Betty it is a good book. I am torn on whether or not he takes some things a little too far, however, I do think he is spot on with the idea that we (American Christians) have lost sight of what our faith walk really looks like. I think often times we do filter our faith through the American dream instead of filtering the american dream through our faith.

It's not that God doesn't want us to have nice things and resources, it's just that they are not supposed to replace God or soak up our time and efforts so we aren't actively chasing God and actively involved in ministry.

David I just got done reading Radical yesterday. It took me a while because it was so challenging through certain parts. Man. That book rocked me hard. I posted my review (which will publish on here sometime tomorrow) talking about the book. He definitely has a radical view of things but I wonder how right on he is? I mean that in a positive way. I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Maybe we'll have to do it via phone soon.

Paula thanks! My dad told your mom this last time when they were down to Branson and she was surprised that I sang and played guitar. I guess next time I'm down there I'll need to bring my guitar with me. The whole thing is surreal but I know God's hand is in it. It's been so clearly obvious over the past few months. Thanks for the encouragement!

Tim this is a great question. Really it comes down to philosophy of ministry in a lot of ways. I will take a stance and say it should be grassroots. When the body comes up with a vision (albeit through a process that will probably involve the leadership structure in some form) it should be a vision that they can buy into. It should be a direction that the body, as a whole, can fully support and be will be involved with or in but preferably both.

Obviously the Pastor (and staff) should be able to buy into this vision as well and will have some hand in guiding how the vision is played out in some aspects but I think the ownership is back on the congregation. Most churches believe in some form of congregational government except when it comes to vision casting.

I think a potential problem of the top-down approach is what if the pastor leaves? Does the vision then leave to? Often times it does. But when the vision is birthed from within then adapted to fit the church as a whole it is a vision within a structure for the church and has a better chance at surviving long term. Does this mean that the church then seeks to hire a pastor who can support their vision? Absolutely and I think that's healthy as long as the vision is obviously Biblical.

Again the Pastoral Staff will obviously have to buy into it and help to facilitate it at some level but when the ownership comes from within I think the chances of succeeding with a vision are much greater.

Justin thanks. All I want is for those who come into contact with me to know that I'm about the Gospel more than anything. If that comes through then I have done what I need to do.

Cynthia I cannot say "thanks" to you and Josh enough as well as some others. The whole thing was very unexpected. Josh has been great. Thanks for everything!

Matt yeah we can't do things like this and neglect our "work" at the same time. Finding that balance is tough and occasionally we'll swing one way or the other as far as finding a good balance. I think this is also something most YP's deal with in one way or another from different sources as well.

Good thoughts.

Tony I agree with you. Great thoughts.

Matt I agree with you. I think it can (and sometimes) does stay on the artificial level of just hanging out. However hanging out does have it place but it should not replace mentoring/discipling students with the use of God's Word. You bring some great thoughts to the conversation - especially from the side of having done some research on it. Thanks for your input.

Adam - man thanks for this. The past few months life has hit hard more than once. Honestly - it's been pretty hurtful at times. Sometimes through truth - sometimes through non-truth. This past week has been no exception. I had some students volunteer all of our sound equipment and our student worship team for an event this week - without clearing it through me. What does this mean? It puts us in a tough spot where no we are committed otherwise the event may fall flat. They are really depending on our stuff. It also means yesterday I had to spend a few hours with my guys explaining to them how I've fielded complaints that we "backed out" of the event when we never committed. I also had to explain to them why it can never happen again and why I am highly annoyed with them BUT also why I stand behind them and love them even in the midst of this.

It has been a learning experience for them and myself. I am so thankful God has allowed me to be very gracious with them and help them see what I am dealing with now because of it all. The cool thing - one of them offered to field complaints for me on the matter. It was really cool to hear that.

Sometimes life hits hard - you are absolutely right. Thanks for a great post for us as YP's.