In the last 30 years the evangelical Christian church has presented little variation in its models of a Christian person. In fact I can bring to mind only two distinct options to how Christians are to act based on the examples set forth in our churches and among church goers.

First are the All-American types. These are the people that even if they did not have Christ in their life they still would be successful and well liked because of their good looks, over-achievement, and charisma. Second we have the Oddballs who are a little antisocial, have a hard time functioning in the world outside the church, and are a little bit fanatical in areas of the church that do not always carry much importance. In between these two extremes falls every other Christian. These "middle-earth" Christians don't have the gifts to be the All-Americans and find nothing in the Oddballs that is appealing but feel that these are the only two options presented to be a "mature" follower. This is why Jim Henderson's book, A.K.A. Lost, is so important.

Henderson's book is one of the few books written for the "middle earth" Christians. The "middle earth" Christians want so much more in their faith but don't think they can be themselves and still be a "good" Christians. In order for the Amerian church to find awakening and kingdom growth it must acknowledge the "middle earth" Christians and provide more role models of ordinary people living out their faith in vital and creative ways.
posted by Scott at 11:10 AM

Gary is on a mission to start an attack on the forces of evil. He calls his mission God's Brigade. Last Sunday at church, we all signed a sheet to join the brigade. Gary is a former addict who is now homeless and trying to minister to the addicts and the homeless. He is very urgent in his actions and speech and I have to admit that I have been skeptical of his voracity. I mean, converted addicts who are ready to take on the world are often common place. They sometimes mistake their new found vitality as a ticket to be preachers and gospel shirt wearing heavyweights. Unfortunately, many of these folks take on the title of preacher before their mind, body, and spirit has a chance to come to grips with the changes that their recovery and faith has brought. Many times this leads to dangerous consequences as they bring people they are ministering to down with them. But Gary has been doing his work for close to 10 months from my vantage point and I can safely say he is the real deal. He has high demands, works diligently, is tireless, and hopefully has some influence. I know he means well. For us on the minister side of the fence dealing with the homeless it is good to have someone truly in the trenches working in the midst of the holy terror of addiction and homelessness. Here's to the mission. Long live God's Brigade.
posted by Scott at 12:10 PM

Just returned from Mexico City, the second largest city in the world. Leah and I went with a group from our church to do painting and construction at a Baptist Seminary outside of the city. The missionaries that were our hosts all week told us that only two percent of Mexico City residence attend church and if I heard them right that includes the Catholics. Even if it is just two percent protestant church goers you get the picture when a city is close to busting the 30 million population barrier. The missionaries talked about the lack of any revival and how hard it is to serve in Mexico City. They said that missionaries last an average of 2 and a half years in Mexico City. The city is tough and the dangerous concoction of vodoo, superstition wrapped in the guise of Catholicism, and strange mysticism found among the citizens make for just explaining the faith difficult.

The seminary students that we encountered were very dedicated and devout. Being a minister is not what many Mexican parents desire for their children. There is very little money to be found in the ministry and being a minister is not considered a valid vocation in the Mexican culture. As much talk as has surfaced surrounding Mexican immigration and the perceived problems that the Mexicans pose to the U.S. I wonder if any Christians have thought about immigrating to Mexico to help spread the gospel in a country closest to the most significant Christian country in the world. This almost seems similar to how U.S. cities are filled with churches that send their mission groups across the world to avoid the heartbreak and need that is closer by. Are American Christians avoiding Mexico as they rush to Costa Rica, Australia, South Africa, India, and China? Are Mexicans not our neighbors too?
posted by Scott at 2:15 PM