Archive for March, 2008

  The Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera will be coming to Tulsa this June.  The first and last time I saw this show was in 2002 in Oklahoma City.  I went in very skeptical; thinking that I was not going to enjoy the show at all.  Afterwards, I really was surprised about how much I liked it.

    Needless to say, I’ve got tickets on the floor of the TulsaPAC for June 28th.  Very excited!

Anyone else seen Phantom or any other Broadway show you liked?

Well, the last book update was quite awhile ago.

Quick Reviews:

I finished the Big Idea and loved it. I think the collaboration that Dave Furgeson talks about makes a whole lot of sense on many levels. Its a recommended read to anyone involved in ministry. Even if you aren’t on a pastoral staff, you could glean a lot of information of how to curtail information overload by simplifying the message.

On the other hand, I never finished Organic Church. While I agreed with some of what Neil Cole was talking about, I felt he may have gone a little to the extreme on the future of the church and focused a wee much that home or organic churches are where it’s at. I have to agree more with Tony Morgan who believes that many different types of churches, both home and mega-churches and all those in between can coexist as long as it is the design of the Lord. I’ll probably go back and try finishing the book, but I needed a break from it.

Next Up:

unChristian by David Kinnaman – This book talks about the state of perception of Christians in the minds of 16-29 year olds. So far the book isn’t surprising on its results, but nevertheless it is still as thought provoking as it could be. Kinnaman not only presents the results of their surveys, he offers ways in which we can help change perception without compromising our moral beliefs. So far so good.

Absolute Friends by John Le Carre – Everyone needs a little fun reading. I like spy novels. Most guys like spies.. so its fitting. With all the stats and serious talk and work, I need a mental break. Le Carre wrote the Spy Who Came in From the Cold and The Russia House, both very good books turned films.

Be sure and check out the upcoming MinistryTECH Conference in Oklahoma City, April 3-4.  Going to be a lot of amazing sessions and great people to meet. Registration is almost sold out!

I unfortunately will probably not make it… but…

The Church IT Spring Roundtable is the following Saturday April 5th.  Jason Powell has all the information you need.  I’ll be at this one.  Registration is$15..  It’s gonna be worth it and I’ll be there!  Not that I come anywhere near THE Jason.

This year I decided I was going to participate in Lent. Quite a few people have asked me why I decided to do such a thing since it’s “not in the Bible” and quite a few Bible School students I know didn’t even know what it was and those that did associated just with the Roman Catholic Church.  I think some more church history lessons are needed.

Lent lasts 40 days (like Christ’s 40 days in the desert), generally from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday. In this time, we are to remember and prepare for the commemoration of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Ed Gungor, Pastor of Peoples Church, describes the Lent season as a time in which we to make room for God in our lives.  I know I get busy with all the things going on in my life and take more into thought material items than I do Christ and his everlasting love for us.

I decided to remove Pop (or soda for you other people).  I’ve had pop all of my life and never go without it each day.  I have to say the first two weeks were stinking hard.   But every time I had a battle, I did my best to keep the focus on why I was doing this seemingly trivial abstinence.  Needless to say, there were quite a few occurrences and struggles.

I have to say I recommend participating in Lent for any Christ-follower, even us Charismatics and Protestants..  It’s been a very good experience and time to regain some focus back on Christ.