WCA Worship Arts Blog: 06/01/2007

Perception of Intolerance

During our panel discussion at the Arts Conference, after we heard from Pastor Dan Kimball, we attempted to wrestle with some of the questions raised in his book, They Like Jesus But Not The Church. Time did not come close to allowing us to explore in any depth so many issues and questions that were raised. In light of that, we thought we could continue the dialog online, and attempt to dig deeper into one issue at a time. I’d like to start the conversation exploring the overall perception held by many outside the church that communities of Christian faith are essentially intolerant. Three of the big 6 impressions shared by Dan’s contacts outside the church all fit under this umbrella, including the perception that the church is homophobic and a boys club not embracing women leaders.

As church leaders, whatever our theological and Scriptural positions may be on issues like homosexuality and women in leadership, and whatever our political leanings may be, the question is whether those who don’t necessarily share the same point of view are not only welcome, but also encouraged to dialog about their perspectives. Essentially, would we describe our weekly gatherings as places where people are invited into an interactive experience and conversation, or are we only presenting truth as we see it and offering solutions or answers? I am not suggesting we have to compromise on what we see as Biblical truth…I am only asking whether we make room for people to engage, explore their questions, challenge our thinking, and feel genuinely heard.

Some church leaders might contend that the only way to change the perception that we are intolerant is to throw out our standards, our beliefs, our definitions of sin, etc. Do you think that is the only choice we have? Or can we invent ways to offer an experience that feels like more of a dialog than a monolog while still teaching Biblical truth lovingly as we see it? We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this. What have you done at your church to make room for this kind of exploration? Do you believe the reputation of churches as intolerant is deserved? Is there any hope for altering that reputation? Please send us your thoughts and maybe we can all help one another consider some constructive alternatives…...
Read more

Backstage with Donald Miller

Part One

Part Two

Looking back, I think Session 4 was spectacular. I think we all appreciated Helena & Jay sharing their story & the journey they have been on for the last few years. It was a gift to then worship & pray together.

It was also great for me personally to put a face & a voice with the words I have read in Donald Miller's books. I appreciated what he had to say. If you & I am sure you were like me & would have liked more time to talk with him.

We asked him to come down to the video suite & answer a few of the questions people asked in the comments.

Hear what Donald had to say and then let us know what you think? What issues are you wrestling with as you try to make the art of the gospel real in your church....
Read more

Backstage with Erwin & Dave from Scribble

Part One

Part Two

Looking back at the Arts Conference, there is much to celebrate. It was a great week and this last session seemed like the best way to conclude our journey together. It was exhilarating. As usual, I didn’t want our time to end.

We invited Erwin & David to spend a few more minutes with us … you don’t want to miss what they had to say.

We'd love to hear your thoughts? What are your hopes for your arts community this year? Mosaic and the Urban Poets are who they are because of their deep passion and sense of mission. How do you fan the flames of spiritual passion on your team? What works? What doesn't?

Return to Real Life!

Friday after the conference and our team’s celebration over lunch, I headed home…where I vacuumed, watered my flowers, did some laundry, and sat out on my deck. Yes, what mundane tasks after such a glorious experience! But it felt so good to return to normal everyday life, and reflect on the astounding ways God worked throughout the conference.

I’m sure I’ll be smiling for a very long time at the memories… Friday morning was so very powerful and exceeded my prayers and anything I even imagined. How grateful I am to Jay and Helena for their vulnerable ministry to all of us… to Donald Miller for stretching us and giving such an inspiring talk to all the right brained artists… to the Scribble team and Erwin for delighting us and reminding us of our extraordinary potential as creative people…

I really was sad to see it come to an end, because I love being among fellow artists and pastors, exploring together our callings and our challenges. Every personal encounter I had was so rich…

But now it’s time for what John Ortberg calls the ministry of the mundane… back to being a wife, a mom, a daughter, a friend, and all that real stuff. So I wish every Dad a very happy Father’s Day… and I look forward to continuing the conversation through the arts community all year long.

I’m abundantly grateful to our magnificent God for all that He has done…and I definitely am celebrating what’s right with the world!

With love in Jesus,
Nancy

What is on your mind as your life and schedule return to normal? What is resonating with your heart and soul? What are you taking with you from the conference into this new day and what do you feel like you still need?

...
Read more

Backstage with Dan, Sally, & Shauna

There has been some great discussion around Session 3 on some of the blog posts during and since the conference. Thanks to all of you who are asking questions. Thanks to everyone for the authenticity in your words. Thanks for the graciousness in your responses. I hope that we can continue to work this out together.

We recorded each of the panelists immediately after the session taking the conversation further and reacting to your comments & quetions. Here are video clips from Dan Kimball with Sally Morgenthaler and from Shauna Niequist. We'll follow up in the days ahead with a second clip from Shauna & others from Efrem Smith, David Loveless, and Brian McLaren.

It is tempting to move from this discussion & not deal with the truths we have been confronted with ... let's not do that ... let's keep encouraging, pushing, and inspiring one another to reach out beyond ourselves & the walls of our church.

My heart grew heavy as Dan discussed what people think about all of us and the church. When I have received criticism about the church or a service I have been a part of, people have told me to not take it personally but I think the key to growing is for us to take Dan's findings & our 'negative' experiences personally.

We need to ruthlessly examine how we are living - what we say, what we don't say, what nonverbal signals we are sending, how we spend our time & how we don't spend our time. It breaks my heart to think that I, in any way, keep people from seeing Jesus as He truly is.

We asked the panel to share anything they wanted to add to the Session 3 discussion or to address 3 specific issues that were sent by conference attenders by email or in the blog comemnts.

First, how do we reach out to homosexuals in our community? How can we let them know that they are welcome in our church? Second, what can we do so that 18 - 30 year olds want to come? How do we need to change so that they want to stay? And lastly, how do I change my church?

Listen to what they have to say & tell me what you think about what they said? What do you think was most helpful and what do you think still needs to be explored

Pam...
Read more

The Conference is Over, but the Community Lives On!

It's Saturday morning and I had my first good sleep in about two weeks, so I'm feeling great! Not just about the sleep, but mostly about the experience of the last two and a half days! When we started this journey together on Wednesday, I had only imagined what it was going to be like to be in one room, all worshiping, learning and growing together. It was better than I ever dreamed!

I watched the video highlights from each session this morning and smiled through every one. My friend Dave, did a great job capturing the moments and editting them together. I'm marvelling at our good God's blessing on every aspect. I sat through the confernce reflecting on the planning meetings and Nancy's leadership during the development and brainstorming, the ideas that came from our producer Sherri and the members of the planning team and I am in awe of how God used each and everyone. Just another reminder of what Erwin said to all of us...that God has created us to write stories...it may look like scribble at first, but the artistry and poetry is His gift to us.

I'm humbled by the commitment and dedication of the "Online Team" that came together to do what had not been done before at a Willow conference. This whole event was a HUGE team effort...Ops, Marketing, IS, Customer Service and the hundreds of volunteers...I'm so grateful for each one and would love you to meet them all.

One of my favorite things has been reading all the comments. Thank you so much for your openness and honesty. We're taking seriously all that you say and we'll learn and grow from it. Thanks for sharing, so personally, some of your challenges, that authenticy helps all who read to identify our own challenges. It was even fun to see that some of you went beyond what happened online and met up with each other. This is a great start to a community that will keep going beyond this event. We appreciate you!

Now that you're home and have had some time to process, what impacted you the most at this year's Arts Conference? What do you want to make sure we keep doing or stop doing? What are some of your favorite memories that are lingering on?

Let's keep the conversation going!...
Read more

Your Response to Session 5?

What is your response to the unforgetable experience that was Scribble with Erwin "Raphael" McManus?...
Read more

Your Response to Session 4?

What Jay and Helena shared with us this morning was so rich, deep and personal….it completely inspires me they way they have grappled with faith in the toughest of circumstances… and to have the courage to share some of that journey with us.

Having worked alongside them the past few years, I continue to be deeply impacted their honesty and real-ness in whether on stage or off stage. I feel completely inadequate to even comment on their extraordinary expression this morning.

And then, Donald….that was one of the most challenging (in the best of ways!) and mind-stretching (brain-stretching??!!) talk that I’ve heard in some time.

While much of my day (maybe like yours) gets consumed with the work of “executing” my art….figuring out what works and why it works….evaluating and systematizing and structuring and doing….To step back and think about the mystery of art was so life giving and reminded me why I’m an artist at heart.

Donald completely challenged me on so many levels: to embrace the mystery on my own personal journey, to allow enough time in my life to experience art to its fullest, to release some of my quests to “understand it all,” to have all my questions answered.

How ‘bout you? What impact did Donald or Jay and Helena have on you? What are taking with you from this time?

Here are some links we thought might be helpful:

The Geometry of Love book

Rembrandt Self-Portraits

The Brain: Amygdala

The Age of Enlightenment

G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

...
Read more

Live Comment here on Erwin "Raphael" McManus & Scribble!

So... what do you think? Could you "so go there"?

What is stirring as you hear Erwin's words? What is stirring in you as you see this piece? It's our last session folks, so comment it up!

Much love,
Ray...
Read more

Additional Resources on Homosexuality

Last night I got home from Willow about 10:30 pm. I was really late getting home. Anyone have some Reconcilosec? (Film Festival inside joke) But my wife wasn't worried because she was deeply engaged in a documentary on PBS about a gay men's chorus. It followed their life experiences as a group and individually.

Julie's heart was broken by one moment in the film. Almost every man recounted how his church abandoned him. One man told the story of how as an 18 year-old he was unexpectedly brought before the congregation, accused of being a homosexual with evidence from a secret council, and then excommunicated before all.

I don't know how to love gay people the way Jesus would and does. As a pastor and leader, I don't know exactly how the Church should engage people who are gay and their families. In the blog comments Wednesday, someone mentioned a lesbian couple in their church that was fully accepted until they had a child and it came time for Baby Dedication before the church. What do you do?

There are no easy answers.

We wanted to provide you with some additional resources to help you as you prayerfully seek answers for you and your own ministry context.

Nothing we could offer would be able to do all of the work for us,, but our hope is that these materials would be helpful to you as you seek scripture and the Spirit for guidance.

“Is God … Homophobic?”

MP3 of a recent Message from Gene Appel, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek

Peppermint Filled Piñatas

Book by Eric Bryant

"Life's Toughest Questions: What About Sex?"

Podcast of a recent message from Erwin McManus, Lead Pastor and Cultural Architect of Mosaic

Live Comment here on Session 4!

Okay friends, this promises to be a very personal session. We hope that the Spirit moves in each of us - searching our hearts and letting us know that none of us are alone. He is with us always!

So, what are your thoughts? How are you reacting and interacting with all of the experiences, the worship, & the message?...
Read more

Good Morning Everyone!

Hard to believe it’s Friday already…our last day together! It sure has gone by fast! The good news is, now that we have the Arts Movement blog, our conversation can keep right on going. This is a space where we can continue to dialogue about all of the blessings and challenges that come with our unique calling.

So, keep coming back…especially to see the videos that will continue to be posted and to participate in great discussions.

How did your night go….with so many people filling thier creative tanks at Blue Man, Wicked, & the Film Festival I’m curious to know what was your greatest inspiriation last night? Was your night all that you expected? What did it inspire you to want to bring back to your church?

Also, as we head into our last day together, what’s on your mind? What things impacted you the most during the conference? What did God do in you over the last 2 ½ days?

...
Read more

A Prayer for Friday

Thinking about our first session with Dewitt and moving on from this conference to our lives and ministries, I pray that we continue to be people who seek God’s truth as passionately as we do the next idea. I pray that our pursuit of serving God grows out of lives that resemble Christ more and more each day. And last, I pray we always put our hope in God, not our abilities, not our gifts and not the latest trends. Let us frame the hope of God so we create an image of the Savior.

Father, lead us by your truth and teach us, for You are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Psalm 25:5

...
Read more

Goodnight from Nancy on Day 2...

I finished up my day teaching a Point Leader Track at the Renaissance Center – and I’m excited for all the different activities tonight. The Art in the City folks are in for a great experience, as well as those who will come to the Film Festival. Others I ran into are heading out for a long team dinner, or even going into the city on their own to walk around and simply enjoy Chicago. One leader told me they’re heading into the city AFTER the film festival at 9:00 – she said when they come to Chicago they never go to bed before 2:00! Well, knock yourself out…I’ll think of you as I head to sleep around 10!

I always enjoy being in a room with a small group of arts leaders, tackling tough issues, interacting, helping one another think through the hard stuff of ministry – and today was no exception. I am very impressed by the quality of leadership and the devotion to learning and growing I see among the group at the conference this year. It’s truly inspiring.

I look forward to our final day and what God might have in store in both sessions tomorrow, with great anticipation and prayerfulness. It’s been such a privilege to play a part in this adventure, and I’ll definitely be sad to see everyone heading home. On the other hand…my house and children could use a little of my attention…

So to the early birds or the night owls - what are you going to bed thinking about tonight? What's on your heart and mind as you reflect on all that you heard and experienced today?...
Read more

The Film Festival Rocks!

Film Festival Favorites at the end of this post...

Wow. I just stopped by the auditorium to check out the Film Festival because I was tired of working from my office and I'd rather work from the booth, but this is out of control. There are so many of you here and the energy is sooooo good. What a great time!

Soooo.. I see some laptops out there - are you live? How are YOU liking or not liking this? What's on your mind? What are your thoughts about the Film Festival?

(UPDATE: Friends, it's 8:49 and I gotta jet or else I won't get to see that 7 month old before he goes to bed - wish I could stay till the end - kudos to these churches and the many others big and small being brave, creative, and passionate for Christ!

7:55 pm - I got some goosebumps up in here... "Val's Christmas"

7:59 pm - Kids, shoes, bikes, Uganda - Genius! ... the gospel on film, one church makes a difference... "Africa"

8:02 pm - 14 oz baby - tears (we have a 7 month old) - prayer & community - "where would I have gone?"... "My story"

8:07 pm - Hilarious... "Host Team"

8:11 pm - I was at this service and will never forget the image of the "I AM WITH YOU" and the catscan - I needed to know that the night of that service!... "Randy's Story"

8:13 pm - beautiful video - color fade in just right - "Beauty"

8:16 pm - spoken word meets edge - awesome - love that you can't see her face - like Lori said, powerful! - "Note"

8:21 pm - here come those darn goose bumps again - thank you Jesus for rewrapping me... "Presents"

8:26 pm - I always love cardboard signs - dig the song - "Passionate Pursuit"

8:29 pm - Magic Scrabble Dice - the effects rock - "Meant to Live"

8:31 pm - As an "Office" addict... GENIUS!... "Cubicle"

8:33 pm - You had me at the "why women stay single" title - did my wife contribute to the brainstorming for this video?... "Be Self Aware "

8:36 pm - I feel like Debbie Downer but my friend works to free enslaved foreign nationals in Washington D.C.... okay it's just funny... "Indentura"

8:39 pm - Anything Mac always has my vote "Christian - Christ-Follower"

8:40 pm - "Star Wars - who I don't know is my sister yet" also Genius - LOL!!! - love the tackle - "leprosy & plague"... "Reconciosec"...
Read more

Checked out the Hope Canvases?

In just two days, you have made amazing progress on the Hope Canvases! They all look just beautiful while each having their own unique expression. What color and encouragement they will bring to the ministry partners who will receive them. There are still some white spaces, so check them out and add your piece to the painting.

For those of you who have already left your mark, tell us what you painted and why? How did you choose the canvas you were going to paint on?...
Read more