From Liberty U - What was He all About?

With Dustin http://www.midtowncolumbia.com/ the next three days in Lynchburg. Liberty U and Dr. Falwell's vision for excellence and innovation is often overlooked. The Moral Majority era along with Teletubies placed him in a certain stereotype that he could never overcome. Falwell's positive influence on the lives of millions is the story behind the story.

We have quickly become experts at things we are not that good at, like connecting with culture and influencing people. How many times do we say about ourselves, when will we Christians be known for what we are for vs. what we are against? No doubt, when you read Wikapedia's http://www.wikapedia.org/ version of Jerry Falwell, the writers (whoever they are) find controversy the sexy part of the Falwell legacy.

I think there is a greater danger than being known for what we are against. The greater danger is to lead meaningless, passionless lives. We offend no one in exchange for influencing no one.

As I sit within 2 miles of Liberty U's campus, I think of the incredible God story. The God story that will never go away even though Jerry has been in heaven since May 15, 2007. I think of the thousands of Champions who have passed and will pass through Liberty and help change the world.

Jerry may have had regrets at the end of his life. I hope not many. Let it be said of me Lord, I had too much passion, too much drive, instead of What was he really all about?

From Cincinnati - I Never Left

Much to write about this week. The first time I got off a plane near Cincinnati (winter '07), rented a car, and drove across the Ohio River, I entered a place I would never leave again. Not counting the 18 wheeler that drug me to South Carolina (with the girls) in 2002, I have not.

I enjoy God's call to people in a region. The two most distinct calls included permanent assignments in New Orleans and Cincinnati. As I traveled Cincinnati with movement maker and Director of Missions, Dennis Holmes, I found myself saying we and us instead of you and yours. I guess that is the nature of Kingdom work.

We are all on the way to another place. I have enjoyed renewing friendships with people who have been so kind to me in the Queen City. Ron and Becky Renner, Wayne and Kim Sheperd, Doss Estep, Bill Hounshell, Will Langford, Dennis and Mikki Holmes, Jerome and Carolyn Byrd, Gary and Janice Stringer, David Smith, Mike Osborne, David Coppedge, Mike Wright and many more. Most of you don't know them, but look at this as one of those roll calls deals at the end of Paul's letters. If you knew them, you would value them as I do.

Kingdom work is the best work this life has to offer. No kidding. Purpose beyond the next buck and plane trip is priceless. Oh, btw, I value you, too. In fact, I am the richest man on the planet.

From Cincinnati - Choices, Choices

Yesterday 81% of Ohio residents did not attend a Christian church, according to David T. Olsen http://www.theamericanchurch.org/. Around 78% of South Carolina residents did not bother either. And yet, making our church franchises more attractive would solve very little of the problem. Making our lives more attractive would have impact.

Tom Clegg reported in Missing in America that researchers have discovered at least 600 different religions in America. Choices, Choices. Mark Penn reported in Microtrends that Starbucks offers 42 different brands of coffee, five brands of milk, sixteen flavor enhancers, and nine types of sweetener. Choices, Choices. How does that leave us? Confused? Satisfied? Depressed? Overloaded? Disjointed?

Attractional is easier in some ways. A good dose of self-awareness, however, would help us see that we are no where near as attractive as we think. What will make our movement a movement? How much of me that Jesus has today. That's what moves the movement beyond a brand or a choice. You with me?

It May Be All About You - After All

Ryan Leaf was one of the biggest disappointments in the history of professional sports. Neal and I reviewed his case a few minutes yesterday through the miracle (yes, I am that old) of the Internet.

Leaf became famous, fast, as a college junior at Washington State University. I remember seeing him play in the Rose Bowl in 1998. I was amazed at his arm strength and quick release. The big debate was over who would be a better pro, Payton Manning or Ryan Leaf. Leaf was chosen second, after Manning, in the 1998 NFL draft, by the San Diego Chargers. He threw 14 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions in 25 NFL games. He is now quarterbacks and golf coach at West Texas State University.

Sometimes the purpose of our lives is to serve as a warning for others. I read that somewhere once. On my bad days, I think, at least I can be a warning. Point here: self-maintenance and practice is more important than game time. Our guilt-driven, out of balance lives are really ego driven, my thrill comes in front of the crowd, and that is all that matters. That applies to me (although I do not have a strong arm or quick release) and you, more than Ryan Leaf. Who we are happens in private. How we "perform" on game day begins in secret places.

Columbia and Aiken yesterday. Joel Rainey, Richard Swift, and Neal McGlohon were among the movement makers I hung out with. We were not in front of any crowds, but that is a pretty elite group of players (you know what I mean).