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All responses Most smiled responses
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I'm not sure I quite framed it that way, but yes that is a concern. I was just watching this PBS special "God In America" (amazing, if you can find it, do watch) where they are tracing the history of religion in America. One of the threads is how folks like Jane Hutchinson helped introduce this idea of a "personal spirituality", and how that is a completely modern, distinctly American idea. I think that's fascinating, and we see how that has in some ways made Christianity less of a public religion. That worries me, and that's probably why I lean so much towards the justice issues in my Christian ministry. Thanks for bringing that up!
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I'm not sure I quite framed it that way, but yes that is a concern. I was just watching this PBS special "God In America" (amazing, if you can find it, do watch) where they are tracing the history of religion in America. One of the threads is how folks like Jane Hutchinson helped introduce this idea of a "personal spirituality", and how that is a completely modern, distinctly American idea. I think that's fascinating, and we see how that has in some ways made Christianity less of a public religion. That worries me, and that's probably why I lean so much towards the justice issues in my Christian ministry. Thanks for bringing that up!
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I don't believe I answered this question fully. The answer to your "either/or" question is YES, University Church has/will welcome all, and salvation is the goal (which includes looking closely at how the gospel can transform us individually and communally). I personally am not in the "condoning" business however, so I'm avoiding the first part of your question, which I hope you'll be gracious enough to allow.
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Hmmm...great points. I'm speaking more loosely because it's Formspring (and midnight) but I can be more clear. I'm reading my own words and see that "gospel" is being used in a lot of different contexts. I guess I'm getting at the question: what do we DO once we are transformed by the gospel? We do justice. University Church is about that. This could easily mean that we also take certain "truths" for granted, and I'll grant you that. I only seem impatient at this dialogue because I know that so many people have it, then do nothing for our brothers and sisters but try to "save" them. I think when we do that we are missing the humanity, and missing the point. I'm not indicting you however, and I thank you for your willingness to engage.
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No, I think it's arrogant to make any claim of right or wrong, or to affect their dignity in any way based on ANY factor. This is plain and simple NOT TRUE TO THE GOSPEL. As a follower of Jesus, the gospel (Grace, Love, Peace, Dignity, Justice) is paramount. Whether it's right or wrong now is insignificant. I respond to both with love. So you'll see me talking a lot about RIGHTS, and people ask me if I believe that it's RIGHT. I respond the same way: those are two different things. I fight for RIGHTS of ALL because Justice is a theological imperative. For a human to discuss RIGHT and WRONG is like a child telling me the best way to drive a car: (I respond) "That's cute, now go sit down somewhere"
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Feel the beat. Ask what the music needs from me. That's first. Then I try to be silent to let the Universe do some speaking to me. Then whatever that says, I try to articulate that, while remembering that MUSIC is about melody, not preaching. I hear the beat and if it's dope I get my emcee on. Wish I had more for you
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Say more....more importantly, say exactly what you want to say right now. I've answered this question 10 times at least. I don't have the arrogance to "condone" anything. I serve God and ALL of God's children, and I try to do it humbly, as if I am daily learning what it means to LOVE, beyond any right or wrong
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Michael Jackson (all-time), and perhaps a tie between Jay Electronica and Esperanza Spalding currently.
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Not before Formspring came out! Soon as I heard about it, I jumped on. This is an amazing platform to speak freely without a character limit, some anonymous Honesty Box, or a million friends watching. You ask me anything you want, and if i choose to answer I can be real and whoever wants to see it, will! One of my favorite tools
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I would communicate my "tone" more clearly. I've spent 27 years working on finding the right words, but never paid attention to how I said them. It's been a "thing," so I'm working on it.
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Within 45 days I had a Master's degree, was married, and named Senior Pastor of a church. I feel invigorated in every way. Though I move away from "pride" as much as possible, I know what you are saying, and this has been amazing in that it is a season of "finish lines." Need those every once in a while. Thank for asking!
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These days? Writing daily, responding to a few emails (always in the midst of SOME form of pastoral care), reconnecting with old friends and ministry partners (a lot changed when I went to school), and trying to appreciate the value of Silence. Every moment in J.Kwest and PureMusic is like a dream for something better, but I'm learning to "Celebrate the Temporary" as Clyde Reid suggests, and I'm enjoying every day a little more as a result
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I've heard that if you have to prepare yourself to be around people, you are an introvert. If you get your energy from being around others, you are an extrovert. I am 100% the former, and on stage the exact opposite
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I've been discouraged in MYSELF but never my ministry. It has been fruitful, and as Shakespeare says, "that's the rub." There will be setbacks and slowups, bad decisions and ill communication, but if the fruit is good, stay encouraged. I'm learning that for real as Divinity School is finished, I'm married now, and there's a world that needs a better pastor and better J.Kwest
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I'm responding to this very late, but how is seminary going? You know well by now that a good theological education will often stretch you beyond and outside of the Church entirely. For some people that means leaving the church, and in others (myself) it meant I could critique tradition, critique my own church (which means manage my biases), and do some other things for a season, while recognizing that the Church is a very important institution. To play "devil's advocate" however, it could mean that you've simply outgrown your church and need to be challenged in your faith/walk/whatever more. I can suggest some places, especially if you are in Chicago, where people take the gospel seriously :)
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Yes, every time. It's a good habit 1 out of 5 times you do it. Most of the time you did well, people left encouraged, had a good time, and you really can't do more as a performing artist. Most of the time we outthink ourselves into trying to do too much. But I do like to remember the stuff that worked, and the stuff that REALLY didn't. Best thing is, barring some huge mistake, is to treat it like sports: Win or Lose up there, on to the next game.
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I believe my steps are ordered. It's the whole "Thy Will Be Done" phrase in the Lord's prayer. If you're not ready for that, then be careful of what you pray for. I've always been led to people and conflict, and have been fortunate enough to recognize skills as a leader and mediator. So I guess it begins with recognizing those a) Skills and gifts that come naturally, and b) passions and places you feel especially drawn. From there, you limit a number of sketchy career choices. For example, I wanted to be a sports agent, then a "business man" (had no clue what that meant, lol), then I had a great opportunity with a Fortune 500 consulting firm. What helped me avoid those paths was listening to this inner voice that was reminding me that I had the skills but not the passion. Frederick Buechner famously says that our "calling" is the place where our deep hunger and the world's need intersect. Think about that.
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I pray for strength, practice self-control whenever possible, and look to friends who can be confidants and accountability-partners for the especially tough habits. As the song goes, "Everybody got their something," and I think that's true for everyone: we all have that ONE SIN that is eating us alive. To me it's about a) the Courage to Tell, b) the Courage to Quit, c) the Courage to Endure. The moment we decide to "break" the temptation is stronger (endurance), and I am experiencing this as the HARDEST virtue. I have good people who I trust and can talk to, and that really helps. I pray your strength in whatever you battle. let's talk more
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Practically, it first helps to be real with ourselves about who we are and what we are becoming. We are imperfect, through and through, and that means a lot of mistakes, often daily. And we're going to be hard on ourselves, which means Insecurity is a REAL THING, almost unavoidable. The other side of this "imperfection" deal though is the promise God gives us that we are made in the divine image, and that we are wonderful in all that we are are. That's near a cliche, but it's about reminding ourselves that we didn't create a lot of what we're insecure about. We live in a society that espouses quick changes and glossy images, and a healthy ego is about being real (and comfortable) about what we are and what we aren't
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I mean that regardless of the clarity (or not) of the Christian position on homosexuality, the content of the actual gospel (we're talking Jesus now) says that we love ALL people, sinning or not. This "love" includes a fight for justice and the basic dignity of all humans. So I'm not PRO- or ANTI- in the sense of wrong or right; it's about RIGHTS here. Thanks for your question
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Jules the I (@mrkwest)’s Bio
PureMusic. Big Brother. Bad Dancer. I've been called the Moral Warren Buffett. Trying my best.
