Affecting Culture - Tim Keller

Greg Wood just shared this with me from Tim Keller -

May 2006 Reform and Resurge conference,

Session 6.

Here is his 6-fold model of how to affect the culture & rightly relate Christ to the culture:

1. We need to have more Christians living long-term in cities

2. with a deeper grasp of the gospel

3. who are creating dynamic counter-cultures inside the city

4. integrating faith with work

5. pouring themselves out sacrificially for the common good of the city

6. contextualizing (the message of the gospel in understandable

language).

His Voice

A local publication - His Voice - picked up my blog from Faith Around Town

interesting... From it, His Voice asked me to write an article about New City's interaction with the City for next month's publication.

Downtown Destinations

This restaurant has two personalities, and I'm friends with both.

In the Limelight: Michael's on Mulberry AND Between the Bread
Where it's at: On the corner of Mulberry (duh) and Second
What to do: Eat at Between the Bread by day and Michael's by night

Yes, it's two different restaurants, with two different names, in one place. Before I begin, I want to say that I have debated for hours on end as to whether I should split this into two separate blog posts because of the split personalities. Ok, that's not really true. It was more like a fleeting thought that I quickly dismissed because it meant more work for me. But it would have been kind of funny, right?

Anyway, I ate at Michael's for the first time a couple of months ago, but I just ate at Between the Bread Monday. As far as atmosphere goes, Between the Bread is bright, casual and comfortable. I sang, whistled and bursted into laughter multiple times while there, and no one seemed to notice, which tells you a little about noise level. Michael's is a lot like Between the Bread, only darker. They are the same place, after all.

The reason for the two names is that they have two completely different menus. If you're smart, you might get that Between the Bread offers mostly sandwiches. If you're like me, you might look at the menu for a while, notice that everything comes on some kind of roll, then the name will start to make sense, but only after someone explains it. Michael's is a bit more formal, like your typical salad, entree and dessert place.

At Michael's, I had the Grilled Salmon, and, if you like salmon, I'd highly recommend it. It had a really great flavor. For dessert, I had some chocolatey goodness that looked like a piece of cake and tasted like heaven. [I really love chocolate.] Michael's also has steak, sea bass, chicken and pasta. Entrees run from $18-24.

At Between the Bread, I had the Blackened Chicken Sandwich with fries. It was really, really good, though the chicken was a tad slippery, so it almost got away from me and the bun a few times. Between the Bread offers lots more sandwiches, salads, soups and pasta. Lunch will run you $7-10.

Between the Bread is open from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Michael's opens at 5 p.m. for dinner Monday-Saturday. Give them both a whirl!

Slow Progress in a Bad Economy

Last October/November the downtown Macon outlook was promising and the attitude positive. I was talking regularly with some of the city's developers and in the works were several projects totaling more than 100 new lofts within a couple of blocks of where I sit. The redevelopment of the buildings meant not only new residents, but new businesses... restaurants, shops, a market.

Then came the economic CRASH.

With it, the banks stopped lending

and property values began falling

Immediately the work stopped. Construction projects were shut down as doors were locked and workers were sent home. How quickly the outlook and attitude changed. While the economy is showing some signs of turning - the buildings still sit... EXCEPT one.

Two doors down from the 567 sat a vacant and distressed Liz Reed's. Once a really cool music hall with plenty of great local music, Liz Reed has been silent for some time.

Just before the economic halt, the buildings owner was making plans to renovate, revive, and restore the building. Though more than one tenant has fallen through because the economy, the buildings owner continues to push forward... in part, for the good of the city!

The deck of the building is being rebuilt and taking shape.

It came into being as a result of several conversations regarding the transformation of the parking lot and alleys behind Liz Reed. The deck will double as a 2nd floor stage that looks out over a soon to be re-paved and re-lighted parking lot. It will serve as one of downtown's largest outdoor venues! Hopefully this fall - with new lights, new landscaping, and a new tenant the alleys behind the 567 will be filled with music - with art - with food from the 5 neighboring restaurants and with people enjoying a cool night in the heart of the city.

Not only have we (New City/the 567) been a part of the planning and talks, but we will also have a great opportunity pull our block together, contribute some music, and celebrate our community! Can't wait.

Marty

Marty is a year older than I am. He grew up two streets over from me in Shurlington - pretty sure he grew up with his grandparents. Marty was pretty rough even back then. Years went by after high school before I saw Marty again. I was taking blankets out one winter to Macon's homeless and met up with Marty - he was living under one of the bridges on the Ocmulgee. Marty was 27 or so and living a life of drugs and alcohol - this, the bridge was his home - had been for years.

15 years later I notice a guy on Sunday morning at our New City gathering who looks to be homeless. I go over to talk to him - his eyes looked incredibly familiar but he is weathered and rough. He avoided much conversation and didn't offer his name. The following week he was back - this time it clicked - the eyes gave him away - Are you Marty? I asked. Stunned he said yes. Marty - now 40 or 41 had been living on the streets since High School. He had been sober for 2 weeks.

Coming in this morning I was thinking of Marty - he hasn't been around for more than a month. I was hoping he was OK and as I though about him I was suddenly hit with a hope - maybe Marty is off the streets... It doesn't happen often down here - but sometimes it does.

Later this morning I walked out of the 567 to take a phone call when out of nowhere a smiling, tatted up ghost from the past re-appeared - yeah, it was Marty. He has been off of the streets and in an apartment for 2 weeks - sober - living with someone and attending AA meetings. He just stopped by to tell me he was off the streets. He looked great - well - for a guy who has spent more of his life on the streets than in a home! It is strange - and I know not great - but for the first time in my life I was glad to hear that a guy had moved in with a chick he wasn't married to.

So - today I am happy for Marty! Reallllly happy! The odds are not in Marty's favor for a lasting relationship or for sobriety - but today I am happy for Marty.

Thoughts From Vail

This past week was the annual Acts 29 retreat for pastors and their wives. It is a real retreat - a get away - not a conference. The A-29 leadership set the majority of time aside for us as 'free time' - time to spend with our spouse, time to spend with other church planters. So here are a few thoughts from the week away:

* The Acts 29 church planting network is, without a doubt in my mind, the best church planting network around - not because we have the most churches or the most money - but because we are a network of churches centered on the gospel, not on politics, denominations, or specific methods.

* There is an indescribable bond that exists between church planters. Friendship, prayer, conversation... - it all comes easy because we are all in a great work together.

* Church planting is hard. That is probably why the bond that exists between planters comes so easily. For those who see A-29 and church planting as cool, or hip, or who see the quick success of some and desire to be a church planting 'rock star' I would strongly, STRONGLY say - if there is anything else you can do - ANYTHING - DO IT.

* We need more churches, therefore we need more church planters.

* A week away with my wife is a must. Work and children alone come with enough demands on a marriage - add 24 hours a day, 7 days a week of being on call to God only knows how many hours of work to the equation and the week becomes a MUST.

* Riding a mountain bike down double black diamond trails in the Rocky Mountains is amazingly fun.

These are just a few

Downtown Destinations

People come from all over the world to eat at this place. All you have to do is drive a few minutes.

In the Limelight: Molly's Cafe
Where it's at: 402 Cherry Street
What to do: Sign the guestbook, talk to Betty and have some good food

I've heard and read good things about Molly's Cafe, a pretty little spot situated right on the corner of MLK Jr and Cherry, so today I decided to give it a go. It's a bit hidden by some trees so you may have driven by it without even realizing. Hopefully this picture will help you know what to look for. :-)

Ironically, Molly's is not owned by Molly, but by a nice lady named Betty. While we were there (I went with my mom), Betty stopped by the table to see how everything was. I was able to tell her (honestly) that everything was great! My mom had a Bistro Salad with grilled chicken and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. She said her salad was very good, but she suggested that you get the dressing on the side. A little of it goes a long way, apparently. My grilled chicken sandwich came with some kind of sauce I'd never heard of. I asked for it on the side as well, just in case, but it was quite good and a bit tangy. I also ran into a friend while there who had the chicken salad and said it was very good. So that's three things right there that have been recommended.

The menu was primarily salads, sandwiches and soups. BUT today one of the specials was meatloaf, and they serve Salisbury steak, as well. Today's desserts were Key Lime pie and pound cake, but banana pudding is one of the specialties. We did not indulge ourselves in dessert, but someone wrote this in the guestbook:


Having trouble reading it? Well, don't be too hard on yourself. It's German. I know a little though, and it says (I think, the handwriting is kind of hard to read) that Molly's has the best desserts they have had in their travels. They are all the way from Munich! Other guests were from England, Australia and a dozen different states.

A couple of pictures to give you a taste of the atmosphere:

Now fellas, before you write this place off because of all the frills, look at who I found eating there:


Yes, those are REAL LIVE COPS. Yes, Macon's finest eating in Molly's. Yes, the one on the right is smiling awkwardly because some weird girl just walked up and asked permission to take his picture while he's trying to eat his lunch. Guys, you've all watched COPS. You know it doesn't get much tougher than that. You are without excuse.

Molly's is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. On First Friday, they open at 5 p.m. and have a prime rib special- steak, potato and a vegetable for $10.95. You need to make reservations to get it on that sweet little deal.

So if you haven't discovered the little treasure in downtown Macon that the rest of the world is already on to, head on down to Molly's and don't forget to sign the guestbook.

Shape Up - or Take a Butt Whippin

Somewhere along the line religious people have feminized male leadership in the church. Think about it - for the most part we have wanted pastors who look like the feminized white Jesus - lilly white with flowing brown hair, soft brown eyes, skinny frame... you've seen the pictures of this Jesus. Or we want pastors who look like God - you know - the old grandfather God with white hair - the one who is kind, compassionate, understanding, patient beyond humanity... never would such a man, or God hurt a fly or a feeling.

Of course, the problem with these pastors is that they do not truly represent God or Jesus - but maybe Nehemiah did. When Nehemiah came to check on Jerusalem he found the Jews living as anything but godly people - so here's what he did:

And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. (Nehemiah 13:25)

Think about it.

RETREAT!

Church planters know how difficult and crazy church planting is - like only war vets know what serving in a war is like. Acts 29 is a network of church planters - so the leadership of the network understands the demands of starting a new church. Every year the network plans a retreat for the pastors and wives. Like last year, this year's retreat is in Vail, CO.

The network also knows that most chur

ch planters live on a shoe string budget! So, they pay for our place to stay (the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa) and all of our food - we just have to get there. Its that time!

Today we are packing - for ourselves and our kids! The kids will not be going with us, but will be going here and there between grand parents (and staying here with the Intern). Amy and I will fly to Denver tomorrow to hang out with Aaron and Kristen and visit New City Church Denver. On Monday we will head over to Vail where we will stay until Friday. (thieves and robbers we have house sitters - no burgeling). One of the great things about the A-29 retreat is that it is truly a retreat - very little of our time is required for meetings - just lots of rest in a beautiful place.

Oh Yeah! AND this year - some great downhill mountain biking!

Downtown Destinations (only it's not so much a "destination" in this case)

And the winner for this week's "Places to get your food TO GO" award is...

In the Limelight: China Wok
Where it's at: 347 Cotton Avenue
What to do: Walk in, order your food to go, then go somewhere else to eat (even if it's just under a random tree somewhere)

Have you ever found yourself in downtown Macon and suddenly realize you are in the mood for some Chinese? Well, maybe you ought to head on over to China Wok, just make sure you head out after you get your food. Wondering why I keep emphasizing that you should get your food to go? Well let me give you a little taste of the atmosphere and then see if you understand:


Yes, that is the whole restaurant. No, this picture has not been photoshopped to look desolate.

On a more positive note, the food is good, they give you lots of it, and the little lady behind the counter is very nice. I had sesame chicken and fried rice. It tasted like just about every other sesame chicken I've had, so there is definitely something to be said for consistency. And, you know exactly where to go to order:

(Notice the ORDER HERE sign right above my head)

Well, that is all I have on China Wok. I wouldn't say it's a must-visit kind of place, but if you want some Chinese, you can get it there.