The Contrarian

According to Conventional Wisdom, there's a set of practices and disciplines to which we all must submit. They are mandatory. No exceptions.

A short list:

1. Sabbath rest
2. Accountability
3. Prayer and Bible study
4. Local church involvement
5. Boundaries on visual inputs
6. Boundaries with the opposite sex

But I'm a contrarian. I work seven days a week because that's what separates the men from the boys.

Nor do I need anyone sticking their nose in my personal business.

I can slide by prayerlessly for days with no discernible difference. As for church involvement, it's overrated--I get plenty of spiritual input from Christian radio and websites.

Yeah, I carry on a little "double life" action around the margins, but no big deal in the grand scheme of things. A man does what he's got to do.

Fact is, I'm unique. I know better than Conventional Wisdom.

How about you?

See you Sept 27

Mentor on Race

Twice in the past year I've spoken publicly on the issue of race. Both times I was shaking in my boots.

Why?

• Fear of offending minority audiences by saying the wrong thing.
• Fear of offending white evangelicals by calling them out.
• No expertise. Why listen to me? I'm a dang rookie in racial reconciliation stuff.

I need a mentor. 

Pastor Warren Carey of Tree of Life Church in Minneapolis has agreed to serve me in this way. I'm getting an education, believe me.

The big Question: Do I actually want this education? Deep in the well of my most basic motivations, I'm not sure I do.

But of course that's exactly why I'm meeting with Warren.

He's gracious with me, and patient.

In return, I'm helping Warren. . . at the golf range.

Mentor Me

In my wisest moments I know what I don't know.

In my sanest moments I know I need help.

Ergo: recruit three mentors.

Mentor #1: Wayne Thyren (TreeHouse Youth Outeach). How he mentors me: Spiritual Director. I have asked him to tell me the naked truth about myself. He has obliged for the past 15 years.

Mentor #2: David Clark (pictured right), Bethel University. How he mentors me: Theology,  philosophy. He helps me interpret the big boys (Kant, Hume, Plato. . . it's a long list) and TRANSLATE for students and faculty.

Without mentors I tend to, well, drift.

Who are your mentors? How do they help? What mentor is missing for you right now?

Next week: My new, exciting mentor #3.