Great video about the real meaning of Easter.

Edith Easter from Krista McKinney on Vimeo.

Have you seen the TV spots for the Foundation For A Better Life?

I get misty-eyed every time I see one of them! Check this new one out (encouraging “Patience”) on their website at http://values.com. Sorry, they do not allow in-line posting on other sites.

I can certainly identify with that worker’s FIRST emotion. I wonder if I would follow his second emotion. How about you? I HIGHLY recommend that you visit the site and see all of their spots and the other encouraging posts that they have online.

BTW, I like to know WHO I am actually endorsing before I write such a post as this. The Wikipedia article for the foundation (here) says, “it [the Foundation] is entirely funded by billionaire Philip Anschutz.” So, I checked the article for Mr. Anschutz (here) and found that he “has been an active patron of a number of religious and conservative causes”   (here). The following list is only some of the causes listed on the Wikipedia article:

• Helped fund the Discovery Institute, a think tank based in Seattle, Washington that promotes intelligent design and criticizes evolution.
• Supported the Parents Television Council, a group that protests against what they believe to be television indecency.
• Financed and distributed films with Christian themes, such as Amazing Grace and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, for mass audiences through his two film production companies and ownership of much of the Regal, Edwards and United Artists theater chains.
• Financed The Foundation for a Better Life.

Although some people. who are more aligned with the Democratic Party, may think that Mr. Anschutz represents an opposing viewpoint (due to his political affiliations), I believe that he & the Foundation represent CONSERVATIVE FAMILY VALUES. So, for my part, I endorse the work of the foundation – regardless of political parties!

Social Media: Although the Foundation has a Twitter accoun (@valuescom), it appears to be just an auto feed from their Facebook page (FBLife).  You may want to follow them there.

I posted a humorous article about this over on my Bishop of Technology site here: http://raywaldo.com/2009/10/do-real-men-twitter/

Here is a funny video illustrating the problem:

These are exciting days for ministry.  When I consider the possibilities God has provided for me to serve Him on relation to the Great Commission, I consider these unique to my generation(s):

Websites

Every church needs a website.  They can be done as cheaply or expensively as one can afford.  A website indicates several critical interest points.

• Our church is relevant to your life.
• Our church is service-minded to your family.
• Our church is available for informational needs.
• Our church is interested in resourcing your faith-building needs.

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more.  Directions, service times, biographical information on pastors, leaders, promotions, upcoming special sermon series, services, etc.  For an example click here.

Your website in this culture is one of the primary outreaches to people ages 18-30.  If you don’t have a website for your ministry, let me help. Send me an email and I’ll have someone get in touch with you to see if you can do this.

Read the rest of this entry »

My favorite site for REASONABLY priced video clips is BluefishTV (http://www.bluefishtv.com/). They have very good quality videos and most are priced at $1.99 each! Compare that to about $20 each at other outlets.

Even better, you can download one clip for free!

How to Get Your Free Download

1. Visit www.bluefishtv.com. Select the tab at the top that says “Downloadable Videos,” and search through hundreds of funny, dramatic, and real-life stories.
2. Add the video clips that you like to your cart, and when you are finished shopping, click “Check Out.”
3. Proceed with your order until it brings you to the “Review Options” page where you have the option to enter a coupon code. Enter the code BFP2 and finalize your payment. (If you order more than one download, it will charge the remaining amount to your credit card. Limit one free video per person.)

Have you noticed that one of the most difficult tasks that one faces is that of balance? It is true for both the secular or religious person. It is a struggle for the common man but it seems an almost impossible task for a pastor!

There seems always something that is trying to push me into one extreme or the other. I am drawn to either fanaticism or complacency. In 1976, I was pastoring a small country church in Eupora, Mississippi. I was visiting in the little hospital (about 20 beds) and I noticed that an elder minister from my congregation was standing outside the door to one of the rooms. He was dressed in suit and tie so I assumed that he was visiting someone but  had to leave for a short time while the doctor or a nurse was in the room tending to the patient. I walked over and spoke to him and asked who he was visiting. He lifted his wrist and showed me the name-band and said that HE was the patient – dressed in suit, coat & tie!! It was his belief that he should be in the “uniform” of a minister – even when he was a patient in the hospital. To me, it was a LOT over the top! The last time I was a patient in the hospital, I wore pj’s and house shoes.

But, I have had my share of extreme moments also. I suspect that we all have. Dr. Kenny Flaming (http://www.kennyflaming.blogspot.com/) sent me the link to a YouTube video titled, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Pastors.” Watch it here:

Personally, I can see ME in some of those little things. I see Viv (my wife) almost perfectly portrayed in the wife. It is humorous but it demonstrates the dilemma of needing balance.

Is it wrong to do any of those things? Probably not of themselves but the problem arises when those things take such a priority in our lives that nothing else seems important. Some Christians wear their fanaticism like a “badge” of “super-spirituality” and “self-sacrificing obedience” to God. I realize that we made vows to God but we also made vows to our spouse! Is it God’s desire that I discount my marital vows in order to fanatically observe my vows to Him? I think not.

BTW, the Florida Hospital Church (http://www.hospitalchurch.org/) that produced the video above, also produced several other videos. In my attempts to find balance & become more “human” and less of a mechanical “pastor robot,” I have often been guilty of some of the faults demonstrated in another of their videos titled, “Before He Speaks.” Watch it here:

I hope this article & these videos will help us understand the need for (some humor – and) balance. That we should not go too far in either extreme on anything. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below…