Christian Zionism

Over the past couple years I have given more attention to the social, religions and political realities of present day Israel. Both Israel and Palestine have experienced so much fear, brokenness and anger. I can't imagine living and raising my children in such a hostile climate that so often seems to be on the brink of war. Who is "right" in this conflict and how does my ideology and theological understanding bring fuel or peace to such conflict? As Jan and I prepare to walk the streets and see the site's of ancient and modern Israel, we have to ask these questions and hopefully bring attention to a possible resolution.

Tony Campolo is one of the most inspiring theologians, activists and social commentators of my generation. His spirited and Spirit-led words often bring me to repentance before our Creator. See his thoughts/experiences on this topic:

Christian Zionism: Theology that Legitimates Oppression

Youth Specialities and Israel

The count down is on! Janny and I will be flying to Israel on June 9th and spending over a month studying at Jerusalem University College. We will be staying just off campus in married housing, which is about 1/2 block from the Wailing Wall. It has been incredible seeing this fall into place and we are pinching ourselves at this opportunity to physically walk through the Story. I will share more about this trip soon.

Also, I have found writing to be a great outlet and platform for dialog over the past couple years. I have been working with Youth Specialties over the past year on my book, which has been demanding and tedious at times, but overall a rich experience. Just this past week, I was invited to be a regular blogger on the YS webpage and a contributing author in their monthly articles(basically an online magazine). I am really grateful for this opportunity to share some stories/insight, while connecting and learning from others along the way. It has been fun and challenging to continue to try to work and live into what I am most passionate about as things are often ambiguous and culturally "unorthodox." I don't think Janny and I plan on being "normal" anytime soon:)

Sorrow, Suffering and the Story of God

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to share among our former church family at Harbor Chapel Community Church. Janny and I hadn’t been there for a service since we completed our time on staff there almost a year and half ago. It was super fun to catch up with so many people that we care so deeply about and unbelievable to have so much love showered upon us we exchanged hugs. Honestly, it was quite humbling to be so loved by such a quality group of folks.

Jim York left the topic open to whatever we (Doyle Fikes partnered with me in the teaching by sharing a powerful family story of suffering) felt led. It was clearly going to be the most painful topic in light of the events of this past year, but with Janny’s insightful suggestion, we chose the topic of Sorrow, Suffering and Grief. Having been surrounded by my students’ stories of sorrow/suffering and culminating in the loss of our first child in October, there is no other reality that is more central to our current life story. Being able to share our pain and encourage others to fully embrace theirs was a liberating and somber experience. Suffering is central to the Story of God and if we simply shrug off the sacred time of grieving for some form of cheap/fake “happy thoughts,” then we have forgotten our story as individuals and forgotten the Story of God we are to participate in today.

Friends/family at Harbor Chapel, thanks for not fast forwarding through the suffering, but instead sharing in the pain with us. Your stories were raw, painful and tragic…in is that honesty that we are caused to remember the Story…and in the midst of sobbing, experience hope.

Listen to the talk here: (Doyle Fikes starts the talk and I pick it up @ minute 17)

It Has a Name!

The publishing crew and myself have finally finalized the name for my book: Teaching Through the Art of Storytelling: Creating Fictional Stories that Illuminate the Message of Jesus

Thoughts? Because maybe by “finalized” it means I could still propose to get it changed…or maybe not, only one way to find out.

The release date has been set for July 16th, BUT it seems that the art department (which is the stage it is in right now) has had some staff transitions that could lead to pushing the release back…I know what your thinking, “Thank goodness, I was worried Jon’s book was going to cut into Rick Warren’s sales.” Yes, this book will surely shake the publishing world. Whether it is a 1.2 or a 8.0 quake depends on……..yes, you.

I will be speaking on this topic at the National Youth Workers Convention is San Diego in September: Seminar on Book Topic