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RESPONSE
TO NEWSLETTER 25
THERE
IS A DANGER
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Thomas Peck
Why do Christians
have such negative knee jerk reactions to the culture. Why can't we seem
to build bridges. Why are we so hesitant to give credit when it is due?
Why can't Christians admit to common ground with unbelievers?
There is a great danger
that our faith and our walk with Christ can be co-opted by the culture.
We are warned in a number of verses (Jn.15:19 Rom.12:2 Col.3:2,5) about
where we put our focus and our energies. The issue is not the culture,
but what is the effect on you and your walk with Christ, your conforming
yourself to Him, your obedience to Him. So much in the culture will pull
you away from Christ, that it is important to be discerning about what
we put in our eyes and our minds and our hearts. Some may be able to not
be effected by the sin promoted in the culture, but, given our sinful
nature, it is often like an alcoholic hanging around in a bar...sooner
or later you will fall. Yes, we have common ground with unbelievers...we
are all sinners, but that does not mean we should take on the ways of
the sinner in order to better 'relate' to the sinner. What we do need
to do is practice more of the love defined in 1 Corinthians 13 and Romans
12, while still living a life that honors Christ.
Response:
Well that was about as clear as mud. There are 3 basic views:
1. Christ in culture,
2. Christ beside (against) culture,
3. Christ above (uninvolved with) culture.
I go with number 1.
You seem to go with 2.
I am a "Go Ye into all the world" kind a guy that leans heavily
on the pagan altar to the Unknown God of Acts 17:16-34. For me number
2 sounds too much like a hermit (unevangelical). I am indeed the recovering
alcoholic hanging in the bar helping others. I resonate with Paul hangin
with godless Gentiles, and with Jesus hangin with harlots and sinners?
I like my fingernails dirty. I also like scars and blisters. Thank you
for your point of view. It was refreshingly different than mine. -David
BOOMERS
STEP ASIDE
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: "Don Dawson"
An interesting look
at our seminaries across the nation shows some relevant info: http://www.zondervanchurchsource.com/brfng.htm
Also, I am a member
of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and am a Gen Xer, and I was disappointed
(yet not surprised) to read earlier this year that only 4% of the pastors
in my denomination are under the age of 40. My wife is one of them, and
she found that her calling is in campus ministry, not in a traditional
parish.
We are still active
in a regular congregation, but it is very evident that our needs and the
needs of other Gen Xers are not top priority. It's funny, but I hear more
complaining about how no college-age people come to our church from the
people who are most against changing the status quo.
I wonder how the rest
of the Protestant Church is doing. With stats like that, it's hardly surprising
that it's difficult to find many Gen Xers in church.
The times are changing,
and you're on the right track. The Barna Group (www.barna.org)
just published results yesterday of a study on Internet use in spiritual
pursuits, and it is looking like more and more people will be looking
to the web for their spiritual nourishment.
Don Dawson rocketsrus@netzero.net
Webmaster for http://palmbay.presbychurch.net
Response:
Thank you for the stats. It is a true thing, we have failed to reach Gen
X. I heard a report the other day on National Public Radio that suggested
that the Mormons could outnumber the Evangelicals within the next 40 years.
Per Capita American Church attendance is no greater now than it was in
1940. The Evangelical Church has a problem. -A major problem. I think
the Builders and Boomer are at the heart of it. And, I also blame the
church for making Family Values, and Republican Politics etc. it's goal
rather than Jesus. Something has gone terribly wrong. Outsiders, Outcasts,
Familyless, Goth, Rappers, Homeless, Gen X need not apply. You are not
truly welcome in most churches. -David
KNEE
JERK REACTIONS
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Momx4
i think part of it
is that we don't see that part of the truth when it is portrayed can get
people talking and asking questions. we feel like if the whole gospel
message isn't portrayed in its entirety, including the altar call, then
we haven't done our job. this has only been a recent discovery for me
and it has really freed up how i express my faith. i am much more ready
to hear the truth of what people are saying and encourage them in that
hoping for continuation of the conversation later and trusting that God
can continue to work in their lives. films and books can be great conversation
starters for this and not everyone will go see a blatantly christian film
right away in a relationship. we need to remember that all truth is God's
truth no matter whose mouth it comes out of.
Response:
Some one recently wrote, "I'd rather have R-rated truth than G-rated
lies." Thank you for your contribution. I like how you think, you
are on the right track. -David
GEN
X PASTOR SPEAKS
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 19:49:12 EDT
From: Rev. Chad Irving
David,
Thank you for Hollywood Jesus, I enjoy it very much. I am a Gen Xer and
an Associate Pastor. I believe your comments regarding the Boomers are
by and large true, although I have had a Boomers in my life who have done
exactly what you're asking them to do for me. Nevertheless, most have
been the type that you have described. Most of my Christian life I have
felt the need to be apologetic about my "love" for the media, i.e. movies,
television, and radio. Only recently have I truly come to understand how
much value there is as a Christian to be current on these things. I like
to watch t.v. and movies, and I am finding it is more of a help then a
hindrance in my ministry. I've found that people in my church enjoy my
sermon illustrations from t.v. and movies. People can relate, because
they enjoy the media, too. Anyway, I appreciate what you do and wanted
to respond.
God bless.
Rev. Chad Irving
Response:
I am glad you know a few enlightened Boomers. Good help is hard to come
by these days. The Boomer detest of the media is typical. They are in
the linear world and have little concept of what being postmodern is all
about. Sadly, they do not even want to know.
PASSING
THE BATON TO GEN X
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Sue Sailhamer
David:
Your apology to Gen X was interesting. The worship style problem exists
in most large churches. Here is one way to see it:
Worship is the language
of the church. And we are now like Babel--we speak different languages.
Don't confuse traditions with traditionalism. (traditionalism, the dead
faith of the living; tradition, the living faith of the dead).
Tradition is faith
that has been handed down through the ages. There is much we can learn
from the saints who went before us. Have you read the stories behind the
writing of great hymns of faith? Amazing Grace, It Is Well With My Sould,
Children of the Heavenly Father, etc. These and many other hymns are testimonies
to God's sustaining grace amidst great adversity. They have withstood
the test of time far more than contemporary choruses of late or Gen X
tunes.
The music/style problem
is much more than personal or generational preference. It is a great divide
that needs a bridge. We need to bring people together, not separate them
in contemporary or traditional compartments, gen X or boomer. The Gen
Xers have more to learn from the Boomers than vice versa. That's always
the way it goes. And the Boomers have much to learn from "The Greatest
Generation. " We need to keep the conversation going between generations.
With this in mind,
the only style of worhip that makes sense is a blend that includes the
entire spectrum. If you want to see this at work, visit the First Evangelical
Free Church of Fullerton. We don't have it perfected, but we are trying.
Sue Sailhamer
Response:
Thank you Sue. And you are right. Multigeneration community is what the
kingdom is about. And indeed, we learn from each other. "Amazing
Grace" will always be with us. I would like to hear how Gen X would
perform it. I am tired of the Boomer monopoly on doing these great traditions
in their fashion. The problem as I see it is that Gen X and Gen Y have
been excluded from participation in Boomer worship services. I am glad
you church is open to Gen X and Y. -David
100
BEST MOVIES
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Janet
How about "Shadowlands".,
my favorite.
Janet Renfro jkrenfro@wans.net
Response:
You are right. How about Shadowlands? There are so many that I left out.
I really just limited myseld to 100. -David
BABY
BOOMER/GEN X
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Trey Harris
Dear Dave,
I loved your comments concerning Boomers and worship styles. Unfortunately
most main-line churches have not even experienced "contemporary" worship
yet, much less Gen-X. Most of the control in these churches is still with
the Builders of WWII. I am a United Methodist Pastor and can think of
only one or two churches in our entire conference (Louisiana) that are
doing relevant worship to reach Gen-X. I am told that we need to also
concentrate on the generation behind Gen-X, the Millennials. Seems we
are two or three generations behind and wonder why we still loose members
each year. I wonder if we will ever get it?
Peace and Grace,
Trey Harris
New Orleans, LA
Response:
Yes, lets hear it for the Millennials! You are right, the church is behind.
One wonders why it still exists! It has one important saving grace, and
that is GOD! -David
THE
PASTOR
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Christy
Hi. I was just wondering
if you really sent your letter to that pastor. If so, are you going to
post his response? It's sad that pastors feel confident in making such
statements, and even sadder that non-thinking congregations simply internalize
what pastors say without consideration. Sometimes I wonder if pastors
are aware of the power they hold when they speak from the pulpit. Love
the newsletter!
-Christy, San Diego
Response:
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I sent the letter to my pastor friend.
And yes the pulpit is a real power thing. It is kind of scary. I will
publish his response. I will probably paraphrase it however. -David
WHAT?
WHERE'S...
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Marcus McFaul
Where are...
Babette's Feast ?
Chocolat ?
The Spitfire Grill ?
-Marcus W. McFaul
First Baptist Church, Lawrence, KS
Response:
You are so right. Like I said I could easily post a lot more. I like those
you mentioned, thank you. -David
COMMON
GROUND
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Leslie M
Dear David,
Good topics in this newletter. I found this question that you posed especially
interesting:
Why can't Christians
admit to common ground with unbelievers?
As a recovering alcoholic,
I hear a similar theme expressed in AA meetings (though its founders never
intended for such duality to take root): that alcoholics have little common
ground with "earth people," or "earthlings" --- unofficial AA jargon for
non-alcoholics. Whether it's Christians versus non-believers or alcoholics
versus non-alcoholics ("An earthling could never understand what it's
like"), it seems to be about one-upmanship. And I'm just as bad about
it as the next person. I hope that over time, by remembering humility,
I'll be a better example of a recovering alcoholic whose higher power
is Almighty God, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Sincerely, Leslie M.
Response:
Thank you Leslie. I thank God for your recovery. I loved the "erthling"
thing. -David
KNEE
JERK
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Betty Hamm
Good newsletter David.
About the knee jerk to Hollywood. I believe it is fear. Fear of falling
into a worldly trap, fear of being too close to sin. It is legalism. And
unfortunately it smacks of works. In other words if I only watch, read,
do the right things I will be the right kind of Christian. It is the reason
why Christians have a very hard time making friends with non-believers,
unchurched, pagans, whatever you want to call them. Many of us are very
much interested in saving their souls, but that is it. We don't really
want to get to know them. It is not just Hollywood. It really is all the
arts or the media if you will. A friend told me she was worried about
joining a neighborhood book club because she didn't know what kind of
books they would choose. Time and time again, I have heard people slam
secular music, esp. rock, without having heard it. Or grouping all rock
with gangster rock. I was listening to Marilyn Manson the other day, yes
I did say Marilyn Manson. Now I will tell you, I cannot watch the man
and I listen to a song of his that is censored (why don't they offer this
with movies?). His lyrics go God is in the TV. Well, I have to say, Marilyn
is not far off. America's god is in the TV. Most of the rock music is
really saying be authentic and fess up to what you believe. If Christians
allowed themselves to be authentic around non-Christians, I believe we
would see a lot more conversions. I'm off my soap box. Thank you for all
you do.
Betty
P.S. There is a song
called "Fragile" by a group I think is called the McCallisters or something
close to that. It was heart-piercing. It is not Christian, it is very
much Gen-X, it is very real. You would love it. A pastor I know calls
Gen-X music God-haunted music.
-- Mrs. Betty T. Hamm
bhamm@efcn.org
Fine Arts Director
Evangelical Free Church,
Naperville Il
(630) 983-3232 http://www.efcn.org
Response:
Thank you so much Betty. I really like the way you think! -David
100
FAITH AFFIRMIMING FILMS
Subject: 100 Faith Affirming Films Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: RickKristi@aol.com
David, Interersting
list you offered. (David's responses in blue)
Frist of all, I would
like to add a couple of films to your list. In fact I am kinda surprised
I did not see them. However, with a large list such as that and my inability
to see Magic Eye paintings in the past, I may have completely missed them.
I felt that a few of your films would not fit the Pastor's criteria ("Hollywood
never portrays Christian believers favorably. If you can find one film
that does I'll watch it."), so I offer my alternatives:
Magnolia
(of course). This film fits the criteria because it offered a Christian
character and he was one of 2 completely postive, if not heroic, characters.
Deep Cover, with Laurence Fishburne offers a wonderful potrayal of
a Christian Police Officer who acts as a conscience for Fihburne's character
as he heads deep undercover. This character acts a Christ figure, sacrificing
himself for Fishburne.
Kingdom Come, new film.
SpitFire Grill,
funded by nuns offers very strong view of forgiveness.
Shadowlands
(come on, this fits the Pastor's criteria perfectly)
The Last Crusade,
which you may have meant instead of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Although
Raiders is still very affirming to faith. The Last Crusade deals directly
with many issues relating to the Christian faith.
The Pastor's Wife,
did you forget? If you add Michael and Life Less Ordninary you must have
this.
Stigmata
if you have some you put in, this is no mosre of a stretch, althoug I
would not have it in such a list.
Blues Brothers.
If you offer Blues Brothers 2000, you must include the first.
I would differ with
many based upon his criteria, including (just a few)
56. Traffic (although the best film of 2000 in my opinion, this
dealt with issues of faith no more or less than 3 Kings, which
offers a positive Christian character and deals with ethical issues as
openly as Traffic) Closing scene has father and augther
in Church, with dad listening to daugther, powerful scene.
59. Alien Resurrection (stretch) Holy Bible
viewed as high importance.
63. Armageddon (I must of missed it in the mdst of the tacky Bruckheimerisms)
Bruce actually prays in this one, in a positive manner.
74. Ghost ( I think it is a little bit of evangelsm for other worldviews
and is a def. stretch- if you add it you must add Malcom X and
other faith affirming films of different "faiths" which are better made
and deal with faith issues better). Positive
to religious faith, however.
82. Left Behind (not a Hollywood film at all. This cannot be part
of the discussion since it is made by Chrisitans who feel the same as
that Pastor. Plus it is poorly done.) True, I through
in Christian Independent films that made it to the popular cinema
84. A Life Less Ordinary (great flick but angels don't make it
positive to Christianity)
Positive to religious faith, however.
87. Michael (come on, you must be kidding- horrible theologial views.
One of the only movis Ihave seen in past few years that actully offended
me. It was hokey and the "Christian" characters are not even close to
"positive". This film would fit into your pastor's arsenal) The
reporters start out as unbelievers and end up as believers.
88. The Omega Code (see Left Behind- might as well add Judas
Project to this list). True, I through in Christian
Independent films that made it to the popular cinema
91. Powder (see comments on Michael) Powder as
a Christ-figure is a positive figure.
Well thank you for
reading this. Good list for the most part. I think most Christians are
concerned with behavior, rather than worldview . Because of this, they
will miss films, music, tv that deals seriously with faith issues in the
midst of immoral behavior or questionable action (i.e. language). We are
more informed by James Dobson than we care to admit. We see nothing wrong
with a sweet film with a dangerous message (i.e. Titanic
or many Disney films) or sweet song with same message (i.e. WhitneyHouston's
Greatest Love of All a few years ago). This focus on the biggies (language,
sex, etc.) causes us to miss God's hand in films such as Magnolia
or Three kings. As a Christian Culture, we are mre concerned with morality
and behavior than Truth and redemption. There is my 2 cents.
in His grip,
Rick Bennett
Pastor
City on a Hill
Boston, MA 617-438-0851
Response:
Thank you, Rick. Your response was well thought out. I would love to meet
you some day. Warmly, David
I'M
THINKING
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Cathy Anderson
I have a myriad of
reactions to your newsletter proclaiming freedom for the church from Boomers.
Let me start by saying I am a very old Xer married to a very young Boomer,
so I'm a little biased, I suppose. But I'm also a worshipper of Jesus.
I'm not in a "Boomer focussed" church. I'm in a very alive, vibrant church
whose worship is solidly traditional. We don't have a praise band, but
we certainly do praise. We don't have a uniform - dress ranges from suits
and ties to jeans and t-shirts. The ministers (of whom I am one) wear
robes on occasions to fit the seasons of the church's life. Here are just
a few things to think about in response to your letter:
1) no, there is precious
little green hair or rap music in our worship service. I'm just not convinced
that this is the only way to reach gen X. We have a 90 voice youth choir
that regularly leads in worship. Their friends come to hear them. On youth
Sunday ( a p.m. service) the youth do drama and sign language and even
black-light interpretive pieces. Youth groups from around the county come
to see us. Frankly, I don't want my two little girls growing up thinking
the church must accommodate their every whim as to style and taste. I
want them to understand that the God of the universe is worthy of their
worship and allegiance and service and love - even if there is NEVER a
truly contemporary piece of music played in the Sanctuary.
2) I recognize a familiar
preconception in your call for boomers to let go of the church - all you
really talked about was worship style. There is so much more to church
life than the 1 hour a week we spend in corporate worship. Ask the gen
Xers in our church what is the most important hour of the week for them
and they'll likely tell you it is on Sunday night in their weekly Bible
study.
3) There are eternal
truths of faith that are passed down from generation to generation. I
don't ever want to miss what the generation ahead of me has to teach me
because they can't sing my music.
4) Yes, we must find
more effective ways to reach gen X AND gen Y. Let's just be very careful
in calling for any generation to "let go of the church." I believe God's
plan is for us all to worship together and learn from each other. Just
my thoughts.
Blessings on you
and what you do. I enjoy your voice and your creativity in finding the
spiritual in unexpected places. Keep it up.
Cathy P. Anderson
Associate Minister of Children
First Baptist Church 5 Oak Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828.252.4781 www.fbca.net
Response:
You are right, the church is about community. Multigenerational congregations
are healthy. It's never one style over another, rather the idea is inclusiveness.
We need to incorporate the outcast and the out sider. And, yes 3 cheers
for Gen Y. Thank you Cathy for your wonderful thoughts. -David
BOOMERS
WON'T LIKE YOU
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Andrea
Hey David, Wow! I
never thought ANY Baby Boomers would ever see the light. I do not believe
your generation will agree with you. But as a Gen Xer, may I say thank
you. I love Hollywood Jesus
--Andrea
Response:
I hope I will not be disowned by my generation. -David
CHRISTIANS
AND HOLLYWOOD
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Joyce Chasteen
Jesus said, "all authority
on heaven and earth has been given to me", I don't recall Him saying in
that sentence "except Hollywood."
The Church also confuses
"religiosity" with the "Holy Spirit." They can find scriptures and then
judge the world when they act opposite of what they read. Go figure, the
spiritual "blind" do not act as though they can "see." Jesus was sinless
and did not judge, but He came to save, yet the Church spews judgment
on non-believers on a daily basis. The apostle Paul REBUKED the church
when saying "who are you to judge!".....he then said we are to judge the
Church, and let God judge the world. I have been kicked out of a few churches
when I show them what I see that isn't "Christ-like".
I remember while full
time in the ministry, after speaking with several people and getting frustrated,
I remember praying (thinking I was praying a good thing), "Father, just
help me love the lost the way you love them." No sooner than I was on
to pray about something else, God rumbled through my spirit powerfully
saying, "These are my children, not yours!!!" Get rebuked by God and it
changes your perspective on dealing with non-believers. I was immediately
put in "servant" mode. When Jesus sent out the disciples to witness, in
parables and the like, I noticed He used the word "servant". We are here
to say, "your Father loves you, He misses you, He wants you to come home."
Not convert someone to dogma. Show Him in our own lives, that they will
see something different, that connection they may have once had and maybe
have forgotten. I watched on preacher talk about nose rings and was sarcastic..."oh
yea, I got Bible for that." I had a nose ring and didn't care what he
said because I know Jesus, but think how much this angers the Father when
He wants His lost children to come home, but they are insulted as soon
as they walk in the door of a church or begin searching. I laughed at
the preacher. He was going into the old testament when it talked about
body piercing...I laughed as I watched his congregation get up and shout
their amens as they were wearing their ear rings. Maybe I'm dense but
aren't the ears a part of the body? Oh, and I wondered how many had bacon
for breakfast before service, notice the Old Testament mentioning something
about pork.
The Church attacks
Hollywood because they see Hollywood and the world through eyes of religiosity,
not the eyes of Jesus.
God has set apart
different people in Hollywood that you may not even hear about. He is
there. Michelle Pfeiffer when she was married, had her adopted daughter
christened, and then was married by a Presbyterian minister........not
some Hollywood big name spiritual guru. The DreamWorks team are different
than other studios. On wordplayer.com,
a screenwriting site, in their old newsletters these guys talk about what
it's like pitching in front of Katsenburg or Spielberg, (they are now
with DreamWorks and happen to have written Shrek).
One question Katsenburg asks before the pitch, "does it have a universal
message." Not all are slimeballs in Hollywood. I remember passing a location
set where they were filming, I prayed it would be neat to work on a set,
but I had no experience. The next thing I know I get a call a week later,
"you don't know me, but you interviewed at my mother's restaurant, you
put screenwriting down as a hobby....I'm working on a film and need an
assistant." There I was wardrobe assistant, and then assistant to the
First Unit Director. Next thing I know (because of my relationship with
Jesus, not religiosity and judgment, something was different about me),
they put me in control over the petty cash. (Look how God raised up Joseph).I
was anxious to leave the set because I needed to get to church (transportation
was going to give me a ride). A famous actor asked me where I was going,
I said "church, you want to come?" He said, "no, I meditate and it helps
my mind." Immediately the Holy Spirit responded, "what about the heart?"
He didn't say anything, but I could tell it planted a powerful seed. Because
of who I was in Christ, not what I said, the director went with me to
Church. I shared my faith with virtually everyone on the set. They didn't
"hate" me for it. In fact another project was being filmed, I walked by
the set and heard my name being yelled by different people, they came
and grabbed me and hugged me. Yea, Hollywood hates Jesus.
The Father has put
it on my heart to eventually move to California. Screenwriting is a passion
(not writing "religious" but real). Who knows more about 3 dimensional
characters then the Holy Spirit. Visuals, creativity. I had one religious
person say, "oh, are you going to write for Christian Production companies?"
Not!! I don't get into preaching to the choir. God is going to do a powerful
thing in Hollywood and I intend on being a part of it. Sorry for the long
rant. I am passionate about this subject.
Love in Him,
Joyce Chasteen
Response:
Thank you Joyce. I really appreciate your words. -David
WHAT
GIVES BOOMERS THE RIGHT?
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: bob
Thank you David. I
am blown away my your newsletter. I have had these thoughts for a long
time. So what gives the Boomers the right to control the church as they
do. I MEAN WHAT GIVES THEM THE RIGHT?
Response:
Exactly. What gives Boomers the right, indeed. -David
PASTOR'S
STATEMENT
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Dan Locke
I believe you said
the pastor said, "If you can find one film that does I'll watch it." You
said, "I will let HJ Newsletter readers know if you come through with
the money. Or, if you do the typical "Boomer Pastor in authority" thing,
and not pay." If you are going to be accurate, payment would include watching
1 film.
-- Dan Locke danlocke@ntelos.net
Response:
You are right, And you have given my pastor friend an out. I hope, however
he will go be the spirit of the thing and not by the letter of the law.
-David
FRIENDS
DON'T LIKE BOOMER CHURCHES
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: dale
david, your are right.
all the so-called "fellowship" churches are the same. 30 to
45 minutes of boring so-called "contemporary music", followed
by 45 minutes of a how-to-be-a better-person sermon. none of my friends
at school like boomer churches. there are some good youth groups, however.
thank you for speaking up for my generation.
god bless
--dale
Response:
Yes I think youth groups tend to be right on. The church would do well
to learn from these post-modern groups. And thank God for all the right
on Youth Leaders! -David
ABOUT
THAT PASTOR
Subject: Newsletter_25
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001
From: Pastor Dean
As a pastor I can
tell you that we need to be very careful about what we say from the pulpit.
It can be a power thing. Few will argue with what is said from the pulpit.
It is a powerful position. The pulpit should never be used to drive wedges
between the culture that we are trying to reach and the congregation.
I trust your pastor friend will apologize and donated to the youth camp
fund. I love the idea of a Boomer giving to youth.
Response:
You are right. Pastors need to be very careful. -David
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