The Gathering CBFNC Newsletter - April 2007

Upcoming Events ~ April 20-22 OR 27-29, 2007 Youth Spring Retreats Vineyard Camp, Westfield, NC

April/May, 2007 New Day Tour See the schedule on page 3 for places, dates and times.

June 28-29, 2007 CBF National General Assembly Washington, DC CBFNC meeting June 28 A focus on religious liberty and how it enables ministry around the world.

Visit the CBF website to pre-register at www.thefellowship.info.

May 10-11, 2007 emerging church conference Yates Baptist Church Durham, NC Sponsored by CBFNC With Tim Condor, Pastor, Emmaus Way; author of “The Church In Transition” See www.cbfnc.org for more details and to register by May 1.

Regional Fellowship Dinners Monthly groups meet in various regions throughout our state for fellowship, discussion and a meal.

Areas include: Asheville Catawba Valley North Central Northeastern Raleigh Southwest Triad Visit www.cbfnc.org to find details about the meeting in your area including date, time, place and convenor.

Give to CBF Global Missions

In This April 2007 Edition ~ Page 1

Soul Freedom by Larry Hovis, Coordinator

Page 3

New Day Tour

Page 4

Highlights from our 2007 General Assembly

Page 5

The Emerging Church: What Is It?? by Linda Jones, Missions Coordinator

Page 6

What Stays There, Leaves There by Rick Jordan, Church Resources Coordinator

Page 6

“Talk About a Child Who Do Love Jesus” by R.G. Huff

Page 7

God’s Gifts of Intelligences

by Gail Coulter, Moderator

Page 7

What’s the Story?

by Chris Aho

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The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

Bringing Baptists of North Carolina Together for Christ-Centered Ministry Volume 12, Issue 3

Soul Freedom by Larry Hovis, Coordinator

It’s difficult to believe that thirty months have passed since I traded the title of pastor for that of Coordinator of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina. It’s been a fast paced but wonderfully fulfilling journey. I’m grateful for every moment.

There are times, of course, that I miss the pastorate. The local church is the “front lines” of God’s mission in the world. To serve as the pastor of a local church is, I believe, an exceedingly high calling. In my new role, I am still privileged to perform many of the same functions as a pastor of a congregation. I preach regularly. I officiate occasionally at weddings and funerals. I do a fair amount of teaching

and writing. I attend more meetings than I care to count. I get called on to say ceremonial prayers at family and community affairs. I am treated to far too many covered dish suppers! I am sometimes even invited to serve at the Lord’s Table.

But there is one pastoral function I have not been called up to fulfill since I finished my last pastorate: administer the ordinance of believers’ baptism.

I always enjoyed baptismal services.

Baptism is a holy experience and a joyful celebration for candidates, their families, and congregations. Even when your waders leak, there is no greater feeling than to stand waist deep in water, lay hands on a person, whether child or adult, ask them to profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord,

April 2007

lower them into the water and raise them in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Believers’ baptism has been important to Baptists since the beginning

“What is the historical significance of Baptists? ...the competency of the soul in religion.” of our movement in the early 1600s.

John Smyth, an Anglican clergyman, along with Thomas Helwys, a layman, are considered to be the first Baptists.

Smyth was convinced that baptism should be administered to believers only, so he baptized himself by pouring water on his head, and then baptized others.

Obviously, their concern was not the mode of baptism, but the candidate. They understood that baptism was a symbol that one had made a free and voluntary choice to follow Jesus Christ. It had little to do with church membership as we practice it today, but much to do with Soul Freedom.

Continued on page 5.

Thank you to all who contributed to our disaster relief offering at the General Assembly.

The money and items donated will fill our new disaster relief trailer with equipment needed to respond to the next crisis. We are especially grateful to First Baptist Church, Fairmont, for giving us a new trailer to use for this important mission. Please visit our website www.cbfnc.org for more ways you can be involved including how you can still donate to this cause.

When crisis or natural disaster brings loss to a community, CBFNC is committed to embody the healing and redeeming presence of Christ.

CBFNC General Assembly

March 16 - 17, 2007

First Baptist Church, Hickory Read highlights from our General Assembly on page 4.

April 2007

The Gathering of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina

phone: 888.822.1944 • phone: 336.759.3456 • fax: 336.759.3459 • cbfnc@cbfnc.org • www.cbfnc.org

Larry Hovis .......... Coordinator

Nancy Parks......... Office Manager

Gail McAlister ...... Financial Assistant

Rick Jordan ......... Church Resources Coordinator

Natalie Aho ......... Communications Manager

Beth McGinley ..... Office Assistant

Linda Jones......... Missions Coordinator Coordinating Council Gail Coulter, Hendersonville, Moderator Greg Rogers, Greenville, Moderator-Elect Don Horton, Zebulon, Past Moderator Glenda Currin, Wilmington, Recorder Donna Bissette, Winston-Salem, Treasurer Carolyn Dickens, Raleigh Don Gordon, Durham Kathryn Hamrick, Shelby Steve Little, Marion Glenn Phillips, Goldsboro Roy Smith, Raleigh Bert Young, Bladenboro Janice Young, Whiteville Endowment Management Board A. G. Bullard, Raleigh Joe Harris, Mocksville Scott Hudgins, Winston-Salem Drag Kimrey, Laurinburg Tom Smith, Greensboro

All email: firstinitiallastname@cbfnc.org Faith Development Ministry Council Blythe Taylor, Charlotte, Chair Elizabeth Edwards, Nashville, Chair-Elect Jennifer Baxley, Henderson Cindy Joy, Oxford Rebecca Husband Maynard, Elkin Kristen Muse, Raleigh Kathy Naish, Hickory Jeff Pethel, Rolesville Tony Spencer, Forest City Allen Winters, Hillsborough

Missions Ministry Council Bill Jones, Newland, Chair Shirley Kool, Sylva, Chair-Elect Seth Asbill, Raleigh Cecelia Beck, Forest City Kenny Davis, Wise Jim Everette, Wilmington Carolyn Hopkins, Cary Christopher Ingram, Smithfield Judy LeCroy, Lexington Jack Watson, Apex

Leadership Development Ministry Council Ken Massey, Greensboro, Chair Burke Holland, Belhaven, Chair-Elect Mark Ashworth, Kernersville Kheresa Harmon, Erwin Scott Hovey, Durham Mike Jamison, Charlotte Jerry Richards, Apex Sheila Russ, Winston-Salem Karen Sherin, Oxford Steve Zimmerman, Mebane

CBF National Council Members from NC Sheri Adams, Boiling Springs Buddy Corbin, Asheville Scott Hagaman, Marion Don Horton, Zebulon Bill Ireland, Winston-Salem Crystal Leathers, Hickory Mickie Norman, Leland

Financial Report: February 2007 Contributions

The Offering for Global Missions through CBF supports field personnel around the world. Your generous gift will help bring the message of Christ to “a world without borders.” The National Goal is $6,320,000. Give today through your church or online at www. thefellowship.info.

CBFNC Budget - $61,393; Other - $95,235 2006-2007 Monthly Budget Goal: $65,417

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly

Washington, DC Looking for CBFNC resources? Visit www.cbfnc.org.

2 • The Gathering – April 2007

June 28-29, 2007

CBFNC Meeting on Thursday, June 28 A focus on religious liberty and how it enables ministry around the world. Highlights include an Ethics Conference featuring Tony Campolo, Jim Wallis, Greg Boyd and Melissa Rogers. On Friday, June 29, the Fellowship will combine for an evening worship service with American Baptist Churches USA. Pre-register online at www.thefellowship.info and find hotel and transportation information. Please make hotel reservations by May 30.

Come and See: 2007 New Day Tour In May 2006, gatherings were held in thirteen locations across our state to introduce individuals and congregations to the CBFNC Mission Resource Plan, a new tool for supporting CBF ministries along with cherished historic North Carolina Baptist ministries. Nearly 500 folks came out to meet us, representing 114 churches.

I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

Isaiah 43:19 Those meetings were fairly short and very focused. They gave attention to the theological foundations of the Mission Resource Plan and practical issues related to its implementation. We called this series of meetings the New Day Tour.

This year, we invite you to be part of a new tour, to come and see what the

A New Strategic Plan

new day is really like. Beginning on April 30, we will hold a series of gatherings around the eastern and central parts of our state. Next fall, we will offer several stops in western North Carolina. These gatherings will be different from those of last year. There will still be opportunities to learn about the Mission Resource Plan.

But there will also be ministry workshops about different aspects of CBF ministries in North Carolina and around the world.

Following the workshops, we’ll share a meal together, and then gather for worship.

Our preachers will be recent graduates of CBF theological schools. In short, over a period of three hours (5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.), you’ll have the chance to come and see what the New Day is all about. Please plan to bring lots of folks from your church to one of these gatherings. It will have the feel of a General Assembly, just much closer to home.

A New Day is dawning in Baptist life in North Carolina. As the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah (43:19): “Behold, I am doing a new thing; behold, it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

One aspect of the New Day is our new strategic plan introduced at the General Assembly. CBFNC has sought to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in formulating ministry plans that enable us to be “good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Read the plan in its entirety on our website www.cbfnc.org.

In order to meet the needs of Baptists in North Carolina, the strategic plan includes these Initiatives Shaping Future Ministries: diversity, college ministry, evangelism, North Carolina missions, Hispanic ministry, annual planning process, resource missional congregations, General Assembly and Fall Fellowship, and foundational beliefs.

If you would be willing to serve on a task force related to any of these areas, please email Nancy Parks (nparks@cbfnc.org) with your name and area of interest.

Help shape the future of CBFNC.

Spring 2007 New Day Tour April 30

Greenville

Oakmont Baptist Church

May 1

Ahoskie

First Baptist Church

May 14

Fayetteville

First Baptist Church

May 15

Raleigh

Trinity Baptist Church

May 17

Wilmington

First Baptist Church

May 21

Wingate

Wingate Baptist Church

May 22

Winston-Salem

First Baptist Church

Each event will be from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Cost, including meal, is $10.

Make your reservations no later than one week in advance (online at www.cbfnc.org or call 888-822-1944).

Look for more information soon about our Fall 2007 tour of churches in the western half of North Carolina.

The Gathering – April 2007 • 3

Inside Out From Spiritual Formation to Missional Engagement

CBFNC General Assembly March 16 - 17, 2007 First Baptist Church, Hickory

About 40 NC young leaders gathered late Friday night for fellowship and a discussion of future networking opportunities.

The 2007 General Assembly at First Baptist A full congregation worshipped together during the Friday Church, Hickory, was a huge success, even night traditional service which included Communion and with the driving rain and confusing Hickory music from the Catawba Valley Combined Choir. streets. Again, many thanks to First Baptist Church Hickory and Viewmont Baptist Church for hosting us and providing all the volunteers. You did an outstanding job!

In addition to the events mentioned in the captions, we also provided a Friday night fellowship dinner with 500 attendees, held a fellowship after the worship service Friday night, and conducted a business session to approve our new council members and the 2007-2008 Mina Podgaisky and Participants talked with Bo Prosser, our Friday budget, to discuss the new strategic plan for CBFNC, her daughter, along night worship service speaker. to publicize the New Day Tour, and to recognize and with her husband, honor our out-going council members, including Moderator Don Horton, for a job well done.

Gennady and their Our theme “Inside Out: From Spiritual Formation to Missional Engagement” was reinforced by our guest two sons, were speakers, Bo Prosser, CBF Coordinator for Congregational some of the many Life, and Rob Nash, CBF Global Missions Coordinator.

CBF Field Personnel Bo encouraged us to allow our spiritual formation to come present and also from the inside out using 2 Timothy 1:5-7. He also talked were among the about how sometimes from the inside out, we are nurtured 60-plus Ministry spiritually by friends “from the outside in.” “Thanks be to Workshop Leaders.

God for the saints who continue to nurture us when our light is barely hanging on...You are [a] light of the world, CBF North Carolina, and with love The Saturday morning “ancient-future” and with power and with a sound mind, let your light so shine.” Rob challenged us to contemporary worship service included The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) turned inside out. Instead of focusing on an Ensemble from Viewmont and FBC. the action part of the Great Commission, we need to be listening and focusing on the importance of relationships in evangelism. “The Gospel [we shared] took root in their midsts...and the students became the teachers and the teachers now must learn to be the students and in the process the Great Commission turns inside out....The time has come for those who have been listening, to speak, and perhaps more importantly, for those who have been speaking, to listen.”

Visit our website www.cbfnc.org to fill out an evaluation form, order CDs of the sermons, download some of the ministry workshop session materials, and see more pictures. We hope you were encouraged by this gathering of our fellowship and make plans to attend April 11-12, 2008, in CBFNC scholars and GA participants enjoyed our The Fellowship Hall was filled Raleigh!

Exhibit area and Living Water Cafe. with over 45 exhibitors.

4 • The Gathering – April 2007

Many thanks to Jerry Jarrell for his photos.

The Emerging Church: What Is It??

On May 10th and 11th, CBFNC will hold an emerging church conference at Yates Baptist Church in Durham, NC. How Linda Jones do I begin to explain something that is emerging? The logical place to start is by looking at our past in order to look forward.

As a civilization, we have gone from the ancient world to the medieval world to the modern world that we’re most familiar with. The modern world (1500 AD – 2000 AD) concerned itself with the laws of nature. Our language was one of law. We looked at the world scientifically and mechanically. Our modern world of science and technology was one of order and logic. Our churches, and especially our personal world views, reflect that.

We’re coming into a brand new age – the post-modern era. It is not exactly known what we’re transitioning into but … we are transitioning! We have new science (physics), new weapons (nuclear, biological), new transportation (spacecraft), new economy issues, new spirituality and even new language. Look at our movies, television, the internet and all our new gadgets. It is a new world.

The emerging church of the post-modern era is somewhat hard to define. There is tremendous diversity in the different emergent groups as far as style, theology, their organization and practices. However, they all are in pursuit of truth through questioning, questioning, and more questioning. Dialogue is highly valued – often as part of their worship services. In fact, the whole movement considers itself a conversation.

The emerging church is missional - being “on mission” for Christ in all of life…in their communities, in issues of justice, social needs, in the environment.

Emerging church people do not want to just receive information about missions and ministries. Being missional means participating, experiencing and learning

by Linda Jones, Missions Coordinator

by doing and reflecting. Living out a missional lifestyle means there is no separation between the secular and the sacred. All of life is sacred.

Post-modern thinkers, many of whom are the young adults in our culture (but not all), see church negatively as an institution; a fortress – geared to those on the inside and irrelevant to those on the outside. Yet, most young people today have not grown up in church. Most do not know the Bible at all. Most feel that our institutions of government and business are not to be trusted. Families have changed with higher divorce rates, blended families, and single parents. Even the institution of marriage is questioned. Thus, post-moderns are in search of community - of deep friendships.

Relationships are of utmost value to them.

Living in community, like the early New Testament church, is their heart-felt need.

They are looking for spirituality and new ways of worshipping God as they move through life together.

The question is: what is God calling us to be, individually and as modern thinking churches, with post-modern people in our churches, in our towns, in our world?

Perhaps God is calling us to listen, to

Soul Freedom

*emerging church conference may 10-11 yates baptist church, durham

* with NC emergent pastor and author Tim Condor

* thursday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm *conversation on theology *lunch *transition in spiritual formation *transition in community formation * dinner on your own * 7:30 pm emergent worship service * friday 9 am - 11:30 am * strategies of transition $25 registration by May 1 www.cbfnc.org *sponsored by cbfnc try to understand their world view. Not to reject them but to try to bridge into their world, just as the Holy Spirit enters into different cultures around the world and creates for them a way to be church. Postmodern people are searching for God and meaning in their life, searching for true worship. And the Holy Spirit will guide them into truth and meaning, and they will discover a way to be church that is relevant and meaningful to them. Praise be to God! Let’s not miss out on the conversation!

by Larry Hovis, Coordinator, Continued from page 1

When asked to describe the distinguishing characteristic of the Baptist faith, many persons, both Baptists and others, would probably Larry Hovis say, believers’ baptism.

This is true only to the extent that believers’ baptism illustrates a more basic principle. As E.Y. Mullins wrote in The Axioms of Religion, “What is the historical significance of Baptists? What great principle have they contributed to the religious thought and life of mankind? ...the competency of the soul in religion.”

(The Doctrine of the Priesthood of Believers, Walter Shurden, p. 21).

Soul Freedom runs through the bone marrow of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship movement, in North Carolina and beyond, as it has in all authentic expressions of Baptist faith for four hundred years. It can be seen in our language, our leadership, our gatherings, our organizational structure, our ministry methodology and even our funding mechanisms. If you believe in Soul Freedom and desire to be part of a movement where that principle is cherished and lived out, you will feel right at home with Fellowship Baptists.

I know that’s true for me, regardless of whether you call me pastor, coordinator, or simply a friend in Christ.

The Gathering – April 2007 • 5

What Stays There, Leaves There Traveling from church to church to speak, I see more pastors’ offices than the average person.

Some offices I visit are sparsely decorated.

Book shelves sit empty, Rick Jordan walls are undecorated, the desk is uncluttered. I assume either this pastor has a home office or an overactive resume. Other offices are exactly the opposite. Books crowd the shelves, sit horizontally over other books while others are stacked on the file cabinet, counters and floor. Walls are full of conversation starters – family, travel, former churches led, diplomas and awards – or inspiration with verses in calligraphy, paintings of Biblical stories and crosses. Desks are comparable to archeological digs with tales of notes, brochures and who-knowswhat organized, if organized, in a way only the pastor understands. (And these pastors always swear they know exactly what is in which mound.) I assume these pastors are good at multitasking or wish they were.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at the same church three times within a short period of time. The pastor was gone all three times, so I had some alone-time in the pastor’s study before preaching to review my notes. And to look around.

This pastor actually has two offices, one to receive the public which is spacious and well decorated. The other is more like a hallway with shelves and a desk that is obviously a working office. What a luxury! In this pastor’s public office, there is a plaque that hangs on the wall behind the pastor’s chair. It is pewter-colored, about a foot long by half a foot wide. On it are six words, “Bidden or unbidden, God is present.”

On my first Sunday there, I glanced at the plaque and appreciated its appearance, but it was one of many things to attract the eye, and I had a sermon to review, so I did not give it much thought. As a matter 6 • The Gathering – April 2007

by Rick Jordan, Church Resources Coordinator

of fact, I’d forgotten all about it until I went to the church for my second sermon.

Maybe because I was more comfortable this time, knowing this church’s routine, I paid more attention to the plaque. “Bidden or unbidden, God is present.” I was struck by the truth of those few words. God is present in the Christian’s life, whether we recognize it or not – and in the nonChristian’s life. God is present in the times we remember to think to pray and in the times when prayer is the farthest thing from our minds. God is present in the sanctuary and the stadium. Whether we recognize it or not, whether we like it or not, whether we ask for it or not, God is present. In some strange way, that knowledge takes some of the pressure off. I will preach, but whether it is the best or worst sermon I’ve ever proclaimed, God is present. I will teach my Sunday School class and whether the discussion is enlightening or wandering, God is present. This does

not excuse slothful preparation, but it can reduce the pride involved in thinking that the success of my effort is all about me.

On my drive to the church for my third speaking engagement, I found myself looking forward to seeing the plaque.

Before this last visit, its words came back to me from time to time. I told others about the plaque and its message. Now, I wanted to gaze at it for a while and take in its message again. I really liked that plaque.

So I took it. I hope the pastor doesn’t notice.

No, I didn’t really take it. But I did take away its message – and that’s what should happen when one leaves a pastor’s office, isn’t it?

This article is a sample of the resources you can find on our website - coordinator columns, sermons, testimonials, etc. and you can even contribute your own thoughts. Visit www.cbfnc.org, and click on the News/Views page.

“Talk About a Child Who Do Love Jesus”

263 young people from twentytwo CBF-affiliated churches in North Carolina participated in the Third Annual CBFNC Youth Choir Festival at First Baptist Church, Greensboro, on Friday evening and Saturday morning, February 16-17, 2007, as sixty-eight adult chaperones kept everything on an even keel, providing for a wonderful weekend experience for everyone involved.

Under the fine leadership of guest conductor, Daniel Bara from East Carolina University, six anthems were prepared and presented at the closing concert on Saturday afternoon.

Doug Vancil, co-minister of music at FBC Greensboro, was the principal

accompanist at the piano and organ, and several youth were involved playing other instruments throughout the program.

As an observer, I was most impressed with the planning committee’s selection of high-quality meaningful texts set to challenging, yet accessible music.

Heading into the Lenten season, it was appropriate for these students to sing the seventeenth-century text: “Oh, who am I, that for my sake my Lord should take frail flesh and die?” and the youth overflowing the choir loft seemed to enjoy and understand their singing of “Talk about a child who do love Jesus, here’s one!” under Dr. Bara’s direction.

As usual, the staff and congregation of FBC Greensboro were wonderful hosts to the kind of high-energy event that only 250+ North Carolina teenagers can provide. ~ Rev. R.G. Huff, Minister of Worship and Discipleship, University Baptist Church, Chapel Hill

God’s Gifts of Intelligences by Gail Coulter, CBFNC Moderator During our 2007 General Assembly, as we learned, worshipped, fellowshipped, and did business at Hickory, did we not sense Gail Coulter the presence of God in the giftedness and hard work of folks we saw and heard? In these last two years, we witnessed unique blessing from the leadership of Don Horton. Not too many of us have his gift of organization, his skills of enabling people to do their work, and his deep confidence in God. Indeed, he is the person God sent for leadership, alongside CBFNC’s magnificent staff, for these years of creative change and formation of this movement.

What I saw and sensed at the General Assembly calls forth some exegesis (creative interpretation) of the term, “emotional intelligence.” In the 1990’s Daniel Goleman popularized this theory created by Mayer, Salovey and Caruso.

Emotional intelligence sprang from the notion that success in college is determined by more than IQ, Grade Point Averages and SAT scores. “Emotional intelligence represents an ability to validly reason with emotions and to use emotions

to enhance thought.” Lots of us know God in this fashion as we prayerfully interact and grow in the experiences of scripture, the church and the presence of God. Using our “spiritual intelligence” might be another term for sensing the presence and call of God to the task of leading us even more to deep taproots of faith and the joyous expression of that. In the midst of that God also stretches our “book-learning intelligence.”

At the General Assembly I saw other kinds of intelligences. Some folks, like the Apostle Paul, name these as Godgiven gifts for ministry. For instance, our generic term “fellowship” might be rephrased as “relationship intelligence.”

Collegiality and community were abundant as we gathered. We also saw the evidence of “practical intelligence,” such as specialized skills and understandings in finance, accounting, planning, personnel, executing events, and simply accomplishing tasks.

The “New Day” of CBFNC continues to implement “visionary intelligence.” God continues to move within us, stirring up new and enhanced ministry dreams with creative ways to sort and enflesh them

from and within the missional contexts of churches. Evangelism, diversity, resourcing, collegiate and Hispanic ministry, missions in North Carolina and thoughtful leadership call forth our individual and church gifts (intelligences) working together. These could even take us

touch a nerve like few other mediums can.

This year, at our annual Youth Ministers’ Retreat, Jack Causey and Jack Glasgow relied on some of Hollywood’s best storytellers and actors to challenge and evoke the work of God in our lives.

I could write out in bullet points what I learned, but that doesn’t make for a good story. I would much rather sit down in an oversized chair at one of those big bookstores and share a cup of coffee with you to tell you all about it. But, what would be even better is if you were to join us next year as we retreat in Myrtle Beach the last week of February.

Each year, a handful of youth and associate ministers make the pilgrimage for 4 days of worship, study, personal and

spiritual regeneration, and sharing in life with each other. God is among us when we are gathered, and as we share life with each other, we help move God’s story forward.

It is a special event to be a part of, one that will surely provide an opportunity to tell and to hear a few good stories. ~ Rev. Chris Aho, Associate Minister, First Baptist Church, Mount Airy

“Thanks be to God who calls us together and empowers us, using our beautiful, varied and unique exercises of ‘intelligences’.” to “missional intelligence.” To learn more about this “New Day” of CBFNC, share in New Day gatherings in the eastern part of the state in the spring and in the west during fall days.

What other kinds of intelligences do you see? Thanks be to God who calls us together and empowers us, using our beautiful, varied and unique exercises of “intelligences.”

What’s the Story?

I love the rhythm of grabbing a cup of strong coffee, walking the aisles of a big bookstore, and reading the dust jackets of books with interesting covers. I love buying the book and looking at it on my shelf and coffee table. Even still, I am not really a reader right now (I am still resting from seminary). However, because I love a good story, I dive into movie and TV stories like Boston Legal, Studio 60, and The Matrix. What I find amazing is the filmmaker’s ability to convey truth and

The Gathering – April 2007 • 7