iBlog...occasionally.

This blog has moved.

2008-08-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hey there. I've moved my blog over to a wordpress account. So from now on, you can come on over to chadbrown.wordpress.com.

Thanks!

hmmm...look, a blog.

2008-07-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the last time I posted was back in May. Wait...yep, I do believe it.
I am a horrible blogger, and I apologize to everyone who has lost their job, due to calling in sick everyday because they are secretly glued to their laptop hoping I post a little nugget of wisdom or stupidity.

I also hate that I have become that which I hate. A blogger apologizing for his lack of blogging. As if you care how I feel about Obama, gas prices, a possible SAG strike, or The Dark Knight. (Answer key below)

So anyway. I'm here, and I want to make a Mid-Year Resolution. (I'm going to countdown to midnight and then it takes effect) I plan to mend the broken relationship I have with my blog. I'm not getting any younger, and they grow up so fast. I'm afraid that one day I'll wake up, and it will gone. I'll turn to my wife and with tears running down my cheeks, I'll ask if I've been a good man. Rachel will look me squarely in the eyes and say, "Seriously? You're treating your blog like one of our kids? That's silly."

Blog, I'll be right here...if you'll have me back.
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon...

Answers:
A.Don't really know
B.Anger
C.Are you kidding?
D.I either want to be Batman or Christopher Nolan when I grow up

Spoiler Alert!

2008-05-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Well, the cat is out of the bag and the beans have been spilt.

Diebold Accidentally Leaks Results Of 2008 Election Early

Baht Trailer

2008-04-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

This summer at the CIY MOVE conference, 20,000 students will be made aware of the sex trafficking industry that is so prevalent in the world today. Most people have no idea the scope of this global crisis, nor do they realize that it exists within our own country.

In January 2008, a team from Christ In Youth set off for Cambodia to shoot a documentary about sex trade, ultimately putting a face with the crisis. I was not on this team, and did not have much to do with this project, and when I saw the final product on screen, I was absolutely blown away. Derek, MD, Terry, Tony, and Jon all did an incredible job! We're all praying for God to raise up students to become aware of a great tragedy and to ultimately DO something about it. We're asking God to cause students to move.

So here it is...the trailer for Baht.

New Look

2008-03-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

I would just like to come out of hiding to say thanks to Chris Holohan for the blog's new look. I think he did a great job. Thanks Chris.

I had to promise that I would post more than 6 times a year in order to retain his graphic design services.

We'll see how that goes.

The Narrow Door

2008-01-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

We leave next week for our first Discipleship event of 2008. I'm really excited about our theme, The Narrow Door. To learn about the event or to check out our dates and locations visit ciy.com/discipleship

a nice surprise

2008-01-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

Back in college, I was a big fan of a band called Waterdeep. Let me rephrase that...I was OBSESSED with Waterdeep. Looking back, I probably reacted a bit harshly when someone expressed their distaste for the band. I was one of Waterdeep's biggest advocates, and I was at every show.

Eventually, the band's frontman and my hero, Don Chaffer, put the word out that they were getting off the road and settling down. They were getting more involve with a local church (which I agree with 100%). Over time, their songs faded out of my playlists, and in the past couple years I would say I have not even listened to them at all.

Until now...

In a search for worship lyrics, I ended up on their website (which I figured was shutdown). To my surprise and joy, I discovered that they have released a new album! Apparently, it was released on their site back in June. I was shocked.

Don and his wife, Lori, play all the instruments on their latest project "Heart Attack Time Machine". I'm sure this is old info to other Waterdeep loyalists...but it was news to me! You can check it out on their website or purchase it on iTunes.

If you're a fan of Waterdeep, hearing Don and Lori sing again is like spending time with an old friend. Enjoy!

Jesus...and nothing else.

2007-12-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Rachel and I were approached by a couple of Mormon missionaries in front of our apartment. As they walked toward us, I thought "Oh boy...here we go." First of all, my dad was always the one to handle this when we were growing up. What was I supposed to say to these guys? Secondly, I knew there was no way we were going to make any headway in the conversation that was about to take place.

We started out chit-chatting about Webb City, weather, traffic, my job, etc. Then they launched into their presentation. They said all the things I expected them to say, and I'm sure I said all the things they expected me to say.

Now, our church has been walking through Paul's letter to the Galatians for the past couple of weeks. If you could sum Galatians up in a phrase, it would be: Jesus...and nothing else. "False Brothers" were trying to persuade the Galatian Christians that they needed to be circumcised in addition to their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul stressed to them, "NO, NO, NO! You need Jesus...and NOTHING else!"

One of the Mormons looked at me and said "we believe everything you believe, but we have more...you have a slice of the cake...why don't you want the whole cake?"

I remembered Paul writing to the Galatians: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."

Eventually, we all agreed that we couldn't see eye-to-eye. They told us they would pray for us. I told them we would pray for them, and I apologized for all the "Christians" who had angrily slammed a door in their face.

It's easy to say the Mormons are wrong, because they're of an entirely different faith, right? But we do this within our own faith, don't we? We tell ourselves that its about Jesus...and volunteering at church. Its about Jesus...and a daily quiet time. It's about Jesus...and helping old ladies across the street.

No, Jesus alone saves us. That's the Gospel.

Rachel and I thanked Jesus that night for His work at the cross. We thanked Him that He has given us "everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3) We thanked Him that the Gospel is about Jesus...and nothing else.

The Sabbath

2007-08-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

Whenever I get a short break, I've been reading portions of "The Sabbath" by Abraham Joshua Heschel. This is the kind of book that I have to read each sentence about eight times before I can come close to grasping it. Its very deep, and very poetic.

I thought this was an interesting excerpt to share from the first chapter:

For where shall the likeness of God be found? There is no quality that space has in common with the essence of God. There is not enough freedom on the top of the mountain; there is not enough glory in the silence of the sea. Yet the likeness of God can be found in time, which is eternity in disguise.

The art of keeping the seventh day is the art of painting on the canvas of time the mysterious grandeur of the climax of creation: as He sanctified the seventh day, so shall we. The love of the Sabbath is the love of man for what he and God have in common. Our keeping the Sabbath day is a paraphrase of His sanctification of the seventh day.

The Times, They Are A-Changin'...

2007-08-01T18:47:00.001-07:00

Its the next to the last night of our three week Summer Conference run in Carbondale, IL. This has been an amazing tour, and we've heard a LOT of good things about our theme, ONES. It feels good to be a part of something like this.
I love Carbondale because I get to have my share of thai food down the street. I've also introduced more than a handful of people to the wonders of Vietnamese Coffee at the Longbranch Coffee Shop.

But the big deal tonight was the chance to honor our friend, Robin Sigars. Andy Hansen showed up this week and tonight we surprised Robin with a slide show. (I know, it sounds like 1996, but it was touching...back off)
Andy shared a few words about Robin, and then Johnny Scott and I prayed for Robin and his transition to senior minister at Carterville Christian Church.
It is an understatement to say that Robin has played an integral role at CIY through the years. God has reached thousands upon thousands of students and leaders through Robin's preaching. He is an amazing Christian example.

Even though I couldn't be there for it, I know Kevin Greer got the same send-off out in California. Kevin is taking up a new post at Ozark Christian College teaching Youth Ministry. I've had the privilege of working with Kevin on our Discipleship weekends and Wilderness Retreat. I really look up to Kevin. I admire his passion for learning as much as possible about spiritual formation, and teaching students about spiritual disciplines.

We'll miss you, Robin and Kevin.

back from the dead

2007-07-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Louisville, KY last weekend with MD, to be on set of the latest City On A Hill production. After our experience producing LONE, MD and I were eager to check out what other filmmakers are up to. City On A Hill is currently in production on their Easter Experience, while simultaneously filming content for Southeast Christian Church's 2008 Easter Pageant. As we drove to Louisville, Shane Sooter (director) asked if I would mind playing the role of Lazarus. Of course, I said yes. Despite the heat last Saturday, I really had a great time getting into the character. Cassie and Melissa (Mary and Martha, respectively) were great actresses to work with. This Lazarus footage is specifically for the Pageant at the church. Here are a few snapshots from the set.

Youth Group 101

2007-06-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here is one of several videos we recently produced. They're available on YouTube and the CIY Summer Conference podcast.

too many books

2007-05-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

So, this happens to me occasionally: I go through a phase with no books to read. Either there is nothing of interest to me, or I just get apathetic about reading in general.
Soon, however, I hear about a really good book and I start looking for it. Usually, the day I buy said book, someone comes in raving about some other book...so I end up getting it.
Then there is that one book I hear three different people talking about. These three people are not connected in any way...so I figure, "It's GOTTA be good!"
There's the book that really applies to what we're doing at work, so it just makes sense to get THAT.
I'm engaged now, so I've got people advising me on what books on marriage to read.
Finally, my pastor Steev, just handed me a book the other day that several men in our church are reading.

So that's the cycle I go through. No books...too many books...no books...too many books. I have a stack of books staring me in the face, and I don't know where to start. I'm a couple of chapters into several of them. It's quite intimidating.

Here's the part where I should quit typing: What are you reading right now? What book is really speaking to you? Is there a book I should go pick up right now and add to the madness?

later.

It's that time of year again!

2007-04-28T12:27:00.006-07:00

It is a BEAUTIFUL day! I just got back from the park where we regularly play DISC GOLF! If you've never played, drive out to Joplin and we'll head over to the course.

Now, some people mistakenly call it, "Frisbee Golf". A frisbee is something you throw back and forth at a picnic. Disc Golf, on the other hand, requires strength, precision, and a lot of skill. It also requires a strong voice to scream things like, "DANG IT!" or "THAT'S NOT WHERE I MEANT TO THROW IT!" or "NICE THROW, NATE!" (that last one is usually the phrase of choice in our group)

two more days.

2007-04-04T06:03:00.000-07:00

At Christ In Youth, we gear up all year long for our Summer Conferences. There is usually a flurry of activity around May as interns arrive, staging and props are built, and videos get the final touch up.

Not this year.

In two days, we set out for Panama City, Florida for our first event with ONES. The youth group at Southeast Christian Church, in Louisville, Kentucky, holds a week-long conference at the beach every year which is aptly named: Bible and Beach. This year, they are partnering with CIY.

Which means...

"all that time" we would usually have before June has been crunched into the last few weeks leading up to April. Its amazing to see how much has been written, designed, built, painted, recorded, and edited in such a short amount of time. I'm really excited about our content this year. Yes, it will be a little crazy next week, but this is a very exciting time of year!

Please be praying for all of us over the next couple weeks!

...and I thought I didn't like Christian bookstores BEFORE!

2007-03-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

I usually don't use my blog to gripe. Usually, I write about the dumb or the exciting. Today, however, I need to gripe about something.

Rob Bell is one of my favorite authors/speakers/devotional-short-film-hosts. He recently released a new book, Sex God. In this book (from what I've heard) he searches for the connections that God placed between sexuality and spirituality. It is not so much a sexual guide or manual, as it is a theological discussion.

I'm getting off track...

There's this Christian bookstore in the mall in Joplin, Missouri. Its called (are you ready for this?) "For All Bible" but the "F" is a music note that I cannot reproduce on a simple computer keyboard. I had decided to start looking for Sex God, so I figured I would give my local Christian bookstore first shot...right?

After walking the aisles, searching for the name "Bell" with no success, I asked the kindly lady at the desk:

Me: "Do you carry Rob Bell here?"

Kindly Lady: "Let me check (turning to the computer) What was the name of the book?"

Me: (softly) "sex god"

KL: "I'm sorry?"

Me: "SEX GOD"

KL: "Ok...no...we don't carry his books..."

[This next line is the reason for this post]

"...We used to have Velvet Elvis, but not anymore...We live in such a different society these days...and Velvet Elvis was just a little weird."

I walked out of For All Bible extremely frustrated today. I was actually offended. First of all, I don't know what "we live in such a different society these days" means. Secondly, this woman is trashing my taste. I know, I know...she didn't realize it. But on the surface level, it just bugged me, but whatever.
Thirdly, on the deeper level, it just bothered me that I was not finding the book I wanted because it didn't fit with her worldview. I can walk into Barnes and Noble and find almost any book on Christianity, but my Christian bookstore won't sell Rob Bell books because it was "just a little weird". Are you serious, lady? You are going to narrow your selection (and make me feel like an idiot) because Rob may have questioned the reason we do what we do?

When I read Velvet Elvis, it was the most refreshing book about the Christian faith that I had read in a long time. Bell challenges us to think about why we believe what we believe. He challenges us to never let "where we are" be the absolute farthest that the Christian faith can go. I guess that's just a little weird, and we won't be allowing his crazy doctrine in our store.

Also, I hate the knick-knacks.

Hey! Both of you reading my blog...here's some news:

2007-03-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

If you are not on Facebook and missed the mini-news-feed announcement that stopped the globe from spinning for several minutes...

I'm engaged.

Now breathe...maybe you should even sit down and put a cool rag on your forehead. I know this is startling news.

I mean...who would have guessed THAT...right?

I drove to Heath, Ohio last Thursday and surprised Rachel by showing up at her front door with a ring and a proposal. She was shocked that I was there (her hand was shaking...either out of joy or terror...not sure which)

So the big day is October 12. We are registered at the Apple store and Barnes and Noble.

*To my very literal readers: Please do not try to find our registry at the Apple store or Barnes and Noble. Thank you.

New Church Service

2007-03-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

such a troubled young man

2007-02-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

I came across this picture on a friend's MySpace. I have no idea where it originally came from, or what project it was linked to...but whenever I see this man...I laugh.

I laugh really hard.

I hope you're having a good day.

Another Cartoon By Dave.

2007-02-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

LONE

2007-02-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

We are just over the hump in the shooting schedule of our short film, "LONE". The film will be shown over the course of five nights at Summer Conference. Our theme for 2007 is "ONES". We are trying to address the pain of living in isolation, wallowing in past injuries, and the confusion of sorting through questions of identity. Here are a few production stills from our shoot.

We've had a few setbacks with extras, conflicting schedules, and weather, but it looks like everything is going to come together. God has blessed us with a message to tell in a creative way and amazing resources to make it happen! Come see LONE at CIY this summer!

classy.

2007-01-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

uphill

2006-12-19T08:39:00.000-08:00

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2

Be made new in the attitude of your minds.
Ephesians 4:23

Sounds pretty, doesn’t it? I’ve read these words countless times on Thomas Kinkade calendars. Printed beside the cozy little house, painted high on a cliff, these verses come across so poetically. Ahhh, so beautiful.

Here’s what goes through my mind when I read these verses:

AAAAAUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

Why is being “transformed by the renewing of your mind” so difficult? Why can I not wake up in the morning with a strong resolve (as I so often do) and go to bed that evening with the satisfaction of having lived a truly “transformed” day (which I so often do not)? Being made new in the attitude of my mind is no simple task.

I recently finished the book, The Rest Of God, by Mark Buchanan. In the second chapter, Buchanan writes:
“Our lives shuttle between an alteration of - if only, what if, and as soon as: If only I had more money. As soon as I get a different job. What if my spouse loved me more? If only my child wasn’t rebellious…As soon as…What if…”

We find it difficult being transformed because we just want to be transformed. We want instant results. We want a quick-fix. But we hardly want to trudge the uphill path of discipline. “Making an effort” is usually that element I leave out of the equation.

Nothing really changes until our minds do. Paul tells us to “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). It may sound difficult, but what if we could live with a full awareness of what our minds are taking in? An awareness of what we are communicating? An awareness of the impact of our actions?

If we want to shed the old self and put on the new…if we truly want to be transformed…it will take more than getting a warm, fuzzy feeling. It will take action.

The pat down.

2006-11-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

It's been a long day...and it's 10:32 am. I woke up at 3 o'clock for Rachel to take me to Dayton, Ohio for my 6 AM flight. Upon arrival, I realized that my license expired a week ago. Which means I'm a security risk. Which means I need to go through an extensive security screening.
Soooo...I got the "special treatment" from a gentleman in Dayton...and once more, from an equally polite man, in Kansas City. Both men smiled, and explained what they would be doing to me; each using kind words and non-threatening tones.

I avoided eye-contact.

This is my plane for the final leg to Joplin.
Here goes nothin'.

Some thoughts from my brother.

2006-11-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

"Morality: The Great Divider"

Halloween '06

2006-10-30T06:49:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you the last time I dressed up for Halloween. I'm sure it was that awkward age when you're JUUUUUST too old to be trick-or-treating (you know it but are too embarrased to say anything) and you're JUUUUUST young enough to want to still play (again, you know it but are too embarrased to say anything).

Last night, our staff had a costume party. I decided to be an old man. Besides scrambling to find clothes my grandfather would have worn, I also bought some "old age effect" latex. My face was wrinkled and my hair was white. I loved it. I've always been a ham. Give me an audience and a few props, and I'm set. I told Patrick that maybe its the actor in me, but I would find myself actually hunched over and leaning on my cane the whole evening.

That's one of the things I love about working here. We all work really hard together...and then we all get together later and act like morons. Its great!

I hope you have a great Halloween! Oh, and kids...remember to have your parents check your candy before you eat it. Someone could have put a WMD in your tootsie roll.

2006-10-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

Just one thing: THE GOSPEL

2006-10-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

When I first heard that this year's theme for Believe would be "Jesus" I thought, "Well, that's cool I guess. It sounds like a Sunday School answer. But why not one of the many buzzwords floating around today?" I mean there are so many Issues that need attention...like: community, isolation, authentic relationships, social ignorance...and on down the line. It was last week during a lunch meeting with my new friend, Steev, that I started rethinking a few things. This is what Steev said to me:

"I used to be all about 'seeking authentic community' just like you. I still am to a certain extent. It is important. But a few years ago, I learned the lesson that 'community' cannot be ALL that we are about. There is much more."

The Gospel of Christ is what we must "be about" and there is so much more to the gospel than just having real community. I understand that you may find this extremely elementary. But it is SO easy to find a cause or rally cry to hide behind. For me, it has been community.

So there I was this weekend at the Believe Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. As 450 Jr. High students cut to the core of the gospel...Jesus...I thought back to my conversation with Steev. I realized "Jesus" was the perfect theme for this tour. Let's put aside our agendas, our causes, and our soapboxes for just a bit...and focus on Jesus.

Johnny and the Believe crew are traveling with a great message this season. Please check it out!

Wilderness '07

2006-10-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

"Wilderness – an unconvention for men in youth ministry. It’s not about a bunch of stuff to do, but about living out God’s desire for your life."

I recently returned from the CIY Wilderness Retreat in Colorado Springs, and it exactly what I needed! Wilderness is simply a chance to get away for five days and unplug the phone, computer, tv, whatever and really seek God's leading. Over the course of the retreat, youth ministers wrestle with intense topics covering sabbath, success, and Godly marriages. There is a lot of encouragement and a tremendous amount of healing that takes place up on the mountain. If you are a youth minister and you are tired, broken, discouraged, or simply need a sabbath rest...please look into WILDERNESS.

The perfect cup of coffee.

2006-10-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

My life changed this morning. A new best friend came into my life. The Aeropress Coffee & Espresso Maker. Coffee brewing will never be the same. It makes a better cup of coffee than your typical "drip" style coffeemaker. I could go into all the details...but as my childhood friend, Levar Burton, would say, "You don't have to take MY word for it!"

http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress_story.htm

(also, check out the AMAZING COFFEE link to the left)

it begins.

2006-10-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hi. This is me.

At this very moment, I am choking back all the sarcasm that is fighting to pour out of my cynical mouth. See here's the thing: A year ago, I didn't WANT to start a MySpace page. I figured they were for the young and the goth. But someone convinced me to join.

I became addicted.

Then, two weeks ago, you-know-who talked me into joining the Facebook nation. Having previously succumbed to MySpace and with my defenses weakened, I hovered over the keyboard...fingers shaking...left eye twitching...as I started my new habit. But through it all, I had given myself a limit; a line in the sand if you will. There was one thing I told myself I would NOT do.

blog.

Every time I stumble upon a blog, I only get a few lines in before I ask, "why does this person presume that the entire planet wants to read his/her thoughts?" Of course, you have to understand that the blogs I have stumbled upon usually begin posts with things like "Dear blog...I met a new tree today" or "Dear world, prepare to read the things that I would be too embarrassed to whisper to my cat".

Over the past few months, however, I have found some decent blogs. For instance...My missionary friends Chris and Rachel keep their friends and family updated. My brother, Taylor, posts some very insightful editorials on the Church. So, I can't completely bad-mouth "the new habit".

That being said...here I am. You win, Al Gore. You and your fancy internet have broken my will. I crossed the line that I drew for myself in the sand.

I blog.