Scott Miller Blog :: Good Stuff

What I’ve read…Servolution by Dino Rizzo

Great book. Very easy and quick read. For those of you from Pathway – Servolution = Serve Here Serve There. I completely see everything Dino says in this book about how his church has impacted their city, and the world, through serving. Dino and Healing Place Church are where I pray Pathway is in a few years! This book is a great blue print on how to get there!

Churches all over are learning how something as simple as serving can be the very key to reaching your city! From Chad McAtee in North Manchester, IN, to Dino Rizzo in Baton Rouge, LA, it's happening all over!

Matthew 20:28 ²⁸just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

What I’ve been reading…Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro

I've been reading Wayne Cordeiro's book, Leading on Empty. If I were a pastor, and only read 5 books this year (which would be sad if there really were a pastor who read only 5 books a year, but that's another story), I would include this in my books to read. In this book, Wayne talks about how he hit the wall b/c of his lack of Sabbath and rest.

Here's one thought he had…

One of the greatest lessons I'm learning (and yes, I am still learning it) is that rest is not sin. Taking a break doesn't mean you're lazy or that you're not as valuable. Catching your breath now and then doesn't mean you're not carrying your load, or that you are somehow less than committed to your church, your company, or your calling. (p. 124)

Good stuff…might be a great book for anyone in leadership…

What I’ve read…Hellfire: The Jerry Lee Lewis Story by Nick Tosches

About 6 years ago, I was at a conference sponsored by Granger Community Church, and their Sr. Pastor Mark Beeson, said something that I still remember today. Speaking to a room full of pastors, he said, "get a stranglehold on what renews you!" Meaning, find something, anything, that will refill your emotional tank (b/c you will be drained by ministry).

One thing that I've found that renews me is a good biography. It doesn't even need to be a great biography, just a good one. I am interested in not only the public persona, but the back story. What made them the person they are?

Though I have never been a fan of Jerry Lee Lewis, I've been intrigued by his life for a while now. Partially b/c of the fact that both his cousin's Jimmy Lee Swaggart and Mickey Gilley, as well as himself, grew up in an A/G church like I did.

It's not a bad book…rather interesting…but more importantly, it's my diversion…it's getting my mind off of the everyday, and onto something else. What emotionally renews you? Have you pinpointed it yet? What are you waiting for?

What I’ve read…Johnny Cash: The Life of an American Icon by Stephen Miller

Enjoyed this book a load better than what I thought I would. I think it may have turned me into a Johnny Cash fan.

Jason Brooks shared a message a week or two ago at Pathway about Staying in the Battle. Johnny Cash fought the battle until the day he died! The battle of a spiritual man who wanted to please God always, and a carnal man that wanted to "fulfill the lust of the flesh." At times, his spirit man won…at other times, his flesh won.

Really challenged my way of thinking about God's grace. You absolutely cannot take advantage of God's grace (I'll sin now b/c God will always forgive me). But I think there is security in God's grace (I don't lose my salvation at the drop of a hat…though I wouldn't go as far as eternal security).

He was an amazing man, with amazing God given talent, who was saved by an amazing Jesus!

What I’m Reading…Peace to War by Paul Alexander…Part 2

Okay…if you haven't read my previous post upon starting this book, you can read it here. I've finished the book. Various thoughts after reading it:

• The author does a pretty thorough job of laying out the early peace stance of the Assemblies of God. Seems to blame the change (from peace, to following our own convictions) on our desire to be a part of the larger context of the evangelical church.
• Maybe I'm just missing something here, but the overall feel I get from the book is that we need to build our conflict resolution completely on Jesus' command to turn the other cheek. This brings us to the question of whether there ever is a time to take up arms?
• I think the author portrays the US as an evil nation, who's main goal is to expand ourselves economically and militarily (p. 348). This is perhaps one of my biggest beefs with my friends, and fellow followers of Jesus, in the peace ranks…let me state the question…IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOVE YOUR IMPERFECT, BUT YET OVERALL GREAT, COUNTRY AND STILL BE FOR PEACE? I know I am probably painting with too wide of a paint brush here, but it seems most who hold a peace stance also hold some sort of "I hate America" (or close to it) stance as well. Anyone who holds to this peace stance, please prove me wrong on this…
• It seems like the author suggests that 9/11 occurred b/c America was reaping what they've sown (p. 348). Of any of the points made in this book, I will go on record as CLEARLY as possible in stating that I think this is…well…(deep breath…relax…) let me leave it at this – it is an incorrect assumption.
• My initial assumption when starting to read the book was that the authors main desire was to bring the A/G back to its peace roots. I think for the most part, that's a true assumption. Though, I think his convictions go much deeper than the A/G, and he would desire all believers to hold to this stance.
• Did it sway my opinion? No. Did it give me more input on the thought process of those who hold to the peace stance? Not really. Let me just ask now – any of you who hold to the "peace stance" (meaning – never taking another person's life), point me to a book/website that would most succinctly lay out the Biblical basis of your peace stance.

FOR THE RECORD – I hate war. I hate the taking of another person's life. I am not pro-war at all…BUT…I do believe there is a time, Biblically, when it is right to take up arms to defend yourself.

What I’m Reading…Peace to War by Paul Alexander

About a year ago, one of my Anabaptist friends (the Mennonites and Church of the Brethren are a part of that group) chided me on how the fellowship I'm a part of (the Assemblies of God – A/G) used to have a "peace stance," but ended it officially in 1967. A "peace stance" would mean that we, as a fellowship, were against any kind of taking of another person's life, including War. (and maybe "chided" is too strong of a word…"challenged" might be a better word)

Well, it intrigued me enough to purchase Paul Alexander's new book laying out the supposed history of the A/G and the "peace stance." Since moving back to Middlebury, I have learned to hold dear (and I don't say that lightly) my friendships with my Mennonite and COB friends…but it really is hard for me to see where they are coming from on this issue. Maybe this book might shed some light on it? (that is not a further invitation to those in the peace stance arena to give me every book you have on the subject… "well, if that book doesn't do it, here's 5 others that will!" ...hah!)

Why is this issue such a nonnegotiable for so many of my Anabaptist friends? And possibly even for the early leaders in the A/G?

I'm honestly not really reading this to try to sway my opinion on the matter as much as to understand their opinion. If this were a major issue at the founding of our movement…and we did sway from it…I'm not somehow going to run back to it just b/c "we've got to get back to our roots." (which is probably a very biased opinion of what I perceive from Paul Alexander at this point, before reading the whole book)

If somehow, you are reading this Paul, thanks for adding fuel to the fire for my Anabaptist friends my brother! I owe you one…hah!

One more random thought – in the 5^th grade, while interviewing my Mennonite (closet charismatic I believe) grandfather (who was a founding member at East Goshen Mennonite church in Goshen, IN) about his life in the depression, he shared one of his few regrets in life – that he never fought for his country.

Does reading a book on this topic, while taking time off to rest, mean that I am a geek or something? What did you do on your vacation – "oh, I read about the early peace stance of the Assemblies of God."

What I’ve read…It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get IT and Keep IT

I actually finished this book a while ago. One word after reading this book – REFRESHING! It's been some time since I've read a book from someone on the 'conference circuit' that was so centered on having the Holy Spirit leading you. Further thoughts that connected with me -

5 Questions to stir your vision (page 44-45):

1. Why does your organization exist?
2. What can your organization be the best in the world at?
3. If you could do only one thing, what would it be?
4. If you left your organization tomorrow, what would you hope would continue forever?
5. What breaks your heart, keeps you awake at night, wrecks you?

The 5 things they do at LifeChurch.tv (really close to the same list we do at Pathway…page 63):

1. Weekend experiences
2. Missions
3. Small Groups
4. Kids
5. Students

Miscellaneous Quotes:

• …ministries that have it tend to be focused on a limited set of targets. (page 54)
• If your gospel isn't touching others, it hasn't touched you. – Curry R. Blake (page 127)
• On outreach - When was the last time you've had a lost person in your home? How many meaningful conversations did you have with non-Christians this week? Who are the nonbelievers you prayed for today?…most Christians don't wake up one morning and declare, "I've decided not to care about the lost anymore." (page 132-133)
• We have to remember, we do our part, others do their part, and God does his. Outreach is a team event. You may be just one of the four. (page 135)

What I’ve read…Beyond the Soiled Curtain

I just finished the book, Beyond the Soiled Curtain, by David and Beth Grant (Assemblies of God Missionaries). In 1997, moved by what they saw happening in the sex trade industry of India, they helped to start a ministry called Project Rescue. Project Rescue helps those girls and women caught up in the sex trade industry of India and Nepal find freedom and hope in Christ. I spoke with one of our own Pathway missionaries who are on the ground in India, and they said Project Rescue is the real deal.

Ugh. I feel as if something has hit me in the gut. I cried as I read story after story of how girls, many the same age as my own daughters, are forced into this horrible industry.

When I read things like this, I get this overwhelming feeling of "I've got to do something." What that something is, I don't know.

But I've got to do something.

The Shack

I've been so busy the past two weeks, I've had a hard time disconnecting and relaxing! Usually that means I need to dive into a good biography or something…something to get my mind off of everyday things.

How about some fiction…Anyone else reading The Shack by William P. Young? (Why do people include their middle initials when they get famous?...I used to include my middle initial, D, on everything I did in memory of my father – David…don't do it much anymore for some reason) I've had the book for months (The Shack), but just now picked it up.

Just read the first 2 chapters. Apparently, something horrible is getting ready to happen to Missy. If you've read it, what do you think of it? Complete nonsense, and heretical? Or, wow, the most powerful thing I've read in a while? (I've heard both of these reactions from friends)

What I’ve read…Sinatra the Life by Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan

The time was 1930's and 1940's, and Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, was coming on the scene. Last year I read a book about Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis (Dean and Me), so I decided to jump into this book about Sinatra.

Mr. Sinatra was an interesting fellow. For some reason I have this thought in my mind of this generation as being a moral generation…loving God and country. Well, they may have loved the God they created (part from the Bible and part from their own desires) and country, but morality was as much in despair as it is in today's Hollywood.

It is from this book that I found the most disappointing quote of the 15-20 books I've read over the summer…

He had decided never to write his autobiography, he had said, "because I'm not proud of too many things I've done." (P. 389)

That was one of the last sentences in the book. I could comment on it, but I'll let you think on it. God help me if that's one of the final quote's in a book on my life.

Well written, and full of snapshots into this pre-rock and roll generation…the good and the bad! I love a good biography/autobiography…

What I’ve Read…Breaking Intimidation

I finally got my hands on John Bevere's book entitled Breaking Intimidation (Megan's been hogging it all summer).

Great book! Every pastor ought to read this book. Every person, pastor or not a pastor, who wants to break out of and get past intimidation that is holding them back from fulfilling what God has put on them ought to read this! I really like John Bevere…get the book!

What I’ve Read…Part 3

Mistaken Identity by the Van Ryn's and Cerak's w/ Mark Tabb

Wow…you might remember a horrible accident that happened in April 2006 involving a group of college students from Taylor University. Mistaken Identity is the story of the Van Ryn and Cerak family's journey through 5 weeks of pain, sorrow, confusion, and peace in the midst of it all (through Christ). The Van Ryn's thought they had been sitting at the bedside of their daughter Laura, but this all changed when 5 weeks later the girl said her name was Whitney.

I just finished this today. I should probably say I just wiped the last tear away today…cried through the whole thing. Partially b/c of the gripping story (and thinking about my own girls), and partially b/c it brought back so many memories of August 10^th, 1990, when I had the experience of hearing "your mom and dad have gone on to be with the Lord" in a horrible car accident. The book was really well written…jumping into the heart of things from the first chapter…every other chapter being written from a different family's events (Van Ryn's and Cerak's).

What I’ve Read…Part 2

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell w/Patrick Robinson

Modern day Black Hawk Down story. Though interesting, the whole story of Navy Seal boot camp got a bit long. But the story is really an amazing rescue story. Interesting to hear Marcus' take on how he sensed God was with him through the whole ordeal. Also interesting to hear his straight forward talk about those in Congress who lean to the liberal side (of whom he would pretty much say played into a decision that cost his friends their lives). This book gives whole new meaning to the term "cursed like a sailor." I'll leave it at that…

What I’ve Read…Part 1

A Comedian's Guide to Theology by Thor Ramsey

- Christian comedian's take on theology. The one word I have after reading this book is – ODD. The book is odd…the author is odd...not saying I don't like him or he doesn't have any good points…just odd. In the book, he writes a lot about the "emerging church" movement (which I agree with much of what he says…it was just…well…odd).

Updated book review thing

Just an fyi that I updated some of my thoughts on the books I've been reading on Sabbatical (look to the bottom right hand side of my blog)…

Off-Road Disciplines – Earl Creps Part 2

Here are a couple more thoughts from Earl Creps that seemed to connect with me (italics are exact words from the book)…

• In talking about spiritual renewal – our spiritual renewal burned brightly in services that only church folks attended and only insiders understood. (p. 13) I think you can push this too far and get a bit anal about it (like - I'm not even going to use one Bible word today in church b/c the pre-christian's in the audience won't understand it and I'm never having another spiritual renewal service in my church!), but there still is something to be said about it (do we really need another large event for Christians to flock to? – or do we need to get the Christians out of the building, doing things that they can only do if empowered and anointed by the Holy Spirit lest they fall on their face…I realize it's probably a both/and not either/or – powerful services along with powerful service!).
• Post-Christianity is waiting for missionaries (missional leaders) who practice sacred realism: the discipline of holding the truth in one hand and faith in the other. (p. 26)

Off Road Disciplines – by Earl Creps

I'm about a quarter of the way through this book about being a missional leader, by Earl Creps. Here are a couple of his thoughts that seemed to connect with me (italics are exact words from the book) from the first few chapters…

• How can I be changed so that others will find me worth following in mission? (p. 3)
• Missional Leader – living as an inside-outsider, "not of the world any more than He (Jesus) is of the world." (p. 7)
• Talks about the health home groups (Life Groups) bring to a congregation. When he transitioned his church into a home group model, his pastoral counseling dropped to almost nothing – "it turned out they just needed friends, not me!" (p. 10)
• Pentecostals believe in religious experience the way electricians believe in electricity: without it, we have no reason to show up for work. The Spirit moves in profound and observable ways, and our heritage teaches that most everything else just takes care of itself. But our congregation's story failed to line up with what our movement's (Assemblies of God) culture taught us to expect. (p. 12) Interesting stuff! Especially the "everything else just takes care of itself" part…I've experienced the same line of teaching, and am as much of a Holy Spirit guy as the founders of our fellowship, but my experience is that it does take more than just the Holy Spirit showing up.

Book Thoughts: Save Me From Myself

I had heard that Brain "Head" Welch, former lead guitarist for the band KORN, had a "come to Jesus" experience a few years ago. Whenever I hear of something like this, I always wonder if it's genuine. I know, I know, only God knows the heart…but He tells us to examine the fruit. Thus, I picked up a copy of this book to read for myself. (As with most of my book thoughts, I will try to steer clear of the technical side of writing/flow, etc., and will stick to the content shared.)

Brian seems to be a genuinely redeemed Christ follower. At the heart of his whole life were drugs/alcohol/music. He mixed in relationships/friendships, but his life was ruled by the enemy through his substance abuse…at least until he invited Christ in. I found a couple of things very interesting about his coming to Jesus:

• In the first chapter, he talks about his friend Kevin from Jr. High. Brian loved hanging out at their house b/c of the peace he felt there (they were believers). After a while, Kevin's mom sat Brian down and just laid out the whole plan of salvation. Brain "Head" Welch prayed the sinners prayer right then and there (at the age of 14?), but of course, it didn't stick. BUT THE SEED WAS PLANTED that God would use one day later on to bring him into a full relationship with Jesus.
• Months before he made the final decision to follow Christ, he had conversation after conversation with people from his past who had made the same decision to follow. God was setting him up!
• (Warning – next comment might not be understood by the simply religious) Brian is very candid in the events of his life, being brutally honest at times. He writes about how after he got saved, God set him free from the drugs/alcohol/porn/etc. But yet there was one more drug binge…and God still confirmed his love for him. There was the time, after coming to Jesus, he hit rock bottom in a depression, and he screamed the "F" bomb at God a few times…and yet God still spoke to him in the midst of that, and loved him. These were times that most of us church folk may have written him off and suggested he's now backslidden, but not Jesus. He loved/loves us even in the midst of our sin. Not condoning it, or turning a blind eye, but loving us right through it. Powerful!
• He talks about going to church every single time he could after getting saved, but the most powerful times he had with the Lord were at his house.

Funny that he actually has a whole chapter entitled "Tongues," where he writes about his experience with the Biblical use of tongues at an A/G church. I know A/G pastors that wouldn't have included that chapter in their books b/c of the way they might now be perceived by other evangelicals.

Overall, I think Brian has established and is growing in his walk with Christ. I think, from what I read and see, it's a genuine faith that God will bless as long as he continues to submit himself to his pastor and other mentors to help guide him in the process.

One last thought - I think we may be doing a disservice to guys/gals like this when we turn their conversion into some sort of Christian freak show, and plaster them all over every magazine and Christian TV show. But at the same time, if they've had a genuine experience with Christ, the world ought to know!

Just my thoughts…(if you'd like to borrow the book, shoot me an email)

Vintage Jesus – Timely Answers to Timely Questions

I just finished reading this book by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears, and thought I'd type some thoughts on it…

• I like reading/listening to Mark Driscoll b/c he makes me laugh. Not to mention he is very well thought out theologically. I don't agree with him on everything, but most of what he says is "right on" as they would say in the 70's.
• In this book, he spells out some pretty deep theological stuff about Jesus in a way that is easy to get your hands around. I like that.
• He brings in much of culture's reflections on Jesus, and then lays out truth from the Word. Interesting approach.
• He takes pot shots at some of who we would call current Christian mega-stars. Some of it warranted, but some of it possibly out of context from the totality of the persons teaching? (all the while he himself offers autographed copies of the book to those of us who would pre-order a copy…sounds a bit mega-star'ish to me…hah!)
• He pushes the limits kind of far in the use of some of his crude thoughts/illustrations. Such as suggesting/spelling out all of the bodily functions Jesus may have experienced.

I realize that some of you could care less about what I'm reading, but I blog about it none the less. I would be completely comfortable placing this book in the hands of someone who just made a decision to follow Christ, and were searching for further clarification on the life and ministry of Jesus!

FYI – I've listened to the preaching series called Vintage Jesus from Mark Driscoll through his podcast. Just noticed you can watch it here as well (or watch below).