Sivin Kit's Garden

Incarnational Mission & Missiology

This will be my weekend reading ...

1. Incarnational Mission — Mark Norridge

2. Incarnational Missiology — Graham Old

Random Thoughts after 6hours of "pain"

The STM gate was really welcoming, it's a really nice place - thought popping up - "what am I getting myself into?" - "Just do it lah!"

It's always nice to have someone else suffer with you ... :-) this guy helped me get my first A in seminary!

when you walk in, there's a kind of mysterious mood of uncertainty and challenge.

The questions for the papers were ok, I was glad that I did some reading (not so much before the exam but ongoing stuff) Pick 2 questions for each paper, I do the usual - mind map first, then just scribble!

Ah the sense of satisfaction is wonderful ... even though I may not be satisfied with the answers. It's amazing how much one can write when they are confined to a room alone and under some pressure. Nothing fantastic but at least something came out ...

Oh yes, remember to bring extra pens that you like and have enough ink. Plus, it's not just a mental thing - of course, I put a lot of heart in the writing - but you need to train your hand for such hard labour. Haven't written like this for a long time - and I think my handwriting technique is awful ... I still feel the "pain" in the hand ... "no pain no gain", they say

you can't help it ... "I see the light!"

Forgiving the Church?

Thanks Andy for this one - it's not easy but for our health it's necessary.

"When we have been wounded by the Church, our temptation is to reject it. But when we reject the Church it becomes very hard for us to keep in touch with the living Christ. When we say, "I love Jesus, but I hate the Church," we end up losing not only the Church but Jesus too. The challenge is to forgive the Church. This challenge is especially great because the Church seldom asks us for forgiveness, at least not officially. But the Church as an often fallible human organization needs our forgiveness, while the Church as the living Christ among us continues to offer us forgiveness.

It is important to think about the Church not as "over there" but as a community of struggling, weak people of whom we are part and in whom we meet our Lord and Redeemer."
~ Henri Nouwen

It is finished ... for now!

Well ... tonight I'll get some decent sleep and start reading the stuff I want to after finally completing something I have procrastinated for four years namely just the entrance exam to see whether they accept me for the Masters programme. 6 hours answering six questions - on the Old Testament, the New Testament and Ethics. That's after finished three papers on Church History, Theology and Missiology.

It's a good feeling, a burden lifted in a way. My friend Augy which is very instumental in getting me back on track in this matter short messaged me on the phone and said "It is finished" you bet! To be honest, it has merely begun, but I'm glad his old friend will be "jogging" with me along the path these coming years. I realize when their's some one who comes along and gives us a little nudge we can go far together, for that I'm thankful!

Books from Amazon

Thanks to a nice birthday present by a wonderful family (you know who you are!), got four books from Amazon. Their arrival came much sooner than I expected and I've already started reading two and look forward to read the other two once I plough through 6 hours of pre-masters programme entrance exam.

Here are the goodies in no order of priority:

- Christianity Rediscovered by Vincent J. Donovan (which I was delighted to find out that Lamin Sanneh wrote something at the end of the book)

- God Sense: Reading the Bible for Preaching by Paul Scott Wilson (I read two of his books on preaching and found them excellent especially The Four Pages of the Sermon: A Guide to Biblical Preaching)

- The Logic of Renewal by William J. Abraham (again partly because I was really challenged and stretched by his other book Logic of Evangelism)

- A Theory of Everything : An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science and Spirituality by Ken Wilber (this one is not a Christian book at all ... but I got it due to Brian McLaren's recommendation, so far it's quite an engaging read and sparks my mind in some useful dimensions especially when it comes to seeking a more integrated vision of life)

I think someone asked me how do I find time to read ... I read when I'm waiting for the green light during traffic (that's a little dangerous so usually I do articles), I read in the a-hem toilet, I read during advertisement if I'm watching TV (which nowadays I seldom do), I read before I sleep, I read when I wake up after my "solitude" with God (of course, the Scripture part is during the solitude), I read whenever I'm waiting ... and of course, I also set a side some time for more focused reading.

But it's more than just the reading, it's the reflection, it's about the inner reactions and responses that the reading facilitates. It's I think about the burnign questions baffling my mind which there's a strong urge to find answers or at least some directions - a voice calling for resolve I suppose .. I'm grasping for words ... something like that.

Unanswered Questions, Eucharist, Prayer

I found this personal piece by NT Wright "My Pilgrimage in Theology" a warm read. I'm no academic but I think there's a theologian in me :-) in the broadest sense of the word!

Here's two bits that struck me ...

" ...I learned to live with unanswered questions: one of the keys to staying sane and Christian in a lifetime of studying theology is to say ‘I don’t know the answer to this just now, but I’m prepared to wait’. Often the answer comes by an unexpected route, in a form that one wouldn’t have recognized at the original time of asking. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit much needed by theologians.

... Back in Oxford in 1986, the two halves of my professional life came together in a different way. I teach and write about the NT and early Judaism, and especially about Jesus and Paul. I work as a pastor in a college full of students from all backgrounds and in all disciplines. And I have the joy, during term, of a regular celebration of the Eucharist at which, again and again, everything else I do comes into focus. I find myself held within the love of the triune God able to receive fresh grace for fresh tasks. Privately I have found to my surprise that at least sometimes prayer is becoming more of a delight than a discipline—perhaps because I have drawn on traditions other than my own (charismatic on one side, orthodox on the other). Passages from Scripture still jump off the page and make me want to laugh and/or cry with the love and the pain, of God."

A Generous Orthodoxy ~ Review

Thanks to Organic church for this book review ... I think Glad Sounds Malaysia might bring some copies in :-) for a preview with the help of the review ... read on ...

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A Generous Orthodoxy
Brian D McLaren

Graham asked me to post this review.
As this is a biographical book in many ways, reflecting Brian’s own journey, I open with a few comments about myself, since I have approached the book as a check list of my own journey. After ‘gettin saved’ I moved through a Baptist church to an Elim Pentecostal church. During my time there I discovered Calvinism, and at the end of 92 moved to a Calvinistic Baptist church, where I spent 12 years in membership, and the last 2 1/2 as the interim minister. I majored in Calvinism, but there was a minor undercurrent fed by my pastor which included CS Lewis, John Henry Newman, Therese of Lisieux, and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Although these influences enticed me at times, I always returned to the fold. Calvinism gave me a stronghold in which I could examine and learn from other traditions without ultimately beng swayed by them. Though my orbit around the sun of Calvinism might have wavered at times, it remained an orbit. It was something else that proved to be the decisive factor in plotting a course out of orbit, although I didn’t realise at the time; that was Richard Lovelace’s Dynamics of Spiritual Life, a case of Johnathan Edwards and John Wesley meets Sojourners.
During my last two years where I was those influences developed into tangible drawings away, and eventually at the beginning of this year those drawings resolved into a new sun that came through the system I inhabited, and the realisation that, as it drew away I was now in orbit around another sun, and in a new church, where these influences would develop. It was in this frame of mind that I read McLaren’s book, and now comment upon it.

This is a good book, well written (Mclaren is an English major who moved into Christian ministry). It’s as much a credo as anything, definitely a personal book reflecting his own journey rather than a systematic survey of the field.

The book opens with an introduction by John Franke, in which he quotes Tolkien from The Lord of the Rings:
“The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was, is lost, for none now live who remember it.”
Galadriel’s words reflect that bitter sweet longing that Tolkien’s Edwardian generation were heir to after WWI, and although it has its’ place in the introduction, it does not reflect what is the spirit of optimism that actually pervades McLaren’s book. He look back is vigorous, grateful, and respectful, but his gaze is forward, as is his stride.

The book falls into two sections:
Part One - Why I am a Christian, in which McLaren reviews his understanding of Jesus Christ as he has encountered him in different (7) traditions, briefly summed up as:
The Protestant Jesus - He saves by dying; the sacrificial Christ
He reviews the four models of the atonement about Christ’s death: Forensic, Ransom, Representative, Victor. He notes what he sees as the major failings of the protestant view: its’ concentration on our being saved from hell to go to heaven, and to forget everything in between, and the marginalisation of Jesus’ life that this might promote. (He is self-acknowledgely more critical of his own traditions than of others, but I found his criticisms here and in the rest of the book to the point, and balanced by an appreciation of their strengths, even of Calvinism).
The Pentecostal Jesus - He saves by his Spirit; the present Christ
Similar issues to the Protestant one, since it too partakes of the hyper-individualism, the concentration on my experience, my needs, etc
The Roman Catholic Jesus - He saves by his resurrection; the Living Christ
The Eastern Orthodox Jesus - He saves by his incarnation; the cosmic Christ
The Liberal Protestant Jesus - He saves by his teaching; the wise Christ
The Anabaptist Jesus - He saves by his example; the ethical Christ
The Liberation Theology Jesus - He saves by his overcoming the powers that be; the radical Christ

Three chapters deal with the matter of being a Christian, and what salvation means, of which McLaren favours an holistic view that encompasses history, culture, society, politics, rather than the ‘traditional’ view of saving from hell. These are good chapters, and should be expanded into a book, if he hasn’t already done so, since their worth might be missed because of the nature of this book.

Part two consists of brief chapters outlining the influences upon him, and this is where I found help in clarifying my own journey, how far I had come, what the road ahead looked like, what I had missed along the way, and of course, what dangers I should avoid. It is to be noted that he is not promoting a one size fits all ‘Generous Orthodoxy’ orthodoxy; he isn’t writing a Systematics. Some of the chapters reflect how my own thinking is going, some point further down that road, such as the ones that reflect thoughts on my own constituency of Protestant, Evangelical, Calvinist, Liberal/Conservative. Some are directly challenging, esp the chapter on inter-faith conversation and incarnational mission, but also the one on Green issues. His criticisms throughout I thought were well balanced, although I won’t be adopting his new TULIP any time soon LOL . I was challenged, not doctrinally but practically by the chapters on the Charismatic/Contemplative, and Mystical/Poetic areas; I do not have much to do with them, being an INTJ, and I guess I should; prayer can get so mechanical at times. The Emergent chapter was an eye opener on the movement, with the nice image of young trees growing on the forest floor, waiting for the huge trees to fall so that they could grow - it may get discouraging at times being part of the small movements that are around, Cell, House, Emergent, etc, but he is confident their time will come, and that this is God’s provision for a witness when the old trees die.

I would recommend this book, he is an engaging writer, and it presents a good checklist of where you think you might be if you are shifting your ground. I don’t suppose anyone is likely to read this book who hasn’t already set out on the journey, so it is not likely to rock your world - probably his other books do that - and it might be better to wait for the paperback edition, as £12 is a lot to pay for a book that probably tells you what you knew already.
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Reassessment

I'm taking up Maggi's suggestion to "Make a cup fo tea, sit down and read, and reassess your life. " as I read Hugh's How to be creative I read another version on the flight to Germany. I like this pdf format - sandwiched the reading before and after the Sunday worship yesterday. The "Sex & Cash Theory" really got me laughing and thinking! Haven't been drinking a lot of tea lately ... I think I'll have one this afternoon :-) and have some good reasessment.

Free-lance Puppies (revolutions)

This should be my tentative last puppy post ... happy to finish all three 3000 words papers and now touching up the footnotes.

I thought I'd introduce the mummy for all the puppies ... a wonder mom indeed!

Free-lance Puppies (reloaded)

here's another shot ... before I left home today the puppies were hanging out at our doorstep ... I wonder whether they are migrating back to the 4A house. Anyway so far the neighbors have been helping to take care of them. I saw a couple taking a good nap today .. so peaceful!

Free-lance Puppies

Finally I got a number of good shots of the puppies at our place (well more of the neighbors house actually) Haven't given them names yet ... Gareth just calls them "puppies!"

Another conversation with Brian

Thanks to Abductive Columns for the link to A Conversation with Brian Mclaren conducted by the provokingly named Church Marketing Sucks! (Will read it before I sleep tonight)

Random Thoughts before another long week

Good news this morning ... another baby girl born in to our world and will be warmly welcomed to the BLC family (congrats to the Chong family!)

The last week ... was rather overwhelming ...I'm thankful that the Worship Wars No More sessions were completed, trust that it has served as a catalyst for new beginnings. Then there was the time when son & wife each fell sick for one day, speaking at University College Sedaya International (UCSI) Christian Fellowship, wedding rehearsal, wedding on saturday, and the usual BLC worship gathering related ministry continuing the new series.

Had a couple of home-cooked meals whcih I thoroughly enjoyed and I think Gareth did too! (Note the picture!)

Glad to hear of some answered prayers where jobs were offered, others protected from accidents, and help was available to those who had unexpected troubles.

First Malaysian Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Malaysia & Singapore Rev. Peter Foong passed away on Sunday. Memorial services last night and tonight at Luther House Chapel 8pm.

some "interesting" conversations also transpired last week, numerous concerns "emerged" as well ... It's been a "strange" week ... but God's grace has been breaking through somehow. And now, for another one week ... one step at a time.

Oh yeah ... Mummy May Chin did a pretty good job with Gareth's haircut .. he liked it :-)

The Hiking Path Meant For One

Ok Chin Hor is the young reflective lad with spikey hair and a tender heart. James with the bass guitar (who's blog has vanished I heard until he gets one back) is the playful and fun-loving youngest council member we've got. These two lads are the "creative" wing of BLC and great camera men. They have the coolest hairstyles in our church.

Chin Hor's has been blogging (not all BLC members blog, some do, some don't), but I thought I'd introduce the newest BLC blogger to all ...

The Hiking Path Meant for One

The Wailing Wall of Flawed Evangelism Attempts

As I'm finalizing my preparations for the upcoming "Evangelism for Dummies" sessions at the Cheras Parish (a combination of a number of Lutheran churches in that area) the next four tuesdays and in BLC in November 5-7. I found these statements educational (via Off-the-Map eNewsletter Feb 2002). I thought about some stories I could tell as well ... well let's listen to other people first.
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One by one people made their way to the "wall" to write down some "evangelistic memory" they just as soon forget.

At the wall people were able to cleanse their evangelistic consciences and discover that they weren't the only ones who had made bad evangelistic decisions for "all the right reasons"

Here's what we found on the wall at one of our events:

# Some Christian friends and I surrounded a guy at school and told him God wanted him to come to an evangelistic meeting. He came and "prayed the prayer" but was so freaked out that whenever he saw me from then on, he would literally turn and run. I'm sorry.

# 1983-1988 were what I now think of as my "pious years." During that time I told my Mormon sister she would go to Hell as well as many street people. I never saw one conversion. I'm sorry, Lord.

# I slipped and got high with a guy I was trying to witness to, only to have him call me a hypocrite. Please send your word to him now.

# In an attempt to be open with a girl I was interviewing for a job, I asked several questions about her life. She described her very recent wedding that took place in a forest. "Cool," I said. "What's your husband's name?" "Jill" she replied. My mouth dropped down so far, I think it hit my knees. I blew it and didn't know how to continue.

# I dressed as a woman with balloons for breasts for some awful street drama. God forgive me for scaring so many people.

# I once asked a teen age girl to "pray the prayer" while her mother was present. The mom objected. I prayed with her anyway. God please forgive my abuse.

# I have prayed for the "lost" but I have not loved them, lived with them or invited them. Lord forgive me. I am lost!

# Praying for a girl who had real issues, and when she tried to get up and leave we physically restrained her from leaving. God forgive us.

# A group of us were going to go witness at a psychic fair after church. We met before church in a room adjacent to the sanctuary and proceeded to get in a big fight about how we were going to approach this project. The fight continued right through the service and our yelling got so loud that the pastor had to send someone in to quiet us down. Needless to say, our trip ended up a disaster. (Yes, we still went out and totally blew it.)

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emergent & liminal

Alan Roxburgh is a wise man that needs to be heard ... and his latest interview from Allelon is a gem which touches on hi upcoming book Leadership in a Time of Change (which is now on my wish list.)

His description of the two groups of church leaders in North America is insightful and helpful. In my humble opinion, of course as usual I find myself connected to both groups since Christianity in Malaysia is less polarized if one is in a mainline denomination like the Lutheran Church in Malaysia, and see myself as part of the "mixing" group hinted in his answer here ...

"The two groups that you have described above are like two tribes comprising many church leaders across North America today. I would give them two specific names: one we call the Liminals, the other the Emergents. The lines that separate them are not always clear, and determinative. In fact these days there is a good deal of mixing between them although generational differences have tended to play a big role in their differentiation over the last decade or so. The Liminals are shaped by their training and vocations within denomination systems and congregations that have had long histories. Many Liminals now find themselves leading congregations with long histories but are finding themselves in a new social location—the world in which these congregations and denominations were formed and functioned well has suddenly disappeared. These Liminals feel called to a missional future but have little sense of how to do that in terms of their own skills and capacities as well as how to go about cultivating such transformation in existing congregations. "

So, as Bangsar Lutheran Church (BLC) is quite unique because as a "resurrected" church I find myself open to "emergent" values but at the same time, being part of the Lutheran denomination I'm well aware of the "liminal" realities we face. He goes on ...

"The Emergent tribe is shaped by a different kind of story. Emergents are reacting to what they see in the churches; they label existing denominational churches as institutional and out of touch with the massive shifts they perceive occurring in our culture. They want nothing to do with these institutional churches because they are trying to push for a new kind of life in the desert with little idea of how to go about it. Their almost ritualized confession to one another is: “we are uncertain about what we’re doing but we’re not going back to denominational churches or existing congregations.” This group of individuals needs to have some coaching, encouragement, and mentoring if they are to reach the dream they envision for the future of Christianity."

I admit I do react to existing problems I see in denominational churches as institutional but I also react against "insitutional" mindsets very much present in much of Malaysian Christianity not in denominational churches but in mega-churches too (Thus my problem is less with the "insitution" but with "mindsets")! For me, I resonate some what with the phrase “we are uncertain about what we’re doing" in that I'm open for innovation and experimentation and asking hard and tough questions (with the desire for answers), but I don't go with this phrase "but we’re not going back to denominational churches or existing congregations.” Maybe my experience in BLC has opened up the possibility to remain in a denomination and "emerge" and "explore" from there. In fact, I've been feeling strongly lately that sense of "helplessness" at times felt in our setting may actually put us in a place where we can genuinely re-work ourselves to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Thus, I say a big Amen to ...

"Each tribe, from different perspectives, is trying to address the question of missional faithfulness in the midst of discontinuous change. One tribe, the Liminals, looks back realizing it was prepared to lead a world that is disappearing. They realize that the skills and habits passed down to them and reinforced in schools of theology fall short of addressing many of the culture’s greatest needs.

"The Emergents look forward to a new kind of church, but in so doing are more and more willing to jettison the church life they have known. However, with this rejection they are also implicitly letting go of crucial pieces of memory and story. The Emergent tribe is full of wonderful imagination and hope. They are huge risk takers. They are brave, passionate men and women who long to experience God’s missional life, but they are also in danger of losing the kind of memory that has given the church its direction forward."

Missional faithfulness is what's we are all into ... and I want to be part of the solution not the problem. Kyrie Eleison ...

Grand Parents

I was really happy that mom could make it for Gareth's Birthday Dim-sum lunch yesterday. And I was even happier to see him just "hanging out" with mom freely (there were times he was shy because he seldom sees my mom). But nowadays, he's actually quite affectionate to her. I find it a great joy as well to see mom full of smiles and happiness as she relates to her first grand child.

Grandparents are such an important part of Gareth's life thus far and I'm thankful that May Chin's parents (photo below) play an important part as well taking care of him during the day so both of us are able to do our work with less worries. Of course, we thought about it before whether May Chin would like to be a homemaker, but the reality of our situation just somehow makes that option not possible. We don't loath in guilt because of this decision (to some the ideal is for one to be at home - who's that supposed to be huh? *grin*), we focus on putting all our energies possible to make where we (and we we can do) work and see what's possible ahead. With such grace, then we move on!

Floating Ideas (Pilot Episode)

I've been using "Random Thoughts" more on reflecting on past events, or immediate insights that bubbles inside of me, and of course ideas that captured my imagination. However, it's been more of a looking back kind of exercise. I've always want to have a kind of frame to help be look more to the future - kind of brainstorming exercise. So, I finally settled on this "Floating Ideas" catergory :-) here's a test run!

--> what if pastors/leaders are taught "how to adapt" (so we're moving beyond just attending a conference and come home with a stack of notes and ideas) and be introduced to a framework that (1) helps them think through their own context, (2) Scan through the best use of available material (often produced in the west because of the resource production ability), and (3) custom-design resources that would fit into their own context? (so for once and for all we Malaysians can be cured of the copy-whole-sale disease)

--->> Practically speaking, we can do a "Exchange-Get-Together". Get 20-30 pastors & person in charge of education together, bring all the stuff they are already using (i.e. tapes, curriculum, books, etc) meet for half a day and share what they are already doing (with some struggles surely), and then at the end after listening to all who shared, reflect on how one may adapt even more.

Of course, this is more than just "exchanging" notes on materials and resources. That's the entry point. The deeper questions is how do we see "spiritual formation" - in both personal and corporate terms.

"I am TWO!"

Happy Birthday ... Gareth Kit Kye Ker!

A Primer on Emerging Church?

Thanks to Chris Erdman for these insights ... (I must say the past four years has been a great ride for me in terms of re-entering the Bible and do some serious hard work theologically ... side by side with an openness to "innovations" & "Improvisations" .. I love the "Jazz" metaphor ... plus I feel not only am I not finished yet, I just got started!)

Well, understanding postmodernism is one thing, understanding the emerging church phenomenon may be another. There's a good deal being written in emerging church circles that tends to be pretty silly...that is, untethered to anything substantial. It can be terribly fadish and experimental, which is not a bad thing so long as it is understood this way. Stanley Hauerwas (theologian from Duke) once remarked to his students who so quickly wanted to depart from the tradition: "you don't know enough about the tradition in order to depart from it!" I think this can be true in emerging circles. Folks, disenchanted and disenfranchised with traditional Christianity haven't done the hard work of understanding history and theology. Luther and Calvin were reformers who understood such things and were competent to challenge the errors of what had become of the tradition.

While I celebrate the new openness for the gospel that comes because of postmodernism's questioning of Modernity, I am not a postmodernist. What I mean here is that postmodernism cracks open the church's captivity to Modernity so that we can re-enter the Bible and do some good hard work theologically. In this sense I am a theological conservative. Memory of the tradition is vital, but I am also extremely open to innovation that "does jazz" on the tradition. As any good jazz musician knows you cannot improvise unless you "know your scales" and have rehearsed them over and over again. There is a "ground" necessary for good improvisation and experiment. There is much that tries to be music but is simply noise in my ears

I think understanding what the Lord is doing to birth new expressions of the kingdom today means understanding how we got here in the first place. In my mind, Lesslie Newbigin's little book, Foolishness to the Greeks has pride of place. If you're looking for a more expansive survey . . .

I'd recommend David Bosch's, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in the Theology of Mission (he does biblical and historical work and charts a course for missional renewal after Modernity).

Then you might want to understand how people critique the place the church has occupied in the last centuries. For an entry into this I'd suggest Willimon and Hauerwas' book, Resident Aliens.

And finally, reading testimonies of the experiments in newness can give witness to emergence...but these experiments must not only be new and technological; they can also be experiments like Bonhoeffer's little school for Confessing Church pastors in the 1930's, George McLeod's experiment in Iona, Scotland that began about the same time, Brother Roger of Taize's experiment that began in the mid-1940's, the Focolare movement that began around a Roman Catholic nun in France following the war, the Catholic Worker movement around Dorothy Day, and on and on...it would also be interesting to explore the monastic movements in the early church, and the organization around St. Benedict in the seventh century. All of these are expressions of Holy Spirit emergence at times when the church became to captive to the Powers. You see, emergence is not just happening among GenX and GenY, but has been happening whenever and wherever the Holy Spirit has seen captivity and has found some daring enough to try new forms of missional obedience. Among the GenX, etc. Brian McLaren and Doug Pagitt are thoughtful,and I'd certainly add Tom Beaudoin's book, Virtual Faith to the list. Len Sweet rings a hollow note to me and frankly I'm not exactly sure why. It may be that from all appearances he is merely a reporter on what he observers. He's a very capable and entertaining reporter, to be sure, but he doesn't seem to have have real and personal ties to a Christian community to which he is yielded...that is, he is apparently not deeply embedded inside living, local commuties and therefore while his reporting is interesting it doesn't speak authentically to me.

As to other able interpreters who are writing today Alan Roxburgh and Darrell Guder would top my list. But there are many others who would be helpful too--Wendell Berry on economics and environment, George Lakoff on politics.

My reply to Will on the "E" words

Willzhead asked me "What do the words 'emerging' and 'emergent' mean in that context?" (I presume our context here in BLC, KL/PJ, Malaysia)

Here was my quick reply which he said made sense ...

I think for me "emerging" is (1) more of a description of the reality
we're in - i.e. we a young four year old church is "emerging" and we
as a Malaysian church is still "emerging" (thus avoiding a static
arrived image or mindset) (2) I guess building on the first and
somehow tugged in the back of my mind is something you wrote as it
being a "value"

Does all this make sense?

Emergence

May Chin was telling me how the word "emerging" suddenly popped out more and more in the news lately. I found it amusing because when I use the words "emerging", "emergent" and "emergence" they draw out quite interesting and even contrasting responses - some connect it with how the early church was emerging, others may see another "trend" lurking or equate it with a phase, one or two might not know what to do with it. At times, it can be frustrating but I guess it's important to allow "new" & "unfamiliar" words to get our lazy brains sending more signals (i.e. thinking) and I think it's also important to look at "old" & "familiar" words like "Evangelism" (which I'll be doing later at 5pm with a bunch of university students) and recapture is lost essence. Mental pictures always helps ... like this section from the chapter "Why am I Emergent" in A Generous Orthodoxy (p. 276)

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Also about this time Steven Johnson's bestselling Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software was published. The book explored how a community (of ants, of slime mold spores, of city dwellers) can be smarter than its consituents, how new levels of intelligience emerge from the interaction of lesser intelligiences:

Random Thoughts after Worship Wars: No more! Part 1

I was delightfully surprised and chastised for my lack of faith when more than 35people turned up last night for the Worship Wars: No More! workshop (I know we had to last minute photocopy more notes, thanks Moh Foong). Apart from BLC, we had people from Damansara Utama, Salak South, 11th Mile, Good Shepherd & Luther House (who originally mooted the idea of the workshop) There was an interesting mix of participants from the young punk college student to the more senior steady uncle. And of course, we had a youth pastor with three ordained pastors thrown in for pleasure! What's more important as the conversations begin, may the needed changes happen.

I just finished reading A Generous Orthodoxy. And hope to put up some thoughts soon. But first must contribute and pay my dues :-) to the group blog aGenerousOrthodoxy.com His chapter on "Why am I Incarnational" really pressed some key pressure points for me.

I'm planning to read our PM's speech delivered at the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies delivered I just found out on my Birthday ... hmmm) His opening already drew me in and I'm interested to understand at least his vision of what is and what is to come.

Of course, I read also the Malaysian Former Deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim TalkAsia Interview Transcript with interest on Monday as well.

In the past I didn't really bother about what's happening around me unless it has immediate concern to me. But, I realized that I am a human being, a Christian and a citizen living in Malaysia and though I need not be pre-occupied and paralysed by the socio-economic and political currents around me, I cannot and must not ignore it. The least I can do is pray ... :-) but that's just the least. The next step is to genuinely live out the best that I can possibly can in my journey as a Christ-follower.

Theoblogy

I was always curious of what Tony Jones had to say. Introducing not for the faint-hearted Theoblogy (thanks to Pomomusings (looks like he's enjoying seminary) for the link

When Numbers Matter

Thanks Subvergence for the link to Worldometers, I looked at the earth today through the lens of numbers but it's more than numbers isn't it? It's about what the numbers indicate ... and the questions that can be asked which leads to the actions that can be done.

The Love Chapter

I found Will's post on Writing Your Own Copy of "The Message" energizing my creative juices again this morning, I believe trying it out would give one a taste of what it means to let the Scriptures "saturate" & "shape" us. I admit, some passages would be harder to do it at first glance but I was delighted to read Lisa's effort here in The Love Chapter and The Love Chapter, cont'd. Here's a sneek into what she wrote:

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... If I speak with polish of Glenn Close, or write like Annie Dillard, or do either of these with the perspective of one who serves God and has stood in praise before the Divine Presence -- and have no love to give -- well, all those words might as well be thrown in the garbage because they sound like the hideous noise of a dial-up modem connecting to the internet.

Faith, and hope and love abide here now as we paupers live our lives covered in a costly grace. But love? It outshines it all.
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Thoughts from a 32year Old IV: How May Chin changed my whole being

May Chin is one who shys away from publicity ... I hope I won't get scolded for putting up this picture of her pretty relaxed (Thanks Chin Hor excellent work on the shot). We still hold the record for dating in BLC (i.e. 10 years)!!! I must say she still looks young and pretty while I've grown "bulkier" (is there such a word) around the waist and thinner & greyer hair. Now for more important changes ...

I was once a solo rat on the run always ... she injected a strong dose of family into me. For which has been good for the Kit family. I still wonder how mom handles the three men in the house who are always on "solo flights" somewhere.

I was once a totally hopeless disorganized mess ... now I'm proud to say I'm a little more hopeful organized mess!

I was once easily caught in my own whirlpool of disappointment and self-doubt, now though I still get wet on and off but I'm less likely to get sucked into despair.

I was once disconnected with the "real" world and very much in the "church" world, now I really enjoy hanging out with her friends and connecting with what people call the "real" world through her life and work. Of course, I still think that there is a more "REAL" world ...all of us need to engage :-) that's for another post.

I was once someone who had no taste for curry and whatever is spicy, now I have no choice (at times) but also have developed a healthy taste for food that ranges from red to yellow.

I was once who's not into "pure traveling" (might as well sleep at home or usually related to work), but with May Chin we've spent some winter days in Seoul and I even think about where we can go locally for a trip.

There are some stuff that didn't change so much as maybe morphed into what I think is better or a greater blessing ...

Our love for Jesus ... she's helped me to be real and be authentic. No faking here!

Our view of Christians ... she's given me perspectives and intuitive insights that allows us to be more realistic and honest. In short, I think at least we've given up on being "freaky" (or weird) so we can focus on being faithful.

Our relation to others ... She's been instrumental to keep me connected when I'm tempted to go off some "solo" track again. Acceptance, discernment, caution, affirmation, care and concern .. all these words have more depth now.

Our place in this world ... She's definately the one who keeps me on the practical ground as I fly around in my creative sky space. While I think I've got a clearer picture of my place in this world, she helps me see how we can find "our place" in this world as a couple and as a family.

By the way, .... I do miss those "interesting" letters we wrote to each other ... listening to one of them read by May Chin one night surfaced more than giggles - growing more in human responsibility is compatible with growing more in human romance! Both/And sounds good!

Thanks dear!

Thoughts from a 32year old III: How A-Boy and BLC changed my adventures

Gareth is going to be two on the 8th of October! Something just "popped" inside me when I witnessed Gareth's birth and just being part of his growth and discovery of what being human is all about together with May Chin (who's the real hero in this story - hope you all will have a change to read it from her point of view soon! *grin*) has made me see my own journey in a new light. (Phew! that was a long sentence!) And now for more ...

Being a father really is not what I expected (did I have any expectations? not sure now!), but it has been indeed a fun and fantastic adventure so far ... playing together, praying together, trying to "reason" with him ... recently figuring out the best way to "discpline" this "tender wild horse". All this while the hardworking, discipline, faithful Ox - I mean his mom and my wife May Chin wonders what to make of us ... the Rat always sniffing for potato chips and the Horse galloping around with new tricks here and there. I recall Bob Brow telling me about my "enhanced" theological education after being a father ... I must say Bob, "You are absolutely-certainly-beyond probability RIGHT as far as my life is concerned. You are indeed a wise man!" (the enhancement extended to psychology, anthropology, philosophy, socialogy, whatever is coming next as well)

I think as far as Bangsar Lutheran Church (BLC) is concerned I was probably more like a midwife in helping her re-birth in the year 2000. The pregnancy was unexpected and not easy. We have our very own "jaunice" scare to tell and all sorts of "teething" stories too. Of course as a four year old we're bumping into stuff and falling down ever so often. But, we've grown (at least in lives connected, spiritual maturity and genuine ministry). Thankfully, we've grown ... by God's grace. And there's still a long way to go ...

BLC has been a significant part of my adventure so far constantly bringing me back to the realities of ordinary human beings attempting to live our the Christian faith in a beautiful and yet complicated country like Malaysia (I must add stressful as well especially in KL/PJ where all of us work and live). Being her pastor has opened doors and windows that I could never have imagined. She's taught me much that I didn't learn in seminary (even though I'm thankful for the tools the seminary provided for me to learn in the first place). I don't see too many "trophies" I could boast about, I'll leave that for Jesus final assesment in the final party and those whom have somehow been connected to us. I've been "cut" during this time, and I've bled ... but the scars are now redeemed to be stories of grace and redemption. And I've also feasted and played in the many "intentional" and often unexpected parties (I'm using a lot of metaphorical language here) through the more normal parts of church life like worship, community, outreach, learning, leadership,etc, but there were loads of other not so normal parts outside of the "organized" dimension that has enriched me.

I enjoyed so much singing with Gareth in the car a couple of nights ago. May Chin and I sang, "Jesus, loves me this I ... ", Gareth goes "Knoooow", We carry on "For the Bible tells me ....", he goes on "soooooo" and then when we reach the chorus, We sing "yes, Jesus loves ...." , he knows the que " MEEEEEE!"

Yes, Jesus loves ..... MEEEEEE ...

Nothing individualistic here (that's a taboo word for me!) .... but, as I'm looking at all this today, I truly think that "Jesus, loves me!" and I know it's not just me He loves (There's more that's available)!

Thoughts from a 32year old II: How Bob and Brian changed my thinking

I more of an acoustic guitar player. But, this is a rare shot of me playing electric guitar. (please forgive me for self-indulging in some personal photos - I'm enjoying it anyway - it is my birthday *grin*)

Brian Mclaren is one name that can't help cropping up in this blog. We've never met face to face. I'm not sure whether he remembers me. But I did send him an email once (before he's famus now in some quarters) and will never forget his reply ... My Question: "How do you balance preaching to seekers or believers in your worship service? (something like that ... I was reading the Purpose Driven Church in year 2000). His reply in short "I preach to humans" (not sure whether it's the exact words but that's the gist of the gem sent back to me). So, if you want to ask, I have read ALL his books (and enjoyed them all), there are parts I'm not too sure to whether to agree or am puzzled with but I'm glad to have someone articulate it well so I could have something concrete to engage with (which means I resonate with a lot that he's saying but more so with his approach in finding the answers).

Before Brian I must mention another very important unsung hero (hardly anyone knows him at least here in Malaysia) - He's Bob Brow (also one I haven't met face to face yet!). As I was reading A Generous Orthodoxy during the traffic jam this morning (oh yes! reading while driving has been a dangerous sport I've been engaging in - of course, I only read at the red light - imagine people hitting the horn when I'm so into the reading! - sorry i digress as usual), I recall that it was Bob who created "space" for me to explore another way of "thinking" or doing theology ... what he calls MODEL THEOLOGY. The first time I saw his name was when I got the book UNBOUNDED LOVE and after an internet search, found his website - we corresponded for quite a while through email. Bob also was the first who introduced me to a post-modern approach to religion in GOD OF MANY NAMES and his RELIGION: ORIGINS AND IDEAS gave me some handles to understand my own "religion" as well as others. I still think his book GO MAKE LEARNERShave many relevant things to say to our situation. I've read almost all his books as well and found them simple and very helpful (I know of others who severely criticize his approach - I've merely been generous as he's been so generous with me). Did I mention our email exchanges? Oh yes ... these were even more precious than the books ... Bob became my mentor and pastor when I was in my "valley of the shadow of death" and my extended "desert period". When you know someone personally, it does make a difference how you read their stuff.

Thanks Bob and Brian ...

Thoughts from a 32year Old: How broadband & blogging changed my life

Ok I'm "a Rat" -- born in the year 1972 today! May Chin will say I always have a way to "sniff" out where she hides the potato chips (what can I say it's a gift! It's in born - I mean the sniffing). When I want something, somehow the "sniffing" & "searching" natural(God-given?!) abilities kick in and wah lah!

So when I had Broadband internet access it it made it possible for me to really enjoy my "sniffing" around the net and "munching" or "storing" (downloading) tons of information (from Pdf files to audio files) so I get a wider and faster taste of the goodies that's available. Of course, I also quickily spit out "trash" and have an occassional "food poisoning" (i.e. overload). But, I think I'm getting a hang of it. Of course, I already stepped into this new mode of "living" and "learning" with dial-up internet access ... but that's just the appetizer, now it's feasting! (of course, I need to fast as well ... for my sanity and humanity!) so as far as raw knowledge acquisition is concerned, a major shift!

And now for Blogging (my first efforts here). This plunges me deeper. At first, I just wanted to have a "place" to "record" down my moments and reflections. I never thought it actually gave me more confidence in my writing (which I still think it sucks!). The more delightful and surprising aspect is how new "friendships" (to many to even link now) that are formed by a "generous" exchange of ideas and links (and love/respect/encouragement/correction?!). I find my horizons constantly "expanding" and more multiple "connections"in terms of ideas and insights. And of course, in a context like that, I believe some "butterfly effect" kind of change (for the better of course) is happening! Some of this has spilled over even to others in the church and now we even have a BLC community blog and of course trying to experiment whether we can share our mutual learning here (starting with our leaders and an avid reader).