gdp's Comments

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : The rarest church musician of all time.

Thu, 4 Nov 2010 18:33:25 +0000

Wait, Xylophone leads to pan flute?! I wish I had known this back when I still played!

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Wondering if you could get out of the way if a stereo speaker fell from the ceiling at church.

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:04:52 +0000

I plan for all kinds of scenarios. While it's good to always know your exits (as demonstrated by the Station Nightclub fire, a rather scary and sad story), many of the other plans are probably not so useful. That said, I *am* prepared for ninjas, zombies, fires, earthquakes, and moderately-distant nuclear weaponry. But not tornadoes. For some reason I can never remember what you're supposed to do to protect from a tornado (fortunately, they're uncommon in Southern California).

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Wondering if you could get out of the way if a stereo speaker fell from the ceiling at church.

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:51:57 +0000

I'm not a hip-hop lover myself, but I'm pretty sure any quality remix of worship music is appropriate. In fact, I'm often distressed by the lack (or extremely low number) of hip-hop worship songs. Again, not my thing, but there are enough people who would like it that we should be doing it.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Win 3 free books from Billy Coffey.

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:36:39 +0000

It does not snow where I live. And seeing as Southern Californians are bad drivers in the rain, this is a good thing.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Loving or hating Glee.

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:13:57 +0000

I thought Grilled Cheesus was strange, too, but later I recognized the genius of it. It allowed them to have someone with a shallow faith lose their faith (appropriately) and demonstrate that kind of struggle while hanging a lampshade on the fact that it was a strawman faith. Meanwhile, the Christian with a strong faith just kept on having a strong faith. And loving her friend no matter his hostility. Which was excellent.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Win a copy of Lecrae's new ablum, "Rehab."

Mon, 4 Oct 2010 16:30:50 +0000

The last song I bought was the Bed Intruder Song.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Elbowing someone during a sermon.

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:59:04 +0000

Muphry's law. It happens.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Crazy sermon props.

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:26:36 +0000

This demonstrates that I I've yet to introduce crazy enough ideas for my kids ministry at my church. I need to step up my game.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Church Names.

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:11:34 +0000

I go to a generic GPS. "Southlands Church International", and I'm pretty sure it's named such because we're in Southern California. Several other churches we interact with worldwide have similar names: One Harbor Church, Coastlands Church , Northlands Church , several River Church'es, Glenridge Church International (the last being more specific sounding). And then we also go for the Clothing Store by having a service named 'Elevation', which was originally at a different location and only under it's own name.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Church Names.

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:50:03 +0000

"Terror Baptist Church" as a name would probably draw a crowd of it's own. Though perhaps not one that most churches are ready for…

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Joining a new small group.

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:59:40 +0000

My church does ten-week 'semesters' of small groups, and the next one is starting today. It's likely my group will have some new people, so this is rather appropriate. I think I'll print it up and bring it for fun.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Handbells.

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 16:17:24 +0000

I've never seen one in California. Though a friend claims to have been in one. Though she's from the Inland Empire, so who knows. Obligatory Improv Everywhere link: http://improveverywhere.com/2009/12/14/guerrilla-...

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Permission to Speak Freely - Free Excerpt

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 21:35:56 +0000

Awhile back, my church made some major changes. The elders were convinced they had heard God to do so. Most of the congregation agreed. And the church as a whole took a significant amount of time out to just discuss these changes to make sure that we were handling them well and to give people the opportunity to come to terms with the decisions. Many did not, and left the church. And then sued. Despite the clear scriptural instruction to not do so. That lawsuit hung over us for well over a year (only recently ended). It hurt our finances, distracted several of our pastors from their real work of pastoring, and drove apart many friendships and acquaintanceships. Fortunately, we have good leaders, so as a church we were instructed to not pray that we win the lawsuit, but rather that God's will be done and for reconciliation. Even though I quite agree with that perspective, it was quite the shock being instructed that way. It's not normal for our culture, and it's refreshing being under leaders who are able to step outside the cultural mindset.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Fancy pulpits.

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 16:23:13 +0000

At least one of the pastors/elders at my church has an iPad he uses for his notes while preaching. But we don't seem to use pulpits, just grab the worship leader's music stand when we switch from worship to preaching. Nevertheless, I'm pretty sure the elders must never see this. Never.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Fancy pulpits.

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 16:20:09 +0000

Prepare to be impressed: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100305/hol...

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Fancy pulpits.

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 16:11:24 +0000

This needs to happen.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Having a "life verse."

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:35:01 +0000

I don't know about a life verse, but I do rather like Galatians 5:12. I mean, Paul's pissed about legalism instead of grace, he's sarcastic, and, well, penis humor. Guess I'm still like a Jr Higher in a few ways.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Having a "life verse."

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:29:20 +0000

I try to be explicit when I do such things (I usually cite the book of Addendums, much like Monty Python's book of Armaments). Sadly, no-one seems to catch on.

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Professional athletes who quit sports and become pastors.

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:39:11 +0000

I have to agree about the college ruled paper. But only because I don't have the capability to work with unlined. If only…

Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff : Twitter.

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:37:38 +0000

I do use twitter. @idhrendur Funny thing, much of your advice applies to other mediums as well. Social interaction is social interaction, I guess.