Bobby Griffith

Hook me up….. http://www.freeiPods.com/?r=20870334

Right now I am in the process of an Independent Study in Church History, which entails quite a bit of reading and research.
I am studying the life of someone who is not very publicized, but made an enormous impact on Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism in the 20th century, and even today.

I am literally trying to “do history”, meaning immersing myself so much in the context of the times that I get a “feel” for why this person thought the way he did, or did what he did.
It’s hard to do because I want to begin judging actions based upon the hindsight of many decades.
This requires patience, discipline, and much, much study. So far, I read (skimmed) one volume of a newsletter this person published in a tabloid format just this week. Volume one began in the mid-1930s and each issue is 8 pages. I have one volume down and a few decades more to go!
I doubt I will be able to read every single one, but I do think that looking at these primary sources is a good key to judge this person, as opposed to reading the judgements of others. It just takes longer.

And no…I am not publishing my subject here because the person is unique enough for my (hopefully coming in 3-5 years) dissertation.

We are told from pulpit and publication that Christians are to be the best employees-the hardest workers, the most honest, etc, etc and so on.

What about Christians being the best employers?

The reason I bring this us is because a few things have been running through my head concerning this topic based upon personal observations.
First of all: I believe that Christian business owners should be:
1. The best business people
2. The best employers

For instance, if a landlord is a Christian, then it is incumbent upon them to treat their tenant’s with respect and dignity. They need to show that they are aren’t only vying for a profit. I am not saying that there is no room for profit, that’s completely silly, however, a Christian landlord would be one who took care of problems quickly and makes sure that maintenance and upkeep are timely and quality.

This also goes for the way that a Christian employer treats their employees. What exactly do I mean by that? Well, for instance, I think that the Old Testament and New Testament show many clear examples and guidelines how an employer should be. For example, there are many Christian “ministries” that are quite profitable in their operations. That’s not a bad thing at all, but what is bad is when a Christian company, or ministry is profitable, yet the employees are paid poor wages and subject to poor benefits and subpar treatment when compared to “secular” organizations.

This should never be the case. Christians should be leading, not trailing, and in many instances, falling off the map in this area.

If a Christian owns a business, they should strive treat their employees better than businesses of comparable size and profitability. I have met many people who work(ed) for organizations which were church or “christian” related/oriented, yet in talking with them, their employment experience did not resemble what one would expect. One such person worked for a major Christian broadcasting company which is extremely profitable, and was paid minimum wage for a job that would have paid more than twice that amount for any “secular” company of comparable size. This person was also told not to look at or speak to the “Christian” leaders who were being taped for the broadcast when setting up prior to the program.

I could point out other examples as well, but I do not believe it is necesarry in order to make my point because I am sure that many of us have had experiences or know people who have had experiences with Christian business that are poorly managed, or operated.

We must not tolerate this because it is offensive to the cause of Christ and is antithetical to the Gospel. Pastors need to emphasize this in their applications in sermons which deal with work, or vocation, and people need to begin practicing this outside the halls of the sanctuary.

Christians are supposed to be a different type of people. Christianity is a “new way to be human” and because of this we should expect not only Christian employees to be the best, but also Christian employers.

From time to time, I think it is good to slow down and connect with early Christian expressions of faith. Obviously, many Christians are familiar with the Apostles’ Creed, but sometimes it’s refreshing to read other creeds as well. This Creed is an excellent statement of the need for a Trinitarian (Biblical) view of God. It also was needed at its time to fight against wrong understandings of God. This is something that represents a catholic (note the small c) expression of basic Christian truth, and something we today should take heed and see that there are times we must put aside certain differences in order to come together to affirm essentials of the Christian faith.

The Athanasian Creed

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith;Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
Neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance
For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son and another of the Holy Spirit.
But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is all one, the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal.
Such as the Father is, such is the Son and such is the Holy Spirit.
The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the Holy Spirit uncreate.
The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible.
The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal.
And yet they are not three eternals, but one eternal.
As also there are not three uncreated nor three incomprehensibles, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible.
So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Spirit almighty;
And yet they are not three almighties, but one almighty.
So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God;
And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.
So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord;
And yet they are not three Lords, but one Lord.
For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every person by himself to be God and Lord;
so are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say: There are three Gods or three Lords.
The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten.
The Son is of the Father alone; not made nor created, but begotten.
The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.
So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits.
And in this Trinity none is afore, nor after another; none is greater, or less than another.
But the whole three persons are co-eternal, and co-equal.
So that in all things, as aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped.
He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity.
Furthermore it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man.
God of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and made of the substance of His mother, born in the world.
Perfect God and perfect man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.
Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood.
Who, although He is God and man, yet He is not two, but one Christ.
One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of the manhood into God.
One altogether, not by the confusion of substance, but by unity of person.
For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ;
Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty;
From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies;
And shall give account of their own works.
And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting, and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.
This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved.

Last night my wife and I were at the Cardinals - Cubs game in St. Louis. As expected, it was a long, intense game with many ups and downs, and for Cards fans, a sad ending.

Anyway, there were two families near us, one with four boys, ages 6ish-13ish, and the other just one son who was around 6-7.

The larger family was not disfunctional, but quite unruly and annoying. The kids cursed loudly, made rude comments throughout the entire game, yelled the whole time, encroached upon other people’s seats, and were all around brats.
Each time one of the boys made a rude comment, if it was “funny” enough their dad encouraged them in their behavior. He would say, ‘good one’. We experienced this from 6:45-11:15pm, which made for a less than enjoyable environment, even though we had excellent seats.

The smaller family was different. The dad was teaching his son about baseball. He was guiding him through a scorecard and explaining everything to him in a calm manner. The boy was well behaved and seemed to be interested in the goings on of the evening. I smiled as I saw them together, thinking that would be an activity I would love to do with one of my children whenever we have them. (I’ll have to learn how to score a game myself first, but at least my wife knows how!)

So, what did I learn from these two families?
Well, (my dad will appreciate this) I see the need for discipline and order. I do not mean so rigid in a way that children are drones, or robots, but rather so they act in a respectible manner.
I also see that people make assumptions on families based upon how they act.
The noisy family gave me the impression of a household in which the children run the show and the parents are “friends” who give them money and what they want. There is no control and the parents do not lead in a way that commands respect, and their family is not one worth spending time with socially because of the way everyone behaves.

The quieter family gave an impression of a well ordered house where God intended roles are respected.

Now, these were only impressions I received from the two families. For all I know the 2nd family could be disfunctional, God haters, or anything, but it was the impression they gave. And who knows, maybe the loud, annoying family attends a church and outside Busch stadium they act more organized. I do not know.

What I do know is that people make assumptions and judgements based upon the way families interact in public. This may not be completely fair, but that’s what happens.

I know this post makes little sense and doesn’t go anywhere. I have no real point….but I do think that I learned something.

Yeah, I’m ripping off Toby Keith again with the exception of using the word “ai*’t” which I cannot bear to write.

I have come to a realization that at the meager age of 28, that I am not even as close to my physical self of 10 years ago.
I have aches and pains almost everyday.
I just got an X-ray back of my left knee and there is a piece of chipped boned hiding behind my kneecap.
My feet hurt more these days.

I’m getting older.

Yes, I realize that I haven’t hit the big 3 0 yet, and that is almost 2 years away, but the aches and pains of life make me realize that I’m not a kid anymore.
I can’t jump as high, or run as fast (i am able to lift more though) because my body is breaking down.

Why does this happen?
Well, everything in the world is not perfect.
We live in a fallen world and we are fallen people. Each pain we experience, each ache we feel serves as a reminder that we are fallen creatures living in a fallen world. While, God’s creation is still good, it is still marred by sin and death.
The beauty of this reminder is that it also serves as a reminder that while things are fallen, we will experience renewal. God will renew all things.
I cannot wait for that time to happen, but until then I guess I’ll let my aching knee, back and feet remind me that one day they will not hurt.

I’m not in a good mood right now.

I will probably post something tomorrow or maybe later if I simmer down.

I could be upset over something that is silly, but still it’s been moving into this direction over the past few months.

No, I am not feuding with my wife.

She’s too awesome to ever argue with!

This past weekend my wife and I caught a Cardinals game and some interesting things happened.

First of all, we had seats next to some obnoxious Cubs fans. So what you say? Well, it would have been okay had the Cards been playing the Cubs, as it was they were playing the ASTROS!

Also, I often long for the comfort that Oklahoma offers me. I have missed that place since we settled into St. Louis and I think that it’s because I am used to being around friendly, rural, types of people, and St. Louis just isn’t that way. The people are okay, but just not as friendly as Oklahoma, or being in the South for that matter. (or even Western PA where my wife is from) Sometimes, it’s annoying, but I got a little slice of home at the Cards game. No, it wasn’t the obnoxious Cubs fans, but this family sitting behind us.
They were Cards fans, but they had familiar accents, probably southern or rural Missouri. But what made me think of home was the little kid behind us. He was probably five, maybe six, and the whole game when a Cardinal he recognized was batting he said, “GIT R DONE!!!!!”
The whole game.
It was funny the first five times, but after that…..it was routine.

But it really reminded me of a more simple place where people aren’t competing with the city of Chicago for better pizza, jobs, baseball and life, and people know how to slow things down a little.
And all it took was a little kid cheering his team on with “GIT R DONE!!!!”

I still wonder why my wife thinks I’m a redneck……..

Oh yeah, if anyone wants tickets to the Cards vs Cubs game this Sunday night go here.

In my last post, I discussed niche churches and why they can be a harmful thing because of the isolation which can be experienced, etc. I think it’s important to distinguish the difference between meeting a community where it is at, and establish a niche.

When I talk about a niche church, I am speaking of a church which is planted with a detailed, specific subgroup within a community, such as a “skater church” within a certain neighborhood, as opposed to a church planted in a neighborhood which is planted with the neighborhood in mind, and able to minister to all the types of folks within the neighborhood.

Why do I make that clarification? Well, different communities have different styles and are made up of various interests and people.
For instance, many in a neighborhood may not be “churched”, so therefore, it would not be appropriate to plant a church in that community in which only Christianese is spoken and only unfamiliar types of music, styles of worship are incorporated.

If, I as a white Presbyterian go into a predominately Afro-American neighborhood and plant a traditional Presbyterian type church, it would utterly fail because I do not take into account the neighborhood, and would expect the neighborhood to worship “like me” with “my” music, etc. However, if I, as a white Presbyterian, planted a church in this same neighborhood, and took into account the context of operation, and used music which is familiar to the people, and took into account that the neighborhood responds/worships a certain way, and incorporated some of those aspects into the service; I do not see anything wrong with that. This would work in any neighborhood where various social, racial, ethnic groups are living.

That is different from a niche, which is designed solely for the purpose of bringing a group from the community, as opposed to bringing the community as a group.

I think this is why there is a varying degree of styles of worship, preaching, etc in various areas of the country. Farming communities relate differently than suburban communities and urban communities, etc.

Churches have to relate to the community where they are planted in order to be able to meet the needs of the area.

Sometimes this is hard to grasp because there is a hesitancy to not want to adapt to the context God has placed you in. I am extremely comfortable with traditional hymns, maybe a little contemporary music, but mostly traditional, with traditional uses of catechism questions and the ancient Creeds incorporated into the service, but in certain contexts much of the content can stay, but my preferred mode of interacting with the content may not. I may have to sing A Mighty Fortress is Our God in a way I’m not used to. I may have to clap my hands (it’s Biblical) even though I lack good rythym. I may have to sing a chorus more than once a verse, even though I don’t prefer to.

But what must be realized is that adapting to a neighborhood is not creating a niche. Creating a niche is doing something in a way to only attract a certain subgroup, not the neighborhood, or community as a whole.

I was listening to BOTT radio network this past weekend and heard an interesting story about niche churches. This particular story dealt with a Cowboy Church which was planted in the Denver, Colorado area to reach out to cowboys with a service that was geared toward that demographic.
Now, I have no problems with outreach to any particular group, and I think that there are times when churches need to have specific ways to reach to various groups. This does not mean that we need to “throw out the baby with the bath water”.
Why?
I think that it can be dangerous to the Church at large, when we begin to divide ourselves based upon niches. We have cowboy churches, Gen-X churches, biker churches, post-modern churches, spiritual warfare churches, and so on and so on. The reason this can be harmful is that it creates a disconnect to the broader Church because members of niche churches are in a very homogenous group with people they share, possibly, too much in common.
We know from the Bible that Christ’s church is made up of people from all different sorts of groups. This is not only racial, but social and other demographic statistics as well. And that is a beautiful thing because we know that the Gospel is so powerful it allows a biker and a cowboy to worship with a CEO, a professor or senior citizen, while in the next pew is a skateboarder.
The Gospel crosses those lines and unfortunately, in “traditional” circles, as well as niche circles, we lose site of that and create unfortunate barriers that really have no business existing anyway.