Friday, March 31, 2006

The Most Influencial Preachers of Our Generation

The top 10, plus 15 honorable mentions, selected by the staff of PreachingToday.com

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Christianity Today International has selected the "25 Most Influential Preachers of the Past 50 Years."

This list recognizes and honors the most-influential preachers of the period from 1956 to 2006. The chief criteria in choosing the preachers were the following: evangelical theology; outstanding preaching skills; great influence, particularly through preaching. Thus, the list does not attempt to name the best preachers or the best-known preachers, but the most-influential preachers—evangelical preachers who have significantly affected many others through their preaching.

The names were nominated by respected specialists in preaching. That list was then reviewed and refined by Craig Brian Larson, editor of PreachingToday.com and Preaching Today Audio Series. He is, with Haddon Robinson, general editor of The Art & Craft of Biblical Preaching (Zondervan, 2005).

The names are listed in alphabetical order.

W.A. Criswell W.A. Criswell (1909-2002) served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, for 50 years, and preached more than 4,000 sermons from its pulpit. He received his B.A. from Baylor University, and his Th.M. and Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was awarded eight honorary doctoral degrees. Dr. Criswell published 54 books, was twice elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and was the founder and chancellor of the Criswell College.

Click here to listen to a workshop on the benefits of preaching or to read an article on Criswell's ministry, a sermon on suffering, or an illustration on religious liberty.


Tony Evans Tony Evans is founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. He received his B.A. from Carver Bible College in 1972, and his Th.M. and Th.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1976 and 1982. He was the first African-American to graduate with a doctoral degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Dr. Evans has written nearly 30 books. He helped organize and served as vice president of Urban Evangelical Mission. He serves as chaplain for the Dallas Mavericks. He is founder and president of The Urban Alternative, a national organization that seeks to bring about spiritual renewal in urban America through the church. The Urban Alternative radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on over 500 stations daily throughout the U.S. and in over 40 countries worldwide.

Click here to listen to a sermon on God's Christmas Grace (outline), to read an article on Dr. Evans and his son, or to read an illustration on the Holy Spirit.

Billy Graham Billy Graham is founder, evangelist, and chairman of the board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. A graduate from Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College) and Wheaton College, Rev. Graham has received numerous awards, including the presidential medal of freedom and the congressional gold medal. Since 1955, he has been listed 47 times as one of the Ten Most Admired Men in the World in the Gallup Poll, more than any other individual in the world. Rev. Graham has written 24 books, including Just As I Am; How to Be Born Again; Angels: God's Secret Agents; and The Jesus Generation. He and his wife, Ruth, have three daughters, two sons, nineteen grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren. The Grahams make their home in the mountains of North Carolina.

Click here to read an extended biography of Dr. Graham, articles on his leadership and impact with youth (part 1, part 2), or to view a sample of his sermon illustrations.


Jack W. Hayford Jack W. Hayford serves as president of the International Foursquare Churches and as chancellor of The King's College and Seminary. Dr. Hayford is perhaps best known, however, as the founding pastor of The Church On The Way, the First Foursquare Church of Van Nuys, California, a pastorate that began as a "temporary" assignment to shepherd 18 people in 1969 and continued fruitfully for more than three decades as the congregation grew to more than 10,000 members. Dr. Hayford is the author of over 50 books and has composed over 500 songs, including the world-renowned "Majesty."

Click here to listen to his sermons on Communion (outline) and How Preaching and Leading Intersect, to read an article on his ministry, or to view his illustrations.


Bill Hybels Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. He received a bachelor's degree in biblical studies and an honorary doctorate of divinity from Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois. He has authored 17 books, including Too Busy Not to Pray, Becoming a Contagious Christian, Courageous Leadership, and The Volunteer Revolution. Rev. Hybels serves as chairman of the Willow Creek Association, a fellowship of over 10,500 like-minded churches worldwide. He and his wife, Lynne, are the parents of two grown children.

Click here to listen to his sermons on prayer and God's impartiality, to read his sermons on suffering and Christianity 101, or to view a sample of his illustrations.


John MacArthur John MacArthur has been the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. He graduated from Talbot Theological Seminary in 1964. Rev. MacArthur is president of The Master's College, and founder and president of The Master's Seminary. He is also president and featured teacher for Grace to You radio ministry. Rev. MacArthur has written more than 12 dozen books, including The Gospel According to Jesus. He and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four grown children and thirteen grandchildren.

Click here to listen to his sermons on confronting sin and reconciliation, to read his interview with Leadership Journal, or to read his article on infant salvation.


Haddon Robinson Haddon Robinson is the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and senior director of the doctor of ministry program. He received a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, a M.A. from Southern Methodist University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. Rev. Robinson also served as president of Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary for 12 years, and taught homiletics on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary for 19 years. He has authored seven books, including Biblical Preaching, has written and edited for several magazines, and writes regularly for Our Daily Bread, a devotional that goes to seven million people each month. Dr. Robinson and his wife, Bonnie, reside in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, and Willow Street, Pennsylvania.

Click here to listen to his workshop on using illustrations (part 1, part 2), to read his sermons on humility and Ecclesiastes, or to read his article on death.


John Stott John Stott is president of Lanham Partnership International and its U.S. movement, John Stott Ministries. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied modern languages and theology and was elected a senior scholar. He received his doctorate in divinity from Lambeth and an honorary doctorate in divinity from Brunel University. Stott was ordained in 1945 and then served All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, as assistant curate (1945-50), as rector (1950-75), and as rector emeritus since 1975. He conducted missions in universities in Britain, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and Asia for 25 years. He was director and then president of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Rev. Stott has been a central figure in the resurgence of evangelicalism in the Church of England since the Second World War. He has written 41 books, including Basic Christianity, The Cross of Christ, and The Contemporary Christian. For over 30 years he was a chaplain to the Queen.

Click here to listen to his sermon on being Salt and Light (outline), to read articles on his global ministry and basic beliefs, and to view a sample of his sermon illustrations.


Charles (Chuck) Swindoll Charles (Chuck) Swindoll is pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, in Frisco, Texas. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Chuck attended Dallas Theological Seminary. He graduated, returned as the seminary's fourth president from 1994-2001, and is currently its chancellor. Rev. Swindoll has authored over 65 books and has been recognized by the Evangelical Press Association for his lifetime achievement in effective writing. He also serves as Bible teacher and chairman of the board for Insight for Living. Chuck has been married to Cynthia since 1955; they have four adult children and ten grandchildren.

Click here to listen to his sermons on faith and gratitude (outline), to read his article on simplicity, and to view a sample of his sermon illustrations.


Rick Warren Rick Warren is pastor of Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California. Warren holds a B.A. from California Baptist College, an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is author of The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life, which topped the New York Times Bestseller List for nonfiction for over 141 weeks. He also leads Purpose Driven Church seminars. Warren is currently working in Rwanda to harness businesspeople, politicians, and pastors against the nation's biggest social problems. Warren and his wife, Kay, live in Orange County, California, with their three children.

Click here to listen to his workshop on communicating to change lives (part 1, part 2), to read an article on his everyman status, and to see a sample of his illustrations.

Honorable Mentions

E.K. Bailey (1946-2003) was founder and senior pastor of the Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. He received his B.A. in Religion from Bishop College in 1969 and graduated from United Theological Seminary in 1991. Throughout his ministry, he was awarded with honorary doctorates from Dallas Baptist University and the Criswell College. Dr. Bailey served as board chairman for the World Christian Training Center, vice president of H.I.S. Bridge Builders in Dallas, Texas, and was the founder and president of E.K. Bailey Ministries, Inc. He wrote Confessions of an Ex-Crossmaker and was coauthor of Preaching in Black and White.

Click here to listen to his sermons on transformation and God's love, or to read an article about ending your sermons.

Donald Barnhouse (1895-1960) graduated from Biola University and studied at Princeton Theological Seminary, the University of Grenoble, in France, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania. For 33 years, he served as the senior pastor of the historic Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of the pioneers of radio preaching, Barnhouse began a radio program called The Bible Study Hour in 1928, which continues to air today as Dr. Barnhouse and the Bible. Known for his colorful illustrations of living the Christian life, he authored more than a dozen books, including Teaching the Word of Truth and Let Me Illustrate.

Click here to listen to his sermon on God's sovereignty, or read his devotional thoughts on Choosing Sides and Psalm 23.

James Boice (1938-2000) received an A.B. from Harvard University, a B.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a D.Theol. from the University of Basel, Switzerland. For over 30 years, he served as senior minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and delivered a continuation of Donald Barnhouse's radio program, The Bible Study Hour. Dr. Boice was also chairman of the International Council of Biblical Inerrancy and served as president of Evangelical Ministries, Inc. He authored a collection of hymns and published over 50 books, including The Parables of Jesus and a 4-volume commentary on Romans.

Click here to listen to his sermon on death (outline) or his workshop called Preaching with Authority.

Jill Briscoe and her husband, Stuart, currently serve as ministers-at-large of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Jill has an active speaking and writing ministry that has taken her to many countries, and she is currently a board member of World Relief and Christianity Today, Intl. She is also the executive editor of Just Between Us, a magazine of encouragement for ministry wives and other women in leadership. Along with her husband and son, Peter, she operates a daily radio broadcast through Telling the Truth media ministries. Jill has written over 40 books, including study guides, devotional material, poetry, and children's books.

Click here to listen to her sermons on loving God (outline) and biblical submission, or to view a sample of Jill's sermon illustrations.

Tony Campolo is professor emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University, and associate pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Eastern College, and earned a Ph.D. from Temple University. As founder and president of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, Dr. Campolo has worked to create, nurture, and support programs for at-risk children in cities across North America. He has appeared on Nightline, Crossfire, and Larry King Live, and currently hosts a radio program in England called From Across the Pond. He has written 32 books, including Speaking My Mind and Which Jesus. He and his wife, Peggy, have two grown children and four grandchildren.

Click here to listen to his sermons on The Year of Jubilee (outline) and becoming childlike (outline), to read an article called Campolo and Clinton, or to view a sample of Tony's sermon illustrations.

Charles Colson is founder and chairman of Prison Fellowship, the world's largest outreach to prisoners and their families. He graduated from Brown University in 1953 and received his J.D. from George Washington University. His autobiography, Born Again, chronicles his time as special counsel to President Richard Nixon, in addition to his subsequent conversion, incarceration, and promise to remember those he left behind in prison. Colson received the distinguished Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion and the Others Award from the Salvation Army. He has written over 30 books and is the commentator for BreakPoint, a nationally syndicated radio program.

Click here to listen to The Gravy Train Gospel (outline), to read his articles on bioethics and Machiavellian morality, and to view a sample of his illustrations.

Anne Graham-Lotz is the founder of AnGeL Ministries, a non-profit corporation dedicated to biblical exposition through speaking engagements, tapes, and books. She has received honorary doctorates from Kings College, Houghton College, and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and currently serves on the board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Anne has passionately proclaimed God's word around the world for over 29 years, and launched the Just Give Me Jesus revival ministry in 2000. She has won three Gold Medallion Awards for her writing, and recently published My Jesus Is … Everything.

Click here to listen to an interview with Anne on Preaching for Revival (transcript), to read about her emergence into ministry, or to read her Faith Matters column.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) served as senior minister of Westminster Chapel, London, from 1943-1968. Trained in medicine at the distinguished St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Llyod-Jones achieved membership in the Royal College of Physicians-at the age of 26-before obeying God's call to pastor the Foreward Movement Church in Aberavon, England. "The Doctor," as he was called, helped lead the Evangelical movement through World War II, and served as president of the Inter Varsity Fellowship. His writings have been compiled into more than 20 books, including The Kingdom of God and Authentic Christianity.

Click here to read articles on his wartime leadership and being content, and to view a sample of his sermon illustrations.

James Earl Massey received his D.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1972 and holds seven honorary degrees from institutions like Ashland Theological Seminary and Huntington College. He is founder and pastor emeritus of the Metropolitan Church of God in Detroit, Michigan, and served as an international radio speaker for the Church of God's weekly program, Christian Brotherhood Hour. Dr. Massey is also dean emeritus and distinguished professor-at-large of the Anderson School of Theology. As an international speaker, he has been an avid spokesperson for reconciliation and Christian unity, and has written over 25 books.

Click here to listen to his sermon on the centrality of Christ (outline), his article on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to read his illustration on forgiveness.

Harold John Ockenga (1905-1985) was a graduate of Taylor University and Westminster Theological Seminary, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1939. He was the senior pastor of Park Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts, for over 30 years, and for over 50 years he was one of the most trusted voices in Evangelicalism. During that time, he served as founder and president of the National Association of Evangelicals for United Action; president, co-founder, and board chairman of Fuller Theological Seminary; and founding president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also wrote 15 books, including Our Evangelical Faith.

Click here for a more detailed description of the man, for an article on his place in Evangelical history, and a look at Our Evangelical Faith.

Luis Palau has preached a message of hope and inspiration to an estimated 20 million people in 70 countries. He completed his graduate degree at Multnomah School of the Bible in 1961, and has received four honorary doctorates from institutions including Wheaton College Graduate School and Talbot Theological Seminary. Palau has served as president of OC International and is founder of the Luis Palau Association. His radio programs are broadcast on over 2,100 stations, and he has written nearly 50 books, including High Definition Life. Palau currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Pat, and has four sons and ten grandchildren.

Click here to listen to a sermon on missions (outline), to read his article on evangelism, and to view a sample of his sermon illustrations.

John Piper has been the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, since 1980. He earned degrees from Wheaton College and Fuller Theological Seminary before completing his doctoral work in New Testament Studies at the University of Munich, West Germany. Piper served as associate professor of Biblical Studies at Bethel College before receiving the call to preach, and he can be heard daily on his radio broadcast, Desiring God. He has written over 30 books, including The Pleasures of God and Sex and the Supremacy of Christ. John and his wife, Nol, have five children and an increasing number of grandchildren.

Click here to listen to his sermons on God's Self-glorification (outline) and sacrificial service, to read his sermon on persecution, and to view a sample of his illustrations.

Chuck Smith has served as the senior pastor for Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa since 1965. He is the founder of the Calvary Church movement, a fellowship of approximately 1,200 churches across the country, and can be heard daily on his radio broadcast, The Word for Today. Over the years, his visionary leadership has helped a variety of ministries come into existence, including Maranatha Music, Hope for the Children International, and Calvary Chapel Bible College. He is the author of Effective Prayer Life and The Word for Today Bible. Chuck and his wife, Kay, have four children.

Click here to read his articles on nurturing youth and Calvary Chapel, and an article on the Jesus Movement.

Charles Stanley has been the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta since 1971. He graduated from Southwest Theological Seminary before earning his masters and doctorate of Theology from Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. A leader in broadcast ministry, Dr. Stanley founded InTouch Ministries in 1982, and was inducted into the National Religious Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 1988. Today, his InTouch program is broadcast around the world through radio and TV. He served two terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and has written over 45 books, including The Blessing of Brokenness and When Tragedy Strikes.

Click here to read his biographical sketch, advice on fighting evil, and his illustration on the relationship between grace and peace.

Gardner Taylor served as the senior pastor of Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Harlem, New York, for 42 years. He graduated from the Oberlin Graduate School of Theology in 1940, and worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights movement. He is founder of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, and has taught at several influential divinity schools, including Harvard and Yale. In 1980, Time magazine called him "the dean of the nation's black preachers," and he was awarded the Medal of Freedom—the U.S. government's highest civilian award-in 2000.

Click here to listen to his sermons on Jesus' humiliation and Psalm 23 (outline), to read his article on the inner-city pastor, and to view his illustration on renewal.

Currently Reading
The Art & Craft of Biblical Preaching : A Comprehensive Resource for Today's Communicators
Eds. Haddon Robinson & Craig Brian Larson
see related


Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Skype


Mike introduced me to Skype last year and he's been the only person on my list until this past week. I had my parents download this free internet phone program and they love it. We've been talking almost everyday after that. It's actually very good quality compared to previous online phone services. My mom says it feels like I'm right next to her, so she doesn't want to disconnect =)

Does anyone else use it? Let me know your username so I can add you to my list. My username is the very unique "eddiebyun". It's a high quality (and free) way to talk internationally. "Talk" to you soon!

Currently Reading
The Power of Full Engagement : Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal
By Jim Loehr, Tony Schwartz

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Catching Up with Family and Friends

Eunjung and Eunyoung performing a private concert for friends and family. It always ends up into an "all night request party" ... usually by me and Mike ... and always beginning with Pacabel Canon.

EJ and Will, who were the first couple to get married within New Life a couple of years ago, are now the proud parents of 2 fish and a bird ... with another bird (and a dog?) along the way ... such a sweet couple =)

Janice and Marie ... seeing new sides of how pastors and missionaries can keep making fun of each other all day ... (while learning more about China and missions, of course)

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

A Few of My Favorite Things ...

I love seeing Hyun so happy =)

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I love hanging out with good friends ...

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I love eating good food with good company ...

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I love worshipping with friends and family ...

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I love when Mike pretends to be serious ... (not!)

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I actually love the background of the previous picture more ... (hee hee)

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Did I tell you I loved seeing Hyun happy?

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I love being a model for "Deep Surface" :) (this one's for you Will) ... in case you didn't know, Deep Surface is a new company founded by one of our very own EM members =)

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I love having a car again!!!! (finally!!!!) ... God provided ...

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I love that our car's color is actually NAVY BLUE ... not white :)

And chances are pretty good that I love the people who are reading this post too :)

And I love U2 ... but of course you already knew that one! =)
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
By U2
Vertigo

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Family Fellowship

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One of the things I enjoyed the most during my trip back to the US and Korea was to be able to see so many of my relatives in such a short amount of time. The picture above is of me and my grandfather (on my dad's side). He's been the intercessor for our family for many decades. A very cool grandfather.


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And of course it's always great to spend time with my parents. I realize more and more that "home" is not a place, but it's "people" ... where family and loved ones are, that is where home is for me:)

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I was also able to see several aunts, uncles and cousins along the way too. The picture above is of Eunjung and Eunyoung's parents and my cousin who might be heading out to the US to practice medicine.

Over all, I sense that I'm cherishing my time with family more and more as the years go by ... hmmmm ... probably a sign that I'm getting older :) But that's OK ... cuz each day is a day closer to our Eternal Home with Christ ... and in that place, there are no more good-byes :) Yea.

Currently Listening
Look to You
By Hillsong United
see related

Friday, March 17, 2006

Buddies in Sydney

My buddy Mike and Hae-Il who are visiting from the US.

Currently Listening
The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume 1
By Rich Mullins
Step By Step

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Dallas Fellowship


Just wanted to update a bit some other highlights from my trip to the US and Korea ... for today, some good fellowship in Dallas ...

I got a chance to meet up with a good buddy of mine who was in my doctorate program while I was in Dallas. His name is Gary Brandenburg and currently is the new head pastor of Fellowship Church of Dallas. You can visit his website and hear his sermons here.

He's a great speaker with an even greater pastoral heart. They recently purchased an old movie theater that will be the site of their new home for worship. When I visited they were a few more days from completion, and it was so cool to see what they were going to be doing with it.

The day I met him, I also got a chance to sit in on his mentoring group. He mentors about 10 other young pastors who are currently in seminary or who have recently graduated. It was great to see this kind of ministry discipleship going on in his life. Ever since we met, I felt like he was an older "Paul" that a "Timothy" like me could turn to for advice about ministry. After that meeting we had our own time to talk and I bascially drilled him with a bunch of questions for the next hour and a half about ministry and pastoring, etc.

As I mentioned in a previous post, it's so rare for 2nd generation pastors to have this kind of relationship with an older pastor to talk with and to seek advice from. I was so thankful for our meeting and friendship. It's going to be cool to visit him again after the move into their new building. It's also cool to meet a senior pastor who's genuine concern is about building people and building the Kingdom of God ... and not just building his own ministry. My respect and hats off go to him big time =)

EDIT:

Woah! Korea just beat the USA baseball team in the World Baseball Classic by a score of 7-3. They're also the only undeated team in the tournament now (5-0). I'm impressed.

Currently Listening
Diamonds and Rain
The Choir
see related

Monday, March 13, 2006

As MJ Would Say ...


EDIT:

And it looks like these are the words of U2 as well. Bono recently told ABC that they'll likely be back in Australia in November. You can read a bit more of what he said here.

Was Reading in the Plane to the US ...
Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas
By Michka Assayas

Saturday, March 11, 2006

And Now for Some U2 ...


Hey everyone ... thanks to all those who sent their 'concern' for me and making sure I was OK in light of the recent U2 news. And for those who don't know, yes, the rest of the U2 tour (including Austrlaia) has been postponed ... but there is a high chance that it will be cancelled. Under normal circumstances, I would be devastated, but the reason for its cancelation is of far more importance.

One of the band members (it seems like it's The Edge - guitarist) has a family member (possibly his daughter) who is sick (possibly cancer). What is definate is that it's a family illness, but what's circulating in the U2 community is the info I put in parentheses. So of course I would love to see them in concert again and am sad that they're not coming, but all of that is secondary to the health and well being of their family.

In light of that, if you could lift up a prayer for healing for the family member who is very sick at the moment. Thanks.

I'm in Korea right now (arrived last night) and am hoping to visit my grandfather in Kyeong Ju (my birthplace!) this morning. We'll take it from there and see how my scheduling and traveling goes. Take care and God bless ... =)

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Texas Stadium: Home of the Dallas Cowboys

I had a totally cool day yesterday. My dad and I went to take a tour of Texas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys (my favorite footaball team). I liked them ever since 1st grade even though I grew up in Chicago ... it seemed like destiny that my parents would end up in Dallas eventually =) God is good.

And so since it wasn't football season, there was only one other guy (from Philly) who was on the tour (sometimes during peak season, they have over 400 people going on the tour at one time). We got a chance to visit some club seat booths (amazing views!), the locker room (very cool!), and of course the field (totally awesome!) ... I felt like a kid in a candy store. I was so excited to be on the field that the greatest players and teams have played on.

My dad and I each brought our cameras and took a ton of photos ... I'll post up more photos later. But it was SOOOOO COOL to play some catch on that field too. We have some video footage of me throwing and catching touchdown passes in Texas Stadium hee hee =) But it felt awesome to throw a football in that place ... and the stadium on the inside was so beautiful. I totally want to go back there again ... so anytime you want to go ... I'll go with you :)

And then we ended the tour at the "official" Dallas Cowboys store ... and my senses were going crazy. If I could, I think I would have bought everything in that place ... it was a Cowboy fan's dream: Dallas Cowboys everything (plus it's all Navy Blue!). Hee hee hee ... can't wait to go back =)

EDIT: I will ignore the bad news about the U2 concert for now and instead stay focused and post up a few more pictures from my Texas Staduim tour here. I'm leaving the US tomorrow and will hopefully post up more pictures when I get back to Sydney =)

Currently Listening
Fly
By U2
The Fly

Monday, March 06, 2006

Been Thinking About ...

My Church Family ...

Wow, I was thinking about my New Life family so much today ... and praying throughout the time of their service. Missed you guys big time today =*) I went to my parent's church Pantego Bible Church today. It was a church I recommended for them after reading a book by their former senior pastor Randy Frazee called "The Connecting Church". It's a very progressive approach to church and community life ... living "together" as the Bible outlines, while also finding contemporary means to do this. A good read.

My Options ...

I had an informative meeting with a university rep yesterday about possibly teaching there. I was amazed to see how vast people's definition and application of the ecumenical movement is ... even in the South (aka. Bible Belt). One seminary that's connected to the university has a Jewish OT professor, a Catholic Priest in charge of pastoral studies, a Disciples of Christ administrator, and a majority Lutherian student body ... pretty interesting (!)

New Mentors ...


I want to meet with some my classmates from my doctorate program who pastor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area before I leave too. One of the huge blessings from this course I was a part of allowed me to meet a bunch of older pastors who have been a great source of encouragement and wisdom.

I've always wished our 2nd generation pastors could have had a proper mentoring-type relationship with older pastors while growing up. But because of language and cultural barriers, we've basically had to learn on our own as to what to do and what not to do. But luckily for the next generation of pastors, there exists people who have walked the road ahead ... and who can (hopefully) offer more words of wisdom that can help them on their journey.

And I've been in touch with Dave Gibbons (founder of Newsong Church) who recently church-planted in Bangkok, Thailand last month =) I'm hoping to be able to stop by and check out what they're up to over there and seek his counsel of some issues too.

Relevance or Love ...

One of the books I'm reading while at home is by Henri Nouwen called, "In the Name of Jesus". The first section he talks about moving "from relevance to prayer" ... saying that one of the big temptations in Christianity is about striving to be relevant (or to please people and be popular with them). But he says that, "the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her vulerable self."

In order to avoid this temptation, we need to do one thing, and that is to respond to the question that Jesus asks Peter three times in the book of John ... and that is "Do you love me?". For our lives to be able to answer that question with a resounding "YES!" should be the aim of all we do. My primary aim in ministry should not be about pleasing people, but about displaying love back to God. That will allow me to be free ... to serve and live as God intended.

And finally ... the World Baseball Classic ...

In case you haven't heard yet, Major Leage Baseball has begun a new baseball promo called the "World Baseball Classic", where different countries will be competeing for a championship. It's kind of like the Olympics, but played out in different countries.

I don't know about you, but shouldn't THIS be called the "World Series" ... and the World Series called the "American Baseball Classic"? My friends from Canada and Australia always make fun of American sports teams that call themselves "World" champions after playing only American teams.

Anyways ... Korea is 3-0 so far! They beat Taipei, China and Japan in the East Asia pool. But have you seen their uniforms?!?!? SO PLAIN!!!!! NAST-EEEE!!!!!!! BOOOOOO!!!!!! Who designed those things?!?!??! I think every other country's uniform looks cool enough to buy ... but Korea must have gotten their designer for free or something ... disgusting. I was hoping the design would've been decent enough so I could buy a jersey ... but NO THANK YOU.

Well ... those are my thoughts for today. Have a nice week. Hee hee ...

Currently Reading
In the Name of Jesus : Reflections on Christian Leadership
By Henri J. Nouwen
see related