missio

Dec 19

Wrapping Up 2006 - The Digg

Posted in: Tech, Wrapping Up 2006

If you haven’t visited Digg yet, I encourage you to do so now. Right now. It’s a great resource for those off the wall news posts (and the news that matters) from around the world. The news is user-generated so you don’t get useless things like the rising cost of basketweaving in North Dakota. (If you live in ND, I’m sorry. I’m sure it’s a great state. If you are a basketweaver….God bless you.) Here’s my favorite posts from Digg this past year (in no certain order).

Digg

SkypeOut now FREE for US & Canada (218 days ago) - This post really rocked my world. Skype now provides long-distance calling for two nations…for free. It was awesome. Now I’m waiting for a cheap, Wi-Fi, Skype handset. They’re out now, but upwards of $150. James Kim’s Path. Google Earth Images showing James Kim’s Path (12 days ago) - This post really shows the determination that this man had to save his family. The story is remarkable, I’m sure a TV movie is due out any time now, and the perseverance he had to save his family is an incredible metaphor for the perseverance we should have to save the world. Autistic Spends 16 Years Designing an Amazing World (266 days ago) - This is simply incredible. I’ve designed lands and stuff before for games, school, fun, etc, but this takes it to a new level. Imagine what God did before He made earth. I’d like to see all His drawings. 4-year-old in Power Ranger costume saves family from gun-toting robbers (19 days ago) - I posted this when I saw it, but it’s still incredible. And it still makes me laugh. My original post is here (link).

Well, that’s it for Digg ‘06. Next? Who knows?

Dec 17

Wrapping Up 2006 - The Churches

Posted in: Wrapping Up 2006

Here’s a fun post: the churches I really enjoyed tracking and following their progress over the past year. Again, I show no favorites (;)), so there’s no particular order here.

Mars Hill Church (Seattle, WA) - Pastored by Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill is the epitome of a missional church in a city where Christianity is not only unwelcome, it is very nearly abhorred. However, over the past year, they have grown vastly, launching new campuses everywhere in the Puget Sound area and raising tons of money for strategic real estate, just recently in October. They have a spankin’ new website, and Driscoll taught at the Desiring God conference. Mars Hill is doing all it can to reach Seattle, and it’s fascinating to peek in from the outside. NewSpring Church (Anderson, SC) - Almost a hometown favorite for me (I’ve family in Columbia), NewSpring is at the cutting edge of traditional-contemporary (yes, I said it) ministry. They do nothing ‘fancy’, nothing ‘emergent’, they are conservative in beliefs, liberal in practice, and seemingly free of their personal agendas, instead focusing on the will of a sovereign Jesus. That combination produces fruit for the Kingdom, which is evident in Perry Noble’s blog. Pine Ridge Church (Burlington, NC) - Even closer to a hometown favorite, Pine Ridge Church is really providing a lesson in learning for me. I love reading about how God’s blessing Tadd and Becky in Burlington. I love reading about the mistakes he makes; I love reading about the things he nails. I love seeing how they’re taking over 20 people to GA and SC to really solidify how they want to do ministry in the Piedmont. It’s great to follow a church that is the phase of ministry that you yourself will be in just 2 years. Church! at Bethany (Beaverton, OR) - One of the most exciting stories of the year for me was when Church!’s portable ministry trailer was stolen, and subsequently returned with all of the belongings in tow. It gave them coverage and a testimony, and a great foothold in their community. Persecution is a blessing. Matt Payne seems to be a great leader, and Barry Tallis, their digital pastor, is a great guy (he helped edit The Coming Harmony). I’ve really enjoyed following their ministry over the past year as they’ve launched. Keep it up out there in Oregon, guys!

That pretty much sums it up for this year. Just to throw out an early favorite to follow next year: History Church (soon to be renamed) in Reston, VA. Ben Arment is setting them up for a great year of ministry to the area that I myself love: NoVA/DC. Next post to wrap up 2006? My favorite digg posts from the year.

Dec 16

Wrapping Up 2006 - The Web

Posted in: Tech, Wrapping Up 2006

Well, here’s post two of everyone’s favorite overrated, overdone, and over-copied series topic: the year in review. This post? It’s all about the web: my favorite blog posts, my favorite overall blogs, and my favorite websites of the year. Here they are, and once again, they’re in no particular order within their respective categories.

Individual Blog Posts

A Historical Weekend! YEAH GOD!!! (Perry Noble) - Man, this post had me going for quite some time. I still quote it sometimes in conversation, and it really gets me fired up. Newspring is seeing some kind of revival; one that the American church hasn’t seen in a while. I’m really excited for them, and for the future of the American church. It’s very possible that Anderson, SC is the jump-off for the third Reformation, and another American revival. Perry’s excitement exudes in this post about the night of the baptism service from ,er,…heaven. One and a half hours? Wow. Reflections on Preaching (Mark Driscoll) - Mark’s tips for preaching are excellent. In this simple, yet chock-full of wisdom, post, he outlines his personal preparation. I’m going to cheat a little (sort of), because, well, it’s my blog, but I also really enjoyed his post, Episcopalians and Male Testosterone Show Corresponding Decline, because it’s hilarious and true. Anyway, I’m going to leave that one alone. 49 Simple Strategies for Better Blogging (Tony Morgan) - It’s simple, alright. But if you’re a blogger, please look over it. You won’t only do yourself a favor, but the rest of us too. It helped me a lot when I relaunched desertfather as Harmonyblog.

Blogs

Evotional (Mark Batterson) - Mark Batterson is the pioneer in ministry blogging. At least in my eyes. If you don’t read his posts, you should. It’s a great combination of insight, ponderings, wanderings, and random thoughts from his life. And he’s a good writer, so it’s an easy read. Inside the Mind of Tadd Grandstaff (Tadd Grandstaff) - Tadd has become a friend online, I’d say. You’d have to ask him his opinion. I pray daily for him and his ministry. He writes well, has a great future ahead of him as a pastor, and plus likes both the Philadelphia Eagles and the UNC Tar Heels. Can’t go wrong. Goodmanson (Drew Goodmanson) - Drew Goodmanson is an elder-pastor at Kaleo Church in San Diego. They are an Acts 29 church, and they have a lot in common with the vision and mission of Harmony Church. I really enjoy his writing, even though it is somewhat sparsely updated. History in the Making (Ben Arment) - Great blog, even greater person. I’m really wondering what he’s going to do with his blog’s title, though. He could leave it, though it would lose some of it’s punch. Or he could come up with something better! My vote? “Episode IV: A New Hope (in Reston)” Just kidding. Heh. If you read his blog, you’d get it. LeadingSmart (Tim Stevens) - Tim Stevens (along with Tony Morgan, see above), is one of the leading, er, leaders in ministry. He does a great job outlining administration in the church, and has some great thoughts on ministry. Mad Babble From A Church Planter (Gary Lamb) - Gary is hilarious. His style of ministry and just his character make for some entertaining reading. I’m not fond of the rap video (just because I think it’s cheesy [yes, I know that’s the point]), but his ministry in Canton is spectacular. Ridge Stone is really reaching people, and that’s what it’s all about, irregardless of strategy.

Websites

Lifehacker - Borderline blog, borderline website, excellent nonetheless. I love the software recommendations, the, um, lifehacks, and all the little tidbits from around the web. Digg - User-generated news, stories, and anecdotes. ‘Nuff said. Fleaflicker - A fantasy football player’s dream come true. Live updating…for free. Stats out the wazoo…for free. League management…for free. Church Marketing Sucks - Another borderline blog, but the Church Marketing Lab sets them apart. It’s great stuff, you should check it out. Church Relevance - This site is like Barna 2.0. It’s great, and has great insights into our culture today.

Hope you enjoyed it. Next post? Let’s see….let’s go with my favorite churches I followed this past year.

Dec 15

Wrapping Up 2006 - The Media

Posted in: Culture, Wrapping Up 2006

This post is the beginner post to a series that I’m doing during December to really wrap up 2006 in a nutshell from my point of view here in NC. I’m going to begin with something very obvious: media. Without further ado, my favorite books (read a lot), movies (saw very few), music (listen a lot), and TV shows (just two) of 2006, in no particular order of rank.

Books

Confessions of a Reformission Rev by Mark Driscoll - One of the greatest books on the inner workings of a church I’ve ever read. It starts from the very beginning and takes the reader to present day. Great journey, great story, great encouragement. The Thinking Fan’s Guide to the World Cup by Matt Weiland and Sean Wilsey - Man, this book is insightful, informative, and very entertaining to read. If you like soccer, like I do, you’ll love this book. It contains great anecdotes of soccer from around the world, from each of the countries in this past year’s World Cup. Simply Christian by N.T. Wright - I don’t like his “perspectives” on Paul, but his outtake on Christianity as a whole is refreshing. It’s nice to see someone take a step back and explain why, exactly, Christians are Christian. It’s not just socialization; Christianity makes sense. Imagine that. Breaking the Missional Code by Ed Stetzer - A church planting book from the missionology guru. Great stuff, even if it’s adapted from an earlier book of his. A must-read for church planters. In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson - I know you’ve never heard of this book, but you should’ve.

It’s the only book I know of that takes an obscure verse and expounds on it. It just goes to show you: preach the whole counsel of God. Mark’s exposition on facing fears and chasing lions is must-read for anyone in any type of ministry.

Movies

Inside Man (Spike Lee) - If you haven’t seen this movie, stop reading now. Well, don’t, because I don’t think the DVD’s out yet. But wait for it. Then buy it. Then love it. Great movie. Happy Feet (George Miller) - It’s animated, it’s a musical, but it’s actually pretty good. Definitely a family-oriented movie; beware the religious overtones, however. The Nativity Story (Catherine Hardwicke) - It’s another winter movie, I know, but it’s a very faithful reproduction of the story of Jesus’ birth. Too bad Mary got pregnant afterwards, though.

Music

Songs for Christmas (Sufjan Stevens) - It may be because it’s what I’m listening to lately, but this album is incredible. It’s a monster of an album too, but every song is solid. Once Again (John Legend) - Ok, so some songs are a little off, but for the most part, I love John Legend’s music. He has so much talent, it’s unbelievable. All of Shane and Shane’s New Stuff (Shane and Shane) - It’s unreleased, so technically, this is an illegal entry, but it’ll do. They’ve performed some songs live (Youth Specialties, on their tour, etc.), so it counts. And it’s my post, so there. But when their new album comes out, pick it up or get left behind. Hey Ya cover (Obadiah Parker) - Watch this. And fall in love. They’re a Christian band, too. Their original stuff is wonderful, too. Definitely worth a buy.

TV Shows

Lost - February 7th. I’m waiting patiently. It’s like 40 days of fasting. It’s rough, man, it’s real rough. The Nine - Great new show to follow Lost. I’m pleased with Wednesday. Church, Lost, The Nine. Great series to cap my evenings.

Well, that’s it for 2006 media. How about that. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment! Next post? Top websites and blogs of 2006!

Wrapping Up 2006 - The Digg

Wrapping Up 2006 - The Churches

Wrapping Up 2006 - The Web

Wrapping Up 2006 - The Media

Derek Brown

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