Weekly postings on Mondays

Sunday, September 26, 2010

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?

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Sunday, September 12, 2010

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.

Monday, September 06, 2010

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.