Religious Newswriters Association Feedback

I'm now sitting in a presentation at the Religious Newswriters Assoc., here in San Antonio, TX.  These people reflect the mainstream media who write about church and religion and spirituality in America in local papers across the country as well as some big news hubs.  As an exhibitor, it's an interesting place to be.  Our Rev!/Group half table display is beside the Islamic Magazine which is beside the Buddhist display.   Straight across from us is the Hindu group and next to them are the Animal & Religion group, basically the Human Society's approach to connect with churches and faith communities.

While I ran into some friends from Lifeway and Outreach Magazine, and while Max Lucado spoke at the luncheon, this is truly a slice of Americana in terms of spiritual diversity today.  We as pastors and church leaders better get used to 3 things in my perspective:

1. We'd better get use to more and more diversity, as people embrace more and divergent beliefs.  Most of us in church work live a bit in bubbles, perceiving that a lot more people think and live like us than really do.

2. We'd better get to understand these differences.  I actually enjoyed walking around to the other exhibitors and sincerely asking them about who they were, what they did, and what their cause was about.  Telling should tak a backseat to listening for efficacy.

3. We'd better get more savvy in general if we are to reach people.  We are not going to be able reach people like we used to with some door to door flyers and Gospel tracts.  Creating authentic, off-line, out-of-church connections.  We are in for some interesting days, with plenty of opportunities, for those of us willing to learn how to read the culture.

Forget pastor; think missionary.  Fun times in hot, humid TX.

One final thot: the last blog, several moons ago, was about losing my early mentor, Ray Ortlund.  I was stunned last nite when my friend, Les Parrott III, informed me that his father, another mentor of mine, passed last Sunday.  "Dr. Parrott" was one of those sage guys you could talk shop, church politics, and leadership, and came away from it inspired and honored.  Tears came as I heard the news of his going home.  I guess it's more and more up to us to become mentors so they tear up when we leave earth.  Thanks, Dr.

Ode To Ray Ortlund

Last month, my friend died.

Ray Ortlund is the most godly man i know.  I say "is" vs. "was" because theologically, he still exists, more live than ever, we're told.  But he went to heaven after 80 plus years, over 6 decades in ministry.

Ray was an Iowa boy, Princeton Sem. grad, megachurch pastor, author, radio broadcaster, and loving father, husband, and mentor.  I'm proud to know him as the first and last in that illustrious list.  He took me under his wing when i was planting our first church in Mission Viejo, CA and his wife, Anne, took my wife, Nancy, under her wing.

I never heard Ray say anything negative about anybody.  He suffered a bit from low self-esteem, i think, because he often came across a bit too lowly, if you ask me.  But as far as i know, that was his only flaw.  When i think of someone i'd like to emulate, i think of Ray.  A few years ago i drove from AZ to Newport to attend a dinner in his honor.  The church fellowship hall was packed; and to think i felt like i was his favorite protege; go figure.

I interviewed Ray and Anne in their condo not long ago, for an article we ran in Rev! recently.  One never knows when it's the last we'll see somebody, but it was my last time to see that cheesy but genuine smile and the gleam in his eyes.  Even now, i tear up thinking about losing a friend like that, but you know, it makes the idea of heaven all the better.  I'll never be a Ray Ortlund, but i can aspire to move in that direction.

Yeah Ray!  Thanks for the influence in my life.

My 3rd Space

First space refers to your home.  Second space refers to where you work.  Third space is where you prefer to go when you're not at home or work.  For a growing number of pastors, their 2nd and 3rd space are the same... a coffee shop.  For the last decade and a half, I've tended to write a lot of my articles, sermons, and books in Starbucks.  My family teases me that I can spot one in a new city, better than anyone.  One of my sons hates coffee but owns Starbucks stock, hoping I'll drive up the profits.

While I like the Starbucks feel and coffee taste, I'm not a fan of their charge for WiFi since I'm not a HotSpot subscriber.  I really like Panera Bread, a growing franchise that has good pastries (unlike Starbucks) and is more reasonably priced, plus they don't charge for WiFi.

I have a couple local favorite coffee shops as well, Ma and Pa vendors with a less corporate feel and more free WiFi.

I find that I can do about 50% more work than at my desk, where I tend to be distracted by e-mail, the phone, stacks of "to do" work and interruptions from walk-by's.  Still, I'm finding that my work with Group doesn't allow for as much 2nd-3rd space time as I'd prefer.

So where do you work best?  What is your 3rd space and do you combine 2nd and 3rd spaces?