Campus Ministry Celebration Weekend

This Saturday and Sunday are Campus Ministry Celebration Weekend for Central Church of Christ and Campus Christian Community in Spartanburg, SC. This promises to be a memorable experience for members of this university student ministry and all the Christians who have helped with the ministry in this first year of its existence.

Our guest speaker for the weekend is Matt Carter, who is scheduled to speak at the banquet Saturday night and both the college class and the worship assembly Sunday morning.

Matt Carter is a national leader among campus ministers affiliated with Churches of Christ and is the lead missionary in a church-planting team in Chapel Hill, NC. Prior to his role at Chapel Hill, he had several years of campus ministry experience at the University of Georgia, the University of Memphis, and Kansas State University. He is a graduate of UGA and Harding Graduate School of Religion, and he taught biblical studies at Manhattan Christian College in Kansas. Matt and his wife, Felicia, have three children: Asher, Noah, and Naomi.

To learn more about the mission team in Chapel Hill, click here.

From Trash to Treasure

This morning, God blessed me with another opportunity to preach for the Central Church of Christ here in Spartanburg. Our deacon who works with technological aspects of the ministry has done a fabulous job in getting this morning’s sermon online so quickly. (Thanks, Stan!) You may access it by clicking here. Scroll down to 04/06/08, forgive the misspelling of my last name, and click “From Trash to Treasure.” Don’t worry about the static close to the beginning; it stops soon. If you have trouble playing it by just left-clicking the link, you might want to right-click it, choose “Save Target As…,” and then play the downloaded file. I pray that God will bless you as you watch and listen.

10-Year-Old Baseball Prayer

David, who coaches a baseball team of ten-year-olds, asked me about a prayer suitable for his team. Here is a beginning idea. Any of you may feel free to comment on this post and suggest changes, alternatives, etc.

Dear God, please help us in our baseball game today. We know that You want us to do the best we can. If we win, we will praise you. If we don’t, we will praise you all the same. Please let this game help us to become better people for you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

P.S. You might catch a slight reference to the movie Facing the Giants in this prayer.

Christians and The Da Vinci Code

In the past week, two people have asked me about The Da Vinci Code. Should Christians watch the movie and/or read the book?

As you know, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code has been the subject of some controversy among Evangelical and similar Christians. Recognizing this trend, I am not surprised when people ask me about it.

A common response to the question is that Christians should NOT watch or read it. The reasoning behind this response usually has something to do with the historical and/or theological inaccuracies in Brown’s story. Neither history nor the Bible tells us that Jesus was married, and many other statements and indications in the story are erroneous. And the ultimate danger of watching/reading the story is that it can cause viewers/readers to question the trustworthiness of God and the Bible.

I have great respect for many of the teachers and preachers who warn people away from The Da Vinci Code. I think that their criticisms of Brown’s work are often well-informed and well-intended. The story does have parts that are not historically or biblically documented, and some elements of it could be dangerous to a person’s faith in God and Jesus as revealed in the Bible.

However, my response is different. I read the book and then watched the movie as soon as it came out in 2006. Before I read The Da Vinci Code, I read its prequel, Angels and Demons (which was a better story). Reading these books and watching the movie did not kill my faith. Instead, I became more willing to ask difficult questions of scripture and history.

Like I said, The Da Vinci Code does have some inaccuracies. Well, actually, the author fills in some gaps in ways that seem strange to many Christians. Telling stories is like playing connect-the-dots. When we look at historical data, we find little pieces of information. Then we can take those little pieces and try to make a full story, but the complete story is never–or at least seldom–found in historical records. Dan Brown takes some pieces, or dots, from historical documents and connects them in ways that result in a story that comes across as heresy.

In addition to recognizing historical story-telling for what it is (connect-the-dots), we should keep in mind that The Da Vinci Code is a work of fiction. It is a story and no more than that. In novels, the events, objects, characters, and their words are fictitious, and authors do not expect readers to receive the stories as literal records of historical facts. We generally are perfectly capable of reading novels in this way, but something strange happens when the novel we are reading addresses religious convictions we hold dear.

Yes, I admit that Brown quite possibly had a motive that exceeded the realm of fiction. Perhaps he wanted to make a statement about some traditional teachings and beliefs. I cannot know that for sure, and maybe Brown does not even know. However, I do know that I have read and seen many stories that disagree with popular understandings of Christian faith, and they did not cause me to doubt the biblical facts that God is God and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that I should live as a Jesus-follower.

Therefore, if you are educated enough to find and read this blog, if you know how to read various genres of literature, and if you can accept fictitious interpretations of historical data for what they are, then I encourage you to read the book and then watch the movie with an open mind and continual prayer.

For discussion:  What aspects of The Da Vinci Code interest you or offend you or worry you? Did you read and/or watch it? What would you tell friends asking if they should watch it or read it? Is there any value to stories that disagree with what you believe?

Gulf Coast Getaway

Last month our campus ministry went to a retreat in Florida. Over 1,800 people were there. I got to write an article about the event for the Christian Chronicle. Click here to read the article. Enjoy!

What Do You Believe About Abortion?

This Sunday, one of our deacons emailed me a message that a college student had submitted on our church web site. The student was looking for a “church home” and wanted to know our beliefs regarding “a woman’s right to an abortion.” After much prayer and thought, I emailed this response to that student.

Thank you for letting us know about your search for a church home. Last summer, the Central Church of Christ began a campus ministry (called Campus Christian Community) that specifically focuses on reaching out to college students and providing opportunities for them to grow in relation to God and each other, while remaining connected to the rest of the church, the college campuses, and the surrounding communities. Thanks to God, we have many opportunities for college students: Bible classes, small groups for prayer and discussion, social activities, retreats, and service projects.

 The question you asked is somewhat complex because of the personal, emotional dynamics that can be involved. However, we believe that God does indeed have a couple of things to say about abortion, although we recognize that the Bible does not directly address this specific topic as we know it today. I will respond with two basic beliefs and a simple recognition of reality. The first and third points summarize a few insights from scripture but do not cite particular biblical passages. If you would like to study the subject in more detail, please let me know.

 First, we believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life in all its forms.

This includes babies who have not been born. We celebrate babies prior to their births, and we pray for them even while they are still in their mothers. Recognizing that life belongs to God, we wish to protect and treasure all life from the point of conception. In more common language, we could be called “pro-life.” In light of this, we believe that the willful and deliberate termination of life before birth is a sin.

 Second, we recognize that abortion sometimes seems necessary for the wellbeing of a mother.

Such a situation could involve various factors, such as physical and/or psychological complications. We are not in a position to pass judgment on such situations, for we value the health of both mothers and unborn children. When people are forced to choose between mother and child, we acknowledge the difficulty and complexity of that decision and pray for God to guide and comfort the people who must make it.

 Third, we believe that God is forgiving and redemptive.

Nothing is bad enough to keep us from God’s love and acceptance in Jesus Christ if we accept His grace. If someone has willfully and deliberately terminated a life before birth, that person is still welcomed in this family of Jesus-followers. We all are imperfect and have pain in our pasts (and even in our presents). That is part of being human. God accepts us as we are and desires to transform us more and more into His image. There are college students in the campus ministry here who have dealt with some serious hurt in their lives, and they are finding healing.

 In summary, we would never tell someone, “Yes, go ahead and abort your baby. No problem.” However, we would never let a willful and deliberate ending of life prevent us from accepting someone as God accepts that person, and of course we would not want to pass judgment on a complex and difficult decision that someone made as responsibly as possible.

 I hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask any follow-up questions. I would also be interested in knowing what you believe about this subject.

 Thank you again for contacting us. We hope to meet you soon.

 In the divine embrace,

steven

 

Now, after reading my response, what do you think?

 

Learning to Sober Up

Sometimes life frustrates me, and my ego feels offended. Then something reminds me that I am not the most important person in the world.

Saturday morning Tamara and I woke up early (but not as early as we had planned), frantically finished packing our luggage, said a quick goodbye to our host, and hurried to the airport to fly back to Spartanburg from Abilene, where I had been taking an intensive, one-week course in the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University.

My experience in Abilene had taught me that we did not need to arrive at the tiny airport very early. Tamara and I had planned to arrive one hour before our flight, which normally would have been adequate. However, we had not planned to leave our host’s house as late as we did, and we certainly had not imagined that airport construction had changed the parking lots, complicating our task of returning a rental car. We arrived at the check-in counter only 28 minutes before the flight, and the airline employee across the counter from me said we were too late to board the plane.

This was not my first time to miss a flight, and I had experienced other flying complications. This experience was different, though; the employee spoke in a tone of voice that resembled scolding, and my ego immediately felt the pain. I considered complaining to her supervisor or calling the airline, but I decided to control my pride as much as possible.

As we lined up for the security check to board a later flight, I noticed two Abilene celebrities: Wayne McCormick of KTXS-TV and Dr. Royce Money, President of Abilene Christian University. The TSA employees did not recognize these well-known citizens of Abilene, and I quietly giggled when I saw someone ask them for identification.

Then I realized that I never giggle when security workers ID me. I am no comparison to Money or McCormick, and the simple coincidence of being on an airplane with those local giants was a blessing for me. And I was reminded that I am not as great as I sometimes think I am when airline employees scold me.

God, may I learn to think of myself “with sober judgment” (Romans 12:3).

Introduction to Steven

As many of you know, I am working toward a second master’s degree. I am scheduled to take History of Christianity 2 at Abilene Christian University this spring semester.

The professor asked the class members to post Facebook responses to these questions: “What is your name and what would you like to be called? Where are you from? Tell us something unusual about your hometown. Tell us about your family. Are you single, married, have children? What is your vocation and/or occupation? Why are you taking this class? How do you see it fitting with your vocation or ministry? How comfortable are you on a computer? What do you do most often when online? What music do you listen to or what kinds of films do you enjoy? What attracts you to specific bands or movies. What do you enjoy reading or doing when you have free time? What else would your best friend tell us about you? What else would a parent or teacher tell us about you? What things are you excited about concerning this class? What are your apprehensions or fears about this class? What else would you like to tell us about yourself?”

My response was two posts, as indicated by the P.S. Here is a modified version. Happy New Year!

_______________________________________________________

My parents named me Steven Tramel Gaines. My first name derives from the biblical character with the same name (misspelled in the English translations of the Bible, of course). My mom gave me her maiden name as my middle name, leading to a tight connection with my extended family. Obviously, my last name comes from my dad’s family. I call myself “Steven,” as do most people. I also answer to “Steve,” but I never sign my name that way, except when I sign a birthday card “Uncle Steve.”

While my parents were living in Prosper, Texas, I was born in a neighboring city, McKinney, Texas. Both of those cities are northern suburbs of Dallas. My family moved several times, and we lived in a few Texas towns (Allison, Lamesa, and Afton) and at the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home before finally “settling” in the tiny community of Imperial, Texas, which housed about 400 people. The high school was small enough that I got to participate in many extracurricular activities, both academic and athletic, including six-man football. The town is flat, hot, and dry. It’s a desert community with a passion for football.

Tamara is my fantastic wife, and we married in July of 2005. We met when she moved to Abilene to start graduate school at ACU, where she earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology and then taught and counseled in the Department of Student Success for three years. She has a heart for marginalized populations and is a former board member of Hope Haven of Abilene. She is originally from the northwestern part of Arkansas and completed her bachelor’s degree at Harding University. She is a Razorbacks fan. We do not have any children yet.

I keep one foot in church ministry and one foot in higher education. My full-time job is with the Central Church of Christ in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I’m primarily a campus minister, directing our new ministry with university students; but I also preach occasionally and do some other tasks for the congregation. In addition to working with Central, I teach two public speaking classes each semester at the University of South Carolina Upstate.

As a Master of Divinity student, I am taking this class as a degree requirement. More than a requirement, this course provides knowledge that can help ministry be more responsible and stories that can enrich faith and life.

Computers and I usually cooperate fairly well, as long as everything works properly. When I encounter any technological problems, I dial a friend. Most of my time online involves email, Facebook, blogging, and finding recipes.

I listen to music that enhances my faith, raises my soul, and/or helps me understand culture(s), especially worldviews and experiences of university students and young adults. I enjoy films that challenge my faith.

I like to read books that increase my understanding of faith experiences and struggles in my generation and that of the students I serve. I also occasionally read poetry and novels, preferably from other cultures. (Yes, of course, I read the Bible each day too.) In my free time, I play cards or board games, hang out with Tamara and guy friends, going on hiking and camping trips, watch occasional movies, write, and visit local coffee shops (no Starbucks, please).

My parents would tell you I am the greatest son ever. My teachers would say I need to be very intentional about staying disciplined in my studies. And I would try to live up to their expectations.

I am excited about filling in some of the gaps in my knowledge of our story, and I look forward to sharing some parts of that story with the students I serve. I anticipate ending the class with a greater understanding and appreciation of people, events, and ideas that have shaped who we are and where we are going. I hope to sense God at work through the pages of history.

Apprehensions or fears about this class? I, like David, have heard that the professor is somewhat difficult. But trust me–he is not as vicious in a church setting.

What else can I tell you about me?

I grew up in a Christian family, was baptized just before my tenth birthday, began preaching in high school, and lost my faith and became an agnostic as an undergraduate university student. God brought me back to faith, which now manifests itself in me differently that how I have seen it in many of the traditions of the religious heritage in which I grew up and still live, worship, and minister. Now I relish any opportunity to join students in faith crises.

I try to avoid political conversations in church contexts, and I refuse to pledge my allegiance to any political party, but I do vote. The marriage of the Christian faith with the Republican Party frustrates me. I long for the church to act like Christ’s body in caring for the poor and ostracized of all varieties. I struggle with understanding how to obey Christ’s economic commands in my affluent society. I live in a community with a history of racial inequality, and I try to equip students to embody the reconciliation for which Jesus died.

God has blessed me with many ministry experiences in other cultures, and I recently returned from a short time with churches in Southeast Asia. I am a fan of real Asian cuisines, but I can enjoy some American varieties too. I also appreciate Mexican food and Abilene steaks.

Let me add a P.S. I answered the hometown question by telling you about the town in which I spent the most years of my childhood. Maybe I should tell you about the city I currently call home. Spartanburg, SC, is part of a small metroplex of about half a million people. Spartanburg and Greenville are the largest cities of the region and have many smaller towns surrounding them, creating a mini-DFW. The land is beautiful, with gentle hills, tall trees, lakes, rivers, and lots of grass. The Blue Ridge Mountains are only about a 30-minute drive away, and we can drive to the beach in just a few hours. We are a day-trip driving distance from Atlanta and Charlotte. The community has some cultural richness, as mentioned in my first post. I enjoy working with the church and university in Spartanburg, but I dislike being so far away from family. (My wife’s family is in Northwest Arkansas, and my family is mostly in West Texas–about three hours west of Abilene.)

The new campus ministry with which I work seeks to reach students on five local campuses–University of South Carolina Upstate, Wofford College, Converse College, Spartanburg Methodist College, and Spartanburg Community College. We also are beginning to have a presence on the campus of North Greenville University. USC Upstate is our primary campus of emphasis. All together, there are about 13,000 college students in Spartanburg during the semesters.

Christmas with the Poor

After writing my previous blog post about Christmas, which mentioned the poverty of the newborn Jesus, I discovered some recent posts about Christmas, poverty, and other related issues on the blog by Larry James of Central Dallas Ministries.

Check it out.

Christmas Reflections and Ponderings

The time is upon us again–the annual season designated for international celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Of course, plenty of devout Christians are fond of highlighting the commercialization of the holiday, and I share at least some of their perspectives.

Other Jesus-followers elect not to recognize any religious dimensions of the holiday because they have no way of knowing (and are even highly skeptical) that December 25 was the precise date that the Savior entered human life. I can understand that position as well, for my early childhood happened in the context of that belief and practice. My family participated, as much as possible, in the commercial rituals, giving and receiving gifts and feasting on homemade delicacies; but I remember friends’ confusion when they learned that my Christian family did not have a star or an angel on our Christmas tree.

The first angel on our Christmas tree must have arrived sometime during my preteen era. It brought me simultaneous feelings of liberating enthusiasm and theological tension. (The word “theological” was not yet in my vocabulary, thanks to the pragmatic foundation of our cultural context.) I appreciated the freedom to let my soul’s excitement soar as high as, and eventually higher than, my Christmas morning hyperactivity (which still exists); but a question plagued me: How can I believe that December 25 is most likely not the actual birthday of my Lord AND at the same time celebrate the spiritual aspects of the holiday that the world recognizes as his birthday?

Eventually, I discovered that most of the thinking people in the world who have had any exposure to the Christian message do not insist that the 25th of December is literally Jesus’ birthday. I also learned to appreciate the widespread recognition of Christ, no matter the season or holiday that spurs it. Even though the Bible does not specify the date, even though December was not a likely time for shepherds to be out in the fields with their flocks, and even though we should be celebrating Jesus year-round, I am happy to join millions of other citizens of this world in our common celebration of God’s heroic and loving act of taking on human flesh and living with us to give a glimpse of divine reality and to call us to a better life in tune with that revelation.

The commercialization of the season still bothers me, as does the general materialism of our culture(s) throughout the year. When I repeatedly explore the story of Jesus, I do not see a jolly fat man devouring plates of cookies and giving gluttonous bags of toys and candy, nor do I see parents using their credit cards or family savings to lavish extravagant and unnecessary luxuries upon their demanding children whose closets, tummies, and toy chests already overflow. Instead, I see a baby born to a poor family with no bedroom. I see that baby sleeping and probably crying in a box of hay in a smelly barn. And I see the Son of God entering the world in the midst of rumors and ridicule.

The story of Jesus does not exemplify the “American dream.” He does not advance from poverty to riches. He ends up walking around his country with a small group of outcasts and without a house to call his own.

What does this story say about economic and lifestyle practices of Jesus-followers today? How can we live functionally in our culture(s) and still live up to the sacrificial calling issuing forth from the life and teachings of Christ?

How can we live in ways that celebrate Jesus throughout the year, instead of just on socially specified dates?

I do not have all the answers. I am still seeking. And along the journey, I keep celebrating. May God bless you with out-of-this-world joy both today and tomorrow, as you experience once again the birth of our journey in Christ.