6 Degrees of Separation

The idea of 6 degrees of separation has become a popular past time. The idea of course is that no 2 people are more than 6 degrees separate from each other. This means that you are only 6 relationships removed from anybody else on earth.

In preparing a talk on relationships for our youth group I discovered we are 4 degrees from the spiritual advisor to the president of the United States, we are 3 degrees from the keys to the garden tomb, we are related to famous bands, musicians etc..

Statistically it could be true. If you want to join the human experiment you can join related games like.....facebook- a social network that allows members to compare friends. Facebook also has a 6 degrees application where you can join a social experiment linking all humankind. One of my favorites is the Kevin Bacon Experiment which seeks to link all actors to Kevin.


HERE is the crazy thing! Despite being so close to such huge fame, to massive influencer's, to have such imaginative tools like facebook- we are still miles and miles apart. Where does being 6 degrees from each other really get us??

Despite only being 6 relationships from an orphan dying of aids, 5 from the dollars that could save them, 4 from people who could minister justice, 3 from local injustice, 2 from local politicians, 1 from myself the first source of the problem. I realize I am a barrier creating separation. Campaigns like make poverty history, and others make me realize despite being so close, we are so disconnected. Our actions still so impact the world through the things we buy, the way we live.

The potential to make such a huge difference. The power of becoming influencer's so near our finger tips.....How do we turn this around? How do we use our 6 degrees to influence the world?? It could be that the whole 6 degrees of separation, discussions of small world concepts, the movement towards carbon neutral living, may all just highlight one thing- the weight of sin and selfishness and it's ability to thwart justice.

organic matter

"Organic Matter is dead! Leaf litter and junk. I don't want to be part of an organic church, I want to be part of something that is alive."

s.c.

Today

Go ahead and make plans for tomorrow,
but have no plan for this moment more than what is,
For eternity stands on this razor's edge.

today's meditation

The Vineyard and the Rose

Last year at this time I had a revelation of some things that had been lurking in the back of my mind. At a prayer conference no less!! Phylis Tickle, gave a lecture called the Rose in which she details the history of the church as it relates to the 'emergent church' movement. History evolved like a spiralling mass, heading toward a blurry center, where all the lines got mixed up, all the traditions began to blend, all the theologies mixed. I am a vineyard pastor, I have been part of the movement for years and suddenly I realized why!

Now this is going to sound entirely optimistic, and overzealous, but the Vineyard I believe is strategically placed to be able to give input into this new 'emerging' church movement. Today we have 1000's of people leaving the church to experiment, to do their own thing, house church, community. The regular Sunday church just doesn't cut it for them. Post modern thought, main stream media, technology, cultural shifts have battered the traditional church, shifting its very foundation. Here I believe is where the vineyard fits and needs to speak loudly:

1. TRADITIONALLY non-TRADITIONAL- the vineyard was a hippie movement from California, but it went much deeper than simply wearing jeans and preaching from a stool. The Vineyard is about seeking to be culturally relevant. This is not about catering to a culture, but using culture as a platform to incarnate the gospel. It is not about giving up on the church, but on forms.

2. GIVING IT AWAY- Over and over I have heard how a Vineyard pastor or person has befriended someone, given something that was over the top great. This is a fundamental attitude. John Wimber traveled the world doing conferences for the greater global church. He wanted to gift the whole church with his understanding, and ministry. We need to understand that we still play a role here. Let's 'give it away.'

3. APPRENTICESHIP- It has never been about a leader doing it. It has always been about....you do it. Let me show you, now your turn, once you get the hang of it then you do it. This is the heart of discipleship. It is beautiful when it works. I have seen the most insecure leaders, walk in confidence because they didn't walk alone. An old vineyard addage has been 'if someone wants to learn, ask them to come and be with you. Don't give them a title. Train them by life.. I believe the Vineyard plays a key role in helping a new generation of leaders learn to do the stuff. Community living and local living makes this type of close life modelling possible, and probable again.

4.Kingdom- what can we say....god is at work now. Let's join in. Let's wait on the Holy Spirit, let's call on the Holy Spirit. 'Come Holy Spirit', is not simply a mantra, something that makes ministry times 'work.' It is an invitation, to show us where to go. We were never supposed to wait, to wonder, 'where is God?' We were supposed to walk into the things He was about.

Am I hopeful about the Vineyard? Hmmmmm, I really love it, I love what God is offering to me as part of it. How deep is the Love of God, How rich His mercy on us all. I am probably happiest that he hasn't just left us.

LOST! The me version.

This is me lost in San Jose, Costa Rica. Do I look tense? My wife decided she needed to become a photojournalist, as we tried to find our way after loosing our guides who mysteriously turned left and disappeared. The kids were in the back, the sky was getting dark, it was rush hour, I hadn't spoken spanish in 10 years and we had no map, or idea where we were going. Tense, heck ya!

In retrospect things went very well. We eventually got on the road we were supposed to be on and hooked up several hours later with the car we were to follow. The in between time was spent relying on strangers. I realize that some directions are good and some are bad, but if a Costa Rican says the road to Cartago is straight ahead....it doesn't mean the road you are on will take you directly to Cartago. It actually means, turn left at the soccer stadium, left at the church and when it dead ends-turn left.

What was more interesting than the situation was what it taught me.I realize that I have a fear of the unknown. My immediate reaction to Costa Rica was I didn't like it. I was likely to be lost, robbed, it was a dirty, confusing place etc. Costa Rica has since become best and safest Latin American experience-WHAT a country! The bottom line was I hated being lost. It taught me that I had assumed that people would not be helpful, that I would not be able to communicate, that it was terrible to be out of control. In reality, we found our friends because a very kind guy with is daughter stopped and lent us his cell phone to make a call to our friends. Repeatedly people gave us directions, suffered through our broken spanish and helped. Even Burger King let us call on their phone.

Now, I pride myself on being someone who is willing to take risks, who has traveled extensively and is able to converse in spanish. Realizing these fears was a big shock! Traveling with my family I realized I don't always like taking risks, that I do isolate myself from the help of strangers. I am so glad I got lost! It is amazing that when we don't have these experiences how routine and controlled our life gets. It leads us to a false sense of our ability, our life direction, our safety. Getting lost allows us to see that God will look after us any time any where. No wonder pilgrimage was meant to be a spiritual practice, that gave followers of Jesus a consistent glimpse of his constant leading. Those people that stopped helped me not only get to my destination, but helped me to see God leads me, and looks after me. What a great reminder!

HE LEADETH ME by Joseph Gilmore

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!

O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.
Refrain

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.
Refrain

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Refrain

Life at the Margins

There are very few churches I could work at for one simple reason....I like beer. I love to try new beers, old beers, and very old beers- especially Irish. I don't really drink cheap beers. I have drunk beer from the fount of all beers at St. James' Gate Dublin, at the factory of Guiness.

This might seem odd to you if you come from a church in which drinking is permissable. My grandparents who were members of the temperance movement until the day they died would roll in their graves with my beer loving confession. Faith and alcohol were diametrically opposed to them. My father, who is a well respected pastor theologically asserts drinking is not forbidden by scripture, is also astounded at my enthusiastic response to the drink that imperils so many- because he doesn't prefer it and it was never part of his social culture. Growing up in this environment meant I always was suspect of pubs, of alcohol and of people who enjoyed them. It was a great baptist friend and man of God who eventually saved me from my safe life.

See here is the thing......Having a beer is a the way I thank people for helping me, pubs provide a place for my neighbours to meet me, it is an excuse to go to the place people hang out. Beer and coffee are the universal communicators of hospitality. 'Come for coffee! We'll hang out.' It is part of the social reality of our culture. This means to not engage in it potentially alienates me from my neighbours, community and culture.

I really don't care what the issue is. A love of sports cars, dancing, music- these are part of life and need to be enjoyed. Imagine a life and a faith that is lived away from things that people find fun, enjoyable. Life would be pretty dull without chocolate, sailing, beautiful art, expensive watches etc. In fact, besides having a pickle up their backside, we would say people who avoided pleasure were dull, out of touch. Heaven forbid that this ever be the world's impression of the church. This is life in the middle. It is safe it is clean. This is the goal of many youth groups. Keep kids from trouble, provides an alternative and positive but safe example from the real world.

The reason I advocate life at the margins, and encourage people to drink and smoke, dance and have a pleasure filled life is this.....That by doing this you will set an example of life. Life free of addictions, a life with safe margins, but a life that also demonstrates your freedom in Christ. It also is a life that accurately depicts my theology. Theology means that I believe God says something I model. Is it dangerous-no it's freedom. Life at the margins is good for my soul. By living there I create common ground with people who need to discover authentic people of faith. Jesus was a smart partier. Living life in the middle may actually be teaching people to avoid their humanity, and enforce the ghetto subculture of people who are disconnected from their community, their mission and their own lives.

More Churches, Different Churches

Ask someone why they go to their church and every time you would get a different answer. I love the worship, the preaching, the programs. Regardless of how great we view our churches, and how perfect they are for our personal spiritual growth, if we stepped back and took an objective look, we would have to admit, firstly that our church isn't perfect and that it won't work for everyone. In fact for as many reasons as we like our church there are an equal number of people who don't.

"Some people prefer to go to churches that preach heresy, or the

theology of the month..."

In being part of a vineyard church I recognize that our worship just really doesn't connect with a everyone. It is too loud, too repetative etc.. , but i love it (apart from being a little too country). At the same time vineyard worship has led a revolution in the way churches universally understand and express worship. And brought countless people to the church who loved the refreshing sound of rock music. Does this make vineyard worship critics insane? Not at all! Everyone has their preferences. Some people prefer to go to churches that preach heresy or the latest theology of the month, or places where the preaching is so boring-not me but others love it. I say this to highlight the fact that most people go to churches not because of quality, not because of calling, or high religious ideologies, but because of habit and preference. Whether we like to admit it or not the number of people in our churches bent on, changing, improving, making things more inclusive, complaining about 'the why don't we....'s?', are evidence we don't fit everybody.

One approach pastors take is to ignore unpopular comments like, 'why isn't your church.....' or 'your church doesn't.....'. They defend their style and programs by saying that it is about God and not your personal preference- often this is taken as a defence of irrelevance. Church goers also gloss over the churches rough edges by pumping up their churches good points, making excuses for their shortcomings.

" I think the heart of Paul's words were about reaching everyone,

not about bringing everyone in."

I wonder though if we need to admit something different. Paul takes about becoming all things to all people in order to reach people. Perhaps our emphasis on church improvement is not the answer at all. Perhaps rather we need to create more churches, and different churches so that everyone can have a place to worship that expresses their heart, their motivations, their needs. What we don't need are places that make everyone comfortable, but churches that communicate differently- we need more rave churches, churches for bikers, churches that speak different languages. We need churches for every nationality, every neighbourhood. The bane of the church today may be its commitment to all people, and it's sacrifice of creating worship communities that are unique, and missional to peculiar communities. I think the heart of Paul's words were about reaching everyone, not about bringing everyone in.

In having several church planters as close friends I realize that despite their best efforts the people they think would be great for their church won't come. But in every case I know of people that come to their churches who you would never expect. Why? God only knows. I recently switched to a church not far from my old church. My new church in many ways has tons going for it that the other didn't yet, not one of the people from my old church followed me. This highlights to me that what we need is not fewer, bigger, or better churches what we need is more churches and different churches that we might be able to help everyone understand who God is, to encourage them to worship and to grow in their relationship with God. Perhaps the next time I as a pastor here someone complain about a church need to here the words as an opportunity to help form a new community and not as criticism. Now is a great time to plant a church.

Faith- the Hidden Journey

We often view faith as something we seek, but is it something we actually seek to control? Faith it says in the bible is a gift from God, from mustard seeds to mountains it seems the opiate of the Christian faith. If you got it you are the lucky one-Anything is possible! This might be a nice way of saying faith is a means of getting my way, of my plans working out. But faith it seems to me is beyond this definition. Our faith is in God, not in circumstances, or the outcomes we desire, it isn't even the companion to the plans that we have made. It has really nothing to do with our particular journeys as we see it. It has to do with where He is leading us. This we cannot see, we cannot guess even. This could be bad news for control freaks, people who need to know everything in advance. And for success oriented individuals. HOLD everything lightly. This means we could actually fail at something, be sick, have blah days. The peace comes in knowing that God is our lead not just a companion in suffering, disappointment and failure. His interest is in us. Our faith response to Him is to say, 'yes lord I will follow-wherever.'

God is more interested in our response to Him, than in what we think He wants us to do. This means that if suddenly our life takes a major corner, we loose a job, we go through a family crisis, it isn't that God isn't there, that we heard wrong etc.. Faith says, 'He is my rock, I will go where He leads.'

The lord is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want,

He leads me beside still waters,

He restores my soul,

He leads me in paths of righteousness for

HIS name sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I will fear no evil.

His rod and staff they comfort me

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of

my life. And I will dwell in his presence

FOREVER.

psalm 23

TRUE COMMUNITY

I came across a great program the CBC ran this summer. It was called 'Hidden City'. Its premise was that within every city is a hidden city. Groups of people who gather for different reasons:faith, tai chi, mexican food, or say football. These groups all have a social structure, its own rules etc. The goal of this show was identifying and penetrating these subcultures.

What facinated me was that they began by creating their own subculture by looking total strangers in downtown toronto straight, square in the eye. Whoever looked back they invited into their inner society. What amazed me is an unspoken understanding that people who look each other in the eye humanize their community. Community was built through eye contact.

Having lived in downtown toronto it is evident to me that people do not talk to one another, they don't get in each others way. How they do this initially is by avoiding eye contact. One person was interviewed and they said not only was eye contact a primary way of greeting and getting to know people, but that it was also a basic means of building trust. If you want safe community, if you want to get people's hearts- look them in the eye.

What a fantastic starting point to beginning to talking about spiritualizing/humanizing people. Take the time to look them in the eye. What a fantastic program. Cudos CBC.

Childhood Influence

At 12 years old I moved. Moved to what would be the most formative place, the country. Raising sheep and weeding vegetables taught me perseverance, but it was the neighbours the friends that meant the most. My family moved to the county to a farm we called Patmos, after the rock of Peter's desolation and revelation. We moved with 5 other families from the city, and from our church. We were to live in a community, built around a prophetic dream that has yet to be realized.

Despite our parents religious idealism something was caught by us kids who played hide and go seek most summer nights till it was well past our bedtimes. The thing we caught was friendship, sharing, living with blurred lines of family. Today I share nephews and nieces with my best highschool friends, because of the strength of these friendships. The strength of that group of people has been what has launched the majority of us into ministry. Most importantly it has influenced the way we think of the place we live, the people we meet, those we call our friends.

When I read Bonnehoeffer's book LIFE TOGETHER, I realized that we were meant for something much different than our typical work/neighbourhood communities offer. Community is only realized as we life for, with and to God. Everything else falls short. For me friendship is not about proximity, but about the ongoing attitude of my heart to bless and desire the best for the people God allows me to bump into. I suppose this may be the fulfilment of my parents idealism, maybe it is the beginning of my own.

Resume

Education

Masters of Theology Studies
Wycliffe College, University of Toronto,
Thesis: An in depth analysis of the theology and practice of the Short Term Mission
Movement and its importance in the scheme of the Global Christian Mission

Honours B.Sc (Agr) in Environmental Biology
University of Guelph

Thesis: A scientific study to determine the ability of Galerucella sp to
complete it's life cycle on Purple Loosestrife (an invasive foreign plant) in flooded conditions.


Work Experience

Development
I have spent much of my adult life working on projects for sustainable development. Networking needs with resources and taking an active role in creating positive change. This desire to make a difference has led me to live amongst the poorest peoples of the world. I have also been involved locally in advocating and marketing fairly traded products like Equator FairTrade Coffee, and in organizing life changing opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Agriculture Development and Training Parntership of VisionLedd and PAOC
In 2002 I moved to Kitwe Zambia to help develop 50 Ha around the Tran Africa Theological College and Village of Hope. Part of the task was developing a farm plan and education program to train pastors in basic agriculture principals and techniques. 2002

World Vision Intern World Vision Canada, Guatemala
El Tule, Chicimula, Guatemala is a center for agriculture training for all of Guatemala. There I learned organic agricultural techniques, and acted as a program developer and liaison with World Vision Canada building strategic funding partnerships. 1998

Computer Teacher Yonge Street Mission
Fall/Winter 2002 I worked as a computer skills teacher helping disadvantaged and immigrant children computer skills and web building. 2003




Business and Agriculture
I enjoy the thrill of creating, whether it is in business, or Christian ministry and have been involved in several entrepreneurial projects. Applying my agricultural background has led me to initiate agricultural businesses in Canada and Zambia. I have also had a variety of agricultural learning and business environments both inside and outside of Canada.

Organic Market Gardening Patmos Farm Organic Vegetables and Produce
I operated a 5 acre market garden, established a weekly customer base and CSA, was responsible for planning and implementation of all aspects of the business: market research, planting, sales, marketing, insect control. 1995-6

Farm Plan Development. TransAfrica Theological College, Kitwe Zambia.
I developed a plan to allow the college to produce its own food stores. This project included everything from research of products and markets to implementation, advanced problem solving. 2002

Pest Management Scout Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
I monitored orchards and berry farms in Eastern Ontario for Provincial Pest monitoring program. This involved answering homeowner's questions regarding horticultural related problems and diagnosis of pest related problems. I also participated in Bt. Corn trials 1996

Vegetation Management Ontario Ministry of Transportation,
I Participated in Biological Control programs for Purple Loosestrife and Cyprus Spurge. This included insect releases, writing of public fact sheets and republication of pesticide and MSDS manual. 1995


Education and Leadership Development

Lead Pastor Vineyard Community Church Kitchener, ON
Consistent teaching, creative outreach and a simply lived theology were a part of my 3 years as lead pastor at Vineyard Community Church. 2003-2006

Bible College Instructor. Trans-Africa Theological College, Kitwe Zambia.
Teaching bible college students in Kitwe. I taught a course in Apologetics, Missions, and designed a course in Agriculture. 2002

Youth Pastor, Guelph Vineyard Church.
At Guelph, I worked extensively at mentoring young leaders and developing student leadership programs. I also focused on interdenominational and outreach opportunities. A highlight was organizing a cross-cultural trip to Zambia. Duties included, planning activities, counseling, mentoring, and public speaking. 1998-2002

Substitute Teacher
I frequently substitute taught 2001-2005 a variety of courses at Woodland Christian High School and Laurentian Christian School.

Outdoor Education, Ontario Pioneer Camp
As an Education Facilitator my outdoor and agriculture experience provided a platform to facilitate groups of up to 150 students aged 10-18. I taught programs in: mountain biking, low ropes, wetlands studies, skiing, winter survival and many other outdoor programs. 1995-1996




Acquired Skills

Facilitation- Facilitation of Groups Large and Small is perhaps one of my best-formed skills. I have also been a part of formal training through Eagle’s Flight programs and several seminars. Facilitation was a key component all my Christian leadership and Teaching experiences.

Proposal/program Development- At World Vision Guatemala I wrote development proposals for implementation of Canadian Funded programs, many of which where successfully completed. In Guatemala I also wrote a submission to the Dubai International Practices Awards of behalf of World Vision Canada. I consider proposal development as the foundation for the businesses I have started. In Guelph I worked closely with a group that lobbied the community and Government in order to develop a Youth Drop in Center. At Eagle’s Flight I saw how they developed new training material, and participated in both alpha and beta program tests.




Extra-Curricular Activities And Interests

Outdoor Recreation extensive canoe trip experience including: Missinabi River, Temagami. Hiking experience includes the West Coast Trail (B.C.) and Grand Bend National Park (Texas) other interests: sailing, white water rafting.

Travel- My wife and I love to see the world. She grew up in Israel and together we have traveled to Africa, England, Ireland, and in 2002 we took the local bus to see Zimbabwe. We have both spent significant time living overseas. My most significant experience was living in a small Guatemalan village for 5 months. I have done extensive research in the travel and adventure travel industry. A life goal is to do an eco-adventure.

Health and Fitness I am personally committed to remaining healthy and fit enjoy activities such as cross country skiing, swimming and other outdoor activities like canoeing and camping. In 2000 Kate and I ran the Toronto International Marathon and in 2001 the Niagara Falls relay marathon.