Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Are you really ready to die on that hill?

Over the past few days I have again been flabbergasted at the things that Christians seem willing to fight over. I am not averse to conflict. Some might even say, "I like a good fight" (and I do... and not just in hockey). But really...

  • Is there any reason a Christian university dismisses a faculty member while making this affirming statement? "[Name's] orthodoxy and commitment to the gospel are not in question, nor is his commitment to Scripture's inspiration, authority and infallibility. He is a promising scholar and a dedicated teacher, and will be missed by his colleagues and students." I guess the reason is the last sentence of the press release: "Nevertheless, the University has determined this decision to be in the best interests of its constituency at this time."
  • Do people need to change churches almost as casually as they change their socks? It seems that in evangelical circles, we have lost the ability to dialogue without dividing. Certainly leadership is responsible to create an environment where healthy discussion and vigorous debate is welcomed. Yet individuals and the body as a whole also have responsibility to bring up concerns in a respectful and transparent way that recognizes that the leadership team cannot always divulge the full story that led to a contentious decision?
  • Do Christians need to enter into public debates with both barrels of their shotgun not just loaded, but firing? When a Christian takes issue with "liberal-minded" ideologues, the believer often comes across as legalistic and harsh, frequently attacking the person rather than the position. Meanwhile, the "opponent" ends up looking like the caring, compassionate person. Can we not approach a social issue with thoughtful consideration of those who hold another perspective, without watering down our stance?

Believers, are there not more important things to fight about? I'm not convinced some of the examples observed recently are even matters to argue about, and certainly not issues that we break Christian fellowship over. More than just the Christians involved in the conflict, we have missed another opportunity to be a credible witness to the gospel and Christ's transforming power. Leadership involves dealing with conflict and helping individuals resolve troubles satisfactorily and biblically. Yet I confess, there are times I want to ask, "are you really ready to die on that hill?"

Monday, October 29, 2012

Book Review: Enough by Will Davis Jr


At various times in my life, the song Enough (Chris Tomlin & Louie Giglio) has been an important reminder. So, when the opportunity to review the book of the same name by Will Davis, Jr. appeared, I felt it would be a good way to focus on that theme again. While it was not the topic/theme I initially thought, it was an exceptionally challenging book that I would recommend to every Christian for reading.

The basic thesis of the book is that we as North American Christians have way more than enough resources, and rather than continue to collect them, we should be sharing these with the multitudes of people around the world with far less than enough. Davis clearly accomplishes his goal of challenging North American Christians to reexamine their priorities in light of this imbalance through statistics (minimal), compelling stories, and biblical teaching.

Each chapter is bite-size with appropriate questions at the end that could be useful for group study. A well-written book and easy-to-read, Davis also demonstrates the biblical truth that those who sow generously will reap the rewards many times over (though as he clearly points out, that should not be the motivation). Davis also shares testimonies from other people, presumably from people he knows from Austin Christian Fellowship, that illustrate the concept of each chapter.

The truth is it is very difficult to find anything negative to say about this book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Enough is available at your favourite bookseller or from Revell Books.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Disabled Husband & Father

Just discovered these two great articles by David & Gloria Furman on being a disabled dad and being married to a disabled husband... a topic close to my heart and mind that I hope to write about in the weeks and months to come.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Presentations Available


Growing Old Graciously
Many people plan for their retirement – financially. However, many people have not planned for life after 60 in the most important ways. Designed for people  creeping up to age 65, this one-hour seminar discusses the challenges of preparing to live successfully as a senior in every aspect of life.

Get Real
Three messages (Real Religion, Real Joy, & Real Thinking) designed for a youth or young adult retreat focusing on New Testament passages that challenge us to "Get Real" with our faith.

Spiritual Retreat
A pair of messages on “Talking to God” & “Listening to God” that could be incorporated into a larger spiritual retreat (eg. silence & solitude) weekend, especially appropriate for college age students.

Dr Steve Ibbotson has served as a college instructor, K-12 administrator, church elder, and board member with various non-profit organizations. In addition to these responsibilities, he has provided pulpit supply in various local churches and preached internationally. He is glad to serve the Lord by presenting biblical truth in an engaging and challenging way to your congregation or target group. Specific presentations available are listed below, though I am willing to share on a theme of your choosing in your school, church or other organization.

For more information, contact me via email (stevenibbotson@yahoo.ca) or phone (403-443-1550).

Monday, October 15, 2012

Book Review: The Art of Neighboring

A recent visitor to our church challenged us to consider the idea of a small group on every street. Connected with this, some young adults discussed the old concept of a "block parent" house, a safe home a child knew they could go to if they were ever fearful/in danger. Interesting, this organization recently ceased operations in Canada. Thus, when the title The Art of Neighboring was offered for blog review purposes, I thought this book might be a good opportunity to read and think more in this area.

As he describes in chapter 1, Dave Runyon and about 20 other pastors in the Denver area, were challenged by the mayor who shared, "the majority of the issues that our community is facing would be eliminated or drastically reduced if we could just figure out a way to become a community of great neighbors" (p. 19). Though Dave and the other pastors quickly realized the graciously stated yet embarassingly ironic commentary this gave on their churches and the Christian faith, they embraced the challenge and agreed together to do a series on Jesus' Great Commandment in their congregations. The result was the beginning of the Art of Neighboring project.

Throughout the remaining chapters, the authors explain how this project began to unfold and describe how an individual reader can begin to put a plan into action to love their neighborhood. As they freely admit, the plan is quite simple and much of the advice they offer is basic interpersonal communication material: start with a general event (eg. neighborhood bbq or potluck), don't expect to go deep with everyone; be available to serve various needs; set clear boundaries with those who may take advantage of your neighborliness. The reader can easily connect with the stories they share. They include biblical principles, yet this book does not require extensive biblical knowledge or insight.

I would highly recommend this book to any Christian or group of believers wanting to impact their community. A "Study Guide" at the end makes a group study/discussion for a group in the congregation an alternate approach. I believe the website provides additional resources and connecting opportunities also.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Books and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. The Art of Neighboring is available at your favourite bookseller or from Baker Books.