Want to see pictures (taken by Krista Jefferson) of a recent worship gathering at The Freeway? Click here.

Labels: friends, photos, the freeway

My friend, Steve Taylor, has a great post about daily Bible reading:

I was listening to someone rant this week. Discipleship was poor in the church. The evidence? Well, only 21% of people said they read their Bibles daily.

I thought back to the early Jews. They had hand-copied scrolls in the Synagogue. They never had a Bible to read daily.

I thought back to the first disciples. They never had a book. Although they did have the stories of Jesus to tell to each other.

I thought back to the church before the printing press. They had hand-copied scrolls in the church. They never had a Bible to read daily.

So isn't daily Bible reading as a mark of discipleship simply a contemporary phenomenon, based on the fact that due to the printing press and internet, we now have Bibles we can read daily?

I thought back to Jesus. When asked about eternal life in Luke 10. He quotes the Bible, mixing two Bible texts from different contexts. Then he creates a story from contemporary culture (the one about robbers and Samaritans and religious leaders). Then he says go and do likewise. That is discipleship for Jesus. Nothing to do with reading the Bible daily. Simply the ability to relate the Bible to everyday contemporary life in a way that changes behaviour.

Using that story, yes discipleship will include using the Bible. Although not necessarily daily and privately. And it must also include the number of contemporary stories told in church. And it also must include the way lives are lived.

I couldn't agree more.

Labels: friends, leadership

The Freeway is starting a collaborative gardening project this spring. Basically we will harvest and share vegetables together, learn from one another about gardening properly, and work together on a project that makes a difference... and tastes delicious.

We created a community blog to publish our journey, offer tips and advice, and tell the story of a community learning how to share in an amazing project together: http://afewlittlegreenspots.blogspot.com

If you want to be part of the action, drop us a line.

Labels: community, friends, the freeway

You may recall me mentioning last January that some buddies and I are making a documentary film on what God is up to in Canada in regards to church planting and new forms of church. We have been working on the project for about 10 months.

Next week, four of us: Jared Siebert, Joe Manafo, Nathan Colquhoun, and myself will head out for our Ontario & Quebec tour. Here's the itinerary if you are interested in having a "wee boo". If you live in one of those towns or one on the way to those towns and want to have coffee or a meal with us [or have us over], drop me a line: pernell@frwy.ca or 905-929-9476.

Basically, we will spend one week in a car travelling all over the place, interviewing leaders of new communities, eating... whatever, sleeping in cars, motels, people's houses, cracking jokes and laughing hard, being creative... and hopefully, be inspired by what God is up to in our land.

We will be blogging about our travels as we go. Stay tuned.

Labels: documentary, friends

I am lucky to have the friends that I have. I have really been blessed to be surrounded by people who care about me, inspire me, and help me in tremendous ways.

• In the past few weeks I have re-connected with quite a few friends that I haven't seen/hung out with for a while, and have really been inspired while eating, laughing, and dreaming with them.
• I am involved in a few new[ish] initiatives and have met with friends to plan and dream about them. I am so excited about the projects I am currently involved with, and the ones I soon will be involved with.
  
• I have had some good quality time with people I deeply love in the past few weeks. After a summer of mostly dis-connection, that has been absolutely refreshing.
• Today I spent a whole day with the cohort from The Freeway, planning, dreaming, training, laughing. Good times. We recently added three new members and today was our first meeting all together. There is already tons of synergy and connection. It is going to be a fantastic year together, I think.

Labels: friends, leadership, the freeway

Tonight at The Freeway we say goodbye to a great guy who has been a key part of our community. Kevin has been with us for almost two years now while he studied at Tyndale Seminary. He has been a barista at our coffee house, a worship leader, a Manny to our kids [Manny = male nanny], and a friend and support to many of us.

Shortly he will be moving down to Austin, Texas [he is from Detroit originally] to work for another new church called Vox Veniae. We are totally excited for him... but very sad that his time in our midst is coming to an end.

Kevin: "you are win." We will miss you a lot, buddy.

Update:
My nine year old daughter, Samantha, made a video for Kevin:

Labels: friends, the freeway, videos

Here's the deal: I am taking a blog break for the month of June. I need to. Breaks are good. June is busy: two of my kids birthdays are in June, I am putting a significant amount of time into writing my book, preparing for [CML], I have a week-long trip to Chicago to see this guy [and hit an arts festival], community barbecues every week at our house, building a front and back deck at our house, interior renovations of the de-construction nature in the basement of the coffee house, painting the exterior of the coffee house and getting proper signage up, etc. all of this in addition to the regular duties of being a husband, a dad to three young kids, a pastor, a friend, etc.


Peace.

Labels: blogging, family, friends, leadership, the freeway

Just wanted to share three posts by some of my smart friends that have got me thinking...

Jordan Donald is talking about sharing stories and community:

"One of my favourite things about community and the sharing of stories, is that as we do it and as we allow people to enter our lives and journey with us… the things that weigh us down and make us ugly, are transformed into the very attributes that make us beautiful and provide hope. Community takes deep wounds never spoken of and transforms them into what makes us uniquely beautiful. We need look no further than the scars on Jesus hands that he reveals to his disciples. The scars that had earlier symbolized abandonment, death, betrayal, brokeness and failure... were now the very symbols of hope, grace, love, sacrifice and victory."

Joe Manafo is talking about leadership in the new economy:

"in contrast to our present image of leadership (where the leader is often served, and his/her style is often top down), when the apostle paul spoke of leadership in his writings, the image or idea of a leader always carried the overtone of servanthood - one who’s role was to spend him/herself on behalf of others. (david fitch has a great chapter on leadership in his book, the great giveaway which, incidentally, was my best read of 2005) perhaps this observation is not a new one for you, but maybe a gentle reminder that the essence of leading as a servant is not a technique to grow a church, but rather an opportunity to model a Christlike example; an opportunity to influence and nurture the body of Christ; the opportunity to work as a facilitator, connecting people with biblical purpose and passion; and perhaps even an opportunity to save our own souls…

practically speaking, the root of the question for leadership in this new economy remains: ‘who’? here’s what i think and practice:

• invite people into positions of leadership that ooze the gift.
• pull people in who will probably benefit more from the experience than the other way around. seriously. try it.
• be on the look out and identify potential leaders.
• men and women: equals!
• live in the headspace where you’re constantly reproducing strong leaders (you never know the effect that this may have on the community, on them or where these individuals may eventually end up).

Dan Sheffield is talking about evaluating local theologies:

“BUT, is this local theology, Christian?”

1. Cohesion
Does this theology give importance to the central truths of the Christian faith, rather than peripherals? Does this theology have a logical, cohesive fitting together? Or do people constantly say, “yes, but what about this…?”

2. Worship
Does this theology resonate with the presence of the Lord in word and sacrament? When the community gathers to worship, does the theology fit there? Can we sing the theology and preach the theology?

3. Praxis
Does this theology translate into practical actions that produce change in lives? What happens to those believers who follow through on the implications of this theology? Do they grow and change, become more and more like Jesus?

4. Unity and Relationship
Does this theology separate us, or cut us off from other churches, believers? Do we allow our theology to be critiqued by the wider body of believers and churches?

5. Challenge and Mission
Does our theology challenge us to move out beyond ourselves? What contribution does our theology make to the wider body of believers; to the world in which we live?

Labels: community, friends

Winterbeard is dead.

Crooked Letters has emerged.

Dave Blondel and a bunch of friends have a new writing project. Looks delicious.

Labels: blogging, friends

...Jacob turned five on Sunday. We had the "class friends" party on Friday, and some church friends over on Sunday [we completely let Jacob invite whomever he wanted for both parties - sorry if that wasn't you].

Two videos were made of the Sunday party for your viewing pleasure. The first one is of pictures taken by Carolynn - some great shots. The second is a "Wonder Years"-esque video by Jordan - very cool looking. Enjoy.

Labels: family, friends, videos

My friend, Bill Kinnon, asked me to post these two new videos from Allelon focusing on the Summer Institute this June at Fuller.

A couple weeks ago I had posted about the "Canadian version" of the Summer Institute as well.

Labels: friends, videos

I asked Nathan Colquhoun to write a short "testimonial" about his time as a church planting intern at The Freeway in 2006, in order to help promote our new intern initiative, [CML]. Here's what he had to say:

"I worked with The Freeway for a summer and it was the exact experience that I needed to prepare me for planting a church. I lived with Pernell Goodyear and his family and participated with their family in everything that a family does. I worked alongside of their leadership cohort as if I was one of them. I played and hung out with the kids as if I had been there since the beginning. I was given experiences that tested my skills and stretched me to be better at them. I was given responsibility to run great programs and participate in a new church environment through its ups and downs."

"I can't tell you how much The Freeway means to me. Through their words and actions they actually believe in the Kingdom and not just their kingdom. They poured resources and time into me knowing full well I was going to another church and wasn't going to be there in a few months, but they didn't care because they knew they were working towards something bigger than their four walls. Pernell's family accepted me and taught me so much about grace, hospitality and family. The coffee house gave me experience in how to live and be in relationship in downtown environments. Overall, my internship at The Freeway was something that challenged me to my core. It forced me to look at myself and re-evaluate why I did things and the type of person I wanted to be."

"Now I'm in Sarnia, planting a church called theStory and my relationships with The Freeway are still as strong as ever. If you ever get a chance to be with the people at The Freeway, do it, and if you let it, you will experience a community that truly is on a journey of what it means to follow Christ."

If you are interested in finding out more about [CML], check out the website: www.frwy.ca/cml

Labels: friends, leadership, the freeway

Well, the Yahoo! Fantasy NBA League that I was in this year with a bunch of my buddies is now done as the basketball regular season ended yesterday. I've just got to tell you: I kicked some serious butt this year... I came in first place by a land-slide. In the immortal words of Charles Barkley, "I am in the business of kicking butt, and business is good." Yay for me!

Labels: friends, personal

You have to read this post by my friend, Bill Kinnon. Brilliant stuff. Here's a couple short excerpts from the rant:

We are the eikons who once sat in the uncomfortable pews or plush theatre seating of your preaching venues. We sat passively while you proof-texted your way through 3, 4, 5 or no point sermons - attempting to tell us how you and your reading of The Bible had a plan for our lives. Perhaps God does have a plan for us - it just doesn't seem to jive with yours.

Money was a great concern. And, for a moment, we believed you when you told us God would reward us for our tithes - or curse us if we didn't. The Law is just so much easier to preach than Grace. My goodness, if you told us that the 1st century church held everything in common - you might be accused of being a socialist - and of course, capitalism is a direct gift from God.

And this:

We truly long for the release of servant leading men and women into our gifts as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. We believe in Peter's words that describe us all as priests. Not just some, not just one gender.

Labels: community, friends, leadership

Steve Taylor [one of my favourite leader/hero's] talks about Kingdom leadership in a recent blog post. He contrasts those who race ahead and those who "dig in". Here's an excerpt:

At our most recent AGM I told the story of taking my 2 children for a holiday walk to a nearby river. One child (no prizes for guessing which one) decided she was "the leader" and strode off ahead. The other dawdled behind, then hurt her knee trying to cross a fence. She decided she could no longer walk. Effectively, she was simply going to dig in.

This is exactly the situation many change processes find themselves in at some point or another. Should "the leaders" stride off, leaving some behind? Or should we let those who are "dug in" dictate the pace, meaning we are never likely to get back to camp?

Excellent stuff. Read the rest of the post here: link

Labels: friends, leadership

• Bill Kinnon talks about his - and Alan Roxburgh's - time at The Freeway on Wednesday [along with the rest of the happenings of their week together]. Today they are meeting my buddy, David Fitch, who is in town for The Evolving Church Conference tomorrow [Bill, I will forgive you for dissing my friend's design of the conference website.]
• Darryl Dash will be live blogging from the conference tomorrow. Drop by.
• I found this video quite funny [though it isn't intended to be]. But, I found this re-mix absolutely hilarious [and it is intended to be].
• Steve Taylor asks some great questions about audio communication vs. written communication. And then goes on to ask some more great questions about the theological implications on our study of the Bible.
• Keep Kevin Chen away from your babies.
  

Labels: blogging, friends, videos

Tomorrow Dr. Alan Roxburgh and Bill Kinnon are coming to The Freeway to interview me for a video netcast for Allelon. This is part of a great new feature they are doing as a resource for those interested in missional church. I am really looking forward to hanging out with and learning from those guys.

Alan recently caught up with my friend [and author of the best book written for the emerging church], Steve Taylor from New Zealand. You can catch that fabulous interview here. Steve is an amazing missional leader whose wisdom and insight continues to amaze me.

Here's a video Allelon recently produced to explain who they are and what they do:



Also this week, I am hosting Shane Claiborne [founder of The Simple Way and author of The Irresistable Revolution] at my house for the weekend while he is here speaking at The Evolving Church: Restoring Justice conference on Saturday [which will be brilliant, by the way... you should totally go].

Here is a sample chapter of Shane's book.

I am really lucky to get to meet these folks and learn from them this week, even if only for a limited amount of time.

Labels: friends, the freeway, videos

Today is the birthday of one of my best friend's in the whole wide world, Mark Jefferson [aka Markus, Mark Jefferdaughter, Marko Polo, Butt-head]. He is thirty-five years old today. Woo Hoo. The old man doesn't look a day over forty either, trust me!

Mark and I have been really good friends since 1994, when we met in Bible College [our girlfriends - now wives - were roommates and we became friends by association, I suppose]. Well, it wasn't long before we became good friends in our own right. We have gone away on dozens of trips together, visited each other consistently when we lived in different cities, and he was the first Freeway "recruit" when we moved to Hamilton in 2001 and has been a great pastor to this community ever since. Fact is, The Freeway would simply not exist without Mark. I would have likely "thrown in the towel" years ago if it wasn't for his wisdom, insight, encouragement, partnership, and being able to laugh at each other [mostly me at him].

I have had quite a few good friends over the years, but none who make me a better person like Mark does. Twelve years, and not one argument or fight. He is literally the smartest, coolest, most refreshing guy I know... I am really quite sweet on him... in as manly a way as I can muster.

Happy birthday, buddy. And even though people may poke fun at you for a couple of these, here are three of your favourite tunes:

Labels: friends, personal, videos

Tomorrow I am getting together with some friends [Jared, Joe, Nathan, Jeremy] who I will be making a documentary with this summer about the emerging church in Canada. We will travel around for a couple weeks and discover what new, innovative, organic communities are starting in this Nation, and help tell their story through film.

I am really looking forward to working on this creative project with artists and creative-types, who are also my good buddies [OK, I don't really know Jeremy yet, but we'll be good friends soon].

Labels: church planting, documentary, friends

Here are my favourite bloggers from the past year:

1. Jordon Cooper - I have said for a long time that Jordon's blog is my favourite blog on all things emerging church [his new church community's blog is excellent as well]. This guy just seems to know what's going on in "emerging church land" and keeps us all up-to-date. But the fact is, he also has information on all kinds of subjects on his blog as well. I like how he fills the reader in on what's happening in the world -news, politics, sports, etc. - and also in his own life. His "contextless links" are fun. But it's his vulnerability about his own life and health that I really appreciate the most. Well, this past year I would say I appreciated his blog even more than usual because we have really developed a great friendship [in person as well as online] that I really value.
   
2. Steve Taylor - Of all the pastor-types that I know and respect, Steve is really high on my list. You already know I love his book, "The Out Of Bounds Church?" as I did a whole week of posts on it back in November. I love reading his blog because... well, frankly because Steve is an emerging church practitioner who is much smarter than me. His ideas and his heart for the Kingdom are very inspiring. I love his style of writing and his creativity. Steve's voice is ultra-important in the emerging church conversation.
3. Nathan Colquhoun - OK, Nathan lived with my family for four months this year and while I can attest to the fact that he is a stinky man, his blog isn't stinky. Nathan is someone I really love and respect and I look forward to reading his blog every day. He has a great ability to put his thoughts "out there" for everyone to see in a way that is authentic and genuine. I am enjoying watching theStory [the church he is planting with some friends in Sarnia] and can't wait to see what happens for him in 2007... he is getting married in May!
   
4. Jonny Baker - I don't know Jonny, but from what I read and see on his blog, he's a very cool guy who I think I would really like. His blog is super-creative and ideas oriented. His "worship tricks" are a brilliant resource for any practitioner of emerging church or alt. worship. His influence in the emerging church conversation is immense. His articles, ideas, photos, and thoughts have influenced my thinking and practice at The Freeway over the years. I appreciate his blog and hope to meet him face-to-face some day.
   
5. David Fitch - And I'm not just saying that because he talks about me and The Freeway in his book, "The Great Giveaway" either... although that was very kind of him and worthy of some link-love, for sure. David continues to challenge my thinking, not only through his blog, but in our friendship as well. He is one of the smartest practioner/thinkers out there. His blog is huge. And he is one of the nicest guys I know. Enough said.
   

Labels: blogging, friends

This past weekend I visited theStory [a new church plant of The Free Methodist Church in Canada] in Sarnia, Ontario with my family. The point of our visit was that Joe Manafo [he, along with Nathan Colquhoun and Darryl Sylvestri are planting the church] asked me to come and meet with their new little community and tell them the story of The Freeway in order to encourage, inspire and warn them what the deal is with planting a church like they are endeavoring to plant.

Here is an open letter of encouragement and critique for theStory... and for all of us who are trying to create new forms of church in this new culture we find ourselves in. I hope we can continue to learn from each other:

After my weekend at theStory, there are several words which have been rolling around my head which help to describe our experience with this new church community... words which I think will also be key to explore as the church community continues to bring God's shalom to the people of Sarnia. While our trip was only a weekend long, I believe it provided a snapshot of what this community is and is becoming.

Generosity
This brand new community put my whole family up in a nice hotel for the weekend... in adjoining rooms even. And they offered to give me money on top of that [which I did not accept]. That was huge. It may not sound like a big deal, but it is a huge generosity principal.

As a new community, tons of money isn't just sitting in their bank account waiting to be spent. I have traveled a lot further and spent more time "working" for other churches and they have given far less in terms of "taking care of us". Usually, t-shirts, cheap gift certificates, books, and cards are the "thank you" for hours and hours of preparation, and time away from my family [because they don't offer me to bring them] to help them out. Which is one of the reasons I am very picky as to what I travel to do now... I have to be. I simply haven't the time to do more... and I have a family to take care of.

If theStory can find a way to show outrageous generosity, they will raise people to a new plain. As The Red Hot Chill Peppers say: "give it away, give it away, give it away, give it away now." Bringing shalom into a neighbourhood/city requires generosity. Money, time, talents, dreams, life.

My advice: Live with less. Give away more.

Hospitality
When we arrived we were treated to a huge Italian dinner at the Manafo's house. Sarah Manafo is an amazing hostess. We ate delicious food in an incredibly comfortable environment with very warm, relaxed people. We told stories and laughed and just plain felt good.

Every Sunday morning the church gathers at the Manafo's house at 11:30am and enjoys a potluck lunch together. Again, very warm people in a very welcoming environment with loads of flex time to chat, catch up and really talk. I met some incredible people [who I will briefly describe in the next section] who welcomed us and made us feel like a "million bucks" - part of the family.

If theStory can find a way to be hospitable in this way - to create a space for people to feel welcome, and to eat and share their stories regardless of who they are - they will find that hospitality becomes "like the new preaching," opening up a door to real life transformation in the lives of those who receive and show hospitality.

My advice: Even when the church community grows, keep hospitality at its core. Eat together. Invite people over. Get in each other's lives.

Diversity
When we gathered on Sunday morning there were likely twenty adults [plus 10 or 12 children] or so there - a very good size for a church planting core team, I think. What was amazing was the diversity already present in that community. There were several young adults, some young families, high school students, university students, parents with their grown children, single parents, two adults with developmental disabilities, etc.

There was, however, not much cultural or ethnic diversity. That's often the way it is, it seems. But looking back on The Freeway's story I really wish that we had thought through cultural issues and been intentionally seeking to be in community with people from different backgrounds way back when. But we simply didn't. It's hard to start later. I think it is key to learn from and be in community with very diverse people... and have diversity change us. It will be essential for theStory to think through these issues and make some moves to broaden the community.

If theStory can continue to welcome people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, etc. they will see the Kingdom in ways many church communities simply will not.

My advice: Start thinking through these issues now and start making intentional decisions in this regard.

Teachability
The leadership and the community at theStory are active learners:

• Nathan did an internship with us at The Freeway, even living in my family's house, for three months this past summer, just so he could gain church planting experience. That's a big commitment. He is an active learner who asks lots of questions and thinks deeply about the gospel and the Kingdom of God and actively tries to live it out.
• Joe called "cold" and "out of the blue" two years ago. He heard about what we were doing and was anxious to learn from me. He asked great questions. Since that time, although he is a rock star leader in his own right, I have found him to be far more eager to learn than to teach. It is an admirable leadership quality which he possesses.
• The church community asked us questions on Sunday when we were telling The Freeway story. They were observant, deep and reflective questions. The whole group were active listeners who value the story of others.

Teachability can not be... as George Dubya would say... "misunderestimated". It is a much needed [though not entirely common] trait of a community hoping to start a church community in this culture.

My advice: Do the best you can to always ask lots of questions. Don't ever "arrive". Be more anxious to listen than to talk.

Fun Loving
I'm not kidding. This is essential. Church planting [and life for that matter] is often hard, tireless, thankless work. Jokes, laughter and good times are essential.

theStory already has developed a fun vibe. They smile a lot and really seem to enjoy each other's company. They seem to be able to laugh at themselves and let loose and have a good time.

My Advice: Throw parties. Do fun things together. Build laughter and fun into the "program" of the church community.

Jesus-y
I know it's not a real word... but it should be. The folks from theStory really seem to love Jesus and his community, the Kingdom. They are interested in establishing a church community that loves Jesus and lives out his message of love, justice, peace and transformation in the city of Sarnia. In their own words, theStory is:

A Jesus community intent on playing its part in the social fabric and spiritual landscape of the lives it connects with. In short, we would describe ourselves as:

• A community built on relationships instead of strategies, opportunity in lieu of felt needs.
• A community immersed in disciplines instead of fads.
• A community where health is expressed by reflection and redemption, not size and assets.
• A community where Q&A is eschewed for dialogue, and where justice and equality are understood as pure religion.
• A community that understands the atonement of Jesus as more than a transaction, and their lives as more than entities that consume or are consumed.
• A community of diverse individuals pulled together with a common purpose: To love God, love others, and to tell His story.

My advice: Continue to follow Jesus.

I love theStory. I love what they are about. I love who they are. I will pray for them as they continue to build the Kingdom in Sarnia. Will you?

Labels: church planting, friends, leadership

My friend [and author/church planter], David Fitch, hits the nail on the head as far as I'm concerned:

TEN THINGS ANYONE WHO JOINS IN A TWENTY FIRST CENTURY MISSIONAL CHURCH PLANT SHOULD NOT EXPECT:

1.) Should not expect to regularly come to church for just one hour, get what you need for your own personal growth and development, and your kid’s needs, and then leave til next Sunday. Expect mission to change your life. Expect however a richer life than you could have ever imagined.

2.) Should not expect that Jesus will fit in with every consumerist capitalist assumption, lifestyle, schedule or accoutrement you may have adopted before coming here. Expect to be freed from a lot of crap you will find out you never needed.

3.) Should not expect to be anonymous, unknown or be able to disappear in this church Body. Expect to be known and loved, supported in a glorious journey.

4.) Should not expect production style excellence all the time on Sunday worship gatherings. Expect organic, simple and authentic beauty.

5. Should not expect a raucous "light out" youth program that entertains the teenagers, puts on a show that gets the kids "pumped up," all without parental involvement. Instead as the years go by, with our children as part of our life, worship and mission (and when the light shows dim and the cool youth pastor with the spiked hair burns out) expect our youth to have an authentic relationship with God thru Christ that carries them through a lifetime of journey with God.

6.) Should not expect to always "feel good,"or ecstatic on Sunday mornings. Expect that there will ALSO be times of confession, lament, self-examination and just plain silence.

7.) Should not expect a lot of sermons that promise you God will prosper you with "the life you've always wanted" if you’ll just believe Him and step out on faith and give some more money for a bigger sanctuary. Expect sustenance for the journey.

8.) Should not expect rapid growth whereby we grow this church from 10 to a thousand in three years. Expect slower organic inefficient growth that engages people’s lives where they are at and sees troubled people who would have nothing to do with the gospel marvelously saved.

9.) Should not expect all the meetings to happen in a church building. Expect a lot of the gatherings will be in homes, or sites of mission.

10.) Should not expect arguments over style of music, color of carpet, or even doctrinal outlier issues like dispensationalism. Expect mission to drive the conversation.

O AND BY THE WAY… Should not expect that community comes to you… I am sorry but true community in Christ will take some "effort"and a reshuffling of priorities for both you and your kids. Yes I know you want people to come to you and reach out to you and you’re hurting and busy. But assuming you are a follower of Christ (this message is not for strangers to the gospel) you must learn that the answer to all those things is to enter into the practices of "being the Body" in Christ, including sitting, eating, sharing and praying together.

Labels: church planting, friends, leadership

... in my neighbourhood... in my neighbourhood... or at least in my network[hood].

In addition to the folks from my own church community who I got to hang out with this week [and will not name here], I had several inspiring one-on-one coffee/lunch meetings with some very cool people who really inspire me. It seems this was a busy network kind of a week for me... a week that I really needed. I spent time with my friends: Jamie Robertson, Steve Baldry, Larry Jaremko, Joe Manafo, Darryl Dash, Jared Siebert, and Chris Jones.

• Jamie is a former Freewayer, now a United church pastor in Oakville. We talked about life, kids, faith, and Will Ferrell... and we laughed a lot [like we always do].
• Steve is my former Bible College prof, now a Presbyterian pastor in Hamilton... and one of my mentors. We talked about theology and life and what it means to be a pastor.
• Larry is my colleague in The Salvation Army. He is responsible for business administration in our region. We talked about the coffee house and how to continue to develop the plan to keep it going. We also talked about creation and art and beauty.
• Joe is the guy who tolerates Nathan Colquhoun at theStory in Sarnia. We are kind of soul-mates. We talked about church planting, leadership, creativity, our kids... we talked about a lot of stuff actually.
• Darryl is a leader at Resonate and a Baptist church pastor in Mississ-sausage. We talked about the emerging church, theology, missiology and ecclesiology... and life.
• Jared is a stooge... a denominational stooge. Once the rock star pastor of the next church in Kingston, now he is just a church plant instigator for Free Methodist Church in Canada. We talked about Greenhouses and Cultivate [we're planning one for March]... and we talked complete shenanigans and drivel... we are both great at that.
• Chris is my neighbour. We talked about entrepreneurship, family, web design, and guy stuff.
  

Perhaps unknown to you, these guys speak into my life in various ways. They inspire me to keep going. They make me feel valuable... like I have something to say. I came away from each of my encounters with them this week feeling truly inspired. Like I could keep going. Like I mattered. Like I was part of something really special. I was encouraged to dream... and to be me.

It was like the feeling you get when you eat a great meal - until you are full - with people you love being around. Satisfied. Content.

And they are not the only people in my life who make me feel this way. Not even close.

We all need people who believe in us. Who inspire us to be better. Who hold us accountable for what we do and how. People who we can network with and be in community with and work on projects with. People who guide us and give us advice and love us for who we are.

Am I a person like that to someone? Are you? Do people feel inspired when they walk away from time spent with me [and you]?

We have the opportunity to make a difference to people every single day. But do we?

Just something to think about, I guess.

Labels: friends, personal

Today I met with yet another pastor friend of mine who is on the verge of burning out, quitting, and losing faith in the church... and perhaps himself and his calling. He feels unsupported, alone, tired, over-worked, and under-appreciated.

High expectations. Big demands. Politics. Too many programs to run. Not enough support from within the church. Too many plates to spin. Too many committees... er, ah... I mean "teams" to be a part of.

Same old story, I guess.

On top of it all, he has some personal and family issues which in and of themselves are really hard to get through in the best of circumstances. Really hard.

Okay, I had a whole post written about this. But I don't want to say what I was going to say. Instead, let me just say that what my friend is going through really sucks. I don't want to paint the picture that being a pastor is tougher than any other job. I am sure it probably isn't. Enough said.

Please pray for my friend, if you're the praying type.

Labels: friends, leadership, prayer

This morning we have our Greenhouse meeting at the coffee house. Then this afternoon we have a block party in our neighbourhood with well over a hundred of our neighbours, families from our kids school, etc. Then this evening is The Freeway Halloween bash.

Tomorrow morning we have friends coming over. Then we have an alt. worship gathering at The Freeway exploring our value of "beauty".

It looks to be a busy... but really good weekend.

Labels: friends, the freeway

My buddy, Steve Wiseman, is visiting from Calgary for a few days. He is crashing at our place... and we will have a grand ole time. Say "hi" to the folks, Steve:

"Hi to the good folks that read this blog. A big shout out to Pernell & Margie & their fam for hosting me these next couple of days. Glad to have this chance to hang out. Thanks to Margie for hooking me up with a Baby Alive. Julia's gonna love it!"

Well, we got living to do.

Peace.

Labels: friends

Local Voices
I want to take the opportunity to encourage those of you reading this blog, who are not part of our community at The Freeway, to read the blogs of my friends who are. You can find them under "local voices" on my right sidebar. Their stories are inspiring. They are funny, interesting, smart, and amazing people. Go to their blogs, read their stuff, link to their sites. I like them alot. And I think you will too. You can read stuff like:

• What's grinding EMS worker Rich Robinson's gears.
  
• What's happening with photographer Krista Jefferson and her kids.
  
• More useless pop-culture information than you could possibly store in one life-time by checking out American Eagle Manager Dave Hamilton's blog.
• Etc.
  

All of the "local voices" blogs are unique and amazing. See the whole bunch.

Global Voices
Also, "global voices" on the right sidebar is a list of people from around the world who I like very much. Their stories too, have made an incredible impact on me. Some of them I know in person. Others I know just through the blogging community. Either way, they are my friends. You should check them out. You can read stuff like:

• The story of a brand spanking new church community by checking in on Nathan Colquhoun.
• The thoughts of the smartest emerging church leader/thinker/practitioner/author I know, Steve Taylor.
• Get to know my neighbour, Chris Jones, and his wife, five kids, and three current business ventures.
• Etc.
  

I am very fortunate to have a network of friends and associates and to learn from them. I hope you find their stuff as inspiring as I do.

Labels: blogging, friends, the freeway

There is a story I read today that both moved me and annoyed me to no end. It's from Real Live Preacher. Here are some quotes that stuck out:

As far as I know, John boldly claimed that he had been healed right up until the day the tumor killed him.

And this:

"John is alive right now in heaven with Jesus. And because he is in heaven, he's happier now than ever before. You have no reason to cry. Smile and be happy. You'll see John again one day in heaven."

Oh, alive in heaven. You could feel the people settling back into their seats. Well, yeah, he's alive with Jesus, but he's still dead here on earth. That's why they put him in that fancy box at the front of the church.

Being with Jesus in heaven is also a part of our theology, and it has a proper place in a Christian funeral, certainly. But heaven should never be used to talk people out of their grief.

You simply have to read the whole story.

My best friend's uncle is dying of cancer... soon. I may have to do the funeral with him. Please pray for Mark and his Uncle Keith's family... and for all those who are losing one they love.

Update: Uncle Keith died during the night. Please continue to pray.

Labels: friends

Two of my buddies are blogging... again. The first is a friend from Peterborough, one of the pastors of The Third Space a very cool church community, Dave Blondel. The other is one of my best friends in the world, and also my neighbour [he lives less than a block from me], Chris Jones - an amazing contractor ["if the ladies can't find you handsome, at least they can find you handy"... I'm not saying that he isn't handsome... I'm just saying] and web guru.

Nice work boys... can't wait to cyber-stalk you.

Labels: blogging, friends

I was up all night. Couldn't sleep. My mind kept very active. So I decided to do some writing and thinking and scheming and planning.

Today I am sleepy.

I am sitting in our coffee house right now (gotta love free wifi) because I am meeting with Mike Todd here this morning... I am convinced that my conversation with him will keep me on my toes and very alert. He is a very interesting guy. The last time we met (which was also the first time), we talked like two long-lost brothers. We really clicked.

I brought my kids with me... no childcare today. Speaking of which, they really seem to be bored now that our vacation is over. I actually think they want to get back to school. Imagine that.

Labels: friends

The coolest thing about this whole blogging adventure for me (I have been blogging since 2002) has been "meeting" people online... reading their blogs, swapping e-mail, posting comments, etc. People who I wouldn't likely have been able to interact with or maybe even heard about otherwise. I get to hear their stories, ideas, struggles, triumphs, etc. I get to know them in some way, and they get to know me. Many of them inspire me. Some irritate me. And still others just simply fascinate me.

Some of those "online friends" I have met face-to-face and my life is richer for it. I have met and hung out with some amazing people these past few years - people who I had gotten to know online first. People like: Jordon Cooper, Mike Todd, Kim Reid, Darryl Dash, Bill Millar and Robby Mac.

But there are quite a few folks I have been tracking for some time online who I would absolutely love to meet someday. Some of them I would already consider friends. Others I barely know... or they barely know me. None the less, here is my "hit list" of folks I really want to meet and hang out with should circumstances ever allow it:

Jamie Arpin-Ricci
Steve Taylor
Len Hjalmarson
Brother Maynard
Jonny Baker
Gordon Cotterill
Headphonaught
Mark Berry

NOTE: I just want to clarify that I have met tons of other great people in the past couple years, some of whom I journey with online now, but I listed people above who I followed online first for a significant amount of time and then met personally.

Peace.

Labels: blogging, friends

We had quite the experience down in New Orleans last week. Five of us (Kristyn, Melissa, Nathan, Kevin, and myself) set out on a journey we will not soon forget. Unbelievable really. We met some wonderful people. We worked our arses off in unbearable heat, gutting houses that were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina almost a year ago. We saw things we will never forget.

Here are some links:

Pernell's Flickr

Nathan's Flickr

Nathan's blog posts: 1, 2, 3.

Kevin's blog posts: 1, 2, 3.

And here is a video we made (and showed on Sunday night at The Freeway) of our experiences:

Labels: friends, personal, photos, videos

My friend Jordon just got a job with The Salvation Army in Saskatoon. Nice going, buddy. He had gotten laid off from his job not too long ago. I am happy to welcome him to the Universe of The SA.

I commented on his site, asking if he was going to get the "Army tattoo". He replied that he would get it between the "FRWY.ca tattoo" and the "Pernell Goodyear tattoo".

Sorry Jordon, I don't think you can get a tattoo there!

Labels: friends, the salvation army

The city of New Orleans is still in desperate need of help in its recovery effort after the terrible Hurricane Katrina disaster last year. ACORN is an organization who are there trying to help.

ACORN is the "Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now", and is America's largest community organization of low and moderate income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities. According to their website:

Since December, ACORN has been gutting and cleaning homes in low-income neighbourhoods as part of our "Home Clean-out Demonstration Program". As we continue to fight for a comprehensive rebuilding plan, we have already cleaned out 1,000 + homes, with plans to do even more this summer.

As the first large-scale renovation activity in lower income neighbourhoods, this initial step of preservation not only has a practical impact - but sends a message that the people of New Orleans are coming home to rebuild. We can't save New Orleans on our own, but we can preserve the homes of many families, and show policymakers that the people of New Orleans will not let our communities be left behind.

Me and a few friends from The Freeway (Nathan, Kevin, Melissa and Kristyn) are driving down to New Orleans to volunteer with ACORN for a week. We will go there next Sunday, July 16th and return on Saturday, July 22nd. We will be helping to demolish homes that need to be re-built because of water damage, mold, etc.

If you would like to help us with our personal costs (travel, accomodation, food, etc.), please do so securely by using PayPal (we can issue you a tax receipt):

Or if you would like to donate to ACORN directly: Click here

Labels: friends, personal, the freeway

Last night I went to Krista's photography opening at the coffee house. It was a good time.

I think the highlight for me was seeing Kevin ("the quarter tonner") and Leanne Coghill. They used to be a huge part of our life. They were part of our church community from the very beginning back in 2001 (and I have a video to prove it).

Kevin led worship and was a huge part of leadership in the community. He also cared for our children two days a week (we called him "Manny" - male nanny) for about a year. Leanne always added her smile and beautiful voice to any gathering she was a part of.

They moved to Fergus, ON a couple years ago (or so) and we don't get to see them much anymore. I really miss them and it was good to talk about old times and have a laugh (or five).

It is amazing how much difference a hug and a few laughs makes.

It can change everything.

That's one of the things I absolutely love about being part of FRWY... I am almost always guaranteed a laugh or a hug when I need it.

You know how there are certain people who just make you feel good and allow you to be you? Well, there are a bunch of those in one place at FRWY. It is truly an amazing community. I can tell stories of significant moments when I was at "the end of my rope" and one hug made me know it would be okay... we could get through "it" together. And I can also tell of many, many moments when stress or heartache or apathy or tension were replaced by a good laugh.

I am a lucky guy.

Labels: community, friends, the freeway