Is Heaven for Real?

There is a well known book and now a movie entitled, “Heaven is for Real”. heavenisforrealIt is the account of a young boy named Colton Burpo who says that during a life-saving surgery, that he visited heaven. The story is very convincing as Colton shares information he normally would not know unless someone had to him.

His father, Todd Burpo, is a small town pastor. I sense his struggle to share this story and how it would be received.

I am very skeptical about the account. Continue reading

Film It and They Will Come

Movie_Reel_2I surprised the youth one evening as I was speaking to them. We were taking time and sharing about favorite movies, actors, music, etc. The topic turned to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I shared that I enjoyed the movie until the end when the director and/or writer of the movie changed the ending and I was trying to find out what social point they were trying to make through the movie to the viewing audience. I said that I cannot go and enjoy a movie, I analyze it to see what agenda they are trying to “push” on the viewers. What message is the movie sending? They were surprised and you may be too at the statement. After all, can’t a movie, a book, a play, just be entertainment and carry no hidden agenda? My answer is no. Continue reading

Would You Attend This Church?

emptypodiumImagine a church where every Sunday you did not know who was going to presenting the message. A church where every Sunday the music might be a little different.

Imagine a church that encouraged small groups to have a different person, that was different than the attendees, to lead them each week.

Imagine a church where you did not have a chance to “connect” with the pastor because you didn’t know who would be the “pastor” (who would lead) each week.

Would you attend a church like that? Continue reading