Amazing Grace & William Wilberforce

Our church hosted a film showing of the movie Amazing Grace last night.  It is the powerful story of William Wilberforce and his tireless struggle to end slavery in England.  It also describes how John Newtown, a former slave ship captain, penned the beloved hymn, Amazing Grace, and shares his path to redemption in Christ.

I strongly urge all Believers to buy, rent, or borrow this film.  This story will challenge you to the core of your being.  It will make you ask yourself, “What am I doing for those that can not defend themselves?”

You can see multiple clips and the movie trailer at: http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/

I highly recommend it.  You will never sing Amazing Grace the same again.  That I promise.

Substitute Teaching

I spent the entire day with 14 of the most wonderful students in the world today.  No they were not from a college class or high schoolers.  They weren’t in my doctoral program.  Not even in a Bible study class. 

I spent the whole day with 14 first and second graders.  I was a substitute teacher in our school. 

We learned the ow and ew sounds.  We learned the parts of a plant (leaves, roots, stem, veins, fruit, and flowers).  We learned about the American Revolution and what it means to be a “loyalist” or “patriot.”  We learned how to make $0.37 out different denominations of coins.  We even learned from the Bible (Matthew 6:19-21) about storing up treasures in heaven, where moths and rust and thieves can’t destroy.

This was my first taste of actually teaching in a Christian school classroom.  I have subbed before, all in public school systems.  You have limitations on your faith and what is the basis for your understanding of the world.  But to be in “school” and get to talk opening about how Christians are to care for God’s creation, to discuss liberty in Christ like liberty from England, and how to store up treasures in heaven was quite a treat.

I hope I get to do it again.

J. Hudson Taylor – A Man of Faith

I accidentially picked up a book on Wednesday while cleaning one of the school classrooms.  We steam cleaned all the carpets during Spring Break and it was time to reset the rooms for school next Monday.

The book I stumbled upon was an autobiography of J. Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission.  I have read missionary biographies before and were challenged by their dedication and service to Christ.  But nothing has prepared me for the conviction this little book has caused in my heart.

If you haven’t heard this man’s story, I won’t spoil it for you.  However, I do suggest you go buy the book in a book store or on Amazon.  The book cost less than 2 bucks. 

I won’t even begin to detail how God has been speaking to me through this story, but I have found myself tearful at my lack of faith, humbled by a man’s commitment to the service of Christ, and convicted of my own lustful sin of materialism and discontentment with God’s faithful provisions.

It has been very hard, but good, read.  God knows what we need right when we need it the most.  I had to clean that room because wanted me to hear from Him.

TV in the Boys’ Bedroom

I wrote this post on our 1 Kids Avenue Blog, but thought I would share it here as well.  We will NEVER have a TV in either Isaac or Ethan’s bedroom.  We just can’t risk the outcomes of this kind of exposure to trash.

A TV in a child’s bedroom has proven to be a leading cause of smoking, pornography addiction, poor grades in school, and childhood obesity.  Children with bedroom TV’s watch nearly 30 hours of television per week.  The exposure to cable shows with sexual content, violence, language, and the celebrity pop culture are negatively impacting our children.

I highly encourage you to listen to the following radio program from Dr. Albert Mohler.  You can select this link: http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2008-03-14

The show is about 45 minutes long without commericals.  Dr. Mohler is the president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.  He is a leading Christian theologian and cultral commentator.  Dr. Mohler unpacks the bedroom TV debate and offers solid reasons to pull those TV’s out of the bedroom and leave them in a public place..

You can also read the original New York Times article by Tara Parker-Pope.  Yet this is not from a Christian worldview: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/04well.html

Let the Games Begin

The NCAA Tourney started this afternoon.  Three games down, three W’s for me.  I was pumped Xavier beat Georgia.  Xavier is a great Cincy school and is where one of my Grammar school teachers are studying. 

I hope UK can pull off a win.

Campbellsville Univ. Alumni Meeting

Last night I got to enjoy a nice evening with many prospective students and alumni from my alma mater, Campbellsville Univerisity. 

The event was held at the Newport Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the nation.  Isaac, Ethan, Jennifer and I got to walk around and see all the fish, turtles and sharks before the program began.  Isaac loved it.  Ethan was kinda bored. 

Just to give a plug for my school.  Campbellsville University is an amazing Christian liberal arts university in central KY.  Currently they have about 2400 students.  They have over 50 bachelor’s programs, 6 master’s programs, and will be soon offering full programs online for non-residential students.

Campbellsville made a huge impact on my life.  It was there I first sensed my calling to ministry.  It was there that I got opportunities to do ministry all over the US and around the world.  It was there that I received a top-notch degree which propelled me into grad. school and later into doctoral studies.  

While I didn’t meet my wife there (she is an alum of Eastern KY Univ…Go Colonels),  God used those 4 years to shape my life in an extraordinary way.  Graduate after graduate of CU usually says the exact same thing.  Students do find their calling at Campbellsville.

If you want to talk about the best school in KY, I would love to be your recruiter.

Rollin’ Over

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Eatin’ Cereal

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A Baptist School & A 9/11 Terrorist

I checked out a National Geographic documentary on the 9/11 attacks yesterday at the library.  Jennifer and I were watching the first half last night which discussed the lead up to the actual 9/11 attacks.  I found out something I never knew.

The architect of 9/11, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was a student at Chowan University.  Chowan Univ. is a small Southern Baptist college in Murfreesboro, NC.  One of the world’s worst terrorists came to the US from Kuwait to attend a Christian university.  That is absolutely astonishing. 

The mission statement of Chowan is: To provide a caring environment characterized by Christian values and intellectual freedom in which students can gain the knowledge, skills, creativity, and ethical values they need to flourish in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse global society.  (Emphasis mine.)

Apparently while Mohammed was there, he and a few other Muslim students would gather in their dorm room to pray.  As it is custom, they removed their shoes and left them outside the room.  On a couple of occasions, fellow students of this Christian university stole their shoes and threw them in the campus lake.  Khalid Sheikh Mohammed’s hatred for America stemmed from this mistreatment.

I am not trying to dog out Chowan Univ. or any of its students.  It is just a sad state of affairs when you consider the outcome of Mohammed’s life.  I am sure a few pairs of stolen shoes did not lead him to organize 9/11.  That kind of conclusion would be inappropriate and misguided.  But apparently, Christian hospitality, kindness, and care was not shown to this young man during his time in the US.

I graduated from a small Christian university in the south.  I studied, ate, and lived with many international students from all over the world.  (One semester I had a Brazilian and Romanian for roommates.)  I hope, and pray, I never mistreated any of them in any way. 

I hope that I had maturity to see them as people created in the image of God and guests in my country.  My hope is that they were shown the love of Christ, not the evils of men, during their time in a Christian institution.

 For more information on Mohammed, see http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/ksm.htm

Our Bathroom Will Never Be the Same

Huge event in the Garrison household.  Last night, our 2 year old, Isaac, peed in the potty. 

Actually he peed in the bathtub, on the walls, all over the floor, and even on himself.  But the effort was there and we are very proud of him.  Taking aim and staying under control will be the next huddles.

For his achievement, he recieved 3 Thomas stickers.

Watershed Moments

Watershed moments happen all the time.  Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address.  The completion of the Panama Canal.  Polyester leisure suits going out of style.  Watershed moments come silently, but over the long haul have an extraordinary significance.

With my completion of comps and doctoral coursework last week, I am starting to sense a watershed moment has occurred in my life.  Could I actually be done signing up for classes, working hard for grades, and trying to get finished with another degree?  Sure, I have to write a honk’n dissertation, but that is on my own time, on my own pace.  The days of Spring, Fall, Summer semesters have come to a close.

Glory.

Piper Message on Prejudice

I am a little behind listening to John Piper sermons on my ipod.  But I just finished a sermon this morning on Prejudice, Probablity, and Christ.  It was absolutely powerful.  If you want to listen, click the link below.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2008/2577_Probability_Prejudice_and_Christ/

NCAA Tourney

I have not watched one, single NCAA basketball game all year long, and yet, I am still excited about the NCAA tourney.  Why is that? 

I just can’t wait to see those brackets filled out.  All the upsets as underdogs beat the favorites.  The thrill of hearing the greatest championship theme song of all time “One Shining Moment.”

March Maddness is such a great time of year, even if you haven’t cared about college basketball until now.

Comps Complete

Finished my final comp yesterday morning.  Waited for the blizzard to ease off and drove home to my beautiful family.  Here was my final question.  It was based on my dissertation topic.

Shared governance is defined as the “process by which the university community respectfully shares responsibility for reaching collective decisions on matters of policy and procedure” (Birnbaum 1992, 106).  Multiple groups on campus share a small portion of the available institutional and decision making power.  Describe how institutional power is distributed amongst the various campus leadership groups?  What implications does this distribution have for institutions of Christian higher education?

Two Down, One to Go

Second comprehensive exam is complete.  The question this time was:

Discuss the implications of the biblical doctrines of theology proper, Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, bibliology, and soteriology for educational leadership. 

Final question in the morning.

Doctoral Seminars…Done!!!

That is right.  As of Thursday AM, I am completely finished with my doctoral seminars.  That was two LOOOOOONG years.  12 total classes.  Here is the class listing in no particular order.

1. Critical Inquiry & Research
2. Leadership & Management Theory
3. Teaching & Learning Theory
4. Organizational Theory
5. Theological Analysis of Education
6. Change & Conflict
7. Social Systems Theory
8. Empirical Research Methods
9. Personality & Development Theory
10. Analysis of Empirical Research 
11. Church Growth Leadership
12. Comprehensive Exams

If any of you have ever considered working on your doctorate, but can’t leave your current location.  SBTS has great non-residential programs.  You can check into it at www.sbts.edu. 

One Down, Two to Go

One comprehensive exam complete, two more to go.  The second will take place today (in the blizzard).  The last one will be tomorrow morning.  I am feeling pretty good about my first answer.  I wrote what I thought was a decent answer to the question.  Oh, you might want to know the question.  Here it is:

Discuss the foundational competencies necessary for organizational management including organizing, planning, leading and evaluating of educational ventures.  Identify from Scripture, biblical concepts for organizational theory and for the administration of a Christian college, university or theological institution.

How’s that for exciting?  Don’t you want to write 4 hours on that question.  I didn’t mind.

Discussions in a Seminary Coffee Shop

I never cease to be amazed at what I hear people talking about when sitting in a seminary coffee shop .  Here is just a sample:

• The genitive form of the Greek word “erego”
• What kind of fig leaves did Adam and Eve use as coverings?
• What is the meaning of suffering for teenagers?
• What did J. I. Packer mean by the word “supra-atonement?”

I am a seminary graduate…twice.  Hopefully a third time in the near future.  But I have never talked to my friends like this, even when I was a student.  I wonder if this is a good thing or does it show how out of touch seminary students can be.

You would assume you would here some conversations about who is on American Idol, or what is happening in the primaries today or my girlfriend dumped me for a jock.  None of that.  All theology, biblical languages, and doctrinal matters.  It is very weird for me.

The Last Hurrah for the Habladores

This is the final week for my doctoral cohort to meet together as one whole group.  So I wanted to give a shout out to these wonderful people who have helped me grow, learn, and become a better follower of Christ.

First, the name “Habladores.”  In Spanish, it means “people who talk too much.”  Lorie made the comment that she had never been around so many men that talked as much as we did.  Thus the name stuck.

Here are just a bit about these fine folks, going left to right.
Jon- Pastor, Dayton Ave. Bapt. Church in Xenia, OH.  He is married to Sarah and they have two daughters.  Jon is a former computer programmer who entered the ministry after spending several years in the business world.  He is a Pastor’s pastor.  Calm, funny, compassionate, and has truly been an amazing encourager to me personally.  Jon is leading a vibrant church and has had to battle tremendous time crunches to do both school and ministry.  But he has flourished.

Bob- Bob was only with us for a short while before he left Tullahoma, TN for Florida to take a pastorate.  Bob was very articulate and made a huge impact on the group in a short amount of time.  Bob loved turning any conversation back to ministry and making Jesus’ name great.

Kevin- Assoc. Pastor, Lynwood BC, Cape Giradeau, MO.  Kevin comes from the Christian counseling world.  We both are SWBTS grads (as are a couple others).  Kevin sees people as they really are.  He loves baseball and his wonderful family.  Kevin and I got to go watch marching bands together one night.  Kevin has shown that leadership comes in different forms and people.  His style is to lead from his heart and through grace and love.

Lorie- MissionFuge Camps Director, Lifeway.  Lorie is sharp, passionate, and a consummate professional.  Being the only lady in our group has made for some interesting discussions and moments.  But Lorie has always proven she can run with the big dogs.  Usually she was outpacing us.  Her desire for missions, community involvement, and service led our whole group to serve together at Sojourn Church in Louisville.  Lorie got it all organized then picked up the paint brush and showed us how to lead and serve.

Joe- Pastor, FBC Littlefield, TX.  As a former teacher and coach, Joe brings a level of leadership to our group that is very obvious.  Joe is an amazing scholar, prolific reader, and master writer, but he is also a pastor with a fervent heart for the Lord.  Joe has the ability to form the tightest, most well-thought arguments, and then talk college football like you were sitting on the front porch.  Joe has been our leader from the very beginning, even if he didn’t know it.

Raul- Spanish congregation pastor, FBC Flushing, NY.  None of us will ever forget when Raul shared his thoughts on the homogeneous unit principle for church growth in a statement called “The Death of a Dream.”  Raul loves multicultural ministry and he comes at it with vibrant passion and intellect.  His wit is very quick and he loves to make you laugh.  But when it comes to the Gospel and Christ’s church, Raul inspires you to believe we can have a taste of heaven, here on earth…every tribe, tongue, language, nation, all praising the King of Glory.

Ned- Pastor, FBC Bethany, MO.  Ned served his country proudly in Desert Storm and in the trenches of youth ministry.  Ned is absolutely hilarious.  He has kept our group in stitches at many dinners.  Yet after the humor, Ned is compassionate, loving, and has the biggest heart in any member of our group.  Ned cares deeply for people and it shows in the way he loves his wonderful (growing) family and his wife and the rural church that many have forgotten.

Gary- Pastor, FBC Diana, TX.  A man who loves motorcycles, cowboy boots, the Texas weather, and Letournea University.  Gary loves to talk research and ask the tough questions about ministry.  We have all observed Gary lead his church through an amazing re-visioning and change process.  His demeanor is thoughtful, grace-filled, and inquisitive.  Gary is a huge encourager to this group and has kept each of us going by consistent prayer and nudges to finish the race well.

Rob- Youth Pastor, Forest Hills Bapt. Church, Nashville, TN.  Rob is like his mac computer.  Edgy, technologically better, in-tune with the culture, capable of talking politics, sports, news, and ministry all in one sentence.  He is definitely a thinker and a scholar.  What I have learned the most from Rob is how to minister effectively to the changing culture we live in.  He is a communicator and his passion for leadership and ministry shows through every nook and cranny of his being. 

Waymond- Pastor, Fair Park Bapt. Church, West Monroe, LA.  What can I say about Waymond?  Waymond is creative.  He is colorful.  He is an encourager.  He loves the Lord and His word, obvious in his marked up Bible and ability to make biblical illustrations to nearly any topic.  He loves his wife, Rachel, and their children.  He loves his church and seeing people come to faith.  Waymond has challenged each of us to sit back and enjoy the ride, that really includes me.  He bought my son, Isaac, a little monkey which he sleeps with every night.  That is the kind of man Waymond is.

Clinton- Youth Pastor, The Chapel in North Canton, North Canton, OH.  Clinton is one of the sharpest, most innovative and creative youth ministry practitioners I have ever met.  He is articulate, poised, and has vision for what the church needs to become in the US.  You just listen to Clinton speak about youth ministry and the missional focus of the church and you become engulfed in his passion and dreams.  Clinton is man of vision and a man focused on his family.  One day, we will all read about Clinton speaking boldly at a national conference or writing a best selling book.  But he won’t do it for the accolades, he will be doing it to expand the Gospel to all peoples.

These are my friends.  I am already missing our times together.  I wish and pray God’s riches blessings on every one of them.  You have all meant so much to me and this journey in my life.