Buzzword Confusion

I know words are important. They can create mental pictures, provide clarification, heal and encourage. Words can also tear down, destroy, confuse, and complicate matters. Words can also become critical labels of disdain by one group and viewed as a banner of courage by another group. The theological landscape of Western evangelicals has always been a playground for word wars, but lately I've become concerned about the confusion and conflict generated in the latest word war. Hang on, I'm getting to the specific word.

15-20 years ago the buzzword in these discussions was the word "contemporary". It became a lightning rod for discussions on worship, but soon expanded to describe much more than worship. Conversants were reduced to assigning the labels of "contemporary" or "traditional". Twenty years later, can anyone tell me what these words really mean? They are confusing terms because what a person identifies as "contemporary" in one part of the country, or among a particular demographic does not mean the same in another state, region or demographic.

The conversation became so blurred that another word became necessary. "Post-modern" became the new buzzword. "Post-modern" pushed the conversation beyond worship descriptions and opened the pantry to discuss theology, movements, demographics, values and approaches. The "post-modern" discussion, though not new, has become more popular and been in full force for about 10-15 years. While I would consider myself well-read on the word, I still am not sure what people mean by it. Again, to one group or individual it means something totally different. You get the idea. Sometimes words, even those used to clarify become confusing. Get ready here comes the word.

The blurred or confusing buzzword today is the word "emerging". The word isn't confined to conversations about the church. It is a corporate buzzword as well. Much like previous buzzwords (e.g., quality, mission, values, and culture), "emerging" is something people, groups or organizations long to be identified as, or they consider it derogatory. My purpose isn't to define the word and it's present meaning. Others have done a much better job of that. Business types might prefer to "Google" the word with the likes of Seth Godin, Jim Collins or Patrick Lencioni. For a primer on the word in Christian circles, scholar Scot McKnight has really captured the conversation surrounding it in Christian circles. Check out the article at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/february/11.35.html

Is anyone else weary of buzzwords? In the 80's it was "excellence" ala Tom Peters and the Disney corporation. Then it shifted to "values". And in the early 90's it was "mission" and on and on it goes. The problem with adopting these words to describe our church, business, or organization is the confusion created when we accept the label. Just the mention of the word in some conversations gets the door slammed by closed minds. Others adopt the same word and you begin to distance yourself from it because their interpretation is not anywhere close to yours. Don't believe me? Say the following words and see if mental images of your definition don't play on your mind's flatscreen: conservative; evangelical; liberal; fundamental. I know one thing, buzzwords sure sell a lot of books, and generate lucrative conference revenues, as well as significant website and blog traffic.

If the Early Church is our model for living out a biblical community in the 21st Century, what buzzword do we use? I can hardly imagine Peter and John getting together and saying, "Hey, why don't we call ourselves 'emerging'? No, what about missional? Or authentic?" I think the apostles and early Christians could care less about descriptions, titles and buzzwords. In fact, the "what" was probably insignificant to them, but the "who" was absolutely critical. Their movement was rooted and based in the person of Jesus Christ.

I'm not saying "conservative, emerging, post-modern, or evangelical" label wearer's aren't following, or are rooted in the person of Christ. Please don't start that rumor and tag me with that label. However, I am saying that we (Christ-followers) need to be less concerned with conversations about "what" we are, than "who" we are following. If we focus on Christ and make Him the centerpiece of our lives, families, organizations, churches and groups, people will be drawn to Him. When we adopt a label (even though it's not the intent) we become synonymous with perceived leaders who trumpet, or criticize the buzzword. I'm not out to be identified as Bryan McLaren, Erwin McManus, Al Mohler, or Marva Dawn. That's nothing against each of these who have become powerful voices for various groups, organizations, causes and discussions. I would simply rather have my church and my life identified as being Christ-centered. Perhaps in a culture so dependent upon words, it's impossible in the 21st Century, but I think it's worth a shot. I know it's the greatest challenge we can ever face and accept.

You can bet that a single mother raising children on a minimum wage, or a man battling chemical addiction could care less whether we are "emerging", "post-modern", "conservative", etc. They simply need our help, love, encouragement and the One we follow, Jesus Christ.

Wonderings, Ponderings and Other Thoughts

Our worship leader at Mosaic is also the nurse coordinator for the Wonder Center at Greenville Hospital System. I often call and leave messages in a funny voice on her office voicemail. I always begin with something like, "This is Howard Royston from Tiglath, Kentucky, and I'm wondering about a few things so I called the Wonder Center." Then I leave a message about some strange thought the character has. For example, "If dust mites can't be seen by the naked eye, how do you know they are actually in your vaccuum when you vaccuum? I was just wondering." You get the idea. From time to time in this blog I have real wonders, ponderings, observations and random thoughts. Here's a few:

• My son was recently following a woman driving a Toyota Hybrid Prius and couldn't believe it when she tossed a fast food bag out the window and onto the road. Now that's environmental irony!
• Is it just me, or are the highways and interstates in our country in horrible shape? President Eisenhower would not appreciate our neglected maintenance. The national interstate system was his brain-child.
• Night at the Museum is great movie using comedy to teach our children the value of learning history, geography, politics and more. Some of the movie was shot on location at New York's American Museum of Natural History, where they actually offer sleepover learning adventures for children so they really can experience a "night at the museum".
• Is new Alabama head football coach, Nick Saban the only professional or college coach to adamantly deny interest in another coaching position and then later accept the very position in question? Some in the media are acting like this is something new.
• An Egyptian-born colleague in ministry recently told me that he met a Christian missionary from Pakistan to the United States. When he asked the man why, the missionary responded: "I have come to reach Arabs in America with the gospel because the anglo church isn't reaching them." Ouch!
• Do we really care if "The Donald" and Rosie can't get along? And, are people really that fascinated with what Paris and Brittany are doing?
• As the American casualty death toll in Iraq recently surpassed the 3,000 mark, media outlets were scrambling to report on the execution of Saddam and the pictures from it that someone leaked to the Internet. Families of those fallen men and women deserve better! Those faithful service men and women simply went where they were told. We owe them a national moment of silence and prayers for their families.
• As we enjoy one of the mildest winters in memory, I am feeling guilty about driving my car for unneccessary trips. But even if I do get a Hybrid, I promise to use a trash can for my fast food bags.
• I've seen a significant rise in the number of excessive overweight people where I work out. Every time I see them walking, riding a bike, lifting weights and sweating I smile at them and beam inside because what they are doing is tough and so worthy. Hey I'm balding (okay bald), and you can get rid of weight, but you can't get your hair back. Keep it up my sweaty friends, you inspire me!
• Jon David is developmentally and learning disabled. This young man worships regularly at Mosaic. His passion in worship encourages and challenges me. He gets it! God knows him, understands him and is utterly pleased when John David sings loud, smiles, claps and praises God with unbridled passion. I want to be more like him when I worship the Father.

By the way the Wonder Center at the Center for Developmental Services in Greenville is a great place that helps children and their families with all kinds of special medical needs. You might want to give them a call and volunteer your time.

The Salty Dog Cafe, Church?

The Salty Dog Cafe, Church? The Salty Dog Cafe has been a favorite of our family since our first trip to Hilton Head Island many years ago. The little village in South Beach and the legend of the sailing labrador named "Jake' has grown throughout the years. It's hard to travel the Carolina's without seeing the famous Salty Dog logo on a t-shirt, ballcap, or car window. If you've never been check them out at http://www.saltydog.com/

During the summer people flock to the village of shops and restaurants located at South Beach Marina. For some it's an annual pilgrimage to a place that represents: laid back days; memories of friends and family; peace; smiles and laughter; good food and a welcome retreat from the hectic pace and events of 21st Century living. The Salty Dog isn't a place for those who don't love animals, or kids. Dogs are welcome and you might just run into a parrot/macaw that will wave to you! Naturally, kids love the atmosphere of the Salty Dog with all those photos of dogs and those crazy birds. Stay with me, this is more than a promotion for one of my beloved haunts.

The Salty Dog isn't about who you are, where you come from, how many degrees you have, how much money you make or what you drive. People from all walks of life go to the Salty Dog and everyone is welcomed. There's no pretentious air and everyone "fits".

On a recent trip to South Beach with my family during the "off season" I couldn't help but think how churches ought to be more like the Salty Dog. All people should feel welcomed. Your income, education, family background and geographic origin shouldn't matter. Laughter and smiles should be the norm and you ought to be able to reflect on some wonderful memories connected to that community. It should be a "safe place" where you can unplug from the pressures and demands of 21st Century living. It should make 21st Century living easier, not more complicated. It should be a place where everyone "fits".

The New Testament writer, Luke did not have the Salty Dog in mind when he described the New Testament Church in Acts 2:44---"All the believers were together and had everything in common." However, it's this sense of community I get when I go there with friends and family. Come to think of it, it's this sense of community I get when I gather with the Mosaic faith community: laughter, imperfect people, fond memories, unconditional acceptance and love, and a community that loves kids. If your church isn't like that perhaps you need to ask your pastoral staff and leadership to retreat to South Beach and make some observations. Better yet, re-read the second chapter of Acts.

I get to return to the Salty Dog later this month with a close friend and my parents. Notice, I didn't say "I have to go" like many of us do regarding church. I can't wait! It's a privilege and an opportunity. How much more so for the community of faith? Okay, now where's that bandanna we got for our dog.