My Pastor Rocks

I love my pastor. If you want to read about what has been on his heart lately here is a link to his blog - Tales from the Briar Patch.

Hanson and I are, in many ways, polar opposites. You would only have to look at our tool chests to see the difference. The great thing is that we appreciate each other and embrace the differences that we share - and are actually able to lovingly "goad" each other about the same. However, we are similar in the areas that are most important - we are both fiercely loyal, really want to see people "get it" with God and His Kingdom, and are just two, "getting older", farts trying to please God and get to heaven. Oh, one last similarity we share - don't fuck with our wives or kids:)

One of the greatest "stressors" that Jen and I face when we talk about moving to Charleston is finding a community of faith - I would say "church" but it doesn't carry the same meaning that community does. Most "church" people would feel uncomfortable at the Downtown Vineyard. I like that. Maybe it's a maturity thing on my part but I just can't force myself to do the "ministerial" and "churchy" thing. I enjoy the attitude and atmosphere that our church has - I would like better planning, or people getting to stuff on time, but it is ALL about relationship. Some church communities are so slick and are packaged so nicely that all of the struggle and "icky" stuff is whitewashed. I'm convinced that if a church community doesn't talk openly about these things something is wrong. If the pastor can't talk about his struggles openly, something is wrong. The "Truman Show" is what many churches are like - that's not real.

I am scared to death to open up and talk about the nitty-gritty stuff in my life, but so what? What is community about if it's not that? Can you picture Jesus sitting aroung talking about stupid, superficial shit? How many did you have in Sunday School this morning? Have you read the new book about when I am coming back, Peter? When I talk to Jesus, I talk about real stuff - good stuff, hard stuff, gut level stuff. Funny, I don't find weather or sports or American Idol as part of my communion with God. Not that those are bad things to talk about (and I do talk about all three), but they are not CORE areas for building relationship - that's why we talk about them - they are "safe".

I am looking forward to seeing some of my friends tomorrow night for the New Testament Survey class. I love the banter. I enjoy the light hearted sarcasim. I like to hear what people are really going through. That atmosphere and acceptance is what Hanson is all about. It shows in our church community.

Thanks Hanson, for making a space in which we can be ourselves. You rock.

WH