In the spirit of Rick Thompson (resolutions i am making coming out of our last IMB meeting), Wade Burlson (Ten Terrific Things Tied To Tampa), and Kiki Cherry (10 Things I learned in Quebec), I have been in a reflective mode. Below are my thoughts on the past few weeks of IMB controversy.
1. I have learned I really do care about the SBC. I have for years presented a cool exterior regarding the denomination; an attempt at a sophisticated I-can-take-it-or-leave-it attitude. But it is a part of who I am and I would like to see things run smoothly.
2. Reading M-Blogs (web logs written by missionaries on the field) energizes me and builds my faith.
3. I have learned a little about Church Planting Movements and would like to learn more.
4. My interest in missions, up to this point, has been to support and encourage my children to actively participate. (“Go; do what I couldn’t do when I was your age. I can’t take a semester/summer off… someone’s gotta pay the bills.”) That is changing.
5. Human nature is static across both time and geography; that is not a good thing.
6. There is a line between staying above the fray and apathy. I have been on both sides of that line in the past and will no longer be apathetic. I am instead, determined to make a difference in my little sphere of influence.
7. The difference between sarcastic (“A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound”) and sardonic (Scornfully or cynically mocking) is the difference between sinning and making a point. It is a hard line to find when reading web logs and comments. Sardonic humor requires a level of skill that is beyond most bloggers.
8. Confrontation without relationship (the nature of blogs) may be effective at defining the issues; but is counterproductive in achieving resolution.
And the two most important things I’ve learned:
9. If you want to increase attendance at Pastor Fellowships by 400% to 500%, invite a controversial speaker.
10. If I time my trip to North Carolina just right, I can catch a Durham Bulls game! (Anybody want to join me?)
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