The Associate Hobo

Back story: During the L.A. Kings championship run in 2012, I grew a beard and vowed to only shave it when the playoffs were over for the Kings. I had done the same thing the prior two years, but the beard never got long due to two disappointing first round playoff exits. To be honest, I suspected the same thing in 2012. To my surprise and delight, the Kings, despite being the underdog in every match-up, kept on winning. As a result, the beard kept on growing. It was an exciting time! 

During the "Beardening" (Yes, I just made up a word), Sierra Vista was hosting a meeting to discuss how churches and organizations can more effectively feed the community. I was not a part of this meeting though. Rather, I was working in my office when I got a hankering for a snack. So I walked to the kitchen and rummaged through the fridge for a snack. The kitchen doors were open, so those in the meeting could see me rummaging through the kitchen. At this point, a lady who was part of the meeting notified our senior pastor that a homeless man was looking for food.

"Oh, that is just our associate pastor" responded Pastor Todd.


Awesome! Way to make an impression Ryan...

Theology vs. Romance Part II

While I can certainly be the sentimental type, I have never been one to believe in the concept of a soul mate. The closest I get to believing in the concept of a soul mate is that if you have a spouse, they, by default, he/she becomes your soul mate. While not romantic, this is more inline with what Scripture teaches. I consider it fantasy to believe that God has created a special someone designed specifically for me. Well these convictions came up in conversation one night with my wife.


Wife: "You are my soul mate!"

Me: **silence followed by an awkward stare**

Wife: "Do you believe I am your soul mate?"

Me: "Yes, but you are my soul mate because we got married."

Wife: "So, if you got married to a different a different woman, she would be  your soul mate and not me?"

Me: "Exactly."

Wife: "So, if I die and you get remarried, you have two soul mates?"

Me: "No, the new wife becomes my soul mate."

Me: "I'm on the couch tonight huh?"


Moral of the story:

• I would like to hug the person that designed my very comfortable couch. 

•  I would like to punch the person who came up with the concept of a soul mate.

Theology vs. Romance Part I

Sometimes your theological beliefs can get you in trouble.

Let me explain. In college, I began to understand that no person could ever fill the psychological hole that we humans all experience. I realized that a girlfriend, no matter how amazing, can never complete me as a person. My years in college were spent trying to live this out. I wanted to be my own person without needing someone else there to "complete me." While there was great truth to the realization that no person could "complete me," I went about it in the wrong fashion.

It was not until my seminary experience, where some great professors and mentors guided me in this. They confirmed the truth that no person could fill the gap caused by original sin, I realized that only God can fill this hole. Friends, family, and love interests are important, but they never were intended to fill a hole that only God can fill. As a result, it led to a hunger to find my identity (and the fullness that it brings) in Christ. I began to mature in this and understand this concept as Christ intended me to grasp it.

Well, this is when it began to get problematic. I am growing in my faith and I get to a point where I understand that Jesus, and only Jesus is what completes me. No one else can fill the gap. No one can complete me. So....what do I do when my girlfriend (now my wife) lovingly looks me in the eyes and says "You complete me." It was a frightening experience! Do I lie and say the line back, and go against my theological convictions? Do I correct her and risk alienating her? Panic ensues! What do I do?

I told my students this story and they were curious as to how I responded. They called me a monster when  I told them that I responded by telling Alisa that she did not complete me. Had I left the statement there, I certainly would have experienced unquenchable wrath. But Bald Wisdom knows better...

I looked her in the eyes and said,  "You don't complete me. But because of you, the cup is overflowing."

Moral of the story:

• Wisdom (especially the bald variety) is a necessary companion of theology.
• Theology and romantic ideals don't always see eye to eye (hence the need for wisdom).
• Theology and romance will once again be at odds and some point in my relationship (and it has...so come back tomorrow...)

Real Men of Ministry: Mr. "I Don't Work In The Church But I'm A More Awesome Christian Than You Are" Guy.

We salute you, "Mr. "I Don't Work In The Church But I'm A More Awesome Christian Than You Are" Guy.

This is my personal favorite. 

At the church, and especially as we try to complete the new youth room, we have had many individuals working at the church. Alarm system installers, AC repairmen, painters, contractors, and many more have visited our humble grounds for some service call. Many of these workers come in, do their job, and leave with nothing more than a handshake and a job well done. Others are more chatty. I have no problem with this. I enjoy an occasional conversation with a stranger....

 But, I do have an issue with "I Don't Work In The Church But I'm A More Awesome Christian Than You Are" Guy. This is the guy, who despite the fact that he works a secular job, needs to let me know that he is a Christian. Cool! Always nice to meet another brother in Christ. But, he is a master of Christian cliche's and a self-promoter in the name of Jesus guru. He lets me know about all the books he has read, seminars attended, people he has converted, baptisms performed, demons exorcised, committees he has served on, communions he has presided over, children's ministry musicals he has performed in, and bible studies he has led. This individual is such a inspiration and leader that it is shocking to me that the Catholic Church has not yet canonized him. Now, if his attempt at self-promotion wasn't bad enough, I then get to enjoy a seven minute sermon from him. He concludes by handing out a business card saying that if I or the church ever needs anything, we should give him a call.

To which I respond, "Truly I have been in the presence of a saint, more esteemed than the martyrs, more learned than a scholar, and as equipped for world-changing ministry as the twelve, but if it's no bother, can you finish fixing the toilet?"

So thank you Mr. "I Don't Work In The Church But I'm A More Awesome Christian Than You Are" Guy. After 15 minutes of conversing with you, I see how you are truly the most amazing follower of Christ...ever!