Ken Sande and Peacemaking

I've had opportunity this past week - and in forthcoming weeks - to become acquainted with the work of Ken Sande. I am impressed with the "ease of access" and Biblical models he develops in the books I have quickly reviewed - including The Peacemaker and Peace-making for Families.

I explained to my wife that Ken's work is like a practical, family version of what Walter Wink (and others) would call Jesus' Third Way - neither fight nor flight, but engaging in a new and challenging way toward better outcomes. Ken calls it neither "escape" nor "attack" - but "peacemaking."

Always good - even great - to engage peacemaking practices in discernible ways for families and "real-life" applications "at home and work" - in addition to the larger peacemaking efforts in national and international arenas. In fact, perhaps more peacemaking at home will lead to a more peaceful international diplomacy!

My connection to the work comes out of this opportunity, listed below. As I understand it we are a kind of "pilot group" for new curriculum Peacemaker Ministries has adapted from their church audiences towards business settings, yet to be fully distributed in this new format.

The Zig Ziglar Center for Ethical Leadership is hosting the Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium as they present “Peacemaking for Business.” Sessions will be held in the Royce Brown building on the SNU campus from 5:30pm-7:30pm on October 12, 19, 26, and November 2 facilitated by Mr. Bill Blew.

Blew is a former Oklahoma District Court Judge and a graduate of Rhodes College and Vanderbilt School of Law with extensive experience in conflict resolution. He is also founder and executive director of The Olive Branch; a non-profit ministry that helps people find peace in relationships by teaching them how to deal with conflict from a biblical perspective.

“Peacemaking for Business” focuses on resolving the central issues of conflict while helping individuals preserve and restore lasting, healthy relationships. The course is recommended for anyone desiring to develop personal skills in the area of conflict resolution and relationship restoration, particularly business leaders, owners and human resources professionals.

Swimming in Scholarship in September

I have been absolutely swamped in September.

I intend to catch up on several venues of reading, but will not be able to catch up entirely, I am sure.

A few highlights. I have contracted to write a commentary for my denominational publication on the book of Numbers - Beacon Hill Press. Additionally, I will be teaching a course for the denominational seminary (Nazarene Theological Seminary)on Leviticus and Numbers. As a result, I have been swimming in resources that I am adding to my library as I discern how to begin my writing - but more urgently - as I frame the syllabus that I need to have prepared for the course! Swimming in Leviticus and Numbers makes for some intriguing swimming! =)

I did, delightfully, catch up on a summer's worth of National Geographic Magazines! For the past several years a subscription to NGM has been part of my birthday from my in-laws! What a delight to get a magazine in the mail each month, that I read cover to cover - that reminds me of the grace and generosity of my family to me. NGM allows me to explore the world, open my cultural lens and "see" so many things from a new perspective. What a delight.

Also in September, I have made application to several other professional meetings or publications. I've got an invitation to write a piece on the Old Testament and Suicide for an edited volume out of London. I have had a piece accepted for the International Theology Conference for the Church of the Nazarene in 2012. I have had a piece accepted by the Wesleyan Theological Society meeting. I have been invited to join the Christian Scholars Group. And, I have applications in for two other fellowships, and one other writing assignment. In truth, I would not at all be disappointed if I don't get the fellowships or other writing appointment. I'm paddling all my professional muscle write now (the pun is intended) and it's going great - super - fantastic . . . but phew! I have got work to do!

All is well.

May not be posting much - and my reading will be framed in light of what and how I am writing. Life is great.

Life is truly great.

Second Hand Clothes

I bought a new suit so that I could officiate at my Grandfather's Funeral a few years back. I own four separate clerical shirts which I have purchased new. And, my socks and underwear have been purchased new.

Besides that - every t-shirt, every dress shirt, every dress pant, every pair of jeans, my tennis-shoes or sandals or dress shoes - has been purchased at some second hand store.

I don't have to purchase clothes "Second Hand" but it becomes a means by which I steward resources in my life (our own family finances). And, it becomes a means by which I steward resources that others have "discarded" for re-use.

It seems to me that the way we dress is a reflection of the way we use resources. It seems to me that the way we purchase items is a reflection of our highest priorities and values. Brand names, new clothes are not my priority.

Living my life as a steward of all that is entrusted to me, that is important for me.

I try to live my life as one who reflects and embodies the life of God's Kingdom.

Peacemaking - Prevention and Protection

I spent the day "on the Hill" as they say "in the Beltway" here in Washington D.C.

I think I have some of the insider lingo correct. I am not sure that I need to have it correct.

The important thing is that I had opportunity to meet today with persons in my Congresswoman's office - and with representatives in both my Senators offices.

Did I "change the world"? Certainly not in any singularly global or effective way.

But I raised my voice in clear ways, expressing to my federal representatives that I am aware that the U.S. has considerable forms of resources that shape Global issues. And, while I had specific requests toward issues with regard to Genocide and the situations in Sudan *right now* - I specifically expressed that the U.S. use more of its resources to advance peace - through preventive measures and protection efforts, instead of promoting militarism.

I am the recipient of many, many, many "things" as an American Citizen. I am the recipient of many, many, many "things" as a Christian.

And, I believe Americans - and Christians - can do more and do better to advance peace in our world.




And!

I had opportunity as a Carl Wilkens Fellow - to spend some one-on-one time with Carl Wilkens. Delightful.

Phyllis Tickle: Like an anthill | Faith & Leadership

I don't tend to "do" theology in the classroom - as a vocation - unless it is specific to the academic constraints that inform the task of Biblical Theologians. But, I try to "do" theology - to reflect and embody the life of God's Kingdom each and every day. And, many of the theologians and pastors that I work with have opinions and perspectives on the idea of the Emergent Church.

I am including a link to a short video clip and short audio (all one one page) that is helpful for the conversation, I think.

Phyllis Tickle makes an important connection with emergency theory (!) - the entire anthill issue. She also clarifies in the video, what I would put in my words as: "Emergent Christians are not saying 'We're doing something new and different because the old is 'dead' but we're emerging into new periods of God's unfolding future in light of the past.'"

Phyllis Tickle: Like an anthill | Faith & Leadership