Ten Minas Ministry

Knock, knock

Who’s there?

A painfully overused, unfunny sermon illustration

Wha?

I’ve heard a lot of different preachers. Some were excellent and inspiring. Some reminded me of an overplayed Chuck Swindoll thought of the day. The culture of churches varies from place to place but some things stay the same. First, illustrations trickle down from large churches to smaller ones. Take for instance the use of giant props. It started when Jonathan Falwell became head pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church and now I see it popping up everywhere. Second, anecdotes circulate over the internet. The problem with these is most of us got spam-forwarded the touching little stores at the same time as our pastor so the story is dry before he steps up to the pulpit on Sunday. Third, personal stories are very sensitive. Tell them about others without permission and someone is offended. Tell them about yourself and you look like a tool. Fourth, theologian’s testimonies are irrelavent to the common man. I know Martin Luther exasterbated the catholic church but I am literate, protestant and frankly the catholic church isn’t  the man keeping us down.

Note:  Ten Minas Ministries does not endorse all comments or content on linked sites. 

There are some issues that I throw to the side grunting “Does it really matter?” 

 I assure you that this always warrants a glare that screams, “Yes, it does matter you tolerant, gaylover, hippie, liberal freak.”

The great debate of megachurches that I would bring up is not if they are super-good or super-bad. I would like to ask if the point is worth discussing.

“Critics of the megachurch structure say that it creates too much of a consumerist vibe in the church setting, that media and entertainment become higher values than strong teaching and right doctrine. 

These types of churches are in the public eye and are so often news media’s representation of Christianity. But the truth is, most of American churchgoers are attending congregations of 500 people or fewer.  More here…. “

 Note:  Ten Minas Ministries does not endorse all comments or content on linked sites. 

So, what do you think? What makes a church healthy and biblical? One could argue that size is never really discussed at all.

 http://www.revelife.com/698135733/whats-a-good-book-for-getting-back-into-jesus/

I would suggest Mere Christianity. But that is mostly because I like Lewis’ writing cadence (and it is narrated in my head by George Guidell).

Note:  Ten Minas Ministries does not endorse all comments or content on linked sites.

I would agree with Oprah’s respectful cancelling of columbine show this Monday. It’s hard to believe that it’s the 10 year anniversary. It’s a hard balance to respect and remember tradgedies without laying the fame on the killers. Typically the kind of people attracted to this type of action are looking for attention in the way that starving yourself or attempting sucide won’t satisfy.

What do you think is an appropriate way to handle these type of anniversaries on a personal level?

I had pretty strong opinions about this when I was in highschool. I would post cheeky little tidbits on xanga that mothers from my school would (much to my chagrin) talk with me in person about. Some of them were concerned about my music tastes or hobbies. Some I think were secretly annoyed that my page was a dead-end (meaning: I posted no dirt about their child).

1.       http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/apr/05/co-high-tech-parenting-one-byte-at-a-time/news-opinion-commentary/

2.       http://practicumpioneers.wordpress.com/group-coverage/

3.       http://www.theplainsman.com/pages/full_story?article-Like%20it%20or%20not-%20-rents%20join%20Facebook%20=&page_label=home&id=2254780-Like+it+or+not-+-rents+join+Facebook&widget=push&instance=intrigue&open=&

4.       http://wordpress.monmouthregional.net/?p=1027

This will probably be an oft revisited discussion topic for us. Parents, facebook and the repercussions of our worlds mixing.

Everything was so much easier before.

Happiness Strategy # 1: Don’t Worry, Choose Happy

Happiness Strategy #2: Cultivate Gratitude

Happiness Strategy #3: Foster Forgiveness

Happiness Strategy #4: Counteract Negative Thoughts and Feelings

Happiness Strategy #5: Remember, Money Can’t Buy Happiness

Happiness Strategy #6: Foster Friendship

Happiness Strategy #7: Engage in Meaningful Activities

From: http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/choosing-to-be-happy

Can you find Bible verses that support these ideas?

insulting.

 Assuming.

Definitely rude.

That’s what you think when pastors trick you to make a point. Maybe They start off by sayin gthier sermon is about one thing when it is really about something else.  Maybe they pull the cliché of hiding a mole in the audience to make a point about unfriendliness. Or perhaps they have a deacon lie on the church steps, dressed in rags, and take note of how much money you don’t offer.  Manipulating your audience is a betrayal of the faith put into the speaker. As someone who has studied public speaking, I can confirm that this is a shortcut, a gimmick to compensate for poor speaking skills.  If you can’t make your point without sending someone on a manipulative guilt trip then the point should not be made.  The little Viking in my finger says, “Maybe it’s because they don’t actually personally know someone who needs help and maybe they’ve sunk so far behind their pastoral desk that the only issues they know about are the ones looking back at them every morning in the mirror.”

Pet issues are a pet issue of mine. I’m looking forward to writing more about ways we can make a difference in a positive way.

What an adventure. (link: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/)

It’s definitely been a wonderful experience so far. Living by myself and taking care of myself

Would anybody be interested in my pictures of my apartment? I’d be willing to take design input.

Life cycle of a healthy class. Disciples making disciples.

So here’s a question. What’s the best Sunday school curriculum/topic you’ve ever studied?

Teacher: Class, I have a question for you from a young lady, “Why are all the godly men married?”

Jimmy: Oh. Oh. Pick me!

Teacher: Yes Jimmy what do you think?

Jimmy: Maybe she’s annoying.

Teacher: No. Next, umm… Billy?

Billy: She’s a dog!

Teacher: No Billy. That’s not the point. Class? Does anyone have an answer?