Monthly Archives: September 2008

If you don’t tithe, those donuts are not for you!

Posted on by
2

Reader Fred Flintstone brought to our attention a rather clever web site that is a parody on modern church life in the style of "The More You Know" PSA's on NBC.

The Church You Know

Of course, one of the videos deals with the tithe, but there are plenty of other things made fun of in these videos as well. The "Attendance" video was especially funny. I'm sure we can all think of someone at Church we would love to identify as the rectum* in the body of Christ.

Of course, the best part of their tithe parody is boiling down modern prosperity-tithing thought into a single phrase: "That's why God invented the tithe: to bless us."

*(Getting to type rectum in a church blog just makes me very happy.)

Dutch Sheets Apologizes for Failings of the Charasmatic Church

Posted on by
26

Here is an email from Dutch Sheets apologizing on behalf of the charasmatic community.

It's a little long winded, and he gets into an issue with the Lakeland Church that I don't really understand. But his points at the end are excellent:

1) We, the leaders of the charismatic community, have operated in an extremely low level of discernment.

That is correct.

2) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, spin our involvement and fail to acknowledge our responsibility when other leaders fall – all of which stems from our self-preservation and pride.

Uh, fo shizzo.

3) Our procedures and standards of accountability are incredibly inadequate. We have provided camaraderie, not biblical accountability. 

But you all have pretty hair, so I think Jesus is cool with it.

4) We, the leaders of the charismatic church, have built on hype, sensation, innovation, programs, personality and charisma.

Apology accepted.

Thanks to Henri and Pastor Burt.

Updated:

Oh, and I almost forgot.

TOUCH NOT THY ANNOINTED! 

Is Palin the right choice?

Posted on by
131

Since I am a pure independent voter who leans to the right economically and to the left socially, I have been in some great discussions with my family, friends, and co-workers about Sen. McCain's pick for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin.  On one side I hear that she is good for the Republican party because she is a true right winger and can give the party some credibility since she is the first woman with an actual chance of holding office in the executive branch of government, but then on the other side I hear that she is a terrible choice because she hurts McCain's platform that he is the more experienced candidate.

Since I am a big Obama supporter for this election I find it hard to see past Palin's minimal political background, hardcore right wing beliefs, and what seems to be increasingly questionable personal issues.  But maybe some of our readers out there can help me see the light.

Tell me, is Palin the right choice for the Republicans?  Why or why not?

Transformers: Not just another summer movie

Posted on by
5

Larry Asplund is one of those rare individuals who has actively taken part in seeing the Church transformed over the past few decades. After being part of the Jesus' People movement and pastoring, he's become a lettered instructor and mentor for thousands of people who appreciate his unique teaching style and brand of humor. Being a self-labeled "Progressive Christian" Larry is actively pursuing his passion for change withing the Church and has recently released a new book entitled, "Transformers: Local Congregations As Agents of Community Transformation / Keys from the Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia". 

Larry has commented on our little blog in the past and helped to bring good sense back to a few wild discussions. I know there are many of our readers who really appreciate him, so I know this little plug won't fall on deaf ears. Larry is keeping mum about the details so far (for legal reasons I'm sure), but it's no secret that Beacon University, where he is VP of Academic Affairs (and probably still teaching classes to eager students), will be closing its doors after this academic year. I don't know what this means for Larry, but I couldn't help but take this opportunity to take a moment and ask you to check out the blog for his book and maybe even place an order. I know I'll probably be ordering at least one copy to support someone who is actively pursuing positive change in the Church.

http://transformersthebook.blogspot.com/

Thus Saith Maestro

Posted on by
65

Pastor Donna playing a violin prophetically over Pastor Joel

Here is a picture I found on flickr. The caption to this photo said:

Pastor Donna playing a violin prophetically over Pastor Joel 

Now, I'm going to jump to a few conclusions here, and would love if someone who was there could actually clarify…but…

If you ever need proof that these "Conferences" and "Churches" are nothing but hype, see the above caption. How in the hell do you "play a violin prophetically"? What was the violin saying? Was there someone to interpret the Violin Prophet? Do these people even know what the word Prophetic means?

And look at the picture of the Pastor, sitting there as though King David were anointing his head with Holy Oil…it's a violin buddy…it's just music…its emotion…it's all hype. I'm sure it was a beautiful song…but I'm curious what it told him?

Here is my guess to how that all went:

Violin Prophet: Hum, hum, hum, hum…hum, hum…

Pastor Joel: Yes Lord.

Violin Prophet: Hum, hum, hum, hum…HUM!!! HUM!!! HUM!!!! (crowd screams wildly)

Pastor Joel: (Raising hands above his head) Thank you Jesus! I receive this word.

Violin Prophet: Hum, hum, hum, hum. (Pastor Joel begins to cry, Violin is placed back in its case).

The End

Give me a break.

Integrity Bank Fails

Posted on by
2

Integrity Bank, a christ-centered Bank in Georgia, failed last Friday and was shut down by state regulators.

The banks philosophy:

"We felt if we prayed and obeyed God’s word and did what He asked, that He would help us be successful,” the bank’s founder, Steve Skow, told the Journal-Constitution in 2005. 

Mr. Skow would do well to learn the word's of Job, when God took away all his success.  

"Naked I have come from mothers womb and Naked I will depart. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Job 1:21

—- 

Atlanta Journal Constitution 

http://tinyurl.com/5tc5qy