Community Built

Mass Communities, Preventing School Violence

2018-05-21T09:02:00.001-04:00

I was asked yesterday my thoughts on how to stop the mass shootings, particularly at schools, short of "world peace, spiritual revival, and extensive gun control." This is not an area that I approach lightly, with so many families effected by gun violence. I also know I'm not a mental health professional, but I know communities pretty well. There are several common things I see in mass school shootings that we all can have a role in changing.

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1) Lonely guys: 

Almost every perpetrator of mass shootings was a male viewed as an "outsider, quiet guy, someone who kept to himself, or had a few friends." This pattern has been repeated for the last 20 years. While it is a dangerous stereotype to create (being one of those quiet guys in school), it is an important one to understand. 

We need more caring adults in the lives of our youth. We need greater spiritual, emotional, and developmental support of youth. Our churches need a transformative presence in our communities, our communities need meaningful relationships, and our families need interconnected networks. Families, churches, schools, and community cannot do it alone, this is a fight for every youth, both victim and perpetrator. 

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2) Relationship Corruption:  

These perpetrators tend to be young men who have had issues with developing and maintaining relationship, more than the average teen. These tend to be heterosexual males, most often they have recently broken up with a girlfriend, been rejected by a girl, or warped expectations of relationships with women. Again and again, these young guys choose to deal with heartbreak, rejection, and frustration through violent expressions.

We need better examples, better media, and better relationships. I don't expect a "Leave it to Beaver" world, but we lack good media examples of families with values. Our youth are looking for leaders, for men (and women) who can guide and encourage them, invest in their lives, care for their souls, and create a brighter future. We need stronger families that teach how to deal with frustration and disappointment aside from violence or separation. We need better media that doesn't objectify women and glorify sexuality, that doesn't, in the same broadcast, talk about a violent crime against women and then discuss the latest celebrity's body modification or photo scandal. If journalism is to be respected again, publish meaningful news. Lastly, we need better school systems that allow for more creative outlets and teach kids how to express them selves in other more acceptable ways. We need sports, play, arts, and entertainment opportunities for our youth. We need funding for these "non-core" courses that can make all the difference with our youth. 

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3) Weaponized Violence: 

These mass shootings have just that, guns. I do believe that law-abiding citizens have the right to carry guns. I know that gun laws do impact those citizens the most and gangs still get guns. What we have a problem with is our culture of guns. Most perpetrators obtained guns legally, as youth, or had access to them in their homes, despite warning signs and behavioral alerts. Many had a "fascination" with guns, violence, or studied mass shootings. There are few of these that happen as stabbings, drivings, or smashings... these are shootings, guns must be addressed. 

I won't open this debate up here too much, but I cannot address shootings without addressing the tool used to create them. We need more supervision and limitation over youth access to guns. I get that it is culture and that it has not been my family's culture. Those with founded mental issues, should not have access to guns. Those that do not secure their weapons and have them stolen, should probably lose their access to guns. Also, guns aren't cars, cars were made for transportation, guns were made to kill, we have to have policy that addresses them as such. We have had shootings in all corners of the country, with all sorts of backgrounds, this is a gun culture issue. We have to address the issue and not shy away from the tough and meaningful discussion. We cannot just use anecdotes, stories, and fears of government take over to frame the conversation, but that this is real and meaningful issue in our community. We must be willing to put aside our beliefs about guns and find real solutions. We have to start to love our youth more than our guns.

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This isn't a conversation for everyone, but is one that we have to have. I share this because it is on my mind and heart. It is time for our churches to see our real need for community revival, our families to become beacons in our neighborhoods, and our schools to become sacred community ground to be protected and supported. This is possible, but we have to be willing to go the extra mile, to invest ourselves, and to take risks forming new relationships.

Perfection: getting sued for your bike and offering them your car.

2018-03-26T07:54:00.000-04:00

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt 5:48

Perfection comes, not through separation from our surrounding community, but through immersion. From being around those that don't want you around, that are likely to use and take advantage of you because of your giving. It takes us being centered in Christ, letting his love work through us. This is uncomfortable.

Christ describes that perfection in 10 important ways like this (Matt 5:38-48):

1) Love your neighbor...

2) Love your enemy...

3) Bless them that curse you...

4) Pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you...

5) When sued, give your coat and your cloak...

6) Go the extra mile...

7) Lend to those that don't return it...

8) Give them your other cheek...

9) Welcome the stranger...

10) Be centered on heavenly perfection...

I've read the "be-attitudes" ever since I was a little kid. You know the "Blessed are the..." peacemakers, righteous seekers, mourners, meek, poor, persecuted... Well, if you keep reading down the instruction he gives we often get to a very routine set of spiritual goals that most of us have given up trying to live. This list is always a good moral guide, often when convenient, and is often tied to the "golden rule" by considering our enemy as one that is not to be hated but loved.

I don't know how many times I have read this passage and missed two "Be's":
Be Perfect & Be Vulnerable.

1) The first thing i would always miss was the intent of the passage wasn't to set out a checklist but a description. I would read this passage and say "hope I can be that way some day." What I missed in understanding the passage is it wasn't a to do list at all, it was a descriptor list of spiritual perfection. Verse 48 clearly tells us to be this way, not try to, not hope to, but to be this way. This is not an act but rather a state of being, a presence of mind to respond to a challenge with love rather than rage.

2) The second thing I found towards the end of the passage where he tells us not to be as the "publicans" and only wave at the people we like, or to only hang out with the religious people we value. Often we think that to be closer to God is to be separated from the world, but Christ challenges that idea. As he describes, to be closer to God we get closer to people, especially people we don't know, are uncomfortable with, and need the gospel message. It is our tendency to close ourselves off for safety that keeps us from serving him fully.

How many of these are we really following? How would the gospel spread if we put our own priorities aside, got uncomfortable and spent time with the lost?

Got me thinking this morning.

Church Official: Christ is fat, drunk, and just one of the guys

2018-03-23T22:50:00.003-04:00

"And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

...And the Lord said 'Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation?...

...For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, 'He hath a devil.'

'The Son of man [Christ] is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber [a drunk], a friend of publicans and sinners!

'But wisdom is justified of all her children.'" Luke 7.29-31, 33-35

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This passage has been an eye opener for me...

The religious leaders of the day accused Christ of being a "glutton, a drunk, and a friend of sinners."

They missed the reality that our relationships and fellowship with the lost, sick, and rejected are critical to our Gospel mission. They wanted him to minister and live as the religious of the day did, to associate only with other religious people, to eat and drink in ways that they had been limited to, to only visit homes and places they wanted him to go.

Instead they missed the entire point of Christ's ministry: seeing souls receive the Gospel.

Christ says that the "wisdom" in which he ministers will be "justified" by her "children" (by the results) in vs 35. He says this know what just happened in the verses preceding, vs 29, where "all the people that heard him," except the religious leaders, accepted the Gospel and were baptized. Christ's wisdom in choosing to eat and drink with the rejected, partying, lost crowd was justified by the work of the Gospel to change those lives.

Are we only ministering in safe ways? To only people like us? Only in places that our religious friends approve? Only in places that we are comfortable, places where we are not tempted?

This passage has hit me hard.

I should always be checking to see if my fear of temptation or fear of falling becomes a barrier to service. I know that Christ went to many unsavory homes and was tempted, but remained without sin. I'm not Christ, but I believe his willingness to go there is to show the capability of a spirit led life to over come temptation. I find it is often easier to fall in the places I am most comfortable rather than new or challenging places.

May I never become too spiritually refined that I would never be accused of associating with the lost. May I not do so much to avoid temptation that I avoid those that need Christ the most. May my faith in God's spirit of love, power and a sound mind be greater than fear of failure and accusations.

When people see me, may they see a student of the Great Physician ministering among the spiritual wounded and sick. May I have the boldness to enter, the humbleness to minister, and the discernment to live a balanced life.

I will not be justified in the end by what I didn't eat or drink, but by the work of the Gospel in the lives around me.

Learning to be uncomfortable for Christ.

Leftover Sacrifices

2016-12-08T11:31:00.001-05:00

What if our churches shut their doors until we decided to give ourselves wholly to Christ? How many would be open today? What example would the ones still open be within our world today as churches full of true disciples?

“Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, So that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” Says the Lord of hosts, “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands." Malachi 1.10 (nkjv)

The people of Israel were offering moldy bread, blind, sick, and lame animals to the temple as sacrifices and saw nothing wrong with it (vs 7-9). Even the priests excused it, so that God would rather they shut the doors than see them give leftover sacrifices. How much more do we serve out of our excess rather than out of our weakness? Do we give the things we can live without our live without that we may give?

Our churches and we, as believers, need revival. We need a renewed faith, a broken spirit, as a cup poured out, we need a new heart - holy, full of love, sacrificial, heavenly minded, full of joy unspeakable, abounding with life, speaking the truth in love, given wholly to Christ. We need to live as true disciples of Christ, living in a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. Given to him, not for security or favor of God, but out of a love and acceptance of his precious offer for us.

"Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me"
- Jesus

I was studying this (in Crazy Love by Francis Chan) as i was preparing to teach this morning and can not shake the thought, hope you are challenged too.

5 Community Partnership Principles

2016-05-25T13:13:00.003-04:00

I have been strongly reminded this month that this neighborhood work is a messy work.

Contrary to popular belief, I'm not here to just provide a community service (trash pick-up, put out fires, repave a road...), I am here to empower and equip people to improve their neighborhoods.

These are 5 of my principles that I think makes for a good neighborhood partnership.

Empowerment: If you come to me with your hand out, I ask that you reach into your own pocket first, then take a quick inventory of what and who you know to help you accomplish the task.
Ownership: I can assist you, I can guide you, but you have to do it. It isn't mean to say no, because it is often the only way the effort will last and it will mean something to you for accomplishing it. Start simple and grow as your resources grow.
Respect: Value your partners, when you undermine the work they do, they will not run to your aid so quickly the next time. Stand up for them, respect them, challenge them, and be honest with them.
Unity: It has to be done together and can not be done alone, each person has a role they can fulfill better than most others. Do it, do it well, and do it together.
Adaptability: Everyone starts at a different place, so what has worked for one may not work for another. Treat everyone fairly, not necessarily the same.

White Flight, Christian Separation, And Good Citizenship

2015-10-16T04:30:00.000-04:00

WARNING PLEASE WEAR PROTECTIVE BOOTS, I MIGHT JUST STEP ON SOME TOES WITH THIS ONE....

So we have been talking a lot lately around the office concerning the influence of financial mobility and its impact on local school choices. Then this article on the Huffington Post pops up and brings up some great points for discussion:

Why White Parents Won't Choose Black Schools:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/abby-norman2/why-white-parents-wont-ch_b_8294908.html

Many people I know explain these choices based on very inaccurate perceptions of our public school systems. Some people blame the philosophies of "secularism," a need for "separation [i.e. religious focus]," lack of "safety," too many "socialistic teachings," or promiscuously biased "sexual education" as the reason they choose other schooling options [alliteration intended].

But as this article points out, there are often just bad perceptions, unannounced/un-admitted stereotypes, unacknowledged fear, and hidden racism that underlie many of these excuses. Parents that believe in these dangers of their local urban schools and with the financial ability to do so, are often either moving to the suburbs, turning to private/out-of-district schooling [if they can afford it] or homeschooling [if private schooling is not affordable or not readily available or want even more control].

Don't misread what I am emphasizing, I fully support the idea that parents should be the ones to choose what schooling arrangements meets the needs of their child and family. Just don't based those decisions on false conjecture, skewed perceptions, or biased parental fears. We all are part of this community and therefore all have a part of the reason for why "that school" is the way it is. What is that I see quoted all the time: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." (Edmund Burke) Remember, this applies to our public educational system too, we weren't called to abandon the world just yet, but to be a force for positive change.

We see this in churches and social circles too where we now viewing our public/volunteer lives as a consumer interactions that must meet my needs and desires rather than fulfill our responsibility to be good citizens, meeting the community's needs, and challenging our school/churches to be better because they are "ours" and not some unknown other persons.

As believers we need to get real about our great commission to "go unto ALL of the world" and get ready to be "TOO diverse" in our worships, our gatherings, our fellowships, our organizations, and our relationships.

The Apostle Paul said it often:

"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Rom 10.12-14

In full disclosure, my kids do go "out of district" out of convenience to our family's lifestyle. However, I will refuse to bad mouth our neighborhood school, and will do whatever I can to support and promote their success.

As an attendee of a public schools for over 19 years of my life (college included), and in very diverse communities, I can attest to the quality, the values, and the richness that being involved and committed to our community schools can bring. Not to mention the influence of my Christian parents on my friends was an invaluable testimony that many parents often forget (i.e. stop being selfish about public education views, it isn't just about your kid it is about our calling to be "in the world but not of the world").

You see the age old rebuttal was that it "isn't fair to make our kids missionaries in the "lost" public school" is based on the same flawed philosophy that they are "protecting their kids from the bad influence of liberal teachers." This flawed philosophy rest on the belief that teachers are the only ones who are the keepers of the keys to a good education. In fact I agree with many that use this flawed argument: Education is more than just good teachers and yes it does begin at home, but that applies whether you are in public, private, or home-schooled.

We have to stop taking a relatively easy way out and say that "the right school will be the solution to educating our kids." Keep in mind that it is only a small piece of the equation that should look more like this:
(parenting) X (teachers + school + community + friends + students) X (prayer + fasting)
= Student Success

The scary thing for many modern parents is that they are only one part of that equation in which that they have direct influence on, however, it is a vital piece to that equation and defines these results. I have witnessed too many friends who have gone by the wayside or hit some very rough patches in their lives because even our Christian parents forget the principle of community influence and parental foundations.

We must begin to critically look at our perceptions and motivations that drive our decisions. I know for some this is going to be major paradigm shift in worldview, It will likely take them from a comfortable homogeneous society to a very diverse, heterogeneous community that values our differences as unique but unified for the cause of Christ and the betterment of the community.

But for that shift to occur we have to remember who we, as believers, are honoring in those decisions. Am I seeking a parenting award for successfully educating my kids in all things by being everything in that equation? Or am I living a life that puts my family in unique opportunities to be a witness of the good news?

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 2 Peter 2.9-10

{...steps off of small soap box and goes back to reading..}

Health in Unity, Strength in diversity

2015-09-07T21:08:00.001-04:00

So with a day off, I have been doing some thinking (watch out, have about 6 posts almost ready to graduate from draft form). So, just as the counter party offers a response to state of the union, this is my Non-Papal Address...

"...that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light..."

I have come to believe that when a church begins to lack a vision for the fields, both local and abroad, that are ready for harvest, they begin to look only within themselves, at the local body, and atrophy, loading strength and ability to fulfill its calling.

I also believe that we have become way too sensitive with fellow believers. We would rather give up on one local body for another local body than accept our differences and celebrate them together. There are several spots on the spectrum of believers. Some, it seems, are ready to "help" those that "look less spiritually mature" and it has driven some believers to find less challenging congregations. Others it seems finds it easier to just seek absolute stability and unity, willing to sacrifice themselves (and others) for the sake of the group, letting others turn away without effort to meditate. And there are those who ache for the unity of others and yarn to see growth and unity, building bridges between church bodies. These are the ones needed most these days, the ones who see the similarities and gifts of everyone and seek to create new connections that strengthen the body.

You see, to me the diversity of how we praise, pray, proclaim, profess, relate, reachout, refresh...is what makes Christianity special and unique. It is in the inclusive opportunity of the exclusive truth of the gospel can we find great, lasting unity.

If I am true to this ideal of what other believers around me should be, I don't want to see myself replicated, but the beautiful creations of Christ that stand out from the crowd of self made righteousness for their unique love for one another.

Lastly, I believe the greatest risk for today's churches isn't government sanctioned persecution but the internal breakdown of the unity of the believers. It was this unity that Paul continuously wrote about, a unity that transcends the earthly organizations to which we belong but are joined by something deeper, stronger, and more flexible than any other. Yet, our "spiritual body" that we call churches are plagued with an arthritis, a painful inflammation of our "spiritual" joints, that is keeping us from focusing on the beautiful work we have been called to do.

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

As you relax this labor day, think about how you have helped your church's body lately. Are you building up and helping to strengthen these earthly fragile bonds with heavenly healing? Or are you creating unnecessary friction in the body in the name of revival? Or are you sitting silently by, feigning helplessness rather than speaking up, encouraging, and reconciling?

Practically, we have to stop thinking we can church shop, we have to be real with our struggles, our disagreements, our direction, our hope, our common ground. We have to protect all members of the body, we have to uplift, build up, fortify, and not "give up" on anyone. What if Christ decided that instead of calling out the pharasees, he just went to another city, what would happen to those in the first city that missed out on his teaching when he gave up treaching there because of the critical few? We are due some serious, intimate, concerned conversations in our churches. Not Facebook rants, blog posts, or gossiping questions of why, but real sincere conversations that are held in a spirit of unity and growth. We must do it together, within the congregation, and between congregations. Every day souls are lost, hearts are hurting, members are stumbling, and we continue doing the same thing we have known, it is time for a change.

Hope you enjoyed your day off... now is our time to get real and get busy doing great things together. We have been called to do show the praise of a great God, in a marvelous way... now let's do it.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2.9-10

Charitable Giving: Investing in Solutions, not Servitude

2015-01-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

I was watching Dan Pollotta's TED talk on charitable giving practices and I have to agree with his assessment of current misconceptions on compensation for non-profit leadership (this includes public service, teachers, public safety and pastoral/missionary service in my opinion).

One key business principle stands out, you have to invest more to make more (i.e. money follows money). If we short change our giving practices we are more likely to see short lived change in our "charity" work.

I believe the Apostle Paul understood this principle of giving freely as well...

6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galations 6:6-10)

The translation of "communicate" includes the idea of giving more than just words, but also of resources. Give (communicate) good things... give beyond what you are able (Not be weary)... give anytime you are able (opportunity)... give to the benefit of both believers and non-believers (all men). I don't see anything in this passage about giving only to feed the poor, cloth them with the cheapest clothes, or to help them give a cheap apartment. The direction is to give, give freely, give to those who don't deserve it (especially to those who are believers and teachers).

I think the hardest example of giving to follow is the giving that Christ instructed believers to follow:

40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. (Matthew 5:40-42)

(Makes it hard to turn down the cold call donation asks. This kind of living is certainly a measure of our faith, to balance stewardship and to be a generous giver.)

This approach to giving is not a silver bullet to solve all of the challenges we face in our societies but definitely worth considering.

(By the way, Dan Pollotta is speaking on his book in Downtown Norfolk this month. More information here: TCC Roper Center.)

For Dan Pollotta's TED Talk: Dan Pallotta TED Talk

Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly - The Eric Garner Ruling

2014-12-03T22:23:00.001-05:00

Today we struggle with understanding our justice system and the impacts of the power we bestow on certain individuals in our society. We see the permanence of our actions, as a national community, and the residual effects of our ancestral decisions in the decision announced today. We question how we view others, how we hold each other accountable, and how we maintain an orderly and welcoming society.

First, please see NFL Player Benjamin Watson's post (it is very spot on in both incidents):
http://www.facebook.com/BenjaminWatsonOfficial/posts/602172116576590

Let me explain my understanding of the current events and my perspective:

The ruling in the Eric Garner case is not a controversial case, it is a heart breaking case.

Unlike the questions that remain in the Michael Brown case, the Garner case was recorded from the initial the confrontation to the moment that he went unconscious (and eventually died).
Eric Garner was not a perfect, model citizen, but that is not a reason to arrest someone or take them down with a prohibited use of force. There are little things called due process and reasonable suspicion that are required and have not yet been presented publicly in this case. This is what makes the case even more disturbing and fosters greater frustration (as my friends have shared numerous stories of "driving while black").

The choke restraint was not allowed as a use of force by NYPD and it specifically cited as the cause of death, which was ruled a homicide (whether death was intentional or not, 7 minutes before CPR efforts doesn't seem accidental).

When a crime by a public servant is recorded on tape, a homicide is the confirmed ruling by a public official, and the decision is quickly made to not take it to trial... justice is not complete nor served.

Even those who are chosen to protect and serve make bad choices, sometimes don't know their limits, and they can get caught up in the moment, it does not excuse them from legal responsibility.

I have no doubt that this is an incredibly difficult job and ever more difficult these days than ever before. The demand for safe communities are higher, the potential for litigation broader, and the lack of staffing and increased demands on fewer officers makes keepers of the peace an ever tougher career.
However, they have the legal and physical power to take away every right and privilege that any of us have ever had, including freedom and life itself. This responsibility is an incredible one and I deeply respect my friends and coworkers who have entered into this profession and served our communities proudly and effectively.

This is more than a race issue, it is an assumption and a relationship issue.

Race issues are learned assumptions about other groups that guide our thinking and ultimately our actions. These issues are about how we relate to one another, an aspect in which this society has lost the ability to do in ways that we once new. The tension that exists politically, religiously, socially, and racially (and any other -ly) is greater than it has been in a long time. This tension has caused us to only have "easy" conversations and perpetuate an isolation of ourselves into groups that only think like us, further enhancing our relational tensions.

We all have a responsibility to stand together in the face of injustice, justice requires the community to stand and speak together, not as mobs and rioters but as a community and as an American people.

We may not agree on the causes, the solutions, or the who is at fault, but if we do not come together to stand against injustices, we cannot heal the deep wounds of our forefathers and foremothers. A color blind or politically correct response will only get us through the immediate crisis, but through open and honest dialogue can we begin to hear, understand, and move together towards a stronger truly American society. These will not be easy conversations, but they are necessary.

This brings me to the mini-message that I can't seem to shake. God clearly tells us that he expects us to walk with three key principles in our lives. These principles should guide all we do and be the lens through which we see our imperfect and challenged world. These three principles reflect the very character of God, the embodiment of his personage in the Godhead.

What does the Lord require of us? Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with our God

Do Justly
We are to be as our heavenly Father and proclaim his perfect wisdom, his law, his holiness that does not tolerate the weak to be taken advantage of, the good to be wronged, the kind to be abused, and the lesser to be destroyed. His justice is perfect and true, he is consistent and fair, his eye is pleased by the work of the righteous, and his joy is from his children that follow his ways.This should be the basis for our blind symbol of our justice system, the system that rules with no consideration for race, clothes, stature, or appearance.

We are called not only to rule justly but to DO justly. This is an active and engaged work, a value that should exude from us in our actions and walk. The action of justice is one that observed, inspires, and creates the great societies that we aspire to live in. An actively just society is one built on trust and dialogue, one that is genuine and stable, one that supports and care, and one that protects the weakest and uplifts the poorest.

Love Mercy

Mercy is the work of Jesus Christ, the gift of the just Father to redeem a fallen world. Christ embodies the love of mercy, his mission to give his life a sacrifice for us, a substitution for our condemnation, the payment for our conviction. He was full of grace and truth, the perfect law and the perfect love. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." He is the example of giving and seeing others as greater then they deserve and worth of his greatest attention. He lived with the rejected and despised, he taught the wisest the simplest truths of neighborly love, he met both spiritual and physical needs and gave of his greatness for the most undeserving.

We are called to LOVE Mercy, it should be the thing that fills our hearts. Mercy should be the thing that motivates, empowers, and thrills us. Giving of ourselves out of our strengths and our weaknesses should be the hope of our life. Our love for mercy should move us to act and not just feel bad, it should move us to share and not just wish others the best, it should move us to be a part of the solution instead of creating barriers. Our love for mercy drives us to what is right, it drives us to do justly, it puts other first and ourselves last. A love of mercy gives no matter the return, the reward, or the gratitude, it gives and excuses because it loves to. The love of mercy is the act of charity, it is the forgiveness of wrongs and the attraction of peace.

Walk Humbly

The walk is guided by our powerfully humble comforter, the Holy Spirit. He reminds us of our position, our potential, and the power that resides in us. He guides us and encourages us, he builds our faith, our knowledge, our strength, and matures our spirit. He reminds us of others, their need, and speaks on our behalf when we cannot. He is Christ reigning in us. He is the King's spirit that directs, instructs, and empowers. He is able to "do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." It is through him that we bear the fruits of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

To WALK Humbly impacts all of our life, the private, religious, public, employment, and spiritual. When we walk humbly we walk differently, the value of others is greater then ourselves, the walk is not what is expected in this world. The humble walk is one that values life, even the lowest and most unlovable ones. Through humility we see other's perspectives, we learn how to see other's needs and values and how to live a life of giving for the best of others. The humble spirit is perceived not announced, it is subtly bold and quietly proud, it finds strength in something other than itself. Humility from the spirit bears fruit for self control, inner peace, and deeper purpose.

So when I see the case of Eric Garner, I feel many different and conflicting things, the greatest being outrage in our imperfect system, our imperfect society, and our imperfect answers. I must turn to the source that brings peace, that shows love, and that acts justly.

I can't help but pray for his family through this time and hope that they find peace in this same source. That they trust in the God who promises justice, who freely gives mercy, and gives us the strength to walk walk humbly.

I pray for our country, my friends, coworkers, and our families. I pray for their protection, their care, and their perspective, that they see others through the Spirit's eyes, they show mercy as Christ did, and they act out of justice as God has blessed.

I pray for a justice system that seeks heavenly guidance, considers merciful decisions, and rules mercifully and honorably.

And I pray that I always serve my community, locally and beyond, in a manner that reminds others of the Justice, Mercy, and Humility.

This I pray.

Civic Repsonsibility

2012-11-06T12:38:00.001-05:00

I've been working on a couple of posts, but in the meantime, I couldn't pass up this opportunity to share this Op-Ed that captures my election thoughts as well...

Op-ed: Civic Life is More Than Voting

"Finding solutions to public challenges isn’t easy. It requires more than voting. It requires time and energy and a willingness to consider different points of view. It means focusing on the common good rather than self-interest."

Citizenship not about party affiliation but a about daily participation. Do your first civic responsibility, vote, and then do your second, serve.

The same applies for the Christian life... Eph 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God"

Christian Success

2012-10-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

So it has been a bit since my last original post, been really busy this past month. But a friend shared this excellent post.

How Does American Culture Influence Christianity?

http://storylineblog.com/2012/10/04/how-does-american-culture-influence-christianity/

I admit as an introvert, this was encouraging reminder. Keeping a humble and meek spirit in the midst of blessings and success is a vital Christian virtue.

My key verse for the last couple of days has been ..."Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." Perspective is a powerful tool for growth.

America: A Christian nation?

2012-08-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

This has taken me quite a bit to write and I finally had a chance to put some more thought to it this weekend. I will admit it is far from a perfect article and will not win any great rewards by I think it begins to capture my feelings on something I see all to often. Coming from someone who works in a municipal service position, I feel that government is often misunderstood and resented because decisions can't always be understood from the headlines and the stores that are told aren't always based on full truth. I plan to get back into at least a weekly rhythm once again. Thank you all for reading and I hope it is something that at least gets us thinking about the perspectives that we hold.

What makes America a Christian nation?... A) Laws, B) Culture, C) Majority, or D) None of the Above?

I often hear that, "America was a Christian nation" and that for us to once again be a "great" nation that we need our political leaders to get back to the roots of our Christian heritage. This concept of political straying is often the argument for the cause of economic collapse and the ongoing recession that we have seen. A lack of "Faith," meaning a lack of effort by Christian believers primarily, has been blamed as a contributing cause of our country's moral, financial, intellectual, and social status in the world. People blame everything from political corruption, corporate corruption, media bias, and cultural shifts as the cause for our current state of being.

But before we examine what makes America a Christian nation we must first address the idea that we face greater challenges as Christians in America than we have in the past. Let me first point out that in my lifetime, I do not recall a pastor imprisoned for a message that would be deemed controversial or counter to the current culture. Pastors that have used less than tactful approaches to making a point or even offensive means to challenge non-believers, have been given the freedom to make those statements or use those approaches without fear of governmental intervention or imprisonment. However, in the early years of our former-colonial country, pastors were imprisoned, intimidated, and prohibited from preaching without a license or for preaching beliefs contrary to a particular church's teachings. We experience far greater freedoms, amazingly diverse and effective set of communication tools, and a wealth of financial and social opportunity, and yet we continue to see churches struggle or close due to a lack of membership and resources. Our faith communities continue to rest on the freedom and blessings provided by our location of birth and not in the power of the giver of life.

I also think we need to consider what a broader perspective of America thinks of itself and its future. A recent Gallup poll showed that 69% of Americans viewed the current and future moral outlook for America as negative. They also asked respondents to cite reasons why the thought American's morality was on the decline. According to the report:

Americans are most likely to cite a lack of respect or tolerance for other people as the most important problem with moral values. Other frequent responses include the decline of family structure, a lack of religion and faith, and a lack of morals in general.

Two thirds of Americans think that our moral outlook is grim and the top reason cited was a lack of respect. The other two reasons often relate to the source for that type of respect and the development of our moral compass: the family and the church.

For us to be a truly Christian nation once again we must stop blaming the news media, Hollywood, NY fashion, YouTube, and the other assorted vehicles of cultural expression. I see too often that we give lip service of our expectations of non-believers and then turn around and blame them for our demise. At one time in my life I encouraged to hear, "We can't expect them to act saved if they aren't saved," because it expressed an understanding that blaming "the lost" for the lack of their "lostness" was completely appropriate. However, those same people who say "forgive them for they know not what they do," would turn around and blame the unbeliever for the current state of our country. "We are in this (Insert: recession, war, scandal, discouraging state) because of (Insert: any group of stereotyped unbeliever)."

I believe there is another reason that we are in the perceived state of moral decay that we are in. I do believe we are in the current state we are in is because we are losing ground as Christians. We are not losing ground legally, culturally, or politically. We are losing ground spiritually. We, as many other corporations and organizations, have become victims of our own success. As Jim Collin's writes in his corporate leadership book, Good to Great, "Good is the enemy of great." I believe he states appropriately that we don't have greatness because we have goodness. We don't have great outreach ministries because we have good ones. We don't have great missionary efforts because we have had good efforts at global missions. We don't have great youth ministries because we have had good youth groups. We don't have great revivals because we have good Christians.

No where in the bible are we told to legislate biblical values. Now before you take offence to that follow this thought. Our first and foremost responsibility is to whom? God.

6 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:²That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.³Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.⁴Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:⁵And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.⁶And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:⁷And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.⁸And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.⁹And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.¹⁰And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,¹¹And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;¹²Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.¹³Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. (Note: emphasis added)

This stands as one of the greatest summary promises between God and Israel that sets them apart from the other religious groups of their day. The belief of a single God that does not demand obedience out of duty but individual obedience out of love (vs 4-7). This new view of God, one of desire rather than duty, was promised to transform and bless them in providential ways beyond their own strength and ability (vs 10-12). Our responsibility is to live a true an genuine life that shows a love for God that is beyond hypocrisy or challenge. I know that this is a difficult proposition, especially in my own life. But the challenge does not preclude us from leading in our life for God. We must be living to fulfill our duteous desire show our love to God before we can even expect others around us to even take notice.

Our society is not in the state is in because of the legislation of our government but because of the condition of our hearts. Legislation, legislators, and bureaucrats will change over time, as will society. These are neither better or worse because I can assure you that in Paul's day they believed the "last days" list of activities (2 Tim 3:1) applied just as much as it does today. I believe that too often we waste our energy fighting in political battles against legislation that does not maintain our Christian values rather than fighting spiritual battles to save the souls of those developing the legislation or even the common voter.

¹¹Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; ¹²Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. ¹³Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; ¹⁴Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. ¹⁵For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: ¹⁶As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. ¹⁷Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

We have been called to be "honest," to lawfully "Submit...to every ordinance of man," to "well doing," to be "free...servants," to "honor all men," "love the brotherhood," "fear God," and "honor the king." This passage should truly describe our public and political life. We should strive to be above reproach, honest about our faults, working to improve them, humble in our politics, and respectful in our disagreements.

I can honestly say I despise campaign seasons, Presidential and Senatorial especially. The constant negativity and positioning, the pride and boasting, the divergently similar ideas, the extreme show boaters lacking wisdom, the financial underpinnings and deceptive manipulation of facts. I avoid media during these times, while I do value the American freedoms we have, I am embarrassed by the way in which we choose to maintain those freedoms. I would also embarrassed to be called a Christian nation and have almost any of the candidates represent our country to there nations after some of these campaigns. I want a leader who is able to understand, grow, learn, lead, guide, adapt, listen, and improve. The candidate who is a stalwart against change, who will not "compromise" or waiver, is one who is not ready to lead a country in one of the most complex jobs in the country. Where are our Christian politicians that understand government and leadership? ....The youngest president ever, McBride in 2016...maybe?

(now back from the rabbit trail...)

I ultimately believe that we, Christians today, need to stop blaming the politicians, teachers, psychologist, scientist, presidents, bureaucrats, social workers, professors, liberals, and any other group in our modern society for the state of our society. The real reason for the state of our society is ourselves. We must take the blame and change our course to address it. Our lack of Christian leadership and "well doing" is reflected of our society's state of morality. Now, more than ever, Christians need to step up and be real, be honest, and be serving. We must do a better and reaching souls for Christ. This was the cause of the Christian decline of Europe and will be ours as well if we do not change our political conversation and start having a spiritual one. Only then, might we be a truly Christian nation.

Church as a Gift for Neighborhood Transformation

2012-08-24T11:53:00.001-04:00

Wow, it has been quite busy this summer, but I hope to have a few new posts done shortly. Check back soon!

In the meantime, check out this insightful and brief article that looks at the balance needed to involve churches in community transformation efforts: Best Practices: Church as a Gift for Neighborhood Transformation By Jay Van Groningen, Communities First Association Executive Director.

Let us do good unto all men...

2012-05-29T16:30:00.000-04:00

There is one question that has had my mind wrapped up for a while. It has kept me from posting this last month and if i don't start to get this question on paper it will keep drawing me back to it much longer. The question is, "What is the role if the local church in meeting the needs of the unsaved and non-church members?"

This has been a question that I have avoided for some time. I once thought it was cultural and only matter for churches located in inner-cities and surrounded by populations in great poverty or need. But a few factors have impacted my thinking on this subject including the current political climate and volunteer projects we have encountered recently. I also think this is a question that many traditional congregations today tend to avoid or try to address on a individual basis.

This question has also surfaced from another friend who was frustrated with the perceived lack of responsibility by youth ministers for the behavior and needs of the youth in their surrounding communities. The ministers they spoke with did not see a role for the church in preventing violence outside the realm of the church membership. If the youth came to them and addressed their spiritual need then they would be glad to help. Almost to a fault, they were so focused on the needs of their own flock of youth, that they could not see the needs of the sheep that were regularly threatened outside of their fold. This reminded me of the way the Pharisees set such strict boundaries for association outside of the synagogue and how Jesus was criticized by them for eating with the sinners.

I had believed , at the start of this third millennium, that the Christian church was one that was trying to be based on service, charity, and personal sacrifice as the primary means to winning the hearts of unbelievers to Christ. I had generally thought the idea of restricting church charity only to the members of the church was rare and foreign to the work of the modern church. While many churches do try to hold service days, in the more traditional circles we seem to have resisted any shift to define ourselves as "spiritually driven community service organizations."

Even today's political landscape has been littered with contentious debate around roles and responsibilities of both government and the church. How "big" should government be? What liberties are guaranteed to religiously based institutions that aren't churches such as schools and hospitals? How do we keep our social commitments to care for an aging population and keep our economy stable? Should governments subsidize not-for-profit services in the community?

The message I cant get away from I have heard preached numerous times it describes how Jesus told the woman at the well that the true worshipers worship in "Spirit and in Truth." I believe that the modern church is full of spirit but often lacking in sound spiritual truth. This is an imbalance in our approach to worship. However, it is a repairable balance, in my opinion. I believe that we must be just as concerned with worship that is spiritless. I fear that the "fox" of ritualistic worship and service in the church is the one that far more prevalent today. As our recent Young Adult Retreat focused on, we must be "authentic Christians" if we hope to be "effective Christians."

What I'm learning is that leaders in some churches hold to a concept that the individual believer alone bears the responsibility to help someone in need. This teaching holds that that the church's role is to only help those members within the church. The referenced example is that of the Good Samaritan who acted out of kindness and love but without the authority of a church body. The argument for this perspective is that we are to do good to individuals but must avoid organized works of charity by the church. Some have even said that the church is guilty of "forcing" charity on to those in need as the social welfare system (supposedly) does.

I want to explore these two thoughts for a moment.

First, I ask, "who is the church supposed to serve?" Without a doubt, the body of Christ must take priority to care and nurture the body. Paul describes it clearly in his letter to Ephesus:

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Eph. 4:12)

We cannot neglect the work of the ministry for the labor of our own needs. For the sake of our own growth and the corporate growth of the church body, we must put a priority in the physical, spiritual and emotional health of our church body. I firmly believe that we have done well to address the spiritual needs and we hope that the other needs would be meet as a result. However, I have often seen churches struggle or move much slower than they should because we are inadequately prepared to care for fellow members. The lack of internal care translates into a lack of external care, and is where, I can only suppose, the idea of the Christian having only an individual responsibility and not a corporate responsibility to serve others outside of the church body.

The easiest, most direct answer to "who do we serve" is: those in need. As Jesus says he came not to save the righteous but the unrighteous, to heal the sick not the healthy, so are we as his earthly body to serve the those Christ served.

I think the most compelling passage that confirms the corporate giving of the church is Galatians 6:6-10.

6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

So go back to the English classes you took growing up and let us examine this passage. First you see the individual directives. You know, those things called pronouns (me, he, we, they) and nouns that help us determine the speaker or the person being spoken to as well as the number of those being addressed (me or us). The first part of this passage addresses the individual; "him that teacheth," "he that soweth." These directives address the individuals responsibility that is often related to the "golden rule" of doing unto other what we would like done unto us and that we will be held accountable for our actions in due season.

in verse 9 we see a transition to the collective responsibility when Paul writes for "us [to] not be weary" because "we shall reap, if we faint not." We know that the "we" mentioned is referring to the work of the body of believer's "well doing." This transition of responsibility lead us into the last verse that continues the idea of corporate responsibility and accountability when is says "...let us do good unto all men..." and clearly gives us a global vision for caring for others.

10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Just in case someone was unsure if that is only believers or unbelievers, Paul clarifies with an "...especially unto them who are of the household of faith." As I stated before, our first responsibility is for the health of the body and for the members that the body is built with. Our second responsibility is a clear one, to do good unto all men based on the principles of reaping and sowing in well doing.

We must not overlook the charity of the church to the lost nor the nourishment of its own members. The burden for social welfare cannot be carried by the government alone and the cycle of need cannot be broken by budget cuts. Only the work of Christ can meet all needs and we must be willing and able to give the gospel and break bread. A body that is focused on knowledge and not action will not be healthy and one that is focused on activity but not knowledge will not be effective.

And in the words of one of my mentors, Dr. Michael Canty, "Let's just go do some good stuff."

Resurrection Sunday

2012-04-08T11:28:00.001-04:00

“Have I a heart of stone so cold and dark within That I can view the Saviour in anguish for my sin And never sorrow feel for all He sacrificed? Have I a heart of stone to watch the bleeding Christ?
Have I no eyes to see that I can stand so near And watch the Saviour wounded but never shed a tear? Can I but coldly gaze upon His painful loss? Have I no eyes to see God’s Lamb upon the cross?
As I behold the blood and view the Crucified, The piercing thought o’erwhelms me: ’twas for my sin He died. Lord, make my soul to feel Thy suffering on the tree. Lord, break this heart of stone. Lord, make my eyes to see.”
Broken for Christ... Glorious Resurrection Sunday!

Love Thy Neighbor as...Mr. Stokes

2012-04-03T23:41:00.001-04:00

Sgt. Harmon F. Stokes , 83

Harmon F. Stokes, 83, passed from this life suddenly last Wednesday in his home and was laid to rest surrounded by his friends and family today. Harmon was a Sargent in the US Army, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and retiring with 45 years of military and civil service.

If that was the end of the story, most people would generally say something like, "how sad, I'm so sorry," "he lived a full life," or "he is at rest now." These would all be true but they don't represent the greater story. I can only share the special stories that I know and the memories of his character I heard echoed in today's service. This story also captures a glimpse of why I am a public servant and why I answered a calling to "do good stuff," as the late Mike Canty used to describe it.

My first memories of Mr. Stokes go back about 12 years, to the first neighborhood I ever worked in - historic Aberdeen Gardens. I was 21 years old and was just learning about youth leadership development and community organizing. I hadn't organized a group in my life and in Aberdeen I was responsible for leading the youth initiatives for this prominent and established community. I was taking this role over from someone else without any training or transition. I was even a bit apprehensive concerning my welcome into this group I knew little about. I realize now that I was also facing my own fears regarding my cultural, generational, and social perspectives. Despite these internal struggles of an introverted organizer, one warm smile and a firm handshake wiped them far away, that of Mr. Stokes.

Historic Aberdeen Gardens in Hampton, Virginia

I still remember how I'd call on him to open up the Aberdeen Museum for me, a restored home in the neighborhood that served as a central meeting place for the 5 youth that participated in the youth group. Mr. Stokes was always there with a smile to open up the building. The youth group wouldn't be me greatest success thus far in my career and I remember on more than one occasion being the only one at the museum. Then along came Mr. Stokes, waiting there with me, taking time out of his day to check in on me, learning about my family, college classes i was taking, and just doing what he could to make feel apart of the community. At every Aberdeen breakfast or event I always looked for Mr. Stokes, because his smiling welcome always made me feel like I belonged in Aberdeen. The last time I talked to Mr. Stokes he asked, as he always did, how my "lovely wife" and "those little ones" were doing.

From those first years in Aberdeen, my heart was bound to that special community in a unique way. I saw something in Mr. Stokes and the many other Aberdeeners I have come to know and love. I learned that your neighbor is more than the resident in the house that is next to your, the one that just lives near you. A truly good neighbor is one that is "near." They near enough to ask about your day, near enough to lend a hand, near enough to cheer you up with a "hello," near enough to look out for you, near enough to make you feel at home, and near enough mourn and lift you up when things are tough.

The Aberdeen Gardens Museum, Mary Peake Blvd

Mr. Stokes had the special ability to make you feel like the most important person to him at that time. He knew how to give, and he knew how to serve. His strong and protective nature made you feel honored to have him on your side. I can unashamedly say they he is on a short list of reasons why I continue in public service. After struggling with some random bureaucratic challenge, all I had to do was to get a call or visit from Mr. Stokes, and I would remember instantly why I chose this field - to help good people like him, "do good stuff."

The faith and love of Christ from Mr. Stokes doesn't make this day bitter in the least, because I know I will see my brother in Christ from Aberdeen one day soon. Yes, it is a bit sad that others won't be able to be blessed by such an example as Mr. Stokes. I do know he lived a much fuller life than I will ever have a chance to ask him about. I also know that he is walking the streets of heaven with his dear wife and I can only hope that I have home in heaven with Mr. Stokes as my neighbor. Until then, may I be the neighbor to others that he was to me. Even though we lived miles apart he was always be my good neighbor.

Why Do Cities Just Make Sense?

2012-03-27T17:00:00.000-04:00

An article recently caught my eye in Christianity Today that argued for a rejuvenation of city living for Christians. I found myself interested and agreeing with the position that that Christians are moving into cities at a slower rate then other faiths or non-believers. I did disagree with Keller's arguments, however, for why Christians should live in cities.

The main reasons to live in the city have nothing to do with quality of life or socialization, rather it is about the sustainability of our children's future. I agreed with the dissenters (@HCameronCloud & @EatWithJoy) that children can and should be raised godly in any environment, be it an island, a farm, a suburb, or a high rise. However, I firmly believe the choices we make as a Christian community need to come from more than purely a social, Christian values perspective. We must start thinking more like the head steward of in Potiphars house and have the discipline of Joseph to survive and succeed with the blessing of God on him.

Working in the community planning world for the last 6 years, I have come to appreciate the economic and social impact of suburban sprawl and the role of american consumerism and materialism in our community developments. What she fails to point out that the greatest reason for Christians to move back to the city is the role of environmental impact and governmental stewardship. As we have seen over the last few years, our dependence on fuel to transport 1-2 people 30-40 minutes to work (national average community time) is driving the demand for more fuel and the gas prices even higher. Not to even elaborate on the infrastructure needs that are required as new developments are built with half acre lots and cul-de-sacs that cause people to live further apart from the places they work and shop, require more paving, more drainage, more fertilizers, and broader public safety efforts.

I do not argue that rural life is vital and fundamental to the economic and cultural fabric of our country but I believe our concept of the white picket fence dream is the cause for much of our financial distress today. Mrs. Keller points out the savings from maintenance, landscaping, storage, and vehicles, are often offset by the higher cost of living in the urban areas. But the biggest benefit to the urban community is in fact the height. We have a continually growing population in which some economist estimate that the demand for housing (multi- and single family housing) will almost double in the next 18 years. That means we can either build out, destroying farmlands, displacing wildlife, polluting waterways, and creating a greater demand for oil, asphalt, and gas (all non-renewable energy sources). Or we can build up, creating denser environments where services (parks, transportation, retail, food) are accessible and municipal funding can be strategically applied rather than spread thin.

A recent comment on the local website concerning the redevelopment of suburban cities asked, "How many more people(and their cars) do we have to cram into our cities before we realize that we have no more room?" For some reason, I think they missed the point of a "City" and not a town or county. Cities were made to get as many people in a small space that meets their needs (goods, amenities, education, employment, opportunities).

I read recently that there are an estimated 8 parking spaces for every car in the world. that means that there are so many parking spaces that you could park every car and still have spaces near the front door of every store. I enjoy my car and my vehicular freedom as much as the next person, I'm American aren't I. However, I would give it up for a 10 minute rail and walking commute any day. Where I can take care of some of the household calls, answer emails, and not be concerned about the amount of sleep the Semi-truck drive next to me has had as I drive down the Interstate.

I found some comfort in Rachel Stone's assessment of Keller's worldview as captured here:

Which brings me to a final point about Keller's unfettered praise of city life: Clearly her family wasn't living in West Harlem or sending their kids to one of New York City's at-risk schools. They could afford to live in "better" neighborhoods, to get grocery delivery, to enrich their children's lives with all the cultural offerings, most of which cost money—lots of it. It's easy to romanticize city life when you can pay for a first-class urban experience; less so when you can afford only section 8 housing and spend your food stamps at corner stores that specialize in cola and candy but not produce. Jesus' followers belong in those places, too, but there are no "shoulds" about it.
Or maybe there's just one: You should love God and your neighbor, wherever you are.

We want to glamorize the lifestyles we wish we had or want to have. I have a dream of moving to a sparsely populated tropical island and teaching my kids to fish, surf, and most importantly the things God would have them be. My romanticized idea of this tropical retreat is not a full picture of the harsh reality that many face of poverty, sickness, and abuse. But that does not mean I neglect the interest I have in such a place that God has put in me, as this may be a new mission field for me one day. But these realities exist in any setting as beyond the mountain and the woods I see depression, suicides, alcoholism, drug abuse, and relational abuse at the same rates if not higher proportionally in some localities. Social issues are not resolved by the physical environment or the culture of the community but by a change of nature. The harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few.

I believe that God gave us (humans) stewardship over the earth, but not a divine right to build a single family home on every acre. I aspire to live where God would have me. In my mind, I want to live either on the tropical island (of course) or in the heart of a city, surrounded by a spiritual harvest. I must agree with Mrs. Keller, I also attribute a large portion of the Lord's work in my life through my exposure to different cultures within my community. My public school was filled with military kids and students from many different backgrounds. I recall spending several days between class learning from an Orthodox Jewish friend, in another class another class a Muslim friend, and another class a Mormon friend. These experiences helped me understand their need, see their souls, and affirm my faith in Christ. Without these influences, I am certain I would have a much more difficult time in serving them in municipal government. Let us be lights that shine brighter than the glimmer of a city street or the full array of stars in a country sky.

--UPDATED 03-28-2012 (07:30 AM)--

After reading the articles and the post above, a friend shared their reason for moving to the suburbs in a large metro area was because of the challenge in finding a safe neighborhood in the city. I agree that the perception of safety of a community is a major driving factor in buying a home. But I think the perception of safety in cities has been a bit overblown through the news media and entertainment industry. The reality is that violent crime is the lowest it has been in 40 years and all other crime at the lowest it has been in 30-45 years. But somehow there are more acts of violence committed and investigated on television each week, and most of them are based in a city backdrop.

I have found, in the 10 years I have worked with neighborhoods, no matter how safe they seem, they routinely have the same sets of issues with different factors impacting them. Almost every community has drugs, every community have youth that make bad or dangerous choices, and almost every community has theft and violence. Often times we don't know about it or some are better at covering it up then others. However, what I think is different about the neighborhoods that sustain their sense of safety when victimized is their inter-connectivity as a community and how they help others recover from that crime. Communities that internalize and retaliate, perpetuate that criminal behavior, and communities that grieve together and uplift one another, tend to retain that sense of safety. There are so many other factors, I wish there was a single solution to give the caring residents to address the issue of safety, but the common factor continues to be how well we know our neighbors. In other words, is this just the place where I live or is this the place we call our home, our neighborhood, our community.

I also believe that the reason for the crime problems in many communities is that those that do care about safety have chosen to move rather than struggle to maintain the those high risk communities. This often leaves a vacuum for turmoil and victimization. A large part of the frequency of "flight" of many caring residents is because of the ease of mobility in the last 60 years and the affordability of moving to the country or suburbs and commuting to work. Years ago, you had no choice but to take ownership of your community and care for those who lived around you because you know you would be seeing everyday them for 10-30 years. Now the average homeowner moves every 3-5 years especially in our military communities.

I also feel that we have systematically failed to meet the mark in focusing the efforts of the church towards the inner cities and reaching hearts in a genuine and practical way. This is a whole other post for another day, but i hope that we can begin to think about cities and what community means a bit more openly and critically. Thank you all for your thoughts, please keep them coming and let's work to create great neighborhoods and strong believers.

Healthy Families - Our Top Priority in Virginia

2012-03-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

I have an urgent personal request for those who care about families and children throughout the state.

I am a new board member on Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership Inc. the non-profit resource arm of Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership that provides prenatal support, parenting education, an in home services to hundreds of families throughout Hampton.

However, the programs are facing funding reductions from the State for a third consecutive year.The House Budget Committee has proposed to divert sales tax revenues to transportation projects rather than look at raising the fixed gas tax after almost 20 years or looking at other funding options.

I believe this short-sighted approach to cutting one of the most successful prevention programs in the entire state to fund transportation needs will only lead to greater burdens on our communities through treatment, intervention, and rehabilitation programs in the next 10 years. It is impossible to dispute the power of a healthy start for our children in seeing our communities and even our country continue to be leaders within the world. Parenting and early childhood education are some of the key factors in bringing the crime rate to lowest it has been in decades, seeing more students college bound, and having a region who's economy has weathered the recession better than many others. Stable and strong families are the key to stable and strong community and Healthy Families is the leading agency in providing services to ensure that.

Here is why I believe deeply in this organization's unique role in the community.

They provide research based information and support that faith-based organizations cannot provide such as prenatal education preparing parents for labor and delivery. They can also leverage broad community resources, regardless of denomination, to support the neediest in our community.
They help create support networks for numerous military families that don't have family nearby. They provide educational offerings and by create safe places for parents, grandparents and children to interact and learn.
They offer prevention services to families from all backgrounds, income levels, and situations, with a proven track record for success (See this example from Lynchburg)

Personally, they provided Rachel and I excellent information and support both prior to and through the sudden loss of our first child and in preparing for the birth of of our son. I also have many friends who have benefited from their programming, from classes, support groups, play groups, to new parent visits.

I ask that you to simply contact one of the Virginia Delegates below by either email or phone. I called yesterday on my way home from work, it is as easy as that. Our delegates need to hear from you and know that they need to restore the funding to the Healthy Family programs before our communities see more major set backs in prevention services. Below is a list of House Budget Conferees that I was provided:

House Budget Conferees
Del. Lacey Putney	dellputney@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1019
Del. Kirk Cox	delkcox@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1066
Del. Chris Jones	delcjones@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1076
Del. Steve Landes	delslandes@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1025
Del. Beverly Sherwood	delbsherwood@house.virginia.gov	804-698-1029
Del. Johnny Joannou	NO EMAIL Fax # 804-786-6310	804-698-1079

When calling please ask them to:

"Please support restoration of funding for Healthy Families. Cutting funding for these programs puts more Virginia children at risk." Please do your small part to ensure the future of the families in our communities are a little brighter.

More Information on Hampton's Healthy Families Partnership:

State of the Christian Union

2012-01-24T17:15:00.000-05:00

I've found it quite interesting lately, as the election season shifts into high gear, concerning the dialogue my fellow Christians choose to engage in, the reasoning behind their support of specific candidates, and their general belief on the "true" State of the Union.

Again and again the conversation I hear returns to the social concerns of today's American society - Marriage, Abortion, Social Welfare, Family Values, Broadcast Decency, Ethics.
This is often coupled with a sound-bite driven summary of fiscal issues - Overspending, Earmarks, Taxation, Economic Inequality, International Support, National Debt, Job Creation, Recession, Trade Agreements.
With a smattering of ethical issues - Campaign Financing, Career Politicians, Cronyism, Lobbyist Interest, Pork Barrel Spending, Party (Dis-)Loyalty, Redistricting.

On the eve of the President's State of the Union address tonight, I offer my own insight if you choose to care. So I guess you could call the rest of this rather lengthy post my...

"State of the Christian Union"

These are all very valuable topics for discussion that need to be addressed through informed and respectful dialogue. I argue that we must not focus on the legislation or a political solution but on a "soul-ution." We must make this a matter of salvation not of legislation. Doing so we can understand how to address complex, urgent issues of government including finances, ethics, and national defense.

In fact, in doing some self examination I have begun to believe that I would have a hard time ever being elected to office. (Aside from not being independently wealthy and unable to finance such a campaign of my own) I have accepted that I tend to be, what some would call, a moderate independent when it comes to my political affiliation. I think my views on government finances and oversight paired with my concern for conservative social values would not garner me many votes on ethical issues alone, especially from my closest Christian family and non-Christian co-workers.

This has caused me to profoundly question why that would be? Why would a fellow christian ever support me for an office? What platform would I campaign on? Then an even deeper question arose, what should be the political conversation for Christians?

I think that after 232 years since the ratification of the Constitution, and long before, Christians have wrestled with the proper role of religion for our governing leaders. We appear to continue to be divided between finding a good national political leader and a good Christian. It seems these are often mutually exclusive because of our own political expectations.

We often look to these leaders to be steadfast, to never change, to never compromise and we label that conviction. I will discuss this later but I fundamentally disagree with the concept that a good Christian leader does not change. If they do not change, they do not learn. If they do not fail, they do not grow. If they do not understand the true essence of compromise, how can they ever build a spirit of unity or make any progress? (See Forbes article on Failed Executive Habits for a good example)

It also seems to me that too often we are looking towards legislation to shape and define our country, to "save" our country as some have said. To many Christians, the social concerns of today are dangerously and irreparably close to impacting our country's future. As a result, they look to enact or preserve legislation that prevents or criminalizes certain activities. However, I argue that addressing these social issues through legislation does not make our culture a Christian one, it does not lead to cultural revival. We must remember that legislation does not save souls and we, as Christian, are called to be servants and soul winners first and citizens last.

The fundamental issue is a soul issue. The state of our society isn't a result of us having laws that are more permissive, secular, or tolerant. Our society is suffering from a heart condition of the spiritual kind and until we as Christians can stop focusing on the legislation and start focusing on the salvation of those around us we will never see true revival or change in our society. Our government is a reflection of the people - disengaged, dependent, and discouraged. If we hope to see America regain it's old glory, hope and respect within the domestic and international community we must work to turn hearts to the One who made America that way.

We have failed in our political conversation. We have been captured by vain philosophies of politics and debate and have lost the dignity of our calling. The abortion rate, marriage rate, domestic violence rate, drug use, and public assistance rates are all directly related to health of the family. Our churches are failing to build strong families in the current day and age. We have to get intentional about our work. We cannot rely on Sunday's and Wednesdays to sustain families. We cannot look to Pastors and Deacons alone to counsel and support our families. We cannot wait until a couple is separated to try and intervene (or tolerate the "taking of sides"). The most important ministry in a church has to be the ministry to families, hands down. Without it, churches will fail, society will crumble, America will lose all favor. Research has shown that how much you make has a greater impact on preventing divorce than being involved in a church. This has to change, there is no losing or coming up short here if we want to see America remain a Christian nation.

This can no longer be a Red vs Blue, Tea vs Occupy, Conservative vs Liberal debate. We have to make this a salvation conversation. Just as we don't expect a stranger to love your family, we cannot expect unsaved and spiritually lost to live, govern, or vote like Christians either. I'm not calling for an authoritarian government where political leaders must act and live like Christians, rather I'm calling upon Christians to act and live like authentic Christians and accept their first call and turn to their first love.

I call for a revival, a wildfire of the Holy Spirit to spread in hearts and minds of believers and unbelievers.

Start with prayer.
Pray continually, for those hurting and those rejoicing.

A Healthy Body
Pray for the body of Christ, pray that we are healed with a common cause under a common banner of revival. Pray for a unified effort, one of truth, righteousness, hope, and love. Pray for those who have turned away, who are blind and have forgotten their sins forgiven and cannot see afar off. Pray for thanksgiving, rejoicing in the blessing and gifts of our Father, his mercy, his grace, his providential and omnipotent hand upon us.
God-lead Leadership
Pray for our current political leadership, their wisdom, their peace, their love of God. Pray for our spiritual leaders that they are protected and guided by God, encouraged and surrounded by a hedge of caring believers, their families blessed with patience, understanding, and love.

Start with the Bible. Read, study, meditate, learn.

Be Ready
As Daniel and the young captives of Israel, we must put ourselves wholly to learning of the one we serve. We must be ready to lead, to govern, to minister as the princes and rulers of the King of Kings. But before we can govern others, we must learn to rule our own souls. How can I be changed or improved if I don't know anything is lacking?
Be Challenged
Our country continues to turn to the scriptures for comfort and encouragement in times of despair but not for correction. I cannot slight anyone because I know my own struggles with spiritual growth and repentance. I would choose to taste of the sweet honey of the word than drink the bitter tea of my convictions.
Be Sharpened
Challenge and sharpen one another in the Bible, we must train as any athlete or champion to prepare for the race and calling ahead. Without this training we will come up short every time. We must look to new training practices, new approaches, new techniques to make us ready to answer anyone on the reason for the hope within us.
Be Current
Athletes are constantly looking for tools, techniques that will give them the edge in their training and we must be doing the same. We must take advantage of this modern age of technology and information to spread the gospel farther, faster, broader than any other time in history.

Start with the church. Share, listen, love, encourage, uplift, humble, and forgive. We cannot move if we continue to draw lines and divisions, build up comforting barriers, dig our heels into illusions of tradition.

A Strong Body We must learn to live as a body, learn to disagree and move on, learn to find agreement and capitalize on it, build on our strengths and strengthen our weaknesses. For far to long we have let ourselves get in the way of ourselves and the work God has planned for us. We have to get our own house in order before we can expect our nation to do so. If we have a hard time budgeting for a year and conducting business together how do we expect 300 million Americans to come together to secure our future? This starts with communication and structure. We need to start communicating and stop avoiding conflict. Our avoidance of the conflicts have created much more strife and bitterness than ever needs to be within the body of Christ. A relationship that has not worked through conflict at some point is like a ship's hull that has not been tried before it launched, as soon as a storm arises, it breaks apart. We cannot be afraid to ask the tough questions, have the tough conversations, and know that the relationship we have in Christ is greater then our struggles, it is greater then our conflict.
A Connected Body
We must work together, the body of Christ is not divided by cities and we must learn to embrace others outside of our walls and learn from them. We must sharpen our skills both from within our local fellowships and from outside of them. This is how we strengthen the joints that Christ connects and supplies. Without those connections we cannot hope to see the gospel spread if we continue to contain it within our own comfortable circles. We must be bold and speak in the synagogues as Paul did, we must go to the people, we must seek them out and bring them into the fold. (Join the God Bless America Crusade - Hampton, VA, Feb1-3)
A Growing Body
First-time visitors and new converts should not be a surprise to our churches but expected at every gathering. We must prepare for growth, position ourselves to be overflowing with new believers. What is the capacity of your church and are you ready to grow? What is your growth plan? Are you praying and preparing for when God will provide an answer?

Ultimately our conversation has to change. This can no longer be about the politics of the day, because they will continue to exist as long as we fail to fulfill our first calling and commission: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt 28:19-20)

Will you take up my challenge and change our conversation and turn to our first love and first calling. God has promised results, we need to do our part: 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chr 7:14)

The Right People or The Best Planning

2011-12-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

2011 Day Of Caring (Hampton, VA)

I had the privilege a couple of months ago to participate in a one-day housing rehab blitz that rallied over 200 volunteers to spruce up over 25 homes in a 5 block radius, in less than 8 hours. I was blessed with working as the on-site logistics coordinator for the event (I was given this task less than 1 week before the event). Regardless of communication and logistical challenges that this project faced early on, the event was a relative success: several residents received a much needed hand, volunteers we able to give to their community, the local housing stock receive a touch up, and the community benefited from a sense of care and concern during tough times. I learned a very valuable lesson from this project that serves as a continual reminder for how we do community building. I realized that good planning means little when you have great people involved. I could have planned and prepared for most challenges, had plans B through Z lined up, but without motivated and passionate people fueling the initiative, it would grind to a halt.

Good planning serves an important purpose: to be prepared for issues, barriers, or challenges and enabling us to capitalize our assets in overcoming them. However, great people are the key to moving any good plan forward. Great people overcome challenges and can give of themselves beyond your expectations. Instead of watching the clock they monitor progress. These are the people that see challenging times as a time to support and thrive rather than a time to simply survive.

Many accomplished authors have tried to unlock the secrets to building a great team of such people, so I won't even attempt to start. However, I have experienced, in the last few years, the real and tangible power of social capital in moving projects forward. Social capital, in a nutshell, is the intangible currency that we trade through our relationships, a sort of relational spending money. To me social capital is the currency that is used to motivate, compel, inspire, or even guilt others into action. When social capital is used well, it serves as the conductor of win-win solutions and partnerships. When dealt through malice or ignorance, it corrodes the structure of the relationship, often leading to guilt, regret, or mistrust. I admit that the mastering of using social capital eludes me as it seems some are natural wielders of it, whereas, others, such as I, have to develop their skills in applying it appropriately. (see Romans 12 - especially verse 20)

I believe we need to reconsider the power of people over planning and social capital over financial reserves. Each are important in any organization in their proper place, but focusing on developing great people will lead to greater returns on any investment.

Essential Community Involvement (Part 2)

2011-11-29T17:04:00.000-05:00

As I said in my last post, community building is simple... well...at least, it should be. My neighbor was working on installing a privacy fence last week and it serves as an excellent example for something I am learning lately. Now before you run and tell my neighbor that I'm opposed to privacy fences, I'm not (especially when they are done well), but fences can be well intended with unintended consequences. However, fences represent somewhat contrasting concepts that are both essential and dangerous to communities...Limitations & Comfort.

Fences are curious things as they can beautifully define a neighborhood, create a very decorative border to a yard, and guide guests through ornate entrances, thus creating a clear sense of place. Their designs are as unique as the homes and properties they encompass. I must admit I've always admired the field stone walls built by highland farmers as they cleared their fields for crops. The way they organically flow along the ridges and valleys as if they almost grew there over the centuries. Made from the earth they protect and define.
But in our everyday lives fences are primarily used to protect our most valuable earthly things: home, property, children, privacy, pets (in no particular order). These corrals of wood, metal, and stone are erected to set accurate limitations, establish maintenance expectations, keep what is valuable within our sight, and to prevent the threats of outside forces from impacting us. Fences keep our worlds defined and our resources focused. (Deut. 27:17)

To the at-risk, fences are a comforting boundary, but to the risk taker the same fences stand as prohibitive barriers to success. This reason being the reason my neighbor placed his fence up, to protect their new puppy from running away. However in the process, he created an attractive feature to his home that improves the appearance of the neighborhood. Somewhere between the safety within and the limits of the fences we find the old adage to be true at times, "good fences make good neighbor" by creating good, safe spaces. Relationships have similar boundaries they define, protect, welcome, and comfort us as we interact. The more frequent and longer the interaction the faster those boundaries are defined and often redefined to meet the needs of the relationship. But this boundary movement can be encouraged but must be mutual. As Deuteronomy 27:17 says, have you been guilty of moving boundaries that aren't yours to move? Maybe it was a joke, or advice, or a degrading comment, or an unkept secret. But when boundaries are not respected, conflict and confusion develop and the relationship can crumble. The fence serves as a reminder to slow down and respect the boundary, to be considerate, and move with tact for the sake of the relationship.

It is in the comfort of these boundaries can we learn to appreciate the beauty of the physical and social fences in our lives. Without them, would be like playing baseball without a field. With them, we have the opportunity to swing for the fence, chat with a neighbor, and build lasting relationships.

Essential Community Involvement

2011-10-20T14:27:00.002-04:00

Wow, what a couple of years it has been. I didn't realize a second child, a departmental reorganization, and across the board layoffs would be this taxing on me in 2010 and almost all of 2011. I hope to focus a bit more on writing and sharing some of the great moments of enlightenment and inspiration that have occurred in that time. Hope you find it all as helpful as I have. So on to a thought that has been hammered home lately...

Community involvement is extremely, extremely simple...except when it is not. I believe it all starts with pride and humility. These are two opposite ideas that when balanced and directed appropriately, can be very powerful:

Pride...
In my home:
The first step is taking pride in my home. I say home because it encompasses a lot and isn't limited to those who own their property ("Renters are neighbors too").

It is the concept of home - the building, the family, the children, the pets, the possessions, the place, the block, the playground, the school, the civic club, the church, the community- that fosters the greatest sense of pride and almost always results in a greater level of care.

Often it is difficult to encourage a "sense of home" in a community where the average person moves every 5 years (according to a local planner). This mean that in one childhood the average youth would have been in 4 different homes or communities and the average adult could be in over 10 communities by the time they retire. Trying to quickly establish a "sense of home" and build pride in where you live is vitally important. Connecting residents from the time they move in and through their local traditions and culture are key to weaving the community together.

In my community:
When one cares about something they are willing to make sacrifices to care for it or achieve it. The same is for a community. How many business have you walked in and known right away that they had no pride in what that did? Did you stay or go somewhere else? Did you come back? This happens in communities all the time.

If you have pride in your community it shows and others can see it as well. You also care about the others in your community and their well being because ultimately it affects your own quality of life in a neighborhood. But pride in a community is diverse, complex, and simple. It it shown in many unique ways and it can be shown in the simplest ways - Mowing the grass regularly, not parking in the middle of the yard, keeping the house up, planting flowers, sharing tools, sharing stories, or even just a simple greeting.
Humility...
In my lifestyle
A humble approach to life and the things of life can transform our communities. When we possess a mind of personal humility it leads us to exhibit true contentment. I'm not talking about the contentment of place or soul but being content with material things and able to give to improve your community.

In my networks
The idea of "no greater love has any man than he lay down his life for his friends" does not mean that we have to die to show love. What it refers to is having a humble spirit of giving. In other words, i will give up my ambitions, my pride to help others achieve their dreams. In doing this collectively we can achieve far greater things than if we push to move forward and leave others behind. Capitalism teaches us the reward for hard work, Socialism reminds us of the needs of others who face far greater challenges. Each is not exclusive of the other but we require a balanced and fair approach in a high functioning civil society.

Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?

2011-10-04T07:13:00.000-04:00

I recently presented at the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference on the power of Community Stakeholders. The core message was that "resources exist in communities to do great things but knowing the networks and how to access them are key." We explored how to breakdown the traditional gatekeeper barriers and look for key trust agents that can serve as advocates for your community initiatives. Below is the link to the Prezi that I used. The accompanying group activity will be added later but you can see the instructions in the presentation. Feel free to share and tailor it for your own group.

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood:
The Power of Community Stakeholders

Community Stakeholders on Prezi

I couldn't post this presentation without a quick shout out to my first civic engagement mentor: Bob from Sesame Street...

Hampton's "True" Civic Engagment model

2009-12-03T09:57:00.008-05:00

So we (the Neighborhood Office) are exploring this year what "true" Civic engagement is, what our most effective role should be within the city, and how we can strengthen neighborhoods in Hampton. No small task by any stretch. To really understand what we need to do we have to understand what has been done.

The work that was started here over 15 years ago to find better ways for citizens and government to work together (in partnership), was revolutionary at the time. The early 90's in Hampton saw other revolutionary programs around drug prevention, positive youth development, healthy family, and youth in government. The city leaders (most being Hampton residents as well) knew that the city's work needed to be done differently. They no longer wanted to develop plans, programs, and policies, only for them to be opposed or resented by the citizens they were working to serve. Trust of local government was quite low.

The short story version was that the leaders gathered and agreed upon a new Neighborhood Initiative that would change the way decisions were made. No longer would a professional make a decision in isolation based on their best understanding. Now, those with the greatest interest in the decisions (residents, property, and business owners) would be the ones to influence the decisions through deliberative discussions.

This type of initiative was largely unheard of from within a local government and even today large metro areas are still slow to adapt true civic engagement principles. The local leaders had to use their best judgment and advice of the citizens they serve and create a new way of doing business in Hampton. From that a body of community leaders, institutional representatives, business leaders, and city leaders was appointed by the city council to strengthen our neighborhoods and affect positive change. Leaders worked with staff to shape the future of the city and establish long term plans. They begin to build networks of residents, organizations, and leaders that had an interest, a dream for a better community, a hope in the power of collaboration.

Through the years they saw many successes in safety (second/third safest city in Hampton Roads), youth (nationally recognized youth civic engagement initiative), community enhancement (over $1 mil given to neighborhoods for public improvement), leadership development (Youth Leadership Academy, Neighborhood College & Workshop Series), education (beautification, volunteerism, and leadership). But with all great initiatives, challenges with sustainability of innovation and motivation are always looming overhead.

So we find ourselves, especially as the economy and communication media have changed, we must look for the next revolutionary approach the allows for a sustainable approach. Very few of those that developed the vision of neighborhood partnership are still around today. Retirements, advancements, health, societal changes have left us with a fewer founding faces, forgotten history, old ways, and lots of new tools.

There are now numerous opportunities for the "re-invention," "re-energizing," and "re-adoption" of the founding principles of the original Neighborhood Initiative. However, challenges lie in identifying and energizing the new "trust agents" (from Chris Brogan) in the community, renewing a sense of hope in collaboration, and celebrating the amazing things that one small community can achieve with shared efforts.

Next Post: How simple is community involvement needed to make a positive change?

Awsome resource on community development!

2009-06-05T11:03:00.003-04:00

I was reading Janice Foster's blog (Grassroots Grantmaking) and saw a publication from Indianapolis that might be of use.

What an awesome resource! Well worth the read and definitely deserves sharing for any neighborhood or community leader. The material applies to multiple areas and fields of work. Definitely a worthwhile resource!

Read her review and download a copy of the Organizers Workbook here.