jason evans

soundcheck: Jimmy Eat World - I Will Steal You Back

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:06:00 +0000

I've been a fan of Jimmy Eat World for a long time–since they were just an "emo" band from Mesa, AZ. While I love Static Prevails and Clarity, I think Bleed American might be the perfect pop album. Yet, since that break-through album a lot has sounded the same. But the band's latest release Damage seems to capture what I couldn't stop listening to on Bleed American.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

icon(ic): Bill McConkey

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:27:00 +0000

80's Movie Classics Last Supper

As a kid of the 80's I cannot help but love this! Find out more about Bill McConkey's work here.

video: Do Christians get a bad rap?

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:55:00 +0000

It's kinda weird to see Ira Glass, from This American Life, on the other side of the interview. Nonetheless, his thoughts on Christians in the public square is interesting. Jim Henderson appears to believe the bad rap Christians get is deserved. I'm of the mindset that it's deserved as long as Christians of a different ilk don't speak up, take back what it means to be a Christian in the public square. What do you think?

HT: Andrew Sullivan

soundcheck: Torche - Keep Up

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:46:00 +0000

If Jimmy Eat World were metal, this is what they would sound like. Check out more Torche releases here.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

book: Good Faith Hunting by Henry Stewart

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:08:00 +0000

I talk a lot about young adults. Due to my work, my own sense of calling and interest in it, young adult culture is something I'm always interested in. And it's something that the media has long been interested in–Douglas Rushkoff did a series for Frontline several years ago on youth culture called "The Merchants of Cool." But recently, Christians have taken a specific interest in young adults. The Barna Group reported on the numbers of young people leaving churches, providing some distinction as to how and why certain young people leave. But its not just young adults that are leaving churches. Nor do the cultural shifts that have led people to leave influence young people alone.

In his book, Good Faith Hunting author Henry Stewart addresses the changes in church and culture that have led another generation to leave the church in great numbers: Baby Boomers. Stewart begins by looking at the work of researchers, such as Alan Jamieson, who studied the reasons why Boomers were leaving church. Not so different than the findings of the Willow Creek's Reveal study–which I'm assuming was made up considerably of Boomers, Stewart finds that those that leave church often remain people of faith (similar to what Barna reports here). In Good Faith Hunting, Stewart argues that part of this has to do with the "stage of faith" many Boomers find themselves in which the church fails to address. Drawing from James W. Fowler's work in Stages of Faith (here's a chart), establishes that, in short, faith is a journey–far from static and acknowledging this, providing an environment in which people can name this and address this is necessary. People leave church when this kind of process is not provided. Stewart goes on to demonstrate faith-as-journey through several life stories of biblical and extra-biblical characters.

I had a conversation last week in which several young adults expressed their desire to be in community with people outside of their age group. This was part of why they found a church in the city–to be in community with folks at other life stages. Many things in life we learn best by watching others navigate those things ahead of us. Problems we face today may be due, in part, to the compartmentalization in Christian education programming established in previous eras. The need to connect with the spiritual journey of a younger generation does not equal abandoning your own. In fact, being able to understand and articulate your own spiritual journey is immensely helpful to others.

Some books should've been articles in journals or magazines. Some articles should've been blog posts. Some blog posts should've been tweets. What Stewart offers in this book is worth hearing, though I don't know if it needed to be bound in a book. That said, I'm glad he's started the conversation. The changes we're seeing in western culture effect much more than one age bracket–it effects all of us. But there's more to life than the culture we share. Attending to the spiritual journey–no matter what stage–is part of our work as Christians. It is what discipleship is.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

soundcheck: Y La Bamba - Oh, February

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:36:00 +0000

Y La Bamba is one of the many genre-benders coming out these days. Taking cue's from a variety of influences they offer lush, bilingual indie rock tunes. Their latest EP, Oh, February is great! Their full length Court the Storm is additionally worth checking out as well.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

icon(ic): Scott Erickson

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:23:00 +0000

"Annunciation" by Scott Erickson

Really digging Scott Erickson's stuff lately. See more on his site and purchase prints here.

video: Can we be Episcopal and missional?

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:38:00 +0000

Dwight Zscheile is one of the many Episcopalians I've met in my short time here in the Diocese who gives me hope. The way which Dwight talks about being both Episcopal and missional is encouraging. It's something I attempted to tie into in this post. What do you think? Do the Anglican roots of bringing the faith into the common vernacular provide us an imagination for how to do this once again today?

soundcheck: Small Multiples - Know My Name

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:10:00 +0000

Small Multiples. It's catchy. It rocks. What more need I say? Check out more from them here.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

My last word on worship (for now)

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:53:00 +0000

Okay, I don't want to over do this but I continue to have conversations with folks in and outside of the Episcopal Church about worship. It hasn't been the case in the dialogs I've had of late, but too often we battle about how we worship (musical genre, style, etc.) rather than concerning ourselves with why we worship and what is happening during worship. For some background, I previously jotted down some thoughts on the subject here, here and here.

[This is] the Act in which we are now living and in which we are to make our own unique, unscripted and yet obedient, improvisation. This is how we are to be the church, for the world. As we do so, we are calling into question the world’s models of authority, as well as the content and direction of that authority.
—N.T. Wright, "How Can The Bible Be Authoritative?" Published in Vox Evangelica, 1991

In the most earnest sense, God is the critical theatergoer, who looks on to see how the lines are spoken and how they are listened to: hence here the customary audience is wanting. The speaker is then the prompter, and the listener stands openly before God. The listener ... is the actor, who in all truth acts before God.
—Søren Kierkegaard, Purity of Heart

I've found myself going back to writers that–unbeknownst to me at the time–lead me to my increasingly "informal yet sacramental" view of worship. And here's why this is so important to me as of late: I think worship has got to matter–has got to be tethered to–our every day lives. I now worship with a tradition that utilizes many practices that have until now been more novelty than routine. The more it becomes a part of who I am, the more I find myself trying to make sense of it–understand it, theologize it. Pulling from Wright and Kierkegaard, here's how I've been piecing this together in my head lately:

Act 1, Memory-the calling: remembering (being reminded of) why we do this
In act one, we read Scriptures that remind us who we are and why we are gathered together. It’s the stage call; beckoning the characters to the stage. It’s intended to remind us that God’s story is the story we are living out in the rest of our lives.

Act 2, Community-the communion: reuniting (and reconciling) with God and each other
In act two, is the “peak” of our time together. We are reminded that we are not alone; that we go about life with each other and with God. During this time we offer reconciliation with God and each other, and celebrate the Lord’s Table–we feed on the Word through the bread and wine, through the reflection of Scripture... together.

Act 3, Mission-the commission: re-engaging with our world
In act three, we begin the “slide” back out into the world. It’s when we remember that this “separate” activity is done publicly and for the purpose of our lives--that are lived “out loud”, or in public.

What do you think? Does this make sense? And if it does, how much permission does it provide us for exploring any number of ways of going about doing this?

soundcheck: Coliseum - Doing Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 10:17:00 +0000

Coliseum's Parasite EP was a favorite of mine when I first heard it. Been looking forward to a full length release ever since. Sister Faith is another awesome collection of their unique blend of punk, hardcore and southern rock sensibility.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

icon(ic): Dave Quiggle

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:13:00 +0000

"The 10 Commandments" by Dave Quiggle

Been following Dave Quiggle's work for years. The remainder of the 10 Commandment series, more of his artwork and purchase information for his prints and t-shirts can be found at Quiggle's website.

video: What should I measure?

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Fri, 31 May 2013 10:16:00 +0000

I've been involved in many conversations of late concerning metrics. Typically, churches have measured attendance and budgets and little else. Increasingly, I'm convinced that those are simply the outcome of other things done well. I attempted to address that a bit in this post. But in some of these circumstances we're in the process trying to determine how to measure the right things. Michael Frost, as always, provides some imagination for what that might begin to look like.

soundcheck: Laura Mvula - Green Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 30 May 2013 10:44:00 +0000

Hailing from the UK, Laura Mvula brings an incredibly catchy doo-wop inspired track. Her latest release, Sing to the Moon is consistent in delivering smart, soulful tunes. I don't fall in love with this style of music too often but I love everything I've heard from Mvula so far.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

soundcheck: Dodos - Confidence

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 28 May 2013 10:36:00 +0000

Dodos latest album, Carrier comes out in August. If this track is evidence of what is to come, it's safe to say that they're continuing to deliver the goods. Love these guys.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

icon(ic): Not Art. Gospel.

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Mon, 27 May 2013 10:28:00 +0000

"Enemies" by The Plow Creative

"Enemies" is from a series created by The Plow Creative based on the Sermon on the Mount called "Not Art. Gospel."

How a bunch of unread e-mails made me happy

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Sun, 26 May 2013 13:27:00 +0000

Image credit: Barna Group

This morning I open my laptop, click on Outlook (yes, I use Outlook for my work e-mail) and am greeted by a deluge of unread emails since I checked last night. Typically, I experience a moment of feeling overwhelmed when this happens (ugh!). But this morning was different. It took me a moment to realize why. But as I looked through the senders of these emails I realized that they were all from people younger then 40. I was excited. A bit giddy, actually.

You might think, "You're title is 'Young Adult Missioner.' What's the big deal?" It's true; people in their 20's and 30's are who I'm tasked to work with. But anyone who is exposed to church work knows that there tends to be a whole lot of interaction with people not in this age bracket. Which–don't get me wrong–isn't a bad thing. But as I often tell people, my line of work is significantly evangelistic in nature. Just read the data from Pew Forum to Barna.

So, when my inbox lights up with e-mails from young people collaborating, sharing ideas and scheduling time together I had this moment. A pause. And I thought: "Something is working... something is happening."

I don't write that to pat myself on the back. Sure, I take my work seriously–and probably too personal–and work as hard as I know how. But this wasn't about me. I think God is up to something.

It's moments like this that bring to mind the first Pentecost Sunday (which we just celebrated), as told in Acts 2. Jesus' disciple, Peter speaks to a gathered group and quotes from the book of Joel:

"... I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy."

The Spirit is up to something. I just like being along for the ride.

When I interviewed for my position I was asked why I wanted to work with young adults. As I recently wrote, it's because young adults want to change the world–they always have. Throughout human history you will find young people at the center of almost every major movement. From the Zapatista march on Mexico City to the fall of the Berlin Wall. From Tiananmen to Tahrir Square. In both the Tea Party to Occupy movements. And though I may no longer be so young, I want to change the world too.

In big and small ways, young people insight change. They tend to be unafraid of what others deem impossible. Jesus taught us to pray, "... Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is heaven." His simple prayer holds within it this dream that the impossible is possible. That there is another way to be human, as if God's rule and reign was present today.

Folks talk about the absence of God among young people's lives. The response of western Christianity is too often one of two moves: abstraction or restriction–God is anything (and therefore nothing) or God is only these things (and you go to hell if you color outside the lines). All the while, a generation is coming of age that is no longer waiting for the shapers of these categories to catch up. Young evangelicals are increasingly breaking from the "party line" on issues such as same sex unions and immigration. Young liberals are asking their leadership to teach more from the Bible and about following Jesus. I'm not mimicking the stats you might read–these are the conversations I have. The categories are falling away. God is showing up all over the place. It's never been about getting God to show up–no matter how much we've convinced ourselves of this. Rather, it's always been about how we respond to the fact that God does show up.

So, this morning, I find myself praying the charge given in 1 Timothy 4: "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." I pray that they set the pace and make God's dreams become reality. I feel very fortunate to simply be a part of this journey with them.

Last post in the 'Millennial' series on the EDOW blog

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Sat, 25 May 2013 11:20:00 +0000

Today, we published the last post in a series on the Diocesan blog of which I contributed to. Here's a clip:

"I have conversations with Christian leaders who want help attracting young adults to their churches almost daily. Frequently, I ask why these leaders want to attract young people. Every once in awhile, I’m told it is because new tithing units are needed. But here rests the challenge: Young adults aren’t interested in financing institutions, nor can they. This generation has already accrued more debt and lower career-starting wages at their age than several generations to precede them. But, like I said, they want to change the world."

Read the rest here and share your thoughts.

video: What if you live tomorrow?

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:53:00 +0000

I've mentioned before my fondness for Todd Hunter. His journey towards Anglicanism precedes mine. Before that, he was a wonderful mentor to me in my years of starting missional communities in San Diego. I know this is basically an ad for one of his newer projects but I will never tire of hearing him talk about the Christian faith.

What if church was what Telos does at one of their retreats? Does your worship experience help you pause and discover how God is "organically connected" to your life?

soundcheck: Piñata Protest - Cantina

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:52:00 +0000

Piñata Protest is what happens when you mix traditional conjunto music and Against Me! ... At least, that's what they sound like to me. Dig it.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

soundcheck: TTNG - Cat Fantastic

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:22:00 +0000

Cat Fantastic by TTNG

TTNG hails from the UK but would've fit in well with American emo/indie rock bands taking shape in the late '90's. Very reminiscent of the bands like Texas is the Reason, Sunny Day Real Estate and the Promise Ring. And I highly appreciate their sensitivity to gun violence and therefore changing their name. Take a listen to the entire release, 13.0.0.0.0.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

icon(ic): Steve Brubaker

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:11:00 +0000

"Transfiguration" by Steve Brubaker

Throughout history Christians have used images to tell the biblical story we are attempting to live in to. I've had a folder in my web browser with links to images that move me for several years. These are typically images that harken to the biblical narratives yet honestly expose the artist's context and culture. Like my weekly "soundcheck" posts in which I share music I've recently discovered, I've decided to start sharing images I've discovered on a weekly basis that inspire me. Hope they do the same for you.

This image by Steve Brubaker is part of Old and New. Consider supporting artists and the project by purchasing prints here.

And here's a bit more on my thoughts on art and faith.

Another EDOW blog post

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:06:00 +0000

I mentioned recently that we've started a new blog series on the Diocese of Washington website. Take a look and share your thoughts:

"There’s no denying that the Internet has radically changed how we communicate. In fact, there isn’t much that the Internet has not had an impact on. Reading, dating, buying and countless everyday activities are much different than were a decade ago due to the web-based tools we have access to. It is safe to assume that how we engage the Internet has impacted the local parish as well. For millennials, navigating the Internet has become second nature. In the 1500’s the Anglican tradition used the technological advances at hand–the printing press, for example–to “proclaim” or communicate the Good News. In that tradition, how might we communicate with a generation coming of age with the communication technologies available to us?"

Read the entire article here.

soundcheck: Georgia Anne Muldrow - Popstopper

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:09:00 +0000

I've never quite understood why Georgia Anne Muldrow's 2009 release, Umsindo, didn't become as big as it should have. It's a weird, neo-soul, funk, hip-hop and R&B album that I really dug. She's been hit and miss since then but I dig this latest track with Dudley Perkins from her upcoming release, The Lighthouse.

You can listen to my playlist on Spotify or Shuffler. Enjoy!

And just a little more on the subject of worship

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Evans) — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:49:00 +0000

Still thinking a lot about the subject of worship. Recently, I've written a couple things on the subjet of "worship." And then I participated in a conference over the last few days in which attendees heard from Ruth Meyers on the same subject. One of the best aspects of any conference are the hallway conversations. In one this week, a clergy person and I were talking about worship as a journey. It brought to mind Elizabeth O'Connor's use of the terms that titled a wonderful book of her's, Journey Inward, Journey Outward. Journey's change us, change how we look at life–at least mine, moving across the country certainly did. There's something going on with worship that ought to take us somewhere.

I've shared before my love for the work of Rainer Marie Rilke. And as I've been thinking about worship these days and what happens during worship–no matter the formate/genre–I've found myself thinking about this favorite Rilke line of mine:

"You said live out loud, and die you said lightly, and over and over again you said be."—Rainer Marie Rilke, Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God

Rilke’s poem displays three important "aspects" of the act of worship. So, I hacked O'Conner's terms, was inspired by Rilke's poem and delved into some thoughts on worship as follows. All three aspects occur within the realm of real life–worship is never void of context. The intent is to change how we look at life’s journey–not replace it or delete it.

The first aspect is the journey together. Worship ought to “lighten” or diminish the impact of death. Death is isolation. When Jesus’ dies on the cross he cries out, “God, why have you looked away from me?!” He is alone. We die alone. Worship fights death by declaring that we are not alone.

The second aspect is the journey inward. Worship ought to assist us in simply being. We live in a world that measures our worth by what we do. When we worship we are reminded that we are as Eugene Peterson writes, “God-begotten” or as Henri Nouwen writes, “God’s beloved.” We can rest in that reality. Worship takes us out of the fray of doing and calls us to simply be in God’s presence in every moment.

The last aspect is the journey outward. Worship ought to take our declaration against death and confidence of presence before God and challenge us to “live out loud” before a watching world. By doing so, we display before others how life should be lived; or, in other words together we give a glimpse a God’s Kingdom--life lived how God intended us to.

Thoughts?