On my last post, I revealed that I was truly a pastor. It was hard as I was having conversations with those outside the church. It was awesome.
At the end of my post, I asked people from outside the church to contact me. I wanted to have conversations with them. But NO ONE replied. That's what always happens when people find out my title.
I'm still here... not looking to judge but to have real life conversations. Is there anyone out there who will take me up on it?
OK. I am a pastor. I said it. I want to be able to have conversations with people outside the the realm of Christianity and just talk to them. But when they find out I am a pastor it is like I have a disease. A whole bunch of preconceived ideas of what a pastor is like put up this huge wall between us. That's why I really like the thought of being a life coach. That is what I really do. I help people understand how to guide their lives from a spiritual perspective.
I am not here to force my views on anyone. I am here to have conversations with people and love them whether they believe what I believe or not. Will anyone outside conventional Christianity be my friend? I want to hear from you.
I love technology. I am always after the latest, greatest thing. I have to admit, I love web based tools over desktop based software. With the explosion of super high speed internet for almost everyone, web based seems like the future to me.
I am an early adopter when it comes to technology. I love to be the first. I have found three great tools to connect with people and I want you to check them out as well.
1) Facebook - What a great way to have a network of friends to connect and communicate. The more I use it, the most I see it's value. What a great tool to build relationships with people in this fast paced society.
2) Remember the Milk - I wanted a web based task list and I found it. This baby is awesome for keeping track of my tasks via computer or mobile phone. It even integrates into Firefox and Google calendar.
3) Twitter - I just signed up for this one today. Twitter answers the question, "what are you doing?" Interesting web based thought process. I'll have to use it more (and have more friends) to know if I am really going to like it.
I am always looking for new ways to have conversations with people. These new ways are expanding my personal network and giving me a voice in places I never had one before. Isn't technology awesome! Want to be my friend in Facebook or Twitter me? jim@riversidelife.org
Labels: technology
Do you have any hurts, habits, or hangups that interfere in your ability to live a meaningful, abundant life? There is a great opportunity to connect with others in a similar situation and connect with God.
This opportunity is called Celebrate Recovery and it is held each Friday night at Riverside Church in the suburbs of New Orleans. If you're in the area, stop by and see us. You can also find out more about us at this link.
Labels: recovery
A weekend of images... a believer couple that end up in the hospital at the same time... the birth of a believer's baby... a bad summer cold... coaching my son in baseball... coaching my daughter in softball... an afternoon and evening hanging out with other believers at the park... great live band music... homemade ice cream... kids laughing and screaming... adults laughing and screaming... a pickle throwing contest?... Giving cards and presents to my awesome wife with the kids... Arise worship... Celebration worship... baptism of a new believer... lunch at Copeland's... giving my father-in-law a shave and a haircut... collapsing at home on Sunday night...
These are the images of life for me this weekend. I wouldn't trade it for anything!
Labels: real life
I see so much being done in the name of religion today. From the "Christian Right" to an Islamic Jihad on America, most of religion is bad news. Why?
Because religion, no matter which one, attempts to make people right with God by what you do. Therefore, the "Religious Right" are only known for what they are against. Muslims calling for a jihad on America are doing the same thing. We only know that they hate America.
Religion is for the uninformed. People are prone to want to follow a set of rules and regulations to fit with a particular people group. I would dare to say that if I had been born into an Islamic culture I might be fighting against America too. It is because religion, no matter how noble, always leads to death and destruction.
What God promised through His Son, Jesus Christ, is life for those who give up their lives to take on Christ's life. It is no longer about feebly attempting to keep a set of rules and regulations. It is no longer about what you do but whose you are. When the real Jesus Christ comes into your life you change. And in that change you no longer live your own life but you express the life of the one who lives inside you. This is no religion. This is a relationship with the God of the universe who loves you. No rules, just right!
Labels: religion
In my position as a life coach, I must always be looking ahead. Where is our culture headed? How do I guide people from where they are (their point of reference) through a journey that engages them to the depths of their soul (mind, will, and emotions) and spirit? Culture and the way people think are changing so rapidly that I will not even be on their radar if I try to do things the way they have always been done (tradition).
I must find new ways to connect with people. I must find new methods to engage them in new conversations.
I am a follower of the living Jesus. He guides my path. He instructs me. But so many today find that the conversation about Jesus is irrelevant. I will tell you that the way much of Christianity has painted Jesus, I would not want to be a part of it either. But when I talk about the real Jesus, the one who invades lives and gives real meaning and purpose... there is a great conversation waiting for those who will put aside the labels and preconceived ideas about Jesus and His followers.
Labels: future
