Livingloud - The Bowmanblog

Just Play The Black Notes...

This blew me away... it is simply amazing!

Church... Why would I go there?

In my down time I've been doing some drug awareness sessions with various groups.  It helps me to stay sharp as a group worker and keeps me in touch with what is happening outside of the 'Christian bubble'.  I worked with one group of young adults for several weeks, looking at a wide range of issues around drug misuse and making healthy choices.  A number of these young adults are/were drug users, and all of them had faced their fair share of problems e.g. unemployment, homelessness etc.

During one session 'Asking For Help' we did a group activity which involved cards describing various scenarios that young people might encounter e.g. 'A teenager gets violent everytime he goes drinking with his mates'.  The group then had various sources of help to choose from and they had to match them up with each scenario.  The idea was simply 'where would you encourage someone to go if they were facing this issue?'  One source of help was 'A Church Leader'.  I watched as the group reviewed each scenario and laid the cards describing each source of help out on the table, instantly a group member picked up the 'Church Leader' card and put it to the side saying "Why the  #$*!  would you go there"? 
When the task was completed we debriefed it and I asked "Is there anyone or anywhere you would not go to for help?"  Almost in unison the group said 'A Church Leader' (by the way at this stage they had no idea I was a Church leader).  I asked them why they didn't see a church leader as a viable source of help and one girl in the group spoke up "If I was a young person and I was struggling with drugs I'd already feel bad about myself, so why would I go to a church for help? they would just make me feel even worse".  I was humbled by her honesty and heartbroken by her response, this was the voice of the broken, the needy, those living on the margins, those Jesus came to seek and save, but they felt judged, condemned and excluded by the one place they should be welcomed. 

It reminded me of a story in “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” Philip Yancey writes about a woman who went to see a counselor in Chicago and she explained that she was a drug addict. In fact, she had prostituted herself and her two year old baby daughter to get money to support her habit. She had hit rock bottom. The counselor didn’t know what to say. Finally, he asked her, “Have you thought of going to a church for help?” He said, “I’ll never forget the look of shock on her face as she said, ‘Church! Why would I ever go there? I was already feeling terrible about myself. They’d just make me feel worse!’”
When you read the gospels you find that people like this woman, the very “worst of sinners,” were drawn to Jesus. Why? I think it’s because He didn’t make them feel worse, He made them feel loved. And He knew this secret that somehow the church has lost. It’s that love is what turns a life around. The way to change a life is not through pointing out or judging someone’s sin, but through love. That’s why messed up, sinful people were attracted to Jesus – because of His love. But today people don’t associate Christians and church with love and grace, but instead judgment and condemnation.  And that’s so sad, because the one thing the church should major in is grace, because the world thirsts for grace. People thirst for grace.

Church what have we done?  I've seen it time and time again, we've told people you're not welcome here, you don't belong because you don't look or behave like we think you should!  Just recently Val watched an adult verbally rip into a young person just because he was riding a skate board through church property.  I've heard adults refer to young people like these as the 'undesirables', but you know what, they are highly desirable to Jesus!  They are thirsty for grace, hungry for love.  I live for the day when the broken will see the church as the place for help and healing, because it is marked by grace.  And grace changes everything. 

The Prayer of a Minor Prophet

I've just rediscovered this gem by A.W. Tozer

My God, I shall not waste time deploring my weakness nor my unfittedness for the work. The responsibility is not mine, but Thine. Thou has said, "I knew thee - I ordained thee - I sanctified thee," and Thou hast also said, "Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak." Who am I to argue with Thee or to call into question Thy sovereign choice? The decision is not mine but Thine. So be it, Lord. Thy will, not mine, be done.

Well do I know, Thou God of the prophets and the apostles, that as long as I honor Thee Thou will honor me. Help me therefore to take this solemn vow to honor Thee in all my future life and labors, whether by gain or by loss, by life or by death, and then to keep that vow unbroken while I live.

Lord Jesus, I come to Thee for spiritual preparation. Lay Thy hand upon me. Anoint me with the oil of the New Testament prophet. Forbid that I should be come a religious scribe and thus lose my prophetic calling. Save me from the curse that lies dark across the modern clergy, the curse of compromise, of imitation, of professionalism. Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet - not a promoter, not a religious manager, but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity. Save me from bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world. Deliver me from overeating and late sleeping. Teach me self-discipline that I may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  I accept hard work and small rewards in this life. I ask for no easy place.  I shall expect opposition and try to take it quietly when it comes.

And now, O Lord of heaven and earth, I consecrate my remaining days to Thee; let them be many or few, as Thou wilt. Let me stand before the great or minister to the poor and lowly; that choice is not mine, and I would not influence it if I could. I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches or fame and I choose it above all things on earth or in heaven.

Though I am chosen of Thee and honored by a high and holy calling, let me never forget that I am but a man of dust and ashes, a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague the race of men. I pray Thee, therefore, my Lord and Redeemer, save me from myself and from all the injuries I may do myself while trying to be a blessing to others. Fill me with Thy power by the Holy Spirit, and I will go in Thy strength and tell of Thy righteousness, even Thine only. I will spread abroad the message of redeeming love while my normal powers endure.

Then, dear Lord, when I am old and weary and too tired to go on, have a place ready for me above, and make me to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting. Amen. AMEN.

What I've learned after 15 years of Youth Work & Ministry

I've recently been reflecting on what I've learned after 15 years of doing youth work & ministry. I can't quite believe its been that long!  This list is by no means exhaustive nor is it in order of significance, it is merely some of the wisdom and insight I've discovered on this journey.  When I started in this gig I was so young, so green!  I'd no clue what I was doing.  God opened my eyes to youth work & ministry (back then in N. Ireland there were no youth workers/pastors) and gave me a passion for young people.  If I could somehow get my DeLorean to hit 88mph I'd go back in time and sit my 19 year old self down and this is what I'd say...     

Remember the importance of Character - Leadership stops and starts here.

The best thing I can do for my young people is love Jesus more.

The Jesus I know is the Jesus they will get.

My greatest teaching tool is my life (my walk will always talk louder than my talk talks).

The best people to reach young people are young people.

My 'doing' for God flows out of my 'being' with God - If I take care of the depth of my relationship with God, he will take care of the breadth of my impact.

Relationship is the primary currency of Youth Work & Ministry.

I don't have to be cool.

Youth Ministry is not a profession it is a 'lifestyle' - Seek to follow Christ’s example and develop an incarnational ministry. 

Evangelism and discipleship are two sides of one “making disciples coin”.  You cannot be truly effective at either, without being effective at both.

Stay teachable - learn from the journey.

Apathy is a killer of souls.

The church can be a cruel and brutal place.

The church can be a place of healing and grace.

For many in the church the idea of a perfect future is a return to an idealised past.

The majority of church practices are cultural accomodations to a society that no longer exists.

God could take any rock out of the garden and make a better youth worker/pastor out of it than I'll ever be. 

I'm not irreplaceable.

Know why you do what you do!  Think & wrestle theologically about youth work & ministry. 

Numbers add up to nothing - a large youth ministry doesn't necessarily denote a healthy youth ministry.  Focus on depth not breadth!

Learn to balance family and ministry - Don't sacrifice your family on the altar of ministry! 

And the winner is...

I've not had a chance to annouce the winner of the Andrew Peterson book...  Debs won the draw so 'The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkenss' will be shipping to you soon.  Enjoy. 

Good Times

Easter has provided an opportunity to slow down and catch our breath.  It's been a busy few weeks - we set it off with a team from Vanguard University in California.  This was the team's second visit to Saintfield (and I hope there will be many more), in a week packed full of schools work and youth events the team not only did some amazing youth ministry but really encouraged and loved on our family.  We miss you guys!  Check out the slide show for a glimpse of what we got up to. 

Next up... I was speaking at Youth Reach, an event organised by Ballywillan Pres Church in Portrush.  My theme was 'Heroes - Live for Christ... change the world'.  The guys put together a superb event and it was great to be a part of it and also hook up with some good friends from the north coast.   

Easter Rising

"I am the resurrection and the life.  Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."  Jesus (John 11:25)

"The stone it has been moved. The grave is now a groove. All debts are removed. Oh can't you see what love has done?" Bono

The resurrection of Jesus is the main event in the New Testament and the pinnacle message of the Gospels.  If Jesus didn't rise from the dead then God would be powerless and we would be lost forever, following the teachings of a dead guy.  The resurrection changes everything... it is more than just another amazing historical event.  It has powerful implications for our life in this world and beyond the grave.  Open up your sunday eyes, look with wonder and surprise... Oh can't you see what love has done?

On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

This week saw the release of Andrew Peterson's first novel: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.  Andrew Peterson is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and recording artist, and he also happens to be a natural-born storyteller.  He wrote and produced what is in my opinion the finest ever Christmas song collection, Behold the Lamb of God. He has recorded seven albums and tours every year, though it surely is a crime  that we've not yet seen him in Ireland! click on over to his website here

Today we're taking part in the Andrew Peterson blog tour to celebrate the release of the book.  Any listen through Andrew's albums reveal a gifted storyteller and I'm not ashamed to say I've been caught up and moved to tears more than once by his songs.  When I listen to 'Canaan Bound' I'm standing right there with old Abraham, gazing into the distance as his long journey begins.  When I listen to 'Labour of Love', I'm right there in the streets of David's town peering into the stable as 'little Mary full of grace with tears upon her face', grips Joseph's calloused hands. 

Songs such as 'Havens Grey' reveal the influence of Tolkien, and is infused with the sure and certain hope that our death is not final and a safe harbour awaits.  In 'Little Boy Heart Alive' he looks at the world in wonder and grasps something (with a nod to C.S. Lewis) of the wild adventure that following Jesus is.

Open the door and run outside
Your little boy heart alive
Into the morning light
Into the deep and wide

Take a ride on the mighty lion
Take a hold of the golden mane
This is the love of Jesus
So good but it is not tame

AP undoubtedly has a love for these great writers and it seems appropriate that his first book is a fantastical tale that will sit comfortably alongside the works of Lewis and Tolkien on my book shelf without ever becoming derivative.  This is a tale that children/adults of all ages will enjoy, it reminded me of the feeling I had when I first read the Hobbit; the discovery of a new world to explore and get lost in...  the world of Aerwiar, in the land of Skree where we discover our heroes- Janner Igiby, little brother Tink, and crippled sister Leeli.  There are lost Jewels, the toothy cows of skree, a grandfather who happens to be a retired pirate, dragons, the dreaded Fangs of Dang and an adventure that would make the Goonies proud!

It also happens to be a very intelligent, witty and funny read. I was only two pages into the introduction and it had me laughing out loud, and the footnotes scattered throughout are often hilarious.  The book itself is beautifully illustrated and I love the short chapters which will make it a superb bed-time book to read to my kids.  Andrew has spun a captivating tale, and created a magical world that gives us insight into our own.  And if you listen closely and you'll hear echos of the one great story as we are reminded that there is so much more majesty and mystery than meets the eye.   

This is book one of 'The Wingfeather Saga' and I for one will eagerly await book two.  Meanwhile someone needs to convince AP to record the audio book complete with a soundtrack and songs put to music! 

I have a copy of 'On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness' to give away.  Really, the contest couldn't be easier.  To be eligible to win just comment on this post and I'll hold a drawing on Easter Sunday and annouce the winner, a copy of 'on the edge of the dark sea of darkness' will then be sailing your way. 

Vanguard Team

Today we welcomed a team from Vanguard University in California.  They are here for spring break and no better way to spend it than a week of High School student ministry.  We set it off tonight with a fantastic Elevate event.  Even though they'd just stepped off a plane having flown all the way to London and then from London to Belfast they really rose to the ocassion.  I'm really amped about this week and it's a joy to partner with these guys, its stuff like this that still gets me really buzzing about youth ministry. 

Hoodies

I promised the youth group I'd post a proof of what our 'Elevate' hoodies are going to look like.  I love hoodies and things like this are a great way of communicating a group's identity.  Click on the image to make it bigger.