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 How
would you describe your ministry?
“Pursuing authenticity.” We want to see what might be
called “realitychurch”— an environment of acceptance
and transparency where people feel freedom from spiritual pretentiousness;
where it is OK to be in process and to admit we have problems and
questions. We’re interested in what happens when religious
performance is transformed into a sincere relationship with God.
We figure that includes doing our part to liberate the church and
Christians from the customs, traditions and even superstitions that
have distorted the true message. We also wish to become a bridge
in the intensifying culture war between believers and non-believers
through a more Christ-like humility and hope. Further, we seek to
recover the “good” in the good news of the Gospel by
helping people discover the encouragement God intends through His
relationship with us and guidance for us. We desire to engage our
post-modern society by entering the culture instead of running from
it, and learning to speak its language. To communicate well, we
use narrative and visuals more to translate theology into accessible
terms. We think people are intellectually capable and spiritually
interested in theological depth and substance—that we are
all starving for wisdom and moral guidance. Our perspective is that
unadulterated Christianity provides a healthy direction for life
which is neither oppressive nor permissive. Finally, and undergirding
everything, is our conviction that without love it is all nothing.
Relationship with God and one another is what we must be all about.
What is there about it that gets your motor
running?
I love to see people catch the hope of the Gospel in a way that
makes a practical or transformational difference. Thankfully, we’re
privileged to see it happen a lot. Just this week I saw it in a
staff member who was absolutely giddy over how the union of faith
and art was encouraging her soul. Another woman was inspired by
the love of Christ to restrain herself from angry responses with
her estranged husband. And a man’s hard-hearted and fed-up
attitude toward his wife turned to compassion and perseverance.
Who in your life has been the best example
of love?
My wife, Maggie. I’ve always been challenged by the way she
so freely enjoys people, especially her interest in those who are
suffering. Her love for our daughters has been so sincere, practical,
and constant. And no other person has been as accepting and patient
with me. She has shown me Jesus for over 30 years now.
What person has had the most influence on
your life?
That’s hard. There are so many. From the past, theologians
like Jonathan Edwards, pastors like Charles Spurgeon, and apologists
like C. S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, and Cornelius Van Til. Recent
influences are innumerable, but from within my own tradition, Jack
Miller and Tim Keller have shaped me most. Our church and staff
are a constant influence, stretching my horizons and helping me
find better balance.
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What cartoon character do you most identify
with?
Easy. Pepe Le Pew! I love his sexy French accent, passionate romanticism,
tenacity and perseverance to love. I resemble his cluelessness as
to his own stink and what repels others. He’s endearingly
smelly! Yet, somehow you believe his story will end well and that
he will find what he’s looking for.
What’s currently in your CD player?
Actually MP3. Everything from Norah Jones, Allison Krauss and Diana
Krall to Dave Matthews, Dave Wilcox, Johnny Cash, U2, Sara McLachlan,
Sting, Guster, John Mayer, Cold Play, and Los Lonely Boys. Then
there is Linkin Park, the Beatles, Roy Orbison, Simon and Garfunkel,
The Moody Blues, The Who, Eagles, Mindy Smith, Mercy Me, Nichole
Nordeman, Third Day, and Little River Band.
What’s the most exciting (or risky)
thing you’ve ever done?
Waking up. Getting married. Having children. Starting Grace Church.
March 20, 2005
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