I just finished a very interesting book on Evangelism in a postmodern world. “Live to Tell” by Brad Kallenberg is a good start to a difficult problem. His main thesis (and I’m quite bad at pairing things down, so bear with me) is that modern Evangelistic techniques fail to work in a postmodern age because they fail to live up to the Biblical model of Evangelism and were, in retrospect, merely a response to the modernist worldview. Brad believes that if the Christian church rejected modern evangelistic techniques and took up a more biblically based approach we would see much more fruit. Intriguing – here’s what I took from it.

The 4-spiritual laws were written to pair the Gospel message down to a more palatable form that the modern world could easily swallow. Modernists took the greatest story every told and stripped it of all narrative elements (because their thought structure deplores pure narrative) and reduced it to unmovable laws. It was a brilliant strategy to win the minds of a modern world and really rather effective.

A postmodern mind, on the other hand, thrives on narrative. We need stories.

We associate the word shoe with what goes on our feet because our mothers said “shoe” as they placed them on our feet. We associate the word with comfort, with support, and with protection because we have learned that shoes are good for all of these things. Most people have no concept of God. A modern with no concept of God craves to know the bear minimum, the facts that he or she can memorize by rote and spit back on a final exam. The postmodern wants to hear a story of who God is. He or she wants to know how we know that God is good.

Now, what has always bothered me about our current evangelization efforts (namely the idea that if we just get “them” to acknowledge our religion as factually superior they must convert) is that sometimes our religion isn’t factually superior. There are items in the Christian faith that simply don’t make much sense. Islam makes perfect sense – it factually corresponds to the way we think – do enough good to cancel out your bad and you’re in! That’s the way we think … Christianity is the opposite of how we naturally think. “Give up all your rights and surrender to a God and the amount of good or bad you do is irrelevant, but do good anyway,” doesn’t make much sense. At least, not to us.

A postmodern evangelistic effort is rooted in community. Bring people into the community and allow them to see how we live. The hope, of course, is that we live differently enough to attract life change. We learn the word “shoe” as our mother put them on our feet. We learn the word “Christian” as we see them in life and on TV. We learn what it means to be a Christian as we live life with them and watch how they interact one with another.

It’s a scary prospect, to invite non-believers into our churches and homes so that they can see the lives we live. It’s a lot easier to puke up 4 laws that reduce God to fit our minds’ conceptions. But, it’s also more biblical and more in line with church tradition.

At the moment I am working at a drug and alcohol rehab center in Samara, RU. We do this, every day. We invited alcoholics and drug addicts into our home that they may see how we live. We invite them to say “our” prays with us until the prayers become “their” prayers. We invite them to follow along as we read God’s holy scriptures until our lives show the truth behind the words. We invite them to join us in singing until the songs become a form of worship for them.

And it works.

I'm really frustrated about a lot of things right now. I feel very isolated even though I'm surrounded by people.

We went to a lake today and one of the older men was like "Isn't this better than America?" Now, I try not to be too egocentric ... but no beach in Russia cold ever compare with an American one ... they simply haven't caught on to the idea that litter is bad. And this was just a little hole in the river. I get really frustrated that everyone wants me to make value calls comparing countries. I'm not some crazy flag waving Amercn, but I love the things I grew up with and the comforts I'm used to. I wish people would stop asking me which is better. I don't want to lie.

I'm also really frustrated by my lack of ability in learning a foreign language. I know it's hard for everyone, but I'm so exhausted day in and day out ... and I don't feel like I'm accomplishing anything.

I also hate it when people try and accomadate my tastes with food. When I was sick I let it out of the bag that I hate fish. Now when everyone else eats fish I get half a hunk of pork flesh. Yum.

I had a great blog all ready, but sadly the battery on my laptop is dead and I can't charge it until Sunday. Sad day.

You'll get to read it later. I'm having a really interesting time at the Rehab Center. I have a lot of time while workin the garden to pray, think, and reflect about my life and where I am headed. It's been a good time for me.

Love, michael.

So ... I'm pretty sure I'm teething. My wisdom teeth are coming in. Thank God I'm in a country where mother nature's natural cure is cheaper than water! Haha.

Well it seems I have better and faster internet here than I do at school. Go figure. I've met some really fun people at the seminary. One of the girls who works here is black - literally the first black person I have ever seen in Russia. When I saw her I assumed that she was an african AMERICAN and I started speaking at her in English. She just got a really confused look and walked away. That was awkward.

I think some of the students and I will go for a walk tonight. Tomorrow I am going to Konakovo. My primary object is to let them know that I am on my way - my secondary object is to get an address for Igor in Moscow, because I can't afford to stay at the seminary. It's costing me $40 a night! Prices in Moscow are unbelievably high. And, I would love to hang out with Igor again. If he isn't in Moscow during the summer I know a few other people who have apartments in Moscow ... now it's just down to finding a reasonable comfortable floor.

I've tried 4 times to take a shower - they are fixing the one on my floor, the one on the floor beneath mine is broken, and the other option isn't working this hour. I think I will get to use the Bishop's shower if this isn't worked out by tomorrow. Holy water. Haha. This is why I keep a separate blog for church people and one for friends. Haha.

I love airports and people watching. I love Finnish people. I love the androgenous nature of Finnish women. Such fun.

So, I had thought about going to the Korean Methodist service tomorrow night, but I figured I might still be tired from Jetlag and I didn't want to disrespect them by looking tired ... but then I thought ... how would they know. Haha. Get it. haha. Asians. Haha.

I'm reading a really interesting book on economics, "More Sex is Safer Sex." Really interesting read - I'm not sure if I agree with the author's premise, but I adore the inflammatory title!

I saw the best movie last night. "Son of Ranbow" is in smaller, trendier theatres - but it's worth the search out. A really fun movie with minimal (and appropriate) cussing, a great plot, and positive moral values.

I'm in Boston visiting John Holwick and Rachel Pollock. Last night we sat around with a few of Rachel's friends and discussed our futures. It was really fun to find myself in an environment where missions is seen as a negative.

I'm constantly surrounded by missions supporters - so to be with people to whom I had to defend my very way of life was a good change. I need to remember that when I am in Russia most Russians will not be too keen on the idea of an Ugly American coming over to "fix" them. I needed this intermediary place to remember why I am in missions and to know that I can defend what I want to do.

I'm so excited to go and explore the city today!

I'm at home for a few days. Home is difficult for me. It's weird to give up all of my personal freedoms for the joy of spending time with family. Rebecca has moved out and it done living here, so it's essentially a retirement home in waiting.

I miss my home and my friends. I will be spending a few days with John Holwick and Rachel Pollock. I'm so excited to see them again. And then I will be heading to Russia.

I have created a blog for everyone to keep up with while I am in Russia. As long as I can get on-line and post to it, it should be a lot of fun. michaelairgood.blogspot.com .

All of my grades are finally in. Two A's, two B's and a C. Not stellar but not too bad. I retain my scholarship for another semester anyway.

I'm waiting for my visa (and Passport) to arrive in the mail. I'm getting a little impatient.

I saw the most beautiful house I've ever seen. It overlooks a mountain and a river at the same time. It has a wrap around deck and at least three levels of outdoor seating. You could have the perfect party and no one would ever have to go inside!

I have nothing insightful to say. Sorry.

I haven't figured out how to check my grades with the new computer system TFC has purchased. Michael is angry! Haha.

I have an A for my independent study and a B- for my Religious Belief Systems. The 72% on my doctrinal questionaire didn't help~!

If I got an A on my math final I should get an A in the course.

My Old Testament class ... well I'm praying for a D- at the moment so I don't have to take it again. Anything above that will be a gift from the Lord.

I feel like I'm going to get a C in my photography class ... but I loved it and did all the work so I'm hoping for a good grade.

I had an amazing semester ... I spent a lot of time getting to know really good people. I have a number of really strong, passionate friendships that took a lot of investment; they were all worth it. I wish I had invested more in more people, though.

Happy Mothers' Day.

As happy as I am to spend a few more days with dear friends, I really wish I could have been home to hear my mother's postlude this morning.

I really wish I could be worshipping with mom this morning.

On Sunday Night I attended the Professor Discussion Night dealing with the topic of homosexuality.

It was one sided, naturally - but at least we are talking about it and speaking out against the "bubba effect" (homophobia). I have one statement to make regarding Queer theology (theological defense of homosexuality as anything other than a sin):

Those who search the scripture in defense of the GLBT lifestyle don't sit down with the idea, "How can I twist scripture to get it to say what I want it to." They begin with the truth that God's Holy Scripture has been used throughout the centuries for evil. They start their search with the understanding that the Bible has been used in the past to support slavery, the crusades, and the abuse of women. They look at scripture and ask, "Has God's word been twisted to the abuse of the gay community?"

And, honestly, I believe it has. I also agree that liberals do twist scripture to support gay rights - but God's word is being blatantly miss used in regards to homosexuality. 9 little verses mixed in with lists of other sins has lead to the outright outcasting of a group of people from the church. I believe the Bible says that homosexuality is wrong - I don't believe it places it in a special category. I don't believe anyone (who gives the issue a fair reading) could say that homosexuality is a "special" sin.

We will be having a movie night at my house (80 Schaefer Ct) This Thursday, May 8th at 8pm. on the topic. Feel free to come on over.

Some days tought decisions need to be made. It's so easy to see the speck in my brothers' eye. It's so tough to realize that I'm having more than contact problems. I probably have a plank in my eye. Probably.

Sometimes we get so good at preaching a particular sermon. It's a sermon that flows naturally from our own particular gifts and graces - condemning those who fail to live up to our standards.

Some days I'm the self righteous one.

It hurts to admit that one.

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I had one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. Hanging out with a great friend, 18 dinner guests, and Godspell/Exorcist in one weekend pretty much ruled!

Vassya (my cat) hurt his paw. I know the feeling. Poor thing.

"Love is a harsh and dreadful thing to ask of us, but it is the only answer." - Dorothy Day.

I'm so damn tired of conservatives refering to my entire theology as "that love stuff" in that damn condescending tone they are want to use.

Love God, love people. It fits on a T-shirt, it consumes every life of devotion. It's quite possibly incomplete ... but honestly, friends, even the most complete theology has few informed believers and droves of un-educated, ignorant faithful.

In Russian Orthodox theology they describe God in apophatic terms. They describe what God is not. (God is not evil, etc.) It helps people to understand what God is without limiting Him. We evangelicals have our own apophatic theology. We do not have sex before marriage, we do not smoke cigarets, we do not drink alcohol, etc. The problem with apophatic teaching is that the specific attributes are lost. Russian people know what God is not, but often fail to understand who He is. Evangelical youth know not to fuck each other's brains out, but they fail to understand what it means to live out the teachings of Christ.

There are lots of ugly people who aren't having sex - it doesn't make them Christians. It just makes them ugly. There are a lot of uptight people who don't smoke, drink, or cuss because it isn't their lifestyle. We tell our children to be "good" but we forget that "only God is good."

If you're an alcoholic, the first step to beating it is to admit that you're an alcoholic. If you're a sinner - you had better be the first to announce it, loudly, in public. People get angry at me for "corrupting" people. I haven't corrupted anyone. I've made friends acknowledge that they were white washed tombs.

Most days I want to be so fucking selfish. I want the world to revolve around me. Some days I find God's love lived out in my life. Some days I love God and I love people.

I would rather my friends live sinful lifestyles -admitting to living in sin - than to have one friend living a "good Christian life" as a whitewashed tomb. I'm so damn tired of people being "good."

I'm glad you don't smoke, drink, cuss, or fornicate ... but I would much rather see you caring about the poor and living a generous life.

I hope that my friends will take the next step after admitting their sin, and turn from it - but I won't ask what I don't always model myself.

From Bishop Bickerton's Blog about General Conference:

Yesterday I had an amazing opportunity to address the General Conference concerning the “Nothing but Nets” campaign. It was World Malaria Day. As a part of that address I walked into the aisle and invited the delegates to consider what it might look like if they bought bed nets during that session. In a spontaneous movement of the body, delegate after delegate came to the center table and placed their offerings in support of the campaign. Those gifts are now up to $14, 750 among the 1,000 delegates and hundreds of visitors!

Yet, shortly after that presentation, I was approached by someone in the office whose first words to me were, “You know, you just broke the rules of the General Conference and threw the financial people into a mad frenzy to collect and count the money.” He was serious. My reply was simple, “The affirmation of this body speaks for itself. In just a few moments we just saved 1,450 children’s lives in Africa. I’ll disrupt this General Conference every day if I can get that kind of response.”

We are a church that is often more concerned with rules and regulations that make us feel comfortable with predictability. We are a church that emotionally desires the leading of the spirit, but practically cannot find a way to just “let it happen.” - Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton

I got a 97% on my math test. I'm just really happy ... now if I can just get started on my Religious Belief Systems project!

Michael is ... ridiculous.

I love my generation. I love us. We're so thrilled just to get our name out there; that everyone could see our face is a thrill too high to hop.e

I realize that some days I wear my liberalism on my sleeve a little too much. I need to tone it down a bit, maybe.

My sunday school class voted to give me $1,000 for my mission trip this summer. It was one of those, ... "Uhmm ... thanks"... moments where, in all actuality, there are no words to convey the intended meaning. It's so encouraging to know that a group believes in you and supports you. Here's to the other 4 or so coming in quickly!

I've been working toward an emo haircut, just waiting for my hair to grow out. I have been thinking that I look more and more ridiculous every day, but I saw pictures from last night ... and my hair doesn't look awful.

I'm triple booked tonight ... which I like. I have a funny sense of abandonment when my friends do outdoorsy things and don't invite me. I feel like the slowest zebra who would slow down the pack ... but really; it's hiking not outrunning a lion. Just keep that in mind, lovers.

I have a math test in the morning. I'm way behind in my photography class, but it's all paperwork that seems unecessary ... busywork will always be my downfall.

I'm happy ... even though some days I feel like just sleeping in ... I'm still happier than I've been in a long time.

Dr. Dan Doriani brought us a lesson on Acts 8, the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunich. I don't know why, but this particular story in Acts has always jumped out at me. The story is one of redemption and reconciliation. Philip sees a man, obviously of great wealth and power, riding in a chariot - the equivalent of a private jet. He feels led to begin hoofing along beside the rich man and soon sees that he is reading the holy scriptures. Now, it just so happens that the man had traveled thousands of miles to go to the temple and had been rejected from all but the crowded, noisy outer courts. He was not allowed inside because he was a eunich. He was sexually disfigured and was not fit to enter the temple. It also just so happens, that he is reading the "suffering servant" passage of prophecy in Isaiah.

This man experienced money and power and found it wanting. He tried the route of showy, religious experiences and found that it wanted nothing to do with him. This man was seeking truth at any cost and had been rejected for a physical defect, sexual mutilation, that he probably had exercised no control over.

Money didn't give him joy.
Power didn't give him peace.
The institutional church didn't accept him.

Philip knew that this man needed Jesus.

I think this story speaks volumes into how the church should treat the LGB&T community. Churches all over America refuse to accept people into their fellowship based on their readings of obscure old testament references.

The scriptures were clear that the Eunich was not to enter the sanctuary, no matter how many hours he had traveled. Homosexuality is a sin. In both situations those in authority follow the law to the letter. And following the law would be good if it was all we have, but we have the completion of the law in Jesus Christ. Philip recognized that the law had its place, but that we are under a new law. That day the Eunich was told that in the Christian faith he would not only be allowed entrance to the sanctuary, but his body - broken and damaged may it be - would become the sanctuary that Christ Jesus will endwell.

We as a church need to extend the offering of Christ Jesus to the LGB&T community. When the institution says, "hold it, the law clearly states ..." we as Christians need to stand up and say, I know the law says that, but we live under a new law - "come and be the sanctuary to which you were refused entrance."

The eunich didn't re-gain his lost manhood. The eunich became whole because of a restoration of the heart. He was still a eunich, he would still be a eunich when he died; but Christ had entered his life and Christianity would spread throughout Northern Africa because of his witness. He was still a eunich, the old testament still forbid him entrance to the Jewish temple. But, Christ lived inside of him.

I think there is major application to the LGB&T community. I think that Christians need to openly admit that the sin that plagued them before salvation still sticks around after salvation. If we allow the gay community into our churches, giving them the same freedom offered to us - that our sins make Jesus sad, not mad; that he still loves us with his whole heart; and that he forgives graciously, repeatedly, and unfailingly - I believe that many of them would take their repentance to the next level and actively fight against their sin. ... I think if we tell them they need to drop their sins at the door before entrance they will never enter at all.

What would be the greater sin? That some would never be free of their sin or that none would even hear the good news of salvation for fear that they would fail as Christians?

It's 2 AM, I'm alone in the St. Louis Airport(literally - other than an occasional cleaning lady the airport is empty), I'm avoiding Bible Chapter Summaries (I am 50 tedius old testament chapters away from being done forever!, and I am going to review my weekend retreat from my scribbled notes of thoughts from the weekend.

This weekend was spent attending the Ethnic America Network's Ethnic Ministries Summit; a 3 day event designed to bring people who work in multi-ethnic ministries and slacker college students looking for some credit hours together for an enchanted time of learning. I, obviously, fall into the "slacker college student" category and not the ethnic minister grouping.

The first person who introduced himself to me was a Malaysasian man, TV Thomas, who happened to be a good friend of my mentor, Dr. Fred Smith. It was nice to find an immediate connection.

Our first speaker was Jerram Barrs. Jerram is a British Presbyterian, a self described - "frozen chosen." The focus of the conference is the ideal that every church should be multi-ethnic and that worship should reflect the rainbow of cultures present. We had a lot of black music.

I love the spirit of African American church music; but everything seemed so patronizing. We would listen to a great negro spiritual and then some cracker would mount the stage and say (with a pompous, pretentious, British accent) MMM, yes, that was spledid, now wasn't it?

Our speaker on Thurday was a powerful black man. His sermon addressed our selfish desire to believe that our worship is superior; that we have a grasp on God that "they" just don't get. He ended with a story of traveling to the African bush. As a city boy, his eyes revealed that he was more than a little frightened to get off the bus after several hours spent without passing a building. A bushman quickly rebuked him in the native tongue. A translator revealed that the man had said, "God is here!" Sometimes we think that our norms and values reflect God best, but we must see that God works when we move beyond our comfort zone.

I met some really fun kids from Lancaster Bible College. We had dinner together and hung out a good bit. I like them a lot, and honestly, they reminded me of Fallsies ... which I didnt' hate.

Our speaker tonight spoke about racial reconciliation. He spoke to the black audience while tolerating the white audience's presence. It was a magnificent sermon. He told them that welfare was destroying their society and that Payday Loans would take them under. He asked why black people are making more money than previous generations, but still experiencing the same quality of life. His message moved everyone beyond his or her comfort zone. It challenged the crackers to work to build up the black communities through education.

I have been re-reading "A Scandalous Freedom" by Steve Brown. It's in my top ten "must read" books right now. His premise is so radical, yet he is so conservative. The whole premise (summed up in one inadequate illustration) is

Dont' think about flying purple cows for the next five minutes.

...
....
.....

Did you think about flying purple cows? Probably.

But, now you are free to think about flying purple cows, or not. It doesn't matter.

...
....
.....

Well, you probably thought about them for a second or two and then the thought left your mind.

His premise is that we do the same thing with sin. We make such a big deal about the fact that we can't do it ... and we rob ourselves of the freedom Christ paid so dearly for.

We are free to sin ... and because of this, we are free to love and obediently follow God.

Brilliant.