The Music War

It's funny how music can start a fight. Believe it or not, religious music can start a fight. Or rather, the people who make the music start the fight. I am part of the United Church of Christ, whose motto is - Wherever you are on life's journey, you're welcome here. At our church, it is becoming more, "you're welcome here, as long as you don't wear jeans but like 300-year-old hymns, all others need not attend." I am a jeans guy (I wear suits all week). I know there is supposedly some concept that respect for God means you wear a suit. However, I don't recall Jesus wearing a tie or loafers. Anyways, the music war raged today, with our music director fighting the praise band. It was awful, and the worst part about is that people lost sight of why music ministry matters. There is line from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade that sticks with me ("Why do you seek the Cup of Christ? Is it for His glory or for yours?") Why do you do music ministry? Is it for His glory or for yours? The war reminded me of a speech I gave during my senior year in high school for a choir scholarship I received (we were in Gulf War I at the time):

Music.
A collection of tones and sounds and words.
An interplay of melody and harmony.
The movement and measure of our existence.
There is so much that music brings us.
Music stirs the soul and touches the wellspring of emotion.
Music moves us in battle, but encourages us to find peace.
Music tells of the love for another.
Music honors those we have lost through the years.
Music brings forth a smile and laugh.
Music covers the heartache and sometimes the tears.
Music is hope and wisdom and faith.
Music unifies people behind a common song.
I could not imagine a world without music.
No songs to be sung.
No horns to blast a brassy tune.
No strings to soothe the savage beast.
No beat and rhythm to which the pace of life is set.
When I was younger, orchestras, bands, minstrels would play in my head.
Now that I am older, I make music.
With every breath, an opus for all time.
Music.
A bit of us all that makes something better and greater.
(the rest is the thanks for the scholarship stuff)

I hope people read this and see God and music in a new light.

Ch-ch-changes (and other song lyrics)

Two weeks ago, I learned that I am going to be a dad. Yep, the call came in and here it is - two weeks (or so) till birth. I am scared. I am elated. I am nervous. I am confused. I am joyful. I get the honor of adopting a child, raising it as my own. Most people are supportive, as they would be, because hey - they aren't raising the child. Some people are confused (why I would do this, what is my sexuality, all that). One person is against it - mom. Yep, my mom is not okay with this. She has her reasons and I acknowledge them (I don't agree with them). So, as December 5th draws nearer, I wait. I could write a thousand more things about that, but I need time to soak it all in.

My senior pastor is leaving to accept a call at a church in Ohio. Last year at this time, our associate pastor took a senior pastor call. I miss his leadership. Our senior pastor's leadership is different to me, but no less important. I stepped up as youth minister. There ain't no way I am stepping up any higher (and thankfully, there is a plan for that - yay!)

I saw "Fred Claus" today. Was it cheesy and predictable? Yeah. And you know what, I liked it. Vince Vaughn is a comic genius (and producer of this movie). It made me happy to think about the Santa story in a new light.

That's it - no more rambling, especially since I watched "America's Most Smartest Model" (and wondered why I even own a tv anymore).

National Youth Workers Convention - Part 1

Okay, so for two and a half days, I have been soaking in the atmosphere and rocking nature of the convention. Here are some things I have learned in St. Louis:

1) While I dress like most other youth workers, I do not have the obligatory chin forest that some male youth workers have. It's not a goatee, but rather a bearded concept like Scott Ian of Anthrax. In fact, I think Scott Ian of Anthrax is here (or his brother).

2) There are a lot of Methodists in youth ministry. Yes, 3 of out every 4 youth workers I have met are from the United Methodist Church. That is not a bad thing, just a curious fact. I did find some UCC people. They are easy to spot, even in youth worker crowds.

3) The music rocks. I have seen great bands so far: Flatfoot 56, David Crowder Band, Matt Maher, Jars of Clay, Aieysha Woods, Family Force 5. Wow, talk about some diverse music. Amazing.

4) The speakers are good. Some are amazing. Some are okay. One was a tad repetitive and boring. But, that doesn't mean I am any better. Speaking of which, this morning (Sunday morning), I ended up leading a seminar on Middle School Ministry. It wasn't organized or planned out. However, it was weird to take some youth workers through an awkward topic (What do I do to make youth ministry work?) The best speaker, and most humbling, was Zach Hunter (the 15 year old abolitionist). Yes, I learned the most from the kid. The person who represents what our ministry is all about and has inspired me to encourage the souls of these kids.

So that is just a brief glimpse into the first few days. I will blog a bit more tonight about stuff. Tune in for more - or don't - it's Sunday and you should try to enjoy it.

PS: It was Sleep Out Saturday this past Saturday (where our youth at St. Matthew raised money for homelessness programs and slept out in the cold to understand the problem). 13 kids, 4 adults, and $3,000.00. Talk about coming together to serve, but more importantly to enjoy and appreciate God's message for us - LOVE GOD and LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES).