Jon & Kate, Plus the California Supreme Court, Plus Other Stuff

The following have warranted a paragraph or two because they keep popping up in my world, or on my computer, or on Facebook, or in discussions...

To Jon & Kate...
Jon & Kate Gosselin, of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" fame, need good pastoral counseling. Could I ask if those Christian publishers who gave them their book deal would use some of the wealth generated by the project to bring some sort of pastoral counseling intervention into their lives before we have a much more public and painful tragedy? I don't know if Jon and/or Kate have been unfaithful to their vows, and we don't need to know. But they need help. They need prayer. And they need someone to do more than profit from their lives. Their TV network is milking this for all the publicity that they can get. Maybe the Gosselins (or one of the Gosselins) is, too. Isn't there anyone who can speak truth, grace, love, and perhaps a call to repentance into their lives? Jon & Kate, save your marriage by putting it and each other ahead of yourselves. Give your eight children the example of parents strong enough to do what is both good and right. Call me if there is no pastor available to you.

A Temporary Sanity
The California Supreme Court, by at 6-1 decision, has upheld the voter approved Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in the state. This came after that same court unanimously ruled that California's earlier ban on same sex marriage was unconstitutional. I honestly am surprised, not on the merits of the decision, but given the flow of events lately and the seeming momentum such a reversal would have followed. This does not settle matters, but it is an encouragement nonetheless.

It Might Be Worse
That may not be too encouraging, but that was my thought in hearing about Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to be our newest Supreme Court justice. I knew it would be a minority pick, and I also was guessing it would be a woman, but the "tokenism" factor was exacerbated by the President's making such a point of her status as a female Hispanic, a Puerto Rican raised in public housing, etc. Early reports on her decisions and reversals are not encouraging to many conservatives. However, I keep thinking it could have been worse. After all, the most liberal (based on voting record and publicly voiced positions) president with a near unstoppable 59 votes in the Senate has suggested someone first made a federal judge by George H. W. Bush. Yes, he also gave us David Souter, but if all that happens is we get a Souter-like nominee, we've escaped a far worse fate. Imagine giving the position to the liberal equivalent of an Antonin Scalia!

Ralph D. Winter, Influential Missiologist and Founder of U.S. Center for World Mission, Dies

Just read this article in the Christian Post on the passing of Dr. Ralph Winter. Dr. Winter's work at the U.S. Center for World Missions, along with his insightful and sometimes controversial editorials in the Center's Mission Frontiers journal,was monumental in reshaping the cause of global missions. He was at the forefront of the shift from thinking solely about going to countries, and instead targeting people groups.

His leading role in popularizing ideas like "hidden peoples" and the 10/40 Window have led many churches and individuals to rethink their strategies and approaches.

I personally heard Dr. Winter speak a number of times, and was always impressed with how "unimpressive" he was--never trying to be more than a straightforward, passionate advocate for doing ministry in a smart and strategic way. Sometimes I disagreed with his conclusions, but could not fault his spirit.

I rejoice that he is resting from his labors and rejoicing in the Lord's presence. And I think those of us left behind can honor his memory by looking for new ways to complete that final task over which he labored for his Savior--getting the gospel to all peoples.

Muslim Demographics

This was sent to me by a friend. It paints a sobering portrait of the future, but also reminds us of the need to redouble our efforts to reach Muslims with the Gospel--not for the sake of a culture, but for the glory of God.

Follow up on Creation Care

This article is a review of the Flourish Conference referenced in my earlier post.


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How High a Priority is Creation Care For Pastors?

Right now the "Flourish Conference 2009" for pastors is going on in Duluth, GA, at Cross Pointe Church. It features a number of quality speakers and events (Their web site is here). Its defines itself in this way:

Flourish is a national conference for pastors and church leaders, is an invitation to one of culture's most exciting conversations: creation care. Our goal is to explore the biblical call to care for God's creation through the teachings of today's most insightful church leaders.

I believe that humanity was given a mandate to care for the creation; this work was both made more difficult and corrupted by the Fall, but continues as a responsibility of all people. Christians can and should exercise this mandate under the authority of the Word of God.

Having said that, I'm beginning to wonder how many pastors in local congregations, who really shepherd people throughout their week, have time to devote to "creation care," or other issues that may be biblically based but not the highest priority. Elders were to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Paul sets an example in Acts 20 of going personal involvement in discipleship. Peter calls upon us in 1 Peter 5 to shepherd (guide) the flock. Encouragement to recycle and "go green" may be culturally interesting today and deserving of mention when dealing with texts that relate to our creation mandate, but there seem to be a whole range of more important issues my people are dealing with than whether they should consider buying a hybrid car. I'm walking my flock through moral failures, unemployment, life-threatening illness, broken relationships, not to mention the many who need to know the power of the Gospel to save or to heal brokenness. I am teaching, counseling, and praying. I'm trying to watch my own life and walk, even as I seek to lead others.

I would suggest that it might be appropriate for others in the church to become advocates for creation care, but I'm not sure this is central, or even near the center, of the pastoral call. It's a conversation I'm not inclined to take time to participate in.

Awkward Family Photos

This site has some very funny moments in family photo history.


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'We Are the Forgotten Church,' Say Palestinian Pastors

Read this post from ChristianPost.com to hear about the evangelical church's challenges in the middle east.

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Between Two Worlds: An Interview with Os Guinness on the 25th Anniversary of Francis Schaeffer's Death

The interview is here.

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Driscoll & Mars Hill Go National

I was surprised to come across this blog notice that Mars Hill is establishing a campus in Albuquerque, NM. A little far from the Seattle area, Mars Hill becomes the latest multi-site church to move into multi-state status. What do you think about this move? I'm not sure what I think, myself.

Indian Christians in Orissa Still Struggling (from Desiring God)

This article updates the situation in the Indian state of Orissa for Christians.