It's a chance to take a few steps back from where the sermon begins and build a method for reading the Bible. Also, hopefully questions will be raised so that we will together be interested listeners as the sermon is delivered in church. I am also working hard at creating a culture of increased engagement and reflection on God's word during church. There is some deep theology (mostly unconscious) driving these thoughts. But that's where I'm at in my thinking.
Furthermore, I remember from a ministry training day with Bruce Linton, being encouraged (and convinced) to make every YG game intentional and related to the big idea of the Bible study. I like the concept, but I'm not sure if it applies in this situation. Now I don't want to contribute to the perception of some of the youth groupers that there is the fun bit and then a Bible bit, but we gather together as God's people around his word. That happens as we transition by beginning to study the Bible at the end of YG and then into church. Games in our situation are much like supper at church. A chance to be intentional, but important for the opportunity to simply share in a bit of life together. If it dovetails well with the study, that's great (just like talking to people after church about what we've learnt) but I'm not convinced that there needs to be an intention over and above getting to know one another. However I'm still just getting to know the YG crew and maybe that's as far as my intention is at the moment. Perhaps as we know one another better there will be more opportunity for intentional teaching all the time.
I am enjoying leading youth for the first time. Not as scary as I first thought. Thankfully, I think I've avoided the amateur error of trying to be too cool, thanks in most part to the consistent reminders from Sarah that I'm a complete dag.
These thoughts are a bit undercooked and developing slowly...
These thoughts are a bit undercooked and developing slowly...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Bolt Gold
Couldn't let this disappear into the ether;
My lecturer Peter Bolt, as well as possessing one of the best handlebar moustaches seen this century, occasionally supplies the college quote of the week.
In New Testament 1A;
My lecturer Peter Bolt, as well as possessing one of the best handlebar moustaches seen this century, occasionally supplies the college quote of the week.
In New Testament 1A;
When we come to read the Bible, remember it's all about prepositions. We need to sit under the text. Prepositions; they're what life's all about really. Prepositions and hormones.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Bible Book in a Sentence Sunday - Genesis
My suggestion for summarising Genesis in a sentence;
From creation towards a nation.Can you do better?
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Moore College Diaries 04/06/2010
An individual (not part of the College community) tried to storm the podium at Moore College Chapel today in an attempt to address the student body. It wasn't quite as dramatic as it sounds. Most students missed it. I only caught the happening out of the corner of my eye. The man stood up as the service leader was closing. As he stood and took a few steps towards the podium, so did a faculty member (pictured below) to stand beside him, and he chatted with the man quietly.
A rather gentle and godly way of dealing with an uninvited interruption, I thought.
Mark Driscoll employs specialist security guards. There's no need for that when you've got Andrew Ford;
A rather gentle and godly way of dealing with an uninvited interruption, I thought.
Mark Driscoll employs specialist security guards. There's no need for that when you've got Andrew Ford;
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Architecture in Hell(sinki)
I wasn't sure what Michael J was asking/telling when he asked/stated in the comments here, that;
Here's what I said;
"Well, even such a measure as practicality is notoriously difficult to use as the measure of success. For example, uncomfortable pews can be seen either as a subtle donation to the chiropractic profession, or a way of getting people to stay awake during boring sermons!
But to put it in the false proposition of architectural beauty versus practicality, then I am appropriately torn.
One of my most favourite shows on television is Grand Designs and I have definitely grown in my appreciation of the beauty that can be achieved in construction. And I am aware of the positive and negative psychological affect that design has on human beings. So thumbs up for architecture.
But lets be honest, the creation of these architectural marvels that are historically significant church buildings, have left many a church with an expensive to maintain and impractical space. This can have particularly significant costs for the proclamation of the gospel. So thumbs up for practicality.
Perhaps I may offer a solution to this potentially incompatible proposition of art vs pragmatism?
Our desire to spend exorbitant amounts of money on excessive and extravagant construction is in most situations a failure to grasp the significance of the times we are living in being the final days, and is an expression of the consumerist society in which we are so dramatically absorbed. It is a further aspect of 21st century Christianity which exposes the corruption of our hearts and the failure to live differently from the world and its desires.
In some sense practicality vs beauty isn't a false dichotomy because it echoes the larger battle of valuing the things of this world above the kingdom of God.
That said, it is possible to achieve both, but extremely rare.
A final thought;
I'm pretty sure I've been thinking all day about arguing the exact opposite to what I have above, in relation to the article on MasterChef which appears on the back of the latest copy of Eternity.
Okay, I'm officially back on the fence."
Be honest, who has never been part of a conversation where you've joked about the benefits of arson in fixing some of the issues involved here?
yeah, because practicality is THE criterion for buildings?In a very PoMo way I chose to interpret the comments as I wished and created/assumed an entire argument in my head. And as Sarah put it I, 'Wrote another blogpost in the comments'.
Here's what I said;
"Well, even such a measure as practicality is notoriously difficult to use as the measure of success. For example, uncomfortable pews can be seen either as a subtle donation to the chiropractic profession, or a way of getting people to stay awake during boring sermons!
But to put it in the false proposition of architectural beauty versus practicality, then I am appropriately torn.
One of my most favourite shows on television is Grand Designs and I have definitely grown in my appreciation of the beauty that can be achieved in construction. And I am aware of the positive and negative psychological affect that design has on human beings. So thumbs up for architecture.
But lets be honest, the creation of these architectural marvels that are historically significant church buildings, have left many a church with an expensive to maintain and impractical space. This can have particularly significant costs for the proclamation of the gospel. So thumbs up for practicality.
Perhaps I may offer a solution to this potentially incompatible proposition of art vs pragmatism?
Our desire to spend exorbitant amounts of money on excessive and extravagant construction is in most situations a failure to grasp the significance of the times we are living in being the final days, and is an expression of the consumerist society in which we are so dramatically absorbed. It is a further aspect of 21st century Christianity which exposes the corruption of our hearts and the failure to live differently from the world and its desires.
In some sense practicality vs beauty isn't a false dichotomy because it echoes the larger battle of valuing the things of this world above the kingdom of God.
That said, it is possible to achieve both, but extremely rare.
A final thought;
I'm pretty sure I've been thinking all day about arguing the exact opposite to what I have above, in relation to the article on MasterChef which appears on the back of the latest copy of Eternity.
Okay, I'm officially back on the fence."
Be honest, who has never been part of a conversation where you've joked about the benefits of arson in fixing some of the issues involved here?
Too many Christian conferences?
I love Christian conferences to death. And we might just be loving them to death as a body of believers. When will we reach breaking point? It seems these days new conferences are springing up everywhere I turn (or at least every time I empty my mail box at college).
To be fair, I know everyone wants to do their thing and feels they are addressing a perceived need. But add a congregational church camp or three in there and things start to get fairly crowded. Surely not all these conventions can survive.
One day a respected Christian leader will declare all conferences anathema and we'll go back to our normal lives. Until then, wherever two or more are gathered in Jesus' name, they shall as their first order of business, try to invent a new conference.
A challenge for those from Sydney;
Can we work out if there was/will be a conference on every week this year? I've started the weeks on the Saturday as many occur then and its easier to recognise the date.
02/01/10 - CMS Summer School
09/01/10 - KCC Next Gen
16/01/10 - KCC Next Gen
23/01/10 - TWIST Emerge, Australia Day Convention
30/01/10 -
06/02/10 -
13/02/10 -
20/02/10 - KCC Men's Convention
27/02/10 - KCC Men's Convention
06/03/10 - KCC Men's Convention
10/04/10 - KCC KYCK
17/04/10 - KCC KYCK
24/04/10 - KCC KYCK
01/05/10 - SMBC Children's Ministry Training, SMBC Biennial Missions
08/05/10 - Equip Women
15/05/10 - MTS SPUR
22/05/10 -
29/05/10 -
05/06/10 - RICE Revolution
12/06/10 -
19/06/10 -
26/06/10 - EU AnnualConference, TWIST Away
03/07/10 - Combined Campus MYC
10/07/10 - UNSW MYC, SWEAT-Con, Queen's Birthday Convention
17/07/10 -
24/07/10 -
31/07/10 -
07/08/10 -
14/08/10 - RICE Fever, Equip Ministry Wives, Reach Out Conference
21/08/10 - KCC Engage, RICE Rally
28/08/10 - KCC Engage
04/09/10 - Men Meeting the Challenge, SU Young Christians Day Conference
11/09/10 - KCC Women's Convention
18/09/10 - KCC Women's Convention, Theology of Youth Ministry Conference, SMBC Missions Conference
25/09/10 -
02/10/10 -
09/10/10 -
16/10/10 -
23/10/10 - TWIST Conference
30/10/10 - Equip Ministry Women
06/11/10 -
13/11/10 -
20/11/10 -
27/11/10 -
04/12/10 - AFES National Training Event, Youth Works Youth Ministry Conference
11/12/10 -
18/12/10 -
25/12/10 -
To be fair, I know everyone wants to do their thing and feels they are addressing a perceived need. But add a congregational church camp or three in there and things start to get fairly crowded. Surely not all these conventions can survive.
One day a respected Christian leader will declare all conferences anathema and we'll go back to our normal lives. Until then, wherever two or more are gathered in Jesus' name, they shall as their first order of business, try to invent a new conference.
A challenge for those from Sydney;
Can we work out if there was/will be a conference on every week this year? I've started the weeks on the Saturday as many occur then and its easier to recognise the date.
02/01/10 - CMS Summer School
09/01/10 - KCC Next Gen
16/01/10 - KCC Next Gen
23/01/10 - TWIST Emerge, Australia Day Convention
30/01/10 -
06/02/10 -
13/02/10 -
20/02/10 - KCC Men's Convention
27/02/10 - KCC Men's Convention
06/03/10 - KCC Men's Convention
13/03/10 - SMBC Women's Conference
20/03/10 -
27/03/10 -
03/04/10 - KCC Easter Convention10/04/10 - KCC KYCK
17/04/10 - KCC KYCK
24/04/10 - KCC KYCK
01/05/10 - SMBC Children's Ministry Training, SMBC Biennial Missions
08/05/10 - Equip Women
15/05/10 - MTS SPUR
22/05/10 -
29/05/10 -
05/06/10 - RICE Revolution
12/06/10 -
19/06/10 -
26/06/10 - EU AnnualConference, TWIST Away
03/07/10 - Combined Campus MYC
10/07/10 - UNSW MYC, SWEAT-Con, Queen's Birthday Convention
17/07/10 -
24/07/10 -
31/07/10 -
07/08/10 -
14/08/10 - RICE Fever, Equip Ministry Wives, Reach Out Conference
21/08/10 - KCC Engage, RICE Rally
28/08/10 - KCC Engage
04/09/10 - Men Meeting the Challenge, SU Young Christians Day Conference
11/09/10 - KCC Women's Convention
18/09/10 - KCC Women's Convention, Theology of Youth Ministry Conference, SMBC Missions Conference
25/09/10 -
02/10/10 -
09/10/10 -
16/10/10 -
23/10/10 - TWIST Conference
30/10/10 - Equip Ministry Women
06/11/10 -
13/11/10 -
20/11/10 -
27/11/10 -
04/12/10 - AFES National Training Event, Youth Works Youth Ministry Conference
11/12/10 -
18/12/10 -
25/12/10 -
Houston, we have a problem
Like most people who read this blog, I was at church. But did anyone else catch Brian Houston from Hillsong interviewed on Channel Seven's Sunday Night a few weeks back? Sunday Night is essentially Seven's attempt at copying Nine's 60 Minutes (which they probably could have just called '61 Minutes' for greater effect).
The story was called 'Inside Hillsong'. Because I watched it online the day after it aired, my memory is now a bit foggy, but I remember thinking Houston did a good job with the interview. I was surprised with his clarity on a number of issues that I would have expected him to dodge or distort. It was also interesting to see on a few occasions how uncomfortable the success (depending on how its defined) of the entire Hillsong conglomerate seemed to sit with Brian and others interviewed.
Now to be sure, my past criticism of Hillsong stands. I mean Houston in the story repents of the title of his book 'You Need More Money', but not of the content. But kudos where its due. He spoke well, and from memory got just enough of Jesus in there for the interview to be worthwhile for the sake of the gospel.
Oh, and the reporter asked Brian the very un-Australian question of 'How much do you earn?'
The interview/story is worth a watch and is currently video 18 on the Sunday Night video website.
The story was called 'Inside Hillsong'. Because I watched it online the day after it aired, my memory is now a bit foggy, but I remember thinking Houston did a good job with the interview. I was surprised with his clarity on a number of issues that I would have expected him to dodge or distort. It was also interesting to see on a few occasions how uncomfortable the success (depending on how its defined) of the entire Hillsong conglomerate seemed to sit with Brian and others interviewed.
Now to be sure, my past criticism of Hillsong stands. I mean Houston in the story repents of the title of his book 'You Need More Money', but not of the content. But kudos where its due. He spoke well, and from memory got just enough of Jesus in there for the interview to be worthwhile for the sake of the gospel.
Oh, and the reporter asked Brian the very un-Australian question of 'How much do you earn?'
The interview/story is worth a watch and is currently video 18 on the Sunday Night video website.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
An affront to Anglicans?
One of the hangovers from days of old at Moore College is Cash Chapel; a ridiculously impractically shaped church building. The uncomfortable pews - two deep on either side down the length of the building - face each other. Cash Chapel is still used for a couple of the smaller meetings each week, but from the stacks of cardboard boxes filled with books which sit in the entry as well as under all the pews, it seems to be viewed more as a storeroom than the 'sacred' space as similar buildings of that age are often idolised.
If Moore College wasn't evangelical and cared more about upholding tradition than telling people about Jesus, then Cash Chapel would probably be the heart of the College, and perhaps even of the entire diocese. If this were true, the occurrence I spotted this afternoon could have been seen as a bit of an affront.
At the very least it's a sign of the times;
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If Moore College wasn't evangelical and cared more about upholding tradition than telling people about Jesus, then Cash Chapel would probably be the heart of the College, and perhaps even of the entire diocese. If this were true, the occurrence I spotted this afternoon could have been seen as a bit of an affront.
At the very least it's a sign of the times;
.jpg)
(Photo taken outside Cash Chapel 2/6/2010)
Silly Bull
Simone suggested in the comments here that the reason for composers of congregational music requiring more than two pages of music is simply untidy writing;
Yet while I obviously agree with Simone agreeing with me, haven't hymn composers always been untidy? It's simply that now we shy away from the practice of inventing word abbreviations to make words which are clearly two syllables into one syllable words, in order that they fit. For example ever becomes e'er, or the classic Be Thou My Vision's heaven's becomes heavn's.
Maybe we don't need to write better, but just slur our words a bit more, missing a few syllables. Sure, we might sound intoxicated, but at least we'll be saving paper.
While we're on it, for those familiar with Mark Peterson's Hallelujah to the King of Kings, do you get as frustrated as I do when in the final verse some songleaders sing,
Beloved songleaders, if you insist on squeezing the extra syllable in the wrong metre, then I'm going to have to insist you sing glorious as glor'ous, old school style.
If the syllables line up in each verse, then you don't need more than 2 pages.If you've ever sang one of Simone's songs, you'll know she knows a thing or two about tight writing.
Yet while I obviously agree with Simone agreeing with me, haven't hymn composers always been untidy? It's simply that now we shy away from the practice of inventing word abbreviations to make words which are clearly two syllables into one syllable words, in order that they fit. For example ever becomes e'er, or the classic Be Thou My Vision's heaven's becomes heavn's.
Maybe we don't need to write better, but just slur our words a bit more, missing a few syllables. Sure, we might sound intoxicated, but at least we'll be saving paper.
While we're on it, for those familiar with Mark Peterson's Hallelujah to the King of Kings, do you get as frustrated as I do when in the final verse some songleaders sing,
Blessed are those who will feast/At the glorious banquet of God himselfExcept instead of singing the extra syllable 'At' as the fourth beat of the previous bar, we try to squeeze 'At the glorious banquet' into a length of time where it just shouldn't be. What we end up with is some kind of staccato quasi-rap, quasi speed-reading exercise.
Beloved songleaders, if you insist on squeezing the extra syllable in the wrong metre, then I'm going to have to insist you sing glorious as glor'ous, old school style.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Two-Page Revolution
---BEGIN RANT---
There is no excuse for congregational songs which are longer than two pages of music. It's simply being indulgent.
A few years back, this unnecessary plague on the church was responsible for a very slight increase in world demand for metals (thus likely contributing to inflation). A boiler-maker (welder) at my home church had a regular order from church musicians for his "Music stand extension". This basically consisted of a sheet of light-weight metal with a 90 degree ledge at the bottom (to mimic the stand). It was designed to sit on top of the original music stand but it was twice as wide and could hold four A4 sheets of music. All this was an attempt to deal with the mountains of pages that some songwriters insist on composing.
Removing superfluous pages will help avoid the beat-killing instantaneous page-turn that has killed many a song. There's nothing worse than coming up to the final bars of How Deep the Father's Love only to find your piano player has commenced the opening chords of Indescribable. It seems at times our dear piano playing friends need to practise the instantaneous page turn as much as their technical playing.
All this nonsense could be avoided with a bit of restraint from our song-writers. Get rid of the 16 bar introduction, remove the solo, cut the key change, throw in a couple of repeats.
Problem solved.
---END RANT---
Thanks Yockie, for the link reminding me of this gripe.
There is no excuse for congregational songs which are longer than two pages of music. It's simply being indulgent.
A few years back, this unnecessary plague on the church was responsible for a very slight increase in world demand for metals (thus likely contributing to inflation). A boiler-maker (welder) at my home church had a regular order from church musicians for his "Music stand extension". This basically consisted of a sheet of light-weight metal with a 90 degree ledge at the bottom (to mimic the stand). It was designed to sit on top of the original music stand but it was twice as wide and could hold four A4 sheets of music. All this was an attempt to deal with the mountains of pages that some songwriters insist on composing.
Removing superfluous pages will help avoid the beat-killing instantaneous page-turn that has killed many a song. There's nothing worse than coming up to the final bars of How Deep the Father's Love only to find your piano player has commenced the opening chords of Indescribable. It seems at times our dear piano playing friends need to practise the instantaneous page turn as much as their technical playing.
All this nonsense could be avoided with a bit of restraint from our song-writers. Get rid of the 16 bar introduction, remove the solo, cut the key change, throw in a couple of repeats.
Problem solved.
---END RANT---
Thanks Yockie, for the link reminding me of this gripe.
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