96 M ARK WAHLBERG | LOVELYTHEBAND | Y VONNE ORJI ST. PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES | SCOTT HARRISON KRISTENE DIM ARCO | JENN JOHNSON | 2018 GIFT GUIDE F A I T H , C U LT U R E & I N T E N T I O N A L L I V I N G
Lauren Daigle A star is born: How Lauren Daigle went from a worship leader to one of pop’s most buzzedabout artists.
NOV-DEC 2018 // $6.95 US
AVAILABLE NOV 9TH
NOV-DEC
02
2017
89
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
CONTENTS NOV-DEC 2018 // ISSUE 96
5 0 // ON FIRE Inside the new charismatic movement. T H E M A G A Z I N E O N FA I T H , C U LT U R E
5 4 // LOVELY THEBAND
& INTENTIONAL LIVING
The fast-rising indie act writes songs about things they can’t talk about any other way. November-December 2018, Issue 96
5 8 // PR AY ING WITH YOUR E Y ES OPEN
Now with 100% more Funky Bunch.
Make praying without ceasing a part of your life with this one weird (biblical) trick.
6 8 // FED UP
Publisher & CEO | CAMERON STRANG
We live in an era of unprecedented food production. Why are millions still hungry?
Brand Director | JESSE CAREY Senior Editor | TYLER HUCKABEE
7 2 // THE ART OF THE SIDE HUS TLE
Senior Writer | TYLER DASWICK
Welcome to the gig economy. Here are your instructions.
Social Media Coordinator | LESLEY CREWS Copy Editor | KATHY PIERRE
7 6 // IT’S TIME
62
Contributing Writers: Joseph Riggs, Josh Pease
Is the American Church ready for its own #metoo movement?
Creative Director | JOHN DAVID HARRIS Designer | JORDAN WILLCOX
8 0 // ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES
Features Lauren Daigle
Director of Web Development | DANIEL MARIN
These bones are meant for rockin’, and that’s just what they’ll do.
8 4 // A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ADVENT Ready to incorporate a little liturgy into the Christmas celebration?
Production Manager | MARK JACKSON Audio Editor | CHANDLER STRANG Video Editor | CLARKE FLIPPO Contributing Photographers: Tom Newton, Gabriel Rivera, Chantal Anderson, Craig Wetherby, McNair Evans, Riker Brothers, Myriam Santos, Urban Outfitters, Jacob McKinley, Jack Caldwell,
p.62 She’s a gifted vocalist and an ace songwriter, but who picked this worship leader to become a pop star? 3 4 // THE ESSENTIAL 2018 GIF T GUIDE Your cheat sheet for thoughtful, creative and non-materialistic gifts this Christmas season.
Jeremy Cowart
1 4 // FIRS T WORD Cameron Strang on the cost of standing up.
Director of Sales & Partnerships | HEATHER COOK Account Executive | FELICHIA WRIGHT
1 6 // CURRENT YouTubers you should be watching, our favorite video games of the year, Insecure’s Yvonne Orji, the declining divorce rate and much more.
Traffic Manager | CAROLINE COLE Marketing Director | AME LYNN FUHLBRUCK Operations Manager | JESSICA COLLINS Project Manager | BRIDGET DOMBKOSKI
4 2 // MARK WAHLBERG Hollywood’s earliest, prayingest riser speaks out about his faith.
48 // 6 WAYS TO HAVE THE MOS T
The latest books, music and movies you ones you don’t want to miss.
AWK WARD FAMILY ME AL E VER
Having a painless, conflict-free Christmas dinner has never been tougher.
on what it takes to make a difference.
TO SUBSCRIBE RELEVANTmagazine.com/subscribe Rates: 1 year (6 issues) U.S. $27.99, Canada $37.99, International $43.99 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES WEB: RELEVANTmagazine.com/subservices Phone: 866-402-4746 EMAIL: support@relevantmagazine.com BULK DISCOUNTS: 866-402-4746 RETAIL DISTRIBUTION Michael Vitetta, Curtis Circulation Company mvitetta@curtiscirc.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to RELEVANT Magazine, P.O. Box 531147, Orlando, FL 32853.
Finance Director | MICHAEL BOWLES Operations Coordinator | GABRIELLE HICKEY
should know about. Trust us, these are
9 6 // L AS T WORD
RELEVANT MEDIA GROUP 55 W. Church St., Suite 211, Orlando, FL 32801 RELEVANTmediagroup.com
NOV-DEC
8 8 // RELE VANT SELECT S
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: www.RELEVANTmagazine.com/advertise
Founder of charity: water Scott Harrison
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION RELEVANT magazine (Publication Number: 1543-317X) is published bi-monthly by RELEVANT Media Group. Filing date: 09.30.18. Number of issues published annually: 6. Annual subscription price: $27.99. The complete mailing address and General Business Offices of the Publisher are located at 55 West Church St. Suite #211, Orlando, FL 32801. The names and addresses of the Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor are: Publisher, Cameron Strang; Editor, Cameron Strang; Managing Editor, Jesse Carey; 55 West Church St. Suite #211, Orlando, FL 32801. The owners are: Cameron Strang, 55 West Church St. Suite #211, Orlando, FL 32801; Stephen Strang, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746. There are no known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities. The tax status, the purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months. Issue date for circulation data: July/August 2018. Extent and Nature of Circulation are as follows. Total number of copies (net press run): average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 39,000; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date,
02
38,000. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 19,999; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 17,062. Mailed incounty paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 0; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid distribution outside USPS: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 5,094; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 5,150. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 2,097; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 1,846. Total paid distribution: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 27,190; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 24,059. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS Form 3541: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 0; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. Free or nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 0; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing
date, 0. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 0; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 0. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 8,189; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 8,350. Total free or nominal rate distribution: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 8,189; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 8,350. Total distribution: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 35,379; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 32,408. Copies not distributed: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 3,621; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 5,592. Total: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 39,000; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 38,000. Percent paid: average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 76.85%; number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 74.23%. Annual publication of this statement is required. Published November/December 2018. Cameron Strang, RELEVANT magazine
2017
89
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
NOV-DEC
04
2017
MACK BROCK GREATER THINGS
DEBUT ALBUM | AVAILABLE NOW FEATURING GREATER THINGS, CHRIST IS RISEN, & DO IT AGAIN
89
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
NOV-DEC
06
2017
Many things have changed over the past 2,000 years. The good news of Jesus Christ isn’t one of them.
NEW EASY TO READ
NEW EASY TO READ
Comfort Print ®
NEW EASY TO READ
Comfort Print
Encounter the Bible
The NKJV Ancient-Modern Bible features:
alongside the great
• In-text Bible commentary from Christian thinkers, past
voices of the church, past and present
and present, including Augustine, Charles Spurgeon, Athanasius, C.S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Eugene Peterson, and N.T. Wright
• Dozens of biographies highlighting influential church leaders throughout history
One faith. Handed down. For all the saints.
• Full-color design that uniquely blends modern typography with traditional, sacred elements.
Join the conversation www.ancientmodernbible.com 89
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
®
NOV-DEC MARCH-APRIL
08
2017
A “Best National University” U.S. News & World Report
At the Edge of Everything.
At the edge of the Pacific Rim, the future unfolds with opportunity. And challenges. Engage the world with what you know — and believe.
Faith for the Future. spu.edu/voices
89
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
NOV-DEC
012
2017
89
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
FIRST WORD a letter from the publisher
political fray. We’re pro-Jesus and holistically pro-life—which applies
Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is AS
to the unborn, the born, refugees, war and the aspects of life and
ARE VOCALLY
about. And since those issues don’t
POLITICIZING
neatly side with either political party, we try to stay out of the partisan echo chamber. But something has changed. Faith leaders are vocally politicizing and bastardizing the Gospel message,
name of God. They’re tweeting
PAWN. THEY’RE
It’s not OK. And it’s time somebody stands up to it. That’s why we posted what we did. And why we will again, when
leader, so they were ending their business with us.
needed. We are not going to focus cynicism in the world—but we will
divisive things the leader had tweeted that day. The
unapologetically call out things that
implication was obvious—this isn’t OK—but we added no
cross the line. If that means we’re
commentary. We just put it out there.
going to lose more business, so be it. what we publish, but it’s important
because of something we published that was out of her
you can read our pages knowing
control, but she didn’t ask if we could take it back, or cool
we’re an independent voice that
it with posts like that. She understood why we did it, and
isn’t influenced by revenue or the
backed our editorial voice and mission.
religious establishment.
That’s the delicate balancing act in media. Many outlets
Standing up for what’s right has a
make revenue the deciding factor in coverage. You can get
cost. For us, it’s advertising revenue.
a big feature if you pay enough. You can buy posts, and ad
For you, it may be something else.
dollars influence favorable coverage. We’ve never done that.
But let’s always be willing to put our stand up for what’s right. We can
editorial autonomy. Otherwise, how could readers trust us?
sleep well at night knowing we’ll be
RELEVANT is about much more. I’ve always felt there are two ways to enact change: You
GOD.
money where our mouths are. Let’s
and editorial teams. I take it very seriously that we protect
you measure success by profit. But what we’re trying to do at
DIVISION IN THE NAME OF
You may disagree with some of
about their decision wasn’t upset. She personally lost income
If I’m totally honest, it’s a decision that’s held us back if
SPREADING
on the negative—there’s enough
post at RELEVANTmagazine.com quoting some especially
We’ve always had a strong line between our revenue
MESSAGE,
They’re spreading division in the
about their CEO, who happens to be a prominent Christian
To her credit, the account manager who let me know
THE GOSPEL MAKING JESUS
teat of political power.
Wondering what we said, I found the article. It was a brief
BASTARDIZING
A PARTISAN
a message from our ad sales team.
out. They didn’t like an article we published
AND
making Jesus a partisan pawn.
unbiblical vitriol while sucking the
with us every holiday season was pulling
HAS CHANGED. FAITH LEADERS
human dignity that Christ talked
we were finishing up this issue, I got Apparently, a big charity that advertises
SOMETHING
on the right side of history. It’s going to take that kind of conviction for this generation to chart a different course.
can either point out what’s wrong, or you can essentially turn your back and point to a better way. Over the years, we’ve always chosen the latter. I’m an optimist, and I’d rather inspire people with what’s possible so we can all be part of that future. As bad as things may be now, tomorrow is a new day. The future can be what we make it.
C A MER ON S T R A NG
That’s why RELEVANT has largely stayed above the
NOV-DEC
Founder & Publisher
014
2018
015
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
CURRENT A B I M O N T H LY L O O K A T F A I T H , L I F E A N D C U LT U R E
The Divorce Rate Is Plummeting, But There’s a Catch New research credits the unexpected drop in the American divorce rate to millennials, but not all is as it seems.
T
HE NUMBER OF AMERICAN
before they get married. It’s
institutions that have
becoming a symbol of status.
been disrupted thanks to
And statistically, waiting is
millennials is well-known:
good for marriage. Marrying
taxis, hotels, retail, home
later in life has long had a
THE DIVORCE RATE AMONG AMERICANS DECLINED BY 18 PERCENT OVERALL BETWEEN 2008 AND 2016.
buying—the list is long.
positive correlation to lasting
But now a new institution has found itself
commitments. Studies show
in millennial crosshairs, and it’s a surprising
couples who get married
one: divorce. According to a new study from
when they’re 25 are 50
the University of Maryland, the divorce rate
percent more likely to last
declined by 18 percent between 2008 and
than couples who get married when they’re
have been the most vulnerable to divorce
2016, and a big reason for that is millennials.
only 20.
are now just shacking up instead of tying the
It seems like good news at first blush, but
But this also means millennials without
knot. The trend doesn’t exclude Christians.
a deeper look reveals a more nuanced trend.
access to higher education or a stable career
It’s not necessarily that marriages are lasting
feel less able to consider getting married,
Maryland professor Philip Cohen told
longer, but more that the type of people who
meaning they’re more likely to simply
Bloomberg, marriages are getting rarer
feel that marriage is an option is changing.
cohabitate or avoid relational commitment
even as they get more stable, and represent
in general altogether.
“an increasingly central component of the
Millennials tend to wait until after they have an education and a stable job
NOV-DEC
In short, couples who previously would
016
As study author and University of
structure of social inequality.”
2018
017
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
02/10
CURRENT
The Number of Christian Refugees Allowed in the U.S. Has Plummeted LAST YEAR, then-Secretary
Ariana Grande Opens Up About Mental Health After surviving tragedy, the singer wants fans to know it’s OK to not be OK.
POP STAR ARIANA GRANDE
unharmed, 22 of her fans
knows firsthand the toll
were killed that night.
that anxiety can play in
“Mental health is so important,” she tearfully
And this summer, Grande’s
said. “People don’t pay
mental health. And now, she
ex-boyfriend, rapper Mac
enough mind to it because
wants her fans to know that
Miller, died of a drug
we have things to do. We
it’s completely OK to talk
overdose after publicly
have schedules, we have
about difficult subjects like
struggling with addiction.
jobs, we have kids and places
depression, PTSD and grief. Last May, a terrorist set
In an interview with Beats
to be, and pressure to fit in,
1, Grande talked about her
Instagram stories … facades,
off a bomb at one of her
song “Get Well Soon,” which
trying to keep up. People
concerts in Manchester,
is a tribute to the victims of
don’t pay attention to what’s
England. Though Grande was
the Manchester attack.
happening inside.”
of State Rex Tillerson told reporters that “the protection of [religious minorities]—and others who are targets of violent extremism—remains a human rights priority for the Trump administration.” However, according to a new report, the last fiscal year saw a 44 percent drop in the number of Christian refugees allowed in the U.S. as a result of the immigration crackdown. That comes out to about 11,000 Christians who are now in legal limbo, awaiting resettlement after being driven from their homes by Islamic extremists.
[T H E N U M B E R S]
TOTAL REFUGEES ALLOWED INTO THE U.S. 2016 85,000
2019 30,000
MISC.
NOV-DEC
White Castle is now offering a
A recent survey found most of the
Almost half of young people aged 18
vegetarian version of their famous
autonomous car crashes taking place
to 29 deleted the Facebook app from
slider for $1.99. It’s made entirely
in California are a result of human
their phones over the past year—44
from the plant-based meat-imitator
error rather than the machines. Whoa,
percent to be exact. It’s official:
Impossible Burger.
guess we really are that bad at driving.
Facebook is your parents’ thing now.
018
2018
019
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
03/10
CURRENT
THE HOT LIST
Powering things by the sun is so hot right now.
Our Definitive Cultural Power Rankings
C ROS S OV E R A P P EA L [Hottest]
Lauren Daigle is entering the mainstream. Tori Kelly is entering the worship space. It’s a moment. 30- M I N CO M E D I E S [Hotter]
BoJack. American Vandal. The Good Place. It’s been a killer fall. A L I E N RU M O RS [Hot]
The Rise of Solar Cities
Looks like your dad was
A new, super high-tech planned community
onto something with that
could help reinvent urban living.
late-night radio show.
T PUMPKIN SPICE [Cold]
We saw this stuff in August, for crying out
his year, families in an area
farm-to-table restaurants. There will even be
just outside of Fort Myers,
electric shuttles to get people around, though
Florida, will begin moving into
technically, the town is designed so that
America’s first “solar city.”
everything—from the school to the shops and
Babcock Ranch is a planned
the park—is within walking distance.
community that will be one of the most hightech and eco-friendly in the world. Powered by a massive solar field consisting
Even the gym is designed with energy efficiency in mind: When you walk on the treadmills, the energy created by your steps
loud, and who even likes
of 350,000 panels—the size of 200 football
feeds right back into the electric grid. Maybe
Pumpkin Spice Oreos?
fields—the community will house families
the best part—aside from the whole saving the
in thousands of Alexa-powered smart
planet thing—is the price. Homes are being
homes surrounded by specially designed
built with attracting young families in mind,
community gardens that will supply local
and start in the low $200,000s.
YO U R FA N TASY FO OT BA L L T EA M [Colder]
Nobody cares about how an injury tanked your season. Keep your fake football to yourself. C H R I ST I A N L EA D E RS ’ ANTI-SOCIAL J U ST I C E TA K E S [Coldest]
Jesus gave His life to love the marginalized. Simply put: The Gospel
Church Is Becoming Even More Segregated by Politics
is justice.
NOV-DEC
020
POLITICAL DIVISIVENESS HAS HIT THE CHURCH. LifeWay Research
recently conducted a survey of American churchgoers (specifically, those who attend Protestant or nondenominational congregations) and found that most younger attendees (those under the age of 50), prefer to attend a church where people shared their political views. Interestingly, as people got older, they were much more likely to want to attend churches where people think differently about politics.
2018
021
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
04/10
CURRENT
Jim Carrey’s Come[Back] to Jesus Moment The comedy legend returns to the spotlight, now reinspired by spirituality.
IF YOU’VE SEEN the
new Showtime series
consciousness.” He’s also been
indication that you’ve made the decision
Kidding, then you’ll
taking the actual
to walk through the
understand the fact
message of Jesus
gate of forgiveness to
that Jim Carrey isn’t
to those who need
grace, just as Christ
afraid to get deep in
to hear it, visiting
did on the cross. He
his artistic evolution.
Homeboy Industries,
suffered terribly and
a ministry which
He was broken by it.
And now, he’s opening up about
seeks to rehabilitate
his own spiritual
former gang
was to look upon the
journey. He recently
members and
people who were
revealed that hanging
inmates.
causing that suffering
in the entryway of his house is
“And the decision
Carrey told
with compassion and
them, “I
with forgiveness, and
a portrait
believe that
that’s what opens the
he painted
suffering
gates of heaven for all
of Jesus in
leads to
of us. I wish that for
every race
salvation ...
all of you. I wish that
“to capture
Your being
Christ’s
for myself.”
here is an Aaaaaaaalrighty then.
Christians Are Totally Cool With Genetic Engineering … for Mosquitoes WHEN IT COMES TO GENETICALLY ENGINEERING ANIMALS,
American evangelicals mostly oppose messing with God’s design. However, there is one major exception: killing off those darn mosquitoes. Pew recently asked evangelical Protestants about a variety of scenarios involving scientists altering the
genes of animals. In all of those scenarios, a majority of Christians said that was “taking technology too far.” However, there was an outlier. When asked about genetically engineering mosquitoes “to prevent the spread of disease by limiting reproduction,” nearly 70 percent approved.
MISC.
NOV-DEC
Spotify is testing a new feature in
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz
A new study from Harvard (they’re
Australia where free users can skip an
has opened a food truck that gives
smart) reports children raised in
unlimited number of ads. They say it’s
free meals to the homeless. Sadly, he
religious households are more likely to
to help them track which ads people
pulled the ultimate Christian dad joke
not struggle with mental health issues
don’t skip, but hey, we’ll take it.
and named it “Thy Kingdom Crumb.”
later in life.
022
2018
023
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
05/10
CURRENT
[ R E L E V A N T R E C O M M E N D S]
Good Game As video games continue to mature into immersive pieces of art, here are our picks for the year’s most thoughtful entries.
R
EMEMBER BACK WHEN there
“Subnautica” lets you
was a theory that video games
explore vast underwater worlds. Dive in.
could break your brain? That is ... well, it’s not necessarily
not true. Anything can break your brain if you don’t exercise enough discipline and moderation with it.
NOV-DEC
But it’s not a given either, since the video
SUBNAUTICA
forward. One where we use nonviolent
games of 2018 come in a wildly diverse and
[S T E A M, X B 1, P S 4]
and more creative solutions to solve our
potentially enriching variety.
In explaining why Subnautica focused
problems. One where we are not at the top
Video games in 2018 still have a lot of
more on creative solutions than guns and
of the food chain.”
problems associated with the dawn of the
violence, creator Charlie Cleveland told an
format. Many of them still revel in violence
interviewer that he wanted his underwater
FLORENCE
(Fortnite) and misogyny (GTA), but as the
exploration game to be “a reminder that
[i O S]
genre grows, creators are getting more
there is another way forward. I’ve never
This popular iOS
serious about bringing in new talents with
believed that video game violence creates
game puts you in the
fresh ideas. The results are often gorgeous,
more real-world violence,” he said. “But
shoes of an inquisitive
thrilling and even redemptive. Here are
I couldn’t just sit by and add more guns
20-something and has
seven games that aren’t just fun, but also
to the world either ... So Subnautica is
you sort through possibly the most
stimulate thought, reflection and who knows,
one vote toward a world with less guns;
complicated task of all: her relationships.
maybe even a little personal growth.
a reminder that there is another way
With boys. With her parents. And with
024
2018
the world around her. Florence finds elegant ways of communicating the complexities of modern life through gameplay, especially by showcasing
the way our real-life conversations are often like games themselves, for better or worse. CELESTE [S T E A M, X B 1, P S 4, S W I T C H]
At first blush, this looks like a throwback to the simpler days of platform gamers, with two-dimensional gameplay. But don’t be deceived by Celeste’s simplicity. Woven through this notoriously tight, addictive game is a tale of anxiety, depression and—most importantly— relying on others. Few games this year had more heart or real emotion at their core than
MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN
Celeste.
[P S 4]
Marvel Comics’ infamous web-slinger has a long history of great games, but GOD OF WAR
rarely have those games felt quite so in tune with the character’s key ethos:
[P S 4]
great power and great responsibility. The vast urban jungle of New York City is
In the past, God of War games have
a ton of fun to swing around in, but this game is as much about Peter Parker as
been heavy on great gameplay,
it is about his superhero counterpart. At the end of the day, the game explores
short of any sort of moral compass.
the unending difficulties of being a good person in difficult times—with or
But we live in a new era of video games, and few
without a mask.
display the growing sense of maturity more than this franchise, which replaces its standard “kill-them-till-
NI NO KUNI II:
they’re-dead” button smashing with a quieter tale of
REVENANT KINGDOM
a guilt-ridden father and his young son, the love they
[S T E A M, P S 4]
share, and the growing sense that the sins of the past
From a national scale, 2018 was a difficult year, full of divisiveness, peril and
must be dealt with before healing can begin.
understandable cynicism. Revenant Kingdom feels so out of step that it ends up being a welcome relief—an adventure in which your team of travelers is seeking not power, conquest or even respite, but instead to unite various colorful tribes around a “Declaration of Interdependence.” We’ve heard worse ideas. The goal is to seek peace, promote diversity and find creative solutions to all-too human problems. SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS [P S 4]
There’s a sadness hanging in the air to both the world and the story in Shadow of the Colossus, in which you embark on a lonely mission in a wide but sparsely populated world on a somber, heartbreak-fueled mission. The game takes very seriously to the
question of what we’re willing to do—and ultimately what we’re willing to become—in order to deal with our grief.
025
07/10
CURRENT
MISC. [G L O B A L V I E W ]
Where the World’s Most Committed Christians Live
The popular game Fortnite was just cited in a U.K. study as a leading cause of divorce across the pond. Who would’ve thought crippling video
ETHIOPIA 98%
game addiction would actually hurt your marriage?
HONDURAS 94% PHILIPPINES 91%
GHANA 89%
Archaeologists % OF COMMITTED CHRISTIANS 0-39%
40-59%
60-79%
80-100%
recently found evidence of nomadic ancient people near the Jordan River,
HE MOST COMMITTED CHRISTIANS
T
“committed” believers are found.
IN THE WORLD LIVE IN ETHIOPIA.
Several countries throughout Africa had
Researchers looked at global data
high rates of committed Christians, especially
sets of Christian populations,
compared to the United States, Canada, Mexico
including frequency of church
and parts of Europe—which remain the least
attendance, how often people pray and how
committed to Christianity. Countries in South
important Christians say faith is to their day-to-
America also ranked high, as did the Philippines.
day lives to determine where the world’s most
Here’s a look at some of the notable findings.
98%
80%
[E T H I O P I A]
[C O L O M B I A]
Christianity was declared the official
Catholicism is widespread in the
religion of the country in the third
South American country, where it
century, and today, Christians make
served as their official religion until
up 60 percent of the population.
the early 90s.
which lends further evidence that the book of Exodus’ account of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt is historically true.
Remember that old NES game Duck Hunt? Seth Rogen dropped a cheat
NOV-DEC
code for it on Twitter
68%
11%
[U N I T E D S TAT E S]
[U N I T E D K I N G D O M]
Despite its roots, Christianity is
Though Christianity is technically
controller controls
on the decline in the U.S., with
the country’s most popular religion,
the duck. Plug that
more adults declaring themselves
just 5 percent of the population
religiously unaffiliated every year.
regularly attends church.
026
that blew us away: Turns out the second
thing in and show your younger self a real high score.
2018
027
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
08/10
CURRENT
That’s right. When all else fails, just try to fall asleep into your palms.
HBO Is Getting Rid of Its Porn STARTING IN 2019, HBO will no
Preventable Stress Has Become a Millennial Health Crisis R
ESEARCHERS AT THE
factors like financial stress and lack of job
STANFORD CENTER on
opportunities are major contributors to
Longevity recently released
health issues, but they also cite the pressure
the findings of their
of social media as a long-term risk factor in
Sightlines Project, which
stress-related illnesses.
examines how millennials live compared
The research is underscored
to previous generations. They made some
by a new study from the
surprising discoveries about a new set
American Psychology
of health risks, many of which could be
Association that found that
prevented if millennials were better at
millennials are the most
handling stress.
stressed out generation.
Millennials are at a greater risk for
Thanks to advances in
diabetes, heart disease and even cancer in
medical technology however,
middle age because of an overall poorer
there are treatments out there. So you can
quality of life. The researchers believe
relax now.
longer air adult content or host it on its HBO Go app. For years, the premium cable network has aired pornographic latenight movies and produced explicit documentary series, but next year, they are being scrubbed from its platform. They will continue to produce edgy programming like Game of Thrones and The Deuce. Ironically, the move signals a concerning cultural trend when it comes to porn. A network rep explained to The Los Angeles Times, “While we’re greatly ramping up our other original program offerings, there hasn’t been a strong demand for this kind of adult programming, perhaps because it’s easily available elsewhere.” The implication is that in a media environment, where pornographic sites dominate web traffic, supply far outweighs the demand.
MISC.
NOV-DEC
LeBron James is already flexing
Elon Musk announced a Japanese
A Pew study reports Catholicism has
more than his basketball talents
billionaire will be the first private
experienced the greatest decline
in L.A. The superstar is developing
citizen to go to the moon. Musk
of religious switching among world
multiple TV shows, and Space
estimated the trip to cost roughly
religions. Thirteen percent of U.S.
Jam 2 is still in the works.
$5 billion. Now that’s a vacation.
adults identify as former Catholics.
028
2018
Does your ministry journey lead to something deeper? Yellowstone Theological Institute does things differently. Just like you.
The YTI MDiv Difference: – Discover an environmentally-aware theology in the greater Yellowstone area – Explore faith through artistic expression and nontraditional courses – One-on-one mentoring beginning the day you arrive – Develop critical and creative thinking for innovative ministry – Low-cost tuition and available scholarships
Experience ministry preparation for the 21st century. Apply to our groundbreaking MDiv program today.
Faith. Adventure. Arts. YellowstoneTheology.org
09/10
CURRENT
[ R E L E V A N T R E C O M M E N D S]
5 YouTubers You Should Be Watching YouTube is a big deal. You don’t have to settle for Logan Paul. IT’S HARD TO DEFINE exactly what YouTube is in 2018. On the one hand, there are a lot of reasons to be skeptical, from its propensity for mind-numbing content to its famously toxic comment section. On the other hand, it’s the most obvious streaming alternative to television, delivering hundreds of thousands of ondemand channels with some really and truly inspiring stories. If you’re looking for some good YouTubers but don’t want to sort through all the trash, here’s where to start.
Say Goodnight Kevin
Joseph Solomon
Kristin Johns
[K E V I N M C C R E A R Y ]
[J O S E P H S O L O M O N]
[K R I S T I N JOHNS]
Few people are as sharp at film
Joseph has mastered YouTube’s key
Kristin’s YouTube channel follows
assessment and the woeful
trick: hooking you from the jump.
a pretty standard format: makeup
Christian industry than Kevin.
You’ll stick around for his practical
tutorials, fashion tips, interior
You won’t be able to find a better
advice about dating and mental
decorating schemes, road trip
takedown of faith’s failure in the film
health, all told through his lens as
journals, goofing around with
industry than his “How to Make a
a spoken word artist and a guy who
her husband. But unlike other hit
Christian Movie.”
takes his faith seriously.
YouTubers, Kristin is upfront about her faith (she has a whole video about her testimony) and makes it
Kurzgesagt
Fitness Blender
[I N A N U T S H E L L]
[D A N I E L & K E L L I S E G A R S]
What is a wormhole? How does climate change work? Why are some people optimists? In a Nutshell takes a scientific approach to the questions you’ve taken for granted, with charming animation. It’s like if Bill Nye worked for Pixar.
NOV-DEC
Workout and healthy living videos are one of YouTube’s biggest brands, but nobody’s better at it than Daniel and Kelli Segars, whose fitness routines involve little special equipment and are focused on real health—not just losing weight (although you will). It’s free, it’s manageable and it’s a great way to take that New Year’s resolution by storm.
030
clear that engaged Christianity is the fulcrum of any healthy life.
[F U N FA C T]
According to a Defy Media study, 95 percent of Gen Z-ers use YouTube. (The next highest platform was Instagram, with 69 percent.)
2018
031
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
10/10
CURRENT
[ T H E R E L E V A N T Q + A]
Yvonne Orji Isn’t Insecure About Her Faith How the star of HBO’s Insecure balances her edgy role on the show with a higher calling. F YOU’VE SEEN HBO’s
I
hit comedy Insecure, then you’ll know what Yvonne Orji means when she calls her
character Molly a “beautiful mess.” She’s a driven 30-something with a promiscuous, and oftentimes, hilarious romantic life. However, in many ways, the at-times scandalous scene-stealing character couldn’t be more different than the NigerianAmerican actress who plays her. The stand-up comedian (who also holds a masters degree in public health) is a devout Christian who believes God has called her to make an impact through comedy. YOU GOT YOUR START IN COMEDY WHILE DECIDING WHAT TO DO FOR THE TALENT PORTION OF A BE AUT Y PAGE ANT. WHY DID YOU DECIDE ON STAND-UP ?
I found myself going, the only thing I need to do today is to sit down and pray and say, “Hey God, I don’t want to be a laughingstock of this pageant. I actually want to advance to the next round. Help!” And loud as day, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Do comedy.” And I was like, I don’t understand, why would you tell me to do this? Am I even funny? Do I even like talking in front of people? It was just out of the blue, and that’s how I know it wasn’t me. HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO MAKE THAT LE AP AND SAY, ‘OK GOD, I’M GOING TO
I was just naive enough to believe the Word. I read the Bible and I’m like, ‘Wow, Joseph’s brothers really sold him into slavery and then it went south! … Eventually he became like [a ruler] of all Egypt, but wow the road to get there was crazy. But hey, it was all worth it because at the end of the day, the dream he had at the beginning is exactly what happened at the end. For me, I read that like, “Wow, that’s crazy,” but I thought, “But what if that happened today?” So, when God tells you something crazy like, “Do comedy,” you’re like, “Well, You must have a massive plan for all of that because this is wild. But hey, I’m down for adventure.”
TRUST YOU WITH THIS’?
NOV-DEC
032
I can’t even mention my foray into entertainment without mentioning Him. I had no idea that entertainment was even an option. IN ADDITION TO INSECURE, YOU AL SO STILL REGUL ARLY PERFORM STAND-UP. HOW DOES YOUR FAITH PL AY INTO YOUR COMEDY?
I think my faith … you know, it’s not like I put it on a coat hanger and then take it out wherever convenient or necessary. I don’t use profanity in my comedy. I don’t do blue humor. And so, for me, that’s how faith plays in. I can still tell jokes. I can still make people laugh, make their days go a little lighter.
2018
033
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
The Essential 2018 Gift Guide S
TRESSED ABOUT FINDING the right gift for your
we’ve got you covered. Here’s our curated list
picky boyfriend/girlfriend, mom and dad’s
of items for everyone in your life, including a
“unique” tastes or that newlywed friend who
few selections should you decide to go ahead
just moved into a new place? Don’t worry,
and treat yo’ self in the new year.
G I F T S
L
F O R
Y O U
ooking for a few things to add to your list? From luggage that you’ll have for life and a killer phone charger to a fresh take on a classic camera and the ultimate pour-over kettle (Look, it can’t hurt to ask, right?), here are a few of our favorite things.
Away Carry-On Luggage
Founded by a millennial entrepreneur, Away specializes in lightweight carry-ons that are made to last. They’re also hightech: Each one comes equipped with an ejectable battery so you can charge your devices on the go. $225 AWAYTRAVEL.COM
NOV-DEC
034
2018
R ELE VA N T GI F T G U I D E
Bodum Goose Neck Water Kettle This kettle’s slow-flow design ensures a careful pour every time, meaning you get the most flavor possible out of your tea and coffee. $34.99 TARGET.COM
Native Union Smart Charger This sleek wall charger can juice two devices at once, and is carefully calibrated to make sure they’re charged quickly and safely.
Table Tiles
$49.99 NATIVEUNION.COM
These 3D optical illusion table tiles not only look killer, but they are also the most fun you can have playing with drink coasters. $18 AREAWARE.COM
Polaroid OneStep 2 Like the classic Polaroid, the OneStep 2 lets you snap and develop pictures in an instant, but its updated features allow for state-of-the-art quality. $119 POLAROIDORIGINALS.COM
FluidStance Deck Certified by the Mayo Clinic as an effective way to burn calories, these balance boards turn any standing desk or meeting into a fun, mini workout session. $129+ FLUIDSTANCE.COM
035
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
G I F T S
F O R
H E R
Y
ou know what’s better than pipers piping, French hens and turtle doves? Literally everything on this list. Here are some cool products that any woman in your life would love to see under the tree on Christmas—and in her closet the rest of the year.
CAUSEBOX These seasonal, hand-curated boxes are filled with home goods, skincare products, jewelry and other unique items that help support world-changing organizations.
Nisolo Isa Boot Nisolo footwear is ethically handmade by artisans in Peru. They are also committed to fair pricing. Did we mention that they look great too?
$49.95 CAUSEBOX.COM
$198 NISOLO.COM
INKMADE Edifice Scarf Inspired by architectural designs, INKMADE accessories specialize in unique styles from a womanowned company. $80 INKMADE.CO
NOV-DEC
036
2018
R ELE VA N T GI F T G U I D E
Kitten Handheld Mirror If the internet has shown us anything, it’s that cats make everything more fun. This mirror brings some feline whimsy to your morning routine. $24 URBANOUTFITTERS.COM
People Tree Carina Jacket People Tree partners with only fair-trade producers, manufacturers and farmers so you can feel good and look good in their stylish, urban livinginspired winter line. $133 PEOPLETREE.CO.UK
Rifle Paper Co. Notebooks Smartwool Mittens Keep your hands toasty even on a frigid day with these extra-cushioned Smartwool mittens, which are made entirely in the USA.
Rifle Paper Company combines style with affordable stationary. Sure, their 6 x 8.5inch notebooks contain 64 pages of thick, high-quality paper, but they’ll also look great on your desk at home, in your office or on the shelf once you’re finished with them. It will make you actually want to take notes during the sermon, trust us. $15 RIFLEPAPERCO.COM
$32 SMARTWOOL.COM
037
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
G I F T S
F O R
H I M
G
ift cards are boring, so instead of giving dad, your bud or your bae something he’s gotten before, go with something that will stand out this year. No matter what your budget is for the dude in your life, you’ve got options for things he’ll actually use.
Harry’s Razors Not only are Harry’s razors cheaper than overpriced drugstore brands, but the company also gives a percentage of its profits to nonprofit organizations helping communities in need. $15
NOV-DEC
MVMT Watch
Shinola Journal
Founded on the principles of great design, MVMT makes classic timepieces that won’t break the bank.
Shinola ensures the craftspeople who make their incredible goods get fair wages and full benefits.
$135
$22
MVMTWATCHES.COM
SHINOLA.COM
038
LAMY Fountain Pen Made in Germany, the LAMY is the luxury car of pens. It’s so smooth, you’ll want to start writing letters. $30 LAMY.COM
2018
R ELE VA N T GI F T G U I D E
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
Water Drop Sweatshirt
Keep your gear protected from the elements in this decked-out duffel, perfect for a city commute or a trip to the mountains.
All profits from charity: water apparel help fund the organization’s operational costs, so they can provide even more clean water to communities in need.
$129 PATAGONIA.COM
$35 CHARITYWATER.ORG
Lunar Moon Sculpture Utilizing 3D printing and hi-def topography, this replica of the moon will officially be the coolest-looking thing on your desk. $89 ASTROREALITY.COM
TOMS Suede Porter Boot
Casper Nap Pillow
The buy-one-give-one brand has come a long way since their original foray into footwear, and their new water-resistant leather boot may be their most fashionable offering to date.
This super soft mini pillow can turn anywhere, from your couch armrest to your desk at work, into a nap zone. (We won’t tell your boss.)
$149.95
$35
TOMS.COM
CASPER.COM
039
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
G I F T S
F O R
H O M E
Q
uality decor, kitchenware, home goods and art don’t always have to break the bank. But investing in things that will last and have timeless style (sorry, Magic Eye poster and bean bag chair) will ensure that these items won’t need to be repurchased (or returned to your Christmas list next year).
Double Wall Olive Wood French Press With two walls of glass, this is like having a tiny work of art displayed on the counter. $90 CHUBOKNIVES.COM
Pigeon Toe Ceramics Smalls Mug You know why you have so many coffee mugs? Because you haven’t found the right ones. These ones, handmade by artisans, are literally perfect, and will render the rest of your collection obsolete. $40
For every one sold, LSTN provides medical assistance to the hard of hearing in developing countries. $129.99
PIGEONTOECERAMICS.COM
NOV-DEC
LSTN Gramercy Wireless Speaker
LSTNSOUND.CO
040
2018
R ELE VA N T GI F T G U I D E
Dodecahedron  Hanging Terrarium Bring some of the outdoors inside with these cool hanging terrariums. The included twine makes them super easy to install and can turn a previously drab space in your home into a mini garden. Heck, even if you go with fake plants, the angular designs give any room a splash of contemporary style. $42 URBANOUTFITTERS.COM
Farmers Market Coffee The vision of Lutheran World Relief’s Farmers Market Coffee is to provide families in poor communities around the world with an opportunity to have a means of stable income by guaranteeing fair pricing. $11 LWRFARMERSMARKET.ORG
Olliebox Nester Collection This carefully crafted kitchenware collection will let you finally ditch those cheap plastic bowls so you can serve your guests in style. $260 OLLIEPROVISIONS.CO
041
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
AD M
NOV-DEC
042
2018
Day in the Life of Mark Wahlberg How faith fuels the life of the busiest man in Hollywood BY T Y L E R H U C K A B E E
M
ark
Wahlberg
morning today” and reader, he really
with the rest of the Funky Bunch. He
is tired. Not in
sounded like a man who got up at 2:30
saw that role, just like everything he’s
the way you, the
in the morning.
ever done, as a gift. And if there’s one
person reading
Wahlberg has a few reasons for this,
this, might be
but the overarching theme is that he
tired: as in what
is a guy who likes to get things done,
“I think I realized pretty early on
you tell your friends when they ask
and you can get a lot done if your day
I was very fortunate, you know?”
you how you are on Monday. Mark
starts early. “I do whatever I need to
he says. “I had an opportunity, and I
Wahlberg is really tired. He’s been up
do to prepare,” he says, his Boston
didn't want to do anything to mess it
since 2:30 in the morning. Not because
accent traceable but not nearly as
up. So I always wanted to be the most
he’s an insomniac or a new father.
pronounced as giggling impression-
prepared and do the best possible
Mark Wahlberg gets up at 2:30 in the
ists would lead you to believe. He’s
work that I could.”
morning. That’s when his day starts. I
a hard worker, as is made apparent
And that dedication has bled over
knew this about him before we met—
by everything from his film career to
into everything he does. Not just his
he shared it on Instagram, along with
his production roles to his hamburg-
movies, his body or his other busi-
the rest of his daily schedule—but I
er chain (Wahlburgers) to his famous
nesses, but also his roles as a father, a
didn’t quite believe it. Not until he
abs, still taut and tough as pavement
husband and a Christian. It sounds like
said the words, “I got up at 2:30 in the
27 years after he debuted them along
something celebrities are supposed to
043
thing Wahlberg doesn’t want to do, it’s waste a gift.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
say but still, tired though he may be during our con-
of his priorities. When asked
versation, he is never more energized and animated
if it’s difficult to maintain a
than when talking about his family and his faith.
strong moral and spiritual compass in a place as fa-
EARLY MARK
mously seedy as Hollywood,
An onlooker observing Wahlberg’s early years prob-
he scoffs.
ably would not have picked him for stardom. He got
“If you get caught up in
swept up in gang activity in his home neighborhood
the whole world of nightlife,
of Dorchester at an early age, which led to a series of
partying, all that stuff, that
crimes, some of them violent. He spent 45 days of a
could happen anywhere,” he
two-year sentence in jail for attacking two Vietnam-
says. “I mean that could hap-
ese men in 1988.
pen on a college campus in
Wahlberg credits the Church for turning him
the middle of America.”
around. He was raised in a devoutly Catholic home,
Wahlberg’s defensive of
but it took time for the devoutly part to really sink
Hollywood, and doesn’t real-
into his own life. In 2014, he briefly sought a pardon
ly buy that there’s an agenda
for his assault and battery conviction before backing
against people of faith in the
down following protests from an Asian-American
industry, despite incessant
activist group. But during the process of seeking the
rumors to the contrary.
pardon, he did meet with and receive forgiveness from one of his victims, Hoa Trinh.
“I think I'm allowed to go and do exactly what I want
These days, Wahlberg is significantly more disci-
and how I want to do it with my personal life and my
plined. It’s part of his strict schedule, but also part
spiritual life, as long as I show up on time and do a
Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne
great job,” he says. “I think L.A. can
play parents who adopt foster
“You don't really know how important God is or appreciate God, until it's all you've got.”
NOV-DEC
044
be a very bad place if you are out at
children in Instant Family.
night and getting into all that stuff. So, you know, that’s why I’m getting up in the morning and starting my day off in prayer, going to work out and play golf, coming home and spending time with my family. It's good weather and it's pretty nice.” So, yeah. About that schedule. TIME
As established, Wahlberg rises at 2:30 a.m. and spends his first 15 minutes in prayer. “It's just the best way to possibly
2018
in prayer.” He’s got a system for his prayers too, based on whatever his morning reading inspired in him. “There are so many things that I think about that I pray about,” he says. “Those that are less fortunate, those that don't have God in their life and then all the responsibilities that I have as a husband, as a father. There are a lot of things that I need help and guidance on. I can lock in on what's important and what I need to focus on and then, especially, express my gratitude.” It's those prayers that set the tone for his day: “Then from there, I just kind of go out and try to conquer the day.” Bear in mind that at this point, it’s only around 2:45 in the morning. Time for the first of his two 90-minute workouts. FAMILY
Mark Wahlberg also has two two-hour slots set aside for “family time.” Wahlberg is a father of four, and start the day, you know?” he says. “Everybody is
family has become the central focus of his life. He
asleep. It's really quiet.” (It’s worth noting here that
says these days he’s “much much more focused on
Wahlberg says “you know?” a lot. But with him, it
succeeding as a servant of God and as a father and a
doesn’t sound like a verbal filler. It sounds more like
husband and, you know, a family man.”
he’s making sure you’re keeping up—you’re half inclined to respond with something like “Do I ever!”) His daily prayers are inspired by a 365-day Filipi-
He explains, "My faith and my family are the most important things. Those things allow me to be successful in all the other things that I'm doing.”
no devotional book that a friend introduced him to
Wahlberg tries to integrate these traits into the
“eight or nine years ago.” Wahlberg loved the gift so
characters he plays on screen, saying “every role I
much that he asked his wife, model Rhea Durham, to
play I try to use a little bit of the real me.”
get him another copy of the book for Christmas. She’s
That’s particularly true of Instant Family, the new
gotten it for him every Christmas since. In fact, she
foster care comedy he co-stars in with Rose Byrne,
buys him two: one for the home nightstand and one
based on the true story of writer-director Sean An-
to take with him while he travels.
ders’ experience with fostering children. In it, Wahl-
“She knows that's the one thing that I have to have
berg and Byrne play a husband and wife who decide
before the end of the year to be able to start fresh
to adopt three children from the foster care system,
on the first of the year and not miss a day,” Wahl-
a spunky 15-year-old and her two young siblings.
berg says with exceptional pride. “365 days a year
045
“In a time where families are being pulled apart
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
it's nice to know that there are people out there that
ease ate away at
are helping people and trying to connect with people
his muscles. “He
and inviting people and making sure that they feel
really made an
included in this big kind of extended family,” Wahl-
impact on a lot
berg says.
of people's lives,”
His enthusiasm for the project transcends the
Wahlberg
says.
usual dutiful talking points about what an amazing
“To
point
experience the movie was. “I’ll tell you, when people
where they actu-
walk out of this movie, they have the biggest smile on
ally tried to cam-
their face that you've ever seen,” he beams. “I think
paign for him to
adoption rates are going to go through the roof.”
become saint.”
the
Walhberg is particularly proud of the movie, not
This is some-
just because it's funny or well-made, but in a way,
thing that comes
it's putting his faith to action. “I think people are go-
up
lot
with
ing to be compelled to want to go out there and help
Wahlberg:
mak-
children in need and think about bringing kids in the
ing
foster system into their home,” he says. “There are
wanting to be a
lot of kids growing up in situations like mine that
“positive
didn't have a lot of opportunity. There are a lot of
ence in people’s
kids that are out there in foster care that need loving,
lives and faith.”
supportive parents.”
Even in regards
a an
influ-
Wahlberg’s a big believer in loving, supportive
to his personal
mentors. He has a few of his own—people he relies
life, he wants to
on to keep him on track that will always give him the
leave
“honest truth about what it is I need to be doing.”
of being a hard
a
legacy
“Look,” he says. “A lot of people don't want to hear
worker, someone
it, but it's important, you know? Even if you are fir-
who took nothing
ing on all cylinders, and you think things are going
for granted. “The
good, sometimes you gotta have somebody who can
most
just be real with you.”
thing is to have
important
been
NOV-DEC
impact,
successful
KEEPING THE SCHEDULE
in
my
service
Wahlberg’s got a passion project he’s developing with
to
the
commu-
David O. Russell, the Oscar-winning director Wahl-
nity and to the
berg’s worked with on movies like The Fighter, Three
Church and to my
Kings and I Heart Huckabees. It’s the biopic of Father
family,” he says.
Stu Long, the boxer-turned-priest who became a be-
“There isn't any-
loved figure around his home in Helena, Montana,
thing you can't
who inspired thousands even as a degenerative dis-
accomplish
046
if
2018
when he related a
"The most important thing is to have been successful in my service to the community and to the Church and to my family."
conversation he'd had with a friend. “He's a very
spiritual
guy,”
Wahlberg says. “And he always helps me put things in perspective.” Wahlberg
paus-
es briefly here. “I’m trying to remember exactly what he said. It
was
a
beautiful
thing.” Finally: “He said, ‘You don't really know how important God is or appreciate God until it's all you've got.”
you are willing to go and do the work. I really believe that.”
He’s got places to be. It’s time to pick his kids up from school, if his schedule is any indication. When
Maybe some of this is a result of where Wahlberg
he’s at home, his time with them is an item that can-
came from. Just a guy from a single-parent household
not be budged, and that’s something people who want
in Boston who never graduated, got involved in gangs
to work with Wahlberg will have to grow accustomed
and drugs and even went to jail. He wasn’t grandfa-
to. He says his life would be “drastically different” if
thered into Hollywood royalty like many of his peers.
he was willing to cut corners on his priorities but “I
He had to fight for it, and atone for a lot of things
certainly wouldn't be happy and in the positive, pro-
along the way. It’s made him very wary of entitlement.
ductive place that I am personally.”
“I was very fortunate to get an opportunity,” he says.
And if waking up at 2:30 is what it takes for him to
“And I was going to take full advantage of it and work
be happy, productive and maintain a healthy perspec-
as hard as I possibly could.
tive on where he’s come from and where he’s going,
The longer he talks, the less Wahlberg sounds like he woke up at 2:30. He’s guarded, but warm when he talks about his family. He’s blunt and matter-of-fact
then in Wahlberg’s mind, so be it. “I’m pretty beat right now,” he chuckles wearily. “But I got the rest of the day to go.”
when talking about his spiritual beliefs (“There's obviously a connection with people of Christian faith in the audiences,” he says. “People feel that I’m more authentic.”) But there was one moment in which he sounded truly tender, and even a little shy. It was
047
T YLER HUCK A BEE is RELEVANT's senior editor. He's on Twitter @tylerhuckabee.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
BY J E S S E C A R E Y
T
NOV-DEC
here’s a reason why The Office remains the go-to
watching awkwardness play out on TV is actually being part
Netflix time-killer for when you’re all caught up
of the awkwardness, orchestrating painfully uncomfortable
on the latest episode of whatever high-end drama
silences and baiting insane conversations like a maestro,
you watch to sound cool in front of your friends.
masterfully conducting a symphony of discomfort.
That reason is simple: Awkwardness is hilarious. The more
This year, instead of simply partaking in family
cringe-inducing, the funnier it is to put back on and laugh at
meals, navigating small talk by mentioning how moist the
the discomfort of others from the very comfort of your own
turkey is when things start to get heavy, make your holiday
living room.
unforgettable by creating a meal so awkward it will go on to
But the only thing that’s more entertaining than
live in family lore, like the time Michael Scott unveiled his
048
2018
“Date Mike” persona and almost got
about how those freshly baked dinner
banned from Dave & Busters.
rolls Grandma got up at 4 a.m. to
USE THE MEAL AS
start preparing are an affront to the
A RECRUITMENT
Here are some tips to have the most awkward holiday meal ever.
way God designed digestion to work. Everyone will be impressed.
1
5
USE THE SAYING OF GRACE TO GET SOME THINGS OFF OF YOUR CHEST.
The opening meal prayer
OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR MLM BUSINESS.
An extended meal time
3
is a great time to set the tone for the
ACCUSE A FAMILY
with family members is a perfect
MEMBER OF HERESY.
opportunity to convince potential
When the right moment
upstreams to invest in an exciting
arrives, between bites,
opportunity to sell leggings/
rest of the dining experience—by
throw out the question, “So, is anyone
nutritional supplements/makeup/
praying that God would convict your
reading any good books?” There’s a
whatever is your multilevel marketing
family members of the stuff you’ve
good chance someone will mention
business. As anyone who has ever
been mad at them about.
a title by a Christian author. It really
been subjected to such a pitch already
doesn’t matter who it is, you can
knows, there’s nothing more awkward
you because you’re praying. Everyone
probably find something to criticize
than having to tell the “business
knows this rule.
them for. The longer you are a
owner” that you literally have zero
Christian, the more natural it is for
interest in investing or lending them
aggressively ask the Lord to reach
you to find some minor theological
money because as it turns out, they
cousin Lindsey’s new boyfriend who
idea to escalate to the point of
are in pretty far over their heads with
has clearly been backsliding, pray that
shameful disbelief that someone
the whole thing.
Uncle Frank would feel compelled to
in your own family would read
finally return that $100 he owes you or
such a “dangerous” book. Suggest
gratefully thank our Heavenly Father
the excommunication, and let the
for Aunt Sally finding room in her busy
awkwardness ensue.
Technically, they can’t get mad at
Use the opportunity to passive
schedule to finally have the courtesy to show up to a family gathering (even though the potato salad she brought was clearly purchased at the store on the way over). And they all will say, “Amen.”
6
THROW OUT SOME OPINIONS ON POLITICAL CORRECTNESS.
Honestly, it doesn’t really
4
WEIGH IN ON THE LATEST
matter what you have to say about
POLITICAL SCANDAL.
political correctness. Someone will
In the past, mentioning
likely be either offended by your
some fringe conspiracy
callousness or outraged by your
theory, baiting an uncle into arguing about a nuanced policy issue that he
desire to “censor” them. The term alone, even when
START DISCUSSING THE
seems to be extremely confused by
randomly shouted with zero context,
BENEFITS OF KETO.
or openly insulting people who think
seems to trigger an irrationally strong
You know what people
differently could have done the trick.
reaction in most circles. In other words,
love, especially at meal
However, times have changed. All of
it’s exactly the kind of thing you’re
time? Hearing about how the new
these have become part of the day-to-
going for. Because there’s nothing more
diet you adopted after watching 20
day discourse.
awkward than sitting across the table
2
minutes of a very compelling Netflix
Instead, talk about a political issue
from someone offended or outraged
documentary has revolutionized your
with thoughtfulness, compassion,
by something you said, even if what
life, and everyone else is ingesting
grace, nuance and most of all, reason.
you said are just the words “political
“toxins” that are particularly unfit for
Everyone will be so confused by this
correctness” at a very high volume.
human consumption.
foreign approach to political dialogue
While loading your plate with the
that a dumbfounded silence will fall
third helping of whatever animal
over the table, creating an extended
protein is on the table, comment
period of deafening awkwardness.
049
JESSE CAREY is the brand director at RELEVANT. You can find him on Twitter @jessecarey.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
O N FIRE The rise of the new charismatic movement
BY J O S E P H R I G G S
“W
e give testimonies of things
number of adherents to the new charismatic
we’ve seen happen,” Kristene
movement—one that sees the extraordinary
DiMarco says, discussing
as an ordinary part of the Christian life, and
common occurrences from her
outreach to the world outside the Church
early days at Bethel Church in Redding,
not as a duty, but as a natural outpouring
California. “Like, limbs growing—people
of the things they’ve seen God do. Even as
who would walk around with one leg
most Christian denominations in America
shorter than the other, in a lot of pain.
are seeing precipitous declines in their
People were getting healed from that. Legs
numbers, the Assemblies of God—the
were literally growing out an inch or more
largest charismastic denomination in the
right in front of your eyes.”
United States—is growing. According to
DiMarco’s voice is excited, but not frantic
the most recent statistics available, the AG
as she relays her first experiences after
grew by 1.4 percent in the space of just a
she joined Bethel. She sounds more like a
year. And this doesn’t even touch on the
friend telling you about a beautiful meal
charismatic church’s global numbers, which
you missed rather than a magic trick they
are expected to top one billion by 2050. The
couldn’t explain.
Catholic Church is the only other Christian
“When your brain sees something like
group with those kinds of numbers.
that, it almost just shuts down, because it has no human way of processing that
EARLY WAVES
information,” she says.
To understand the new charismatic
She’s talking about early experiences in
movement, you have to understand the
the charismatic church. She’s a recording
old one. It stems from the Pentecostal
artist now—her take on “It Is Well” landed
movement of the early 1900s and the
on the Billboard Christian charts—but in
ministry of two men in particular. The first
2005, she was new to charismatic theology.
was a Midwestern homesteader named
Since then, she’s been just one of a growing
Charles F. Parham, who gained a reputation
BET HEL Kristene DiMarco is a worship leader at Redding, California’s Bethel Church.
051
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
as a spiritual healer after a failed
large. But it wouldn’t stay fringe for
Easter Sunday charismatic revival
attempt at establishing a school. The
very long.
in Van Nuys, charismatic-leaning
second was William J. Seymour, the
If the modern charismatic movement
churches of all denominations started
son of emancipated slaves, who led
had a more official beginning, it’d be
popping up everywhere—particularly
the famed Azusa Street Revival in
in April of 1960, when the rector of St.
along the West Coast. This is generally regarded as the evangelical charismatic movement or
“It’s the overflow. It’s like, ‘How can I not help?’” –Brian Johnson
“second wave,” which was further fueled by revivals at churches like Toronto Airport Vineyard and Brownsville Assembly of God. It’s from this era that the Prosperity Gospel, with its justly maligned “name it and claim it” theology, started to appear at some churches. The third wave of the charismatic movement exists in
California where there were reports of
Mark’s Episcopal Church in Van Nuys,
a post-denominational setting, where
healings, tongues and real-life miracles
California, a man named Dennis J.
signs and wonders are commonplace
happening in church. These men were
Bennett, began telling his congregation
and an emotional encounter with God
influential, but their beliefs about
about some of his Pentecostal
is as much a member of the service as
the supernatural and releasing God’s
experiences. His personal expression
anyone else, offering direct revelation
power in worship services were mostly
of what it felt like to be, as Pentecostals
through prophecy, visions and
dismissed by the American Church at
call it, “baptized by the Holy Spirit,”
miraculous healing.
was so
What’s key to remember is that, in
compelling
all these waves, “signs and wonders”
that the rest
have remained a central feature.
of his church
Healing and speaking in tongues
started to
were the rule, not the exception, for
experience
committed followers of Jesus Christ.
it during the
The charismatic movement’s
service. There
unrivaled American accomplishment
were speaking
is Hillsong United—the worship
in tongues
powerhouse with an enormous
and healings
global presence, which counts some
on a huge
of Hollywood’s most prominent
scale. Bennett
celebrities among its adherents.
was forced
Though its services may seem a
to resign,
bit more traditionally evangelical/
but word of
nondenominational, with a heavy
the dramatic
emphasis on music, its theology
expression of
has roots in Pentecostalism. (Their
Pentecostalism
statement of faith says that they
started to
believe “the Holy Spirit enables us to
spread rapidly.
use spiritual gifts, including speaking
After the
in tongues.”)
J E S U S C U LTU R E The Jesus Culture music collective includes popular artists like Kim Walker-Smith and Chris McClarney.
NOV-DEC
052
2018
HIL L S ONG NYC The church has drawn attendees including Chris Pratt, Bono, Vanessa Hudgens and Kevin Durant.
PARTING SEAS
Bethel is and
Culture, which began as Bethel’s
the forefront of
youth group and morphed into a
the charismatic
worship conference in 1999, before
movement, both
eventually becoming its own church
in America and
in Sacramento, California, in 2014.
around the world.
Banning Liebscher, who started out as
It’s best known for
a youth pastor at Bethel and is now the
its vaunted worship
senior pastor at Jesus Culture, says the
music, which counts
charismatic movement is bigger than
people like Justin
signs and wonders. something is to ask, ‘What is the fruit
its fans. There’s
of this?’” he says. In his experience,
also its School
people from the charismatic church
of Supernatural
are showing outward signs of a healthy
Ministry, referred to
spiritual life. “They’re engaged in their
and otherwise as
community, they have a heart for the
“Christian Hogwarts”
loss, they have a heart for missions,” he
in Redding. It’s
says. “There’s some really great fruit!”
an unaccredited
Lucille Houston on the West Coast,
“One of the ways that we look at
Gomez among
both affectionately
New York campus and Ben and
The same ethic holds true at Jesus
long has been at
Bieber and Selena
With Carl Lentz pastoring the
reconciliations, counseling and more.
At Hillsong, Lentz has been a vocal
institution that teaches students how to
advocate for fighting racial injustice
seek and perform the supernatural.
and reforming immigration.
“If you just crack your Bible open
And this is the heart of the new
Hillsong has become shorthand lingo
for five seconds you’d know it’s not like
charismatic movement. Not just what
for a certain type of church—cool,
we’re parting seas,” says Jenn Johnson.
happens in their church services, but
non-threatening and influential.
“But I would love to.”
what it inspires the people in those
Their public brand, star-studded and
Jenn and her husband Brian co-
church services to do. The charismatic
fashionable as it is, has overshadowed
founded Bethel Music—the worship
movement may be relatively new, but
the charismatic theology that actually
music arm of Bethel Church. The duo
its spirit is as old as the church itself.
forms the heart of the church itself.
is enthusiastic about the things they’ve
But to hear members of the modern
“That’s something that I love about
seen in church, but their work in the
the movement,” says DiMarco. “I get
charismatic movement tell it, signs and
community of Redding is just as much,
to be a part of what God is doing on
wonders are just the beginning. The
if not more, a mark of their church.
the earth. I get to be a part of what
real work is what happens outside the
“It’s the overflow,” says Brian. “It’s
church service. In fact, while signs and
like, ‘How can I not help?’ We get such
person’s life that day. I get to be a tool
wonders will always be a foundational
joy as Christians. It’s like buying kids
that He takes in His hands and uses
part of the charismatic movement, a
presents. It fills me up.”
to transform somebody’s life. There’s
new wave of charismatic churches are
Along with constant outreaches,
now becoming known for miracles of a
helping the community is a big part of
much different sort. If the first waves
their mission. After recent wildfires,
of the movement were focused on what
the church gave $1,000 to every family
was happening inside the church, the
whose home was burned. The church
new one wants to see how it can do
also has large ministries dedicated to
miracles outside of it.
international disaster relief, marriage
053
God wants to do in maybe just one
really no feeling better than that.”
JOSEPH RIGGS is a writer from Portland, Oregon, where he lives with his dog Jude.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
L O V E LY T H E
B A N D Anxiety, hope and the rise of the indie-pop superstars
NOV-DEC
054
2018
BY J E S S E C A R E Y
T
here’s a good chance that by now you’ve heard the song “Broken”
by
lovelytheband
dozens of times. Though it dropped back in spring 2017— more than a year before their debut album Finding It Hard
to Smile would release to rave reviews—the song has become one of those slow burn indie-pop masterpieces that is suddenly everywhere. A year after its release, it held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s alternative charts, hit No. 8 on the Top 40 chart and became the No. 1 most-played song on rock radio. But if you were to just hear the song playing in a store, on a TV show or in the background while eating at a trendy restaurant, you might miss something that you’ll only catch if you’re really listening to it: Despite its dancy beat and catchy keyboard riff, “Broken” is a heartbreaking song. Though the anthemic chorus, with its big gang vocal sounds triumphant and joyful, it’s actually a song about what it’s like to experience brokenness and to be around others who’ve experienced it too. In the hook, frontman Mitchy Collins belts, “I like that you’re broken / Broken like me / Maybe that makes me a fool.” It’s a powerfully vulnerable line. “The juxtaposition with the music is like—as opposed to having a fully depressive episode for an hour—I think it’s a little bit easier to digest with some of the topics we try to tackle on the record with the music being a little bit brighter,” Collins explains. That idea of mixing real, deep emotions with sunny, powerful music is at the core of not only
055
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
who they are as a band—but
ager dealing with heart-
who they’ve always strived to
break and rejection.
be as musicians.
Greenwald, a multi-instrumentalist who also
NOV-DEC
A LITTLE BIT BRIGHTER
sings background vocals,
“The night of the release we
says he first experienced
were all crying,” Collins says,
the power of music to
reflecting on the day their
really move a person
debut album dropped after
when his dad took him
two years of working on it.
to a U2 concert at the
And when he says it, you get
Staples Center in L.A.
the impression that he’s not
He was just 7 years old
being figurative. With songs
at the time, but that per-
like “Maybe, I’m Afraid,” “Pity
formance left a lasting
Party,” “Alone Time” and, yes,
impression on him.
“Emotion,” these aren’t guys
Price,
who are afraid of showing
drummer,
the
band’s
their emotions.
his older sister intro-
remembers
Collins, Jordan Greenwald
ducing him to Switch-
and Sam Price first met on the
foot and embracing rock
West
indie-rock
music before eventually
scene, and quickly found that
turning to study jazz.
they all shared a love for a
Along the way, he dis-
certain kind of music. They all
covered
gravitated to artists who wore
and it changed how he
emotions on their sleeves and
thought about music. But
recognized the power of vul-
it wasn’t just the driving
nerability.
Hollywood
heavy
L-R Jordan Greenwald, Mitchy Collins, Sam Price
metal,
rhythms that appealed to
of attending metal concerts.
Collins looks back at early
the young drummer. It was the
“That’s when I realized that
aughts emo bands like Taking
same thing that turned Collins
people had problems that they
Back Sunday and Dashboard
on to Dashboard Confessional
like to get out with music, so I
Confessional as being forma-
and made Greenwald into a U2
kind of started getting an emo-
tive with their ability to blend
fan: Metal helped him express
tional connection to that stuff.”
punk rock music sensibilities
things he felt but couldn’t artic-
with real emotional depth. He
ulate on his own.
And yes, the album can be heavy (the song “Pity Party”
says that listening to the bands
“People aren’t moshing to
contains the lines, “I’m a sad
that broke out during the emo
hurt people—people are mosh-
man / I should probably fix my-
boom helped him “figure out
ing to get their stuff out,” Price
self / In a sad world / I’m just
how to feel things” as a teen-
says, looking back at the days
asking for a little help”), but
056
FINDING IT HARD TO SMILE [ANOTHER CENTURY]
2018
“THE WHOLE MAKING-THEALBUM PROCESS IS DEFINITELY LIKE A THERAPY SESSION FOR ME ... I’VE GOT TO LET MY HEART SPEAK.”
ty,”
in
which
he
vents about all of his deeply personal emotional struggles. “They said, ‘Wow, you described how I feel on an everyday basis in a song,’” he remembers. “That’s a cool thing to hear because I feel like an important thing about
songwriting
and musicians, and songs in general, is maybe being able to
me. I’m not really good at talking about
say some things that people don’t know
things that I should be talking about out
how to in their everyday life, or they
loud. I’ve got to let my heart speak—
might be scared to.”
myself speak,” Collins says. “It helped
In the final lines of the chorus of
me own up to stuff that I maybe didn’t
“Broken,” the song that has made them
own up to in the past about myself.”
into one of indie-pop’s most rapidly-ris-
When Collins sings about loneliness or
ing young bands, Collins sings, “I like
wrestles with his anxieties in his songs,
that you’re lonely / Lonely like me / I
there’s a therapeutic quality to it. You
could be lonely with you.”
get the sense that his songs aren’t him
Lovelytheband
doesn’t
want
to
dwelling on darkness, they’re helping
bring you down with their emotionally
it’s not just the pop-friendly music that
him release it, while also letting others
dark music. They want you to know it’s
makes it actually sound so joyful.
know that they should be able to re-
OK to feel anxious, sad and even lone-
lease theirs too.
ly sometimes, to tell others how you’re
Somewhere along the way, lovelytheband realized that getting vulnera-
“The whole record is just my life in
feeling and ultimately, to realize you
ble—even it if means talking about the
16 songs,” he says. “It’s stuff I’m dealing
can’t really be totally alone, if they’re
hard parts of life—isn’t about bringing
with on a day-to-day basis, from depres-
lonely with you.
people down.
sion and anxiety and all of the struggles
It’s about gaining freedom.
that come in and out of that, girls who I wished loved me back … things that I
MUSIC THERAPY
wish I could make better about myself.”
“The whole making-the-album process
He remembers a fan coming up to
is definitely like a therapy session for
him to talk about the song “Pity Par-
057
JESSE CAREY is the brand director at RELEVANT. You can find him on Twitter @jessecarey.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
How to replace talking to yourself with real connection to God
BY T Y L E R H U C K A B E E
IF
you’ve been
washing dishes, maybe in
Research Center, there’s
a Christian
the shower or while you’re
reason to believe they might
for a while,
drying your hair. They’re
struggle with the quality
you’ve
little bursts of prayer in
of “prayer time.” Barna
probably got a grown-up
between the main events
found that 42 percent “find
idea of what prayer looks
of life, like a football player
it difficult to find time” to
like. You know what
pointing to the sky after a
pray and read their Bibles
we’re talking about—the
touchdown, giving a quick,
regularly.
multitasking type of prayer.
cursory shout out to God
Not on your knees by your
before getting back to the
these pressed-for-time
bed, with your h ands folded
real business of life.
prayers turn into small
As a result, oftentimes
like a little cherub from
It’s sort of a necessity
hiccups of half-finished
a Renaissance painting.
mandated by the infamous
sentences and staccato
Not holding hands around
verse in 1 Thessalonians
ramblings. We say “Dear
a dinner table like in the
5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”
God,” and then go until
movies. No, you’re too busy
Clearly, if we’re going to
we’re distracted by anything
for that. It’s 2018 after all.
pray without ceasing, we
at all. In fact, more than
Some days, you can’t be
can’t spend the whole day
60 percent of Christians
expected to take actual time
on our knees. This is going
told Barna they are easily
out of your day to pray.
to require praying on-the-
distracted while trying to
Some days, you’ve got to do
go. “How hard could it be?”
spend time with God.
it on-the-go.
we figure. It’s just praying,
Many grown-up prayers
after all.
are like the drive-thru
Oftentimes, these prayers become less and
But let’s be honest. It is
less prayers and more
version of praying. A quick,
tough. Though 55 percent
the vague feeling that
mindless activity to and
of Americans say they pray
maybe we should pray,
from work, or while you’re
every day according to Pew
which eventually becomes
059
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
PRAY WITHOUT CREASING (THE PAGES) Having trouble praying? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are three books that explain how to turn prayer from a mysterious spiritual exercise into an essential part of daily life.
a feeling of shame for not praying more, which
P R AC T IC I N G T H E PRESENCE OF GOD BROTHER LAWRENCE
The 17th-century friar turned every moment into a supernatural one.
conviction: The problem
cynicism and apathy.
isn’t that we’re not praying even know what praying
Kansas City. She has a
is. The reason we exhaust
husband, two sons and a
ourselves with prayer and
thriving business. She goes
give up in despair is that
to church regularly and
we’re trying to do something
loves to serve, but after
God never asked us to.
several years of trying to
stuff, then praying without
while being a working
ceasing is impossible and
mom, she’s stopped praying
kind of ridiculous,” Niequist
altogether. “I think I’m just
says. “Jesus didn’t even do
not a pray-er,” she says. “I’m
it. I think I grew up with
just not.”
that same idea that praying
you’ve felt like Pepper.
ANNE LAMOTT
With humor and real vulnerability, Lamott unpacks “the three essential prayers” we all need.
without ceasing basically as ‘do quiet time more.’” So if prayer isn’t just
Prayer felt like a chore.
doing quiet time more, and
Then the amount of time
it’s not talking to God, then
you spent not praying
what is it?
started to feel like a weight
The Jewish philosopher-
hanging over your head,
turned-Catholic nun Edith
and eventually your grand
Stein wrote that “the
ambitions to pray without
limitless loving devotion to
ceasing turned into not
God, and the gift God makes
much praying at all, outside
of Himself to you, are the
of the quick blessing before
highest elevation of which
lunch.
the heart is capable; it is the
Surely, there’s a better
3
“If prayer is telling God
juggle praying on-the-go
for any amount of time,
H E L P, T H A N K S , WOW
enough. It’s that we don’t
nutritionist who lives in
If you’ve been a Christian
2
This is Niequist’s
eventually just turns into Pepper is a 29-year-old
1
spiritual practices.
way out there.
highest degree of prayer. The souls that have reached this point are truly the heart
THE BETTER WAY
“The biggest misconception T H E O N LY N EC E S S A RY THING HENRI NOUWEN
The late priest offers his profound thoughts on “living a prayer life.”
NOV-DEC
of the Church.” There’s a back-and-
people have about prayer is
forth implied here that
that it’s talking to God,” says
transcends talking to God.
Aaron Niequist, a pastor
“True prayer is neither a
and the author of the book
mere mental exercise nor a
The Eternal Current, about
vocal performance,” said the
060
2018
great 19th-century preacher
what’s already true: God’s
Charles Spurgeon. “It is
already here, God’s already
far deeper than that. It is
doing stuff. I don’t need to
spiritual transaction with
convince God of anything.
disciplined intentionality. Niequist compares it to a marriage. don’t ever want to take
-AARON NIEQUIST
You’re probably just awkward roommates
“If I say to [my wife], ‘I
“THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT PRAYER IS THAT IT’S TALKING TO GOD.”
not really in a relationship.
who don’t really click in a meaningful way. Because these
you out on a
relationships also take
date, I don’t
work: dates, team-ups,
ever want to
communication and conflict
specifically
resolution. Those intentional
focus on just
times add meaning and
us, let’s just be
comfort to the unintentional
around each
times and vice versa.
other,’ that’s
“I think that with any
not going to
spiritual practice, we get
work,” he says.
out of it the time that we
the Creator of Heaven and
But could I have eyes to see
“Yet at the same time, just
put into it,” says Jana Riess.
Earth.”
it, and could I be the kind of
being around each other
Riess is the co-author of The
person that could actually
is the most meaningful
Prayer Wheel, a book about
takes some of the pressure
participate with that
thing, and it’s actually what
medieval prayer practices.
off. Prayer isn’t the constant,
movement?”
we do for most of life. But
“You can’t just wait for the
those intimate, focused
muse to strike you, or a time
On the one hand, this
ongoing yammering we’d
This is a type of prayer
imagined it might be. That’s
that’s transactional, with
moments are what deepen
of desperate need or great
good news because, well,
God and you communicating
those roots and build the
joy. It’s just the day-to-day
that wasn’t working.
at a level deeper than
connection so we can just be
living of life with God. We
spoken language.
together as we’re driving the
sit down and we take time
boys somewhere, as we’re
to do that, we are equipped
But on the other hand, this means that prayer is
The temptation with this
something different than we
is, of course, to substitute a
cleaning up the house or
to listen better to what the
imagined.
vague feeling of reverence
whatever.”
Spirit is trying to say instead
for prayer altogether. You
In other words, any
of vomiting our guts out.
SOMETHING DEEPER
know how it goes. You start
marriage or close friendship
I hate to make those tired
“When I think of
thinking about how prayer
is going to involve a lot of
comparisons to exercise, but
‘without ceasing,’” says
is just a general feeling of
time spent just hanging
it is kind of like exercise. In
Niequist, referencing the
being consistently open
around each other, being
that you get out what you put
Thessalonians verse, “it’s
to God. It sounds good in
open to each other, willing
into it. Even a small amount
way more the participating
theory—it even lines up
to hear what the other has
is very beneficial.”
in each moment rather than
with some words in this
to say and learning the
adding words to a situation.
very article—but it doesn’t
rhythm and movements of
Way more staying aware
always work. And that’s
each other’s life without
that I am already immersed
because, like with any
necessarily being engaged
in the presence of God.
relationship, an authentic
the entire time. But if that’s
It’s like having eyes to see
connection with God takes
all you’ve got, then you’re
061
T YLER HUCK A BEE is RELEVANT's senior editor. He's on Twitter @tylerhuckabee.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
THE LIFE-CHANGING HOMECOMING OF
LAUREN DAIG How a worship leader became a bonafide pop star BY T Y L E R D A S W I C K
L
auren Daigle couldn’t believe she was
studio album, Look Up Child. Distinct, soaring and raw,
hiding in the bathroom. She loved be-
Look Up Child is Daigle’s homecoming: to Louisiana, to
ing around people. She could—in her
the music she loves, to a deeper relationship with Jesus.
words—“make friends with a brick
It doesn’t sound like other worship albums. It doesn’t
wall,” but right then she felt she could
really sound like a worship album at all. And that could
barely stand another conversation. What was wrong
The album’s been featured on Apple Music gatekeep-
she had been waitressing at Chili’s and now her wor-
er Zane Lowe’s coveted “World Record” playlist, it de-
ship album was one of the most acclaimed and suc-
buted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and it has
cessful in the genre. How could she possibly consider
garnered attention from outlets diverse as People and
leaving it all behind?
Rolling Stone. This fall, her face graced Spotify's giant
“The music thing was going 900 miles per hour,” Dai-
digital billboard in Times Square. Look Up Child is per-
gle says. “I reached this place of complete burnout. I
haps the best worship album of the year, and one of the
knew music was too much of my DNA for me to leave,
best albums of the year, period.
but I felt I needed to be rescued in that moment. I had
Daigle has obvious mainstream appeal. She exudes
lost too much of myself. But I think God met me there.
energy and magnetism, with a speaking voice like
You’re never as lost as you think you are.”
a party invitation and a singing voice that takes you
That rescue mission is at the heart of Daigle’s second
NOV-DEC
mean giant, momentous things for Daigle.
with her? Nashville was her dream. Three years ago
somewhere else. She’s a southern girl from Louisiana,
062
2018
LE
063
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
but she’s taken herself far beyond
a complete star. There wasn’t just
heart was right there," she says.
the bayou. She’s cosmopolitan and
demand for her music; there was
"Just because my surroundings
worldly. She swam with sea turtles
demand for her. For a while, that
changed [in Nashville], didn’t mean
off the coast of Hawaii. She’s been
was OK. She can make friends with
the core of who I was had to change.
cliff-diving over crocodile-infested
a brick wall, remember?
God has a way of reminding you
waters. She’s eaten wildebeest (it takes like roast beef, she says). Daigle grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, and stayed in the South through her early 20s. After she
“I’m a passionate liver,” she
who you are. My life felt like an op-
says. “People say I’m an extremist,
tical illusion. When you’re up close
and I’m going to put myself on the
you can’t determine what it is, but
frontlines. For me, it’s fun.”
when you step back a little bit, you
That’s
when
Daigle’s
life
in
Nashville hit 900 miles per hour.
University in 2014, she went to
She was touring and performing
So Lauren Daigle stepped back.
Nashville to record her debut re-
and meeting fans and trying hard
She went home to Louisiana. It
cord, How Can It Be. From the out-
to wrap her head around all the
changed her sound, her perfor-
set, the record—an impassioned
change in her life. At the same time,
mance and her perspective. It
she had a mes-
“I was trying to find home in a million different places ... God has a way of reminding you who you are.”
NOV-DEC
can see the whole thing right in
graduated from Louisiana State
front of you.”
somehow made her even better.
sage to deliver
Lafayette, Louisiana, lies in the
in her music
heart of Cajun culture. The air
and a heart to
in that part of the country wraps
serve
people.
around you. It weighs down the
Her boundar-
cypress trees and the insects and
ies collapsed.
presses
“Given
the
trajectory
ground.
everything Lafayette’s
toward
the
prairie-like
of
land is split by canals, and these
all this,” she
drift more than they flow toward
says,
the Mississippi River and out to
ing
speakon
her
the Gulf of Mexico. Downtown,
rise to fame,
the lights glow from the bar pati-
“you
don’t
os and nightclubs, and everything
have time to
looks ethereal and spirit-touched.
comprehend
You hear music most days, at most
what
you’ve
times, and the music is free in ev-
experienced. I
ery sense. It pours out into the
was becoming
street and fills every corner and
overwhelmed
rises up, thick and hot. It doesn’t
by the things
drown you. You float.
and purposeful worship collec-
that were meant to bring me joy.
tion—was acclaimed in a way few
Something was off-kilter.”
“In Louisiana, you go into any music place, and it’s alive,” Daigle
debuts are, cleaning up "Song of the
That’s when Daigle, one of the
says. “You sit on the street corner
Year" awards for its titular single
best and brightest young voices in
and there’s a trombone player play-
and earning New Artist of the Year
music, started hiding in bathrooms.
ing something funky, and the saxo-
honors for Daigle throughout 2015.
She first told herself she want-
phone leans in and says, ‘Oh yeah,
It was by any definition an arrival,
ed out. Then she told herself she
let me tell you what I think about
but the record had legs, too. The al-
couldn’t possibly quit. That’s when
that.’ Then the drummer says, ‘Let
bum sold over 1 million copies.
she says God stepped in.
me set both of you straight.’ There’s
In a single year, Daigle went
“I was trying to find home in a
from a talented up-and-comer to
million different places, but my
064
just this communication and energy. It’s so much fun. I missed that.”
2018
065
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
When Daigle was touring How Can It Be, she realized the difference between writing music for a message and writing for a mode of delivery. How Can It Be carried a message she loved, but as she sang those songs night after night, the delivery became less satisfying. Back home in Lafayette, however, the message of the music and the delivery of that message were unified. Music there was a conversation. It was a two-way street, always. Tapping back into that dynamic was at the center of Daigle’s recovery. She distinguishes recovery and rest. She explains that people need time to recover before they can enter true rest. That’s when you experience rejuvenation, and that was the reward of her homecoming. In that place of true rest, she could start making music, and in that place, the music would sound different from anything she had done before. Daigle and her producers sourced Look Up Child from Cajun soul. They studied artists like Roberta Flack and Lauryn Hill and the late Aretha Franklin. They listened for the conversation inside the music, and they heard it when the artist was alone at a piano or when they fronted a full band. When Daigle talks about it, she sometimes speaks in contradictions. The music can “steal a moment with simplicity,” she says, but at the same time, “I wanted to sweat when I get off-stage.” Soul music asks: Why not both? Daigle and her producers chose to record with an orchestra. “I wanted the instruments to lead the way on [Look Up Child],” she says. “We wanted to make it timeless, so in 20 years people could say it’s relevant, and it could’ve been relevant 20 years ago, too. It had to
NOV-DEC
066
2018
have height and width and expansion
had to make sure the lyrical depth was
space," she says. "When I came back
and vulnerability. It’s not that we set
potent, because to me, songwriting is
[to the music], it was a pure, honest,
out to run away from How Can It Be,
giving people a prayer to sing, words in
authentic expression. The songs write
but it’s just the place I was in. You learn
their mouth that were there, but they
themselves first, but the songs start to
didn’t know how to ac-
write you after a while. Once the song is
cess. You enter the song
out there, it hits even more profoundly
with one color in the
than when I was writing it.”
“Songwriting is giving people a prayer to sing, words in their mouths that were there, but they didn't know how to access.”
kaleidoscope, but it’s
And now that she’s back inside the
not until the song is out
industry, with reviews and award
of your mouth that you
nominations landing around her and a
see the whole scope.”
nationwide tour in full swing, Daigle’s
Daigle wrote Look
made some changes. She takes breaks
Up Child like a diary. It’s
now. She flexes her schedule. After a
personal and intimate
meeting with her producers or an in-
and anecdotal, but like
terview with press or a meet-and-greet
that soul singer at the
with fans, she takes at least 10 minutes
piano, it’s also encom-
for herself. She isn’t hiding in bath-
passing and enormous
rooms anymore.
and sweeping. Daigle
“The going definitely had to stop,”
wrote about her time
she says. “This is all a constant, evolving
in
Nashville—often
process, it’s an ebb and flow with sus-
wrote to her past self in
taining yourself. Things move at maxi-
Nashville—and
about
mum speed, but you have to choose to
her return to Louisiana
be intentional and learn from each mo-
and her journey back
ment. Even in the moments when you
toward the core of her
feel lack, even in the moments when
identity. In that way,
I’ve completely handed myself over to
Look Up Child can serve
this machine, I’m never too far gone.
as both the prayer you
God is the anchor.”
didn’t know how to say
That’s why for Lauren Daigle, Look
and the prayer Daigle
Up Child will in its way be timeless. It’s
has been trying to say
as much hers as it is ours, and as she
for the past three years.
goes from inevitably famous to obvi-
Six months passed between Daigle’s
ously famous, it will be there as a re-
While Daigle and her team adapted
departure from Nashville and the be-
minder of that anchor. As she leaves
the delivery, the lyrics and message
ginning of Look Up Child. In that time,
home again, she has a part of home
that resonated so well on her debut had
she stepped away from work entirely.
with her, a totem so distinct and local
to be preserved, but evolved in kind
She wrote a list of 26 things she wanted
and pure that it can be transportive. Its
with the sound. Daigle recorded all of
to do before she turned 27 and started
delivery is of a place and of a time, but
her vocals with just a piano instead of
crossing things off, tapping back into
its message isn’t.
an over-the-top demo. Then she and
her inner adrenaline junkie. She went
her team added the orchestral instru-
skydiving and rode in hot air balloons
mentation over the top so it supple-
and started working on her scuba certi-
mented the song.
fication. She went deep-sea fishing and
from your art.”
“We wanted to keep it like a prayer,”
saw hammerhead sharks.
she says. “What would I be saying to
“I just went to live life, move back
God if I was just sitting in my room? We
home and get out of the industry
067
Turn the album on. It might be a homecoming for yourself.
T YLER DASWICK is RELEVANT's senior writer. He's on Twitter @tylerdaswick.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
Hunger is a bigger problem in America than many realize.
IF
you took a good hard look at
must choose between food and housing; and
57-year-old Bee Bee Ferguson,
31 percent have to choose between food and
you’d have absolutely no idea
education. These are impossible decisions that a
that she spent the first six
new wave of activists in the Church are striving
months of 2018 practically
to change, so no one will have to face a decision
homeless, not knowing where
like this alone.
her next meal would come from. In the late 90s, Ferguson founded Busy Bee’s
DEEPER CHANGE
Unique Cleaning Service Inc., a small business
Andrae Bailey is the former executive director of
that offers home and business cleaning services.
United Against Poverty and recently founded an
But after a big commercial contract—a major
organization called Change Everything, where
asset that helped keep her company alive—fell
he serves as CEO. He believes that addressing
through in early 2017, Ferguson’s income began
hunger in an honest way doesn’t always mean
to waver. A few months later, Hurricane Irma
handing someone a free plate of food. And
hit, ripping through her roof and devastating her
usually, it isn’t what hungry people want.
entire home.
“It’s about changing the mind, body and spirit,”
Ferguson went into crisis mode. She was
he says. “You want to say to yourself, ‘What’s
living on her cousin’s couch, fighting with home
something that we can do as a church to change
insurance companies, unsure if she would ever
people’s lives so that they rise out of poverty and
be able to see her home again. It was at this point
have the ability to have food and other aspects of
she became what hunger relief activists call “food
life in the way that we have it?’”
insecure,” meaning she lacked steady, reliable
He suggests that in addition to meeting some
access to meals that could nutritionally sustain
of the immediate need, the Church’s role in
her. Even while living in the wealthiest country
ending hunger is larger: Change personal and
on Earth—in which as much as 40 percent of the
societal conditions causing it. But what does that
food supply is thrown out every year—a streak
actually look like?
of misfortune left Ferguson on the brink of going hungry. And she is not alone.
Bailey’s anti-poverty philosophy is a holistic one. It suggests what many people don’t realize:
There are currently over 41 million people in
People
aren’t
hungry
because
they
don’t
the United States who do not know where their
have food. They’re hungry because they’re
next meal will come from, according to Feeding
impoverished on a deeper level, and the Church
America, a nonprofit that operates a network of
needs to help them address that, not just their
more than 200 food banks around the country.
hungry bellies. But in order to effectively combat
Each year, they help feed nearly 50 million
poverty, churches must first recognize that
Americans, including 12 million children.
they can’t do it alone, and must be willing to
Many face difficult daily decisions when
partner with organizations making a difference.
it comes to food: 69 percent are forced to
Sometimes,
choose between food and utilities; 57 percent
organizations that aren’t religious and may not
069
that
will
mean
working
with
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
share all of the same values directly.
solved problems, made things happen. We do
“One of the things churches aren’t always willing to accept is that a church alone cannot end
hunger,
address
poverty
and
everything we can to hide from anyone who’s not like us. That’s why all of these issues exist.”
tackle
homelessness,” Bailey says. “There are things you
UNDERSTANDING THE NEED
must be willing to do to step out of the four walls
Feeding
of the church and work with members of your
humanitarian organization in Central Florida,
community. You’ve gotta be able to work with
has a vision for a hunger-free world—but
universities and hospitals and nonprofits that
believes that a hunger-free world will likely start
aren’t faith-based.”
with a hunger-free America.
Children
Everywhere
(FCE),
a
Bailey says to effectively address a problem as
According to the organization’s CEO, Dave
big as domestic hunger, Christians must follow
Green, there are two different categories of
the example of Jesus, who lived shoulder to
people going hungry in the United States: those
shoulder with people who were nothing like Him.
who are in short-term crisis mode (like Ferguson)
“That was His goal every day: to be out with
and those in need of more long-term assistance,
the people creating change,” he explains. “We
who are more chronically food insecure.
spend every moment we can hiding from people
“We have recognized through different types
different from us, which gives us no opportunity
of data that when people have career resources
to be the salt of the earth. If we want to address
—some type of career rescue program—their
hunger, we have to ask questions. That is the
income, job security and career stability increase
kind of witness that would change the world’s
rapidly. Those are all factors that lead people out
perception of faith. Jesus lived among people,
of food insecurity,” Green says. The idea is to not just help someone land a job, but equip them with the skills they will need to maintain employment long term. FCE has recently launched a program that is dedicated to
teaching
fundamental
job skills—like English as a second skills
language, and
resume
computer building.
The organization also recently launched
an
entrepreneur
Teams at Feeding Children Everywhere packing healthy meals to be distributed in the community.
NOV-DEC
070
2018
training
program,
where
many
graduates of the program have
“PEOPLE WILL NEVER BELIEVE OUR GOSPEL IF IT’S A GOSPEL OF WORDS.” -ANDRAE BAILEY
gone from food insecure to owning their own thriving business. “When we look at how to address hunger in the U.S., the best thing we can do is
hometown with a plan to help the impoverished
create a pathway to self-sufficiency,” Green says.
and working poor in a way that mirrored the way
Thanks to this program—just one year after
he had been helped.
Hurricane Irma put her life on hold—Ferguson
United Against Poverty also developed an in-
became one of many to achieve a successful
house program dedicated to teaching emotional
outcome. Ferguson’s business has begun to
intelligence alongside job skills training and
thrive, and she’s even helped her daughter jump-
acquisition. Following the program, students are
start her own business as well.
placed in an eight-week internship with on-the-
“It’s not about giving someone a fish, but
job training and job placement, with three years
teaching them how to fish,” she says.
of career coaching.
BREAD OF LIFE
people living at the poverty level were able
So how does one begin to grasp ways to equip
to graduate from STEP (the Success Training
someone who is hungry? A safe starting point is
Employment Program) with over an 85 percent
through the Church. That’s exactly what Austin
chance of getting a job.
In the last three years alone, more than 200
Hunt and his wife Ginny did. They started United
But projects like these don’t exist because a
Against Poverty, an organization that lifts people
massive nonprofit started a food program. These
from poverty, out of their church in 2003. The
happen when ordinary Christians apply holistic
organization started as a community grocery
solutions to fighting poverty within their church.
program, where people could purchase quality
Bailey says Christians should look beyond
food for a lower price. Since 2003, this small
solving the temporary solution. “Look towards
grocery program has grown into an $8 million a
embracing the gospel of life’s transformation that
year operation.
Jesus preached,” he says. “Both are important.
The organization now has more than 85
One is temporary and one is transformational.
corporate product partners donating different
People will never believe our Gospel if it’s a
products to help food insecure families access
Gospel of only words. If we help someone who’s
high-quality food and personal care items.
hungry, not in the short term but help them
“I grew up in a working poor household,” Hunt
transform their lives, it’s an undeniable message
shares. “My parents worked hard, but lacked the
that God is real and that he lives through us.”
tools to break free from financial hardship.” Hunt also says he remembered having no plan for his life after high school, and was terrified that the generational cycle would repeat in his own life. So he went to seminary. Once he graduated, he returned to his
LESLEY CREWS is RELEVANT's social media coordinator. Find her on Twitter @lesrcrew.
071
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
S I D E
HOW TO MAINTAIN THE PERFECT
H U S T L E 2017
BY T Y L E R D A S W I C K
T
hese days, you might feel like you’re hustling
speaker Jon Acuff. “When I wrote technical copy for a job,
a lot. Most millennials feel the same. In fact,
it would have been insane for me to demand that job serve
a Gallup poll reports seven in 10 millennials
as my entire creative outlet. Recognizing that, I started free-
experience burnout from work these days.
lancing.”
The struggle to keep up, maintain your spot
Most workers feel burned out when they don’t have au-
or simply keep your head above water is most certainly
tonomy within their jobs. Gallup reports that when workers
real, but sometimes taking a long break isn’t an option.
have freedom in the tasks they do, can perform those tasks
Money might not make your world go around, but it sure
and determine how much time they can spend on those tasks,
can help.
they are 43 percent less likely to experience burnout. In sim-
The good news is, there’s a way to find financial peace
pler terms: If you’re doing things on your terms, you’re not
without overextension and burnout: a side hustle. These
going to tire of it as fast as you might over mandated tasks in
miniature modes of income (to complement your main
a regular job. A side hustle could give you some satisfaction
source of income) are commonplace now. More than 44
you’re missing.
million Americans have a side hustle, according to CNN
Amelia Hobbins, 31, picked up a second job serving tables
Money, and half of all millennials report working to earn
when she was 25. Her family had accrued $10,000 in credit
extra cash outside of their main gigs. Millennials are look-
card debt. Earning supplementary income had obvious finan-
ing for supplementary income at twice the rate of baby
cial benefits, but Hobbins, a business development specialist
boomers.
with Thrivent Financial, gleaned additional perks from the
If you’re feeling your waistline stretching against your
situation.
financial belt, maybe a side hustle is the answer to find-
“I loved being on my feet and developing relationships
ing some wiggle room. According to research by GoDad-
with my customers,” she says. “At first I was embarrassed I
dy, the average side gig nets about $250 per month, and
was working a second job, but as the extra money decreased
BankRate says millennials can make an average of $580—
our debt, I felt proud. I was taking control of my life. We were
nice! But is that extra juice worth the extra squeeze? It
finally making progress, and I knew I had made the right
could be, but only if you take the right approach. Here’s
choice.”
your new financial workout plan. Hope you’re cool with MAKE YOUR GAME PLAN
adding some reps.
Hobbins’ experience also reflects a major advantage of side MOTIVATE YOUR HUSTLE
hustles identified by numerous experts: the barrier of en-
The first step toward making a change is to be honest with
try to find supplementary income is low. You can tap into a
yourself and see if you need to make a change in the first
known resource like Uber or Etsy, pick up a job you used to
place. Of course, it can be simple to evaluate financial
have (Hobbins was a waitress in college) or you can initiate
need—just take a look at your budget (You have one of
your own venture, like a monetizable baking blog or a niche
those, right?) and where you might be overspending or
delivery service. The digital age means platforms for supple-
coming up short—but there are other things to consider
mentary income are quite literally infinite, but even if you
when contemplating supplementary income. Namely, it’s
don’t want to start from scratch, that enormous marketplace
important to determine if your primary source of income
probably has an effort you care about already.
does something for you beyond the money. If it doesn’t—if
When you find something you want to do, just jump in,
it’s just a means to an end—a side hustle might be a strong
Acuff says. If you wait until you’re ready, you’re going to be
creative outlet in addition to a financial safety valve.
waiting for a long time.
“A side hustle gives you financial freedom, but more
“You’ll never know for sure when you can manage a side
than that, it gives you a creative release,” says author and
hustle,” he says. “It’s kind of like asking, ‘When do you know
073
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
you’re ready to be a parent?’ You never know perfectly.
way to go.
You just try and adjust along the way.”
To brainstorm your supplementary gig, start with what
That’s not to say you shouldn’t do any research be-
you know you’ll enjoy doing. It can be as simple as listing the
forehand, however. Hobbins recommends analyzing
brands you love most or the hobbies that occupy most of your
the difference between reliable income and variable
time, then using search engines and other free online tools to find ways to monetize that interest. A business-oriented podcast like “How I Built This” or “Side Hustle School” can be inspiring. Pray about it too. And when it comes to your ultimate decision, Acuff has one rule: “Find something you love doing so much that you’d do it for free. Then, get so good at it that people pay you.” PUT THE HUSTLE IN HUSTLE
It takes persistence and patience to handle yourself in the gig economy. If you’re working through an app like Wag! (dog walking) or Amazon Flex (package delivery), the work can find itself to an extent, but if you’re pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and starting your own pet grooming service or fashion consultancy, crafting your side hustle into something reliable and consistent takes a commitment to quality and a commitment to the long haul. Acuff’s best tip for setting income, a steady paycheck versus something com-
yourself apart: Be a decent human being. Jesus’ golden rule
mission-based like direct sales. It’s the difference be-
of treating people how you want to be treated always applies.
tween Michael Scott’s telemarketing job and Jan Levinson-Gould’s “Serenity By Jan.” If you do want to take the startup route, do the math. Overestimate the costs and anticipate that it will take
NOV-DEC
“Customer service isn’t sexy or shiny, but it matters,” he says. “The way you treat people will get you far more clients and customers than how good you are at something like social media.”
some time for you to make back the startup costs and
Personal attention has to come with a call to action, Hob-
begin turning a profit. If your financial need is more ur-
bins adds. That’s how you galvanize interest into actual
gent and you can’t afford to wait on a hustle that needs
investment. Start with the people easiest to sell to in your
time to take off, something more consistent might be the
life—your friends and family members—before stretching
074
2018
4 APPS THAT CAN KICK-START YOUR SIDE HUSTLE 2
1
3
4
FIVERR
VIPKID
ROVER
POSHMARK
This app connects freelance writers, programmers and designers to businesses who need their work.
Want to teach English online to international students? This app lets you serve in a way that makes you some cash, too.
Love dogs? Then Rover is a great way to hustle up some funds while dog walking and petsitting.
If your closet is bursting with, shall we say, vintage items, you can sell them on Poshmark for an easy buck (and declutter).
your network. Hobbins says early promotions like limit-
Acuff. “The big thing is to make sure you don’t steal time from
ed-time offers, special discounts and bonus offers create
your full-time job. Work hard at your job, work hard at your
urgency.
side hustle.”
“Always give the potential customer a specific next
Acuff says time tracking is a healthy way to manage your
step to take action on,” Hobbins says. “It could be as sim-
commitments, and that goes for things outside of work, too.
ple as, ‘Check me out on Instagram,’ or ‘I’m running a
Track and schedule family time and church time just as you
promotion next week. Would you like me to email you
would time for your side hustle or time in the office. If you
with more information?’ Whenever you are talking to
don’t plan it, the maintenance of your side hustle could en-
someone or posting about your business, have that call
croach on your traditional nonwork hours.
to action.” That makes communication, in both manner and method, super important in the early going. You need to
Finally—this is intuitive, but not always executed—make an explicit goal for the extra cash you’re bringing in. As Hobbins puts it: “Earning more doesn’t mean spending more!”
be quick to respond to people while maintaining a high
She was able to leverage her side hustle to pay off some
level of personality and dedication. That’s how aware-
major debt and carve out a financially healthy path forward
ness for your effort leads to loyalty. With both, you’ll
for her family. You can do the same.
have something steady, fulfilling and supportive.
More than anything, understand that a side hustle is going to come down to a little bit more hard work, even more than
DON’T HUSTLE TOO HARD
you’re already grinding out on your day job. But if you’re in-
So you’re primed to start burning the candle at another
tentional with your goals, dedicated with your research and
end, awesome. You have something you’re passionate
honest about what efforts are going to be profitable and ful-
about, that won’t feel like work all the time, and some-
filling for you, the side gig is a legitimate enrichment factor.
thing that can be reliably maintained as a source of in-
There’s never been a better time to be a hustler.
come. Go for it! But also, proceed with caution. Remember that you’re essentially adding a second job to your schedule. Your reaction to that might be to find
T YLER DASWICK is RELEVANT’s senior writer. He’s on Twitter @tylerdaswick.
balance, but really, your goal is to find discipline. “Balance is a myth, so that can’t be the goal,” says
075
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
How the Church messed up—and can redeem—its #MeToo moment
BY J O S H P E A S E
T
he Church is in the midst of a #MeToo tidal wave
right now is, ‘What are we going to do?’” Boz
that has taken down some of the United States’
Tchividjian says. Tchividjian is the founder
strongest evangelical institutions. The sexual
of Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian
abuse scandals and cover-ups that once, and
Environment (GRACE), an organization that both
now again, plagued the Catholic Church, are
educates churches in preventing sexual abuse,
forcing evangelicals to see a systemic rot hiding
and performs independent investigations of
behind church walls.
churches in a crisis.
For his dissertation, Wade Mullen, the
He says the time for churches to act is
director of the M.Div. program at Capital
now: “We need people who will roll up their
Seminary & Graduate School, collected reports
sleeves and realize they are called to a true,
of evangelical ministers charged with a crime
fundamental, culture change within their
in order to understand how the organizations
churches.”
respond to crisis. During 2016 and 2017, Mullen found 192 instances of a leader from an
***
influential church or institution being publicly charged with sexual crimes involving a minor,
Repentance is a familiar word for those raised
including rape, molestation, battery and child
in evangelicalism. And yet, from a 35,000-foot
pornography.
level, many evangelical churches are resisting
A 2007 report from the three largest insurers
this core biblical command. In most church
of American churches and Christian nonprofits
scandals, victims like Vonda Dyer, who came
showed they received approximately 260 claims
forward with stories of misconduct involving
of sexual abuse against a minor each year.
Hybels, are labeled liars, dissenters and
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
unreliable voices trying to—in Hybels’ words—
—one of the most influential conservative
“discredit my ministry.” Churches often rush to
seminaries in America—fired former president
suppress victims’ voices in an attempt to protect
Paige Patterson for years of gross negligence
the institution.
and spiritual abuse in his handling of assault
As Willow Creek publicly constructed a
victims. Influential Christian fundamentalist
narrative to protect Hybels, Steve Carter—the
leader Bill Gothard and his organization,
lead teaching pastor who had been selected to
Institute in Basic Life Principles, have been
be co-lead pastor of Willow Creek after Hybels’
accused of systemic spiritual, emotional,
retirement—secretly began reaching out to the
and sexual abuse stretching over decades.
women accusing him. When these meetings
Sovereign Grace Churches have been accused of
became public, Carter was accused of “switching
failing to properly report sexual assault to the
sides.”
authorities. Recently, Bill Hybels, the founder
“Meeting with these women felt like a
of Willow Creek Church, has faced allegations
betrayal,” Carter remembers. “I was trying to
of misconduct dating back years from multiple
submit to my elder board, but I had this inkling
women who have worked at the church.
that there was more than I was being told.”
“The question facing the evangelical church
077
Carter chose to resign when additional
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
allegations arose from
become a powerful advocate
theological,” Denhollander
of its cultural trust, and
Hybels’ former executive
for the survivors of abusive
says. “Churches believe
realized something had to
assistant, Pat Baranowski.
church institutions and an
they’re doing the right thing,
be done. Stewart and the
Dr. Diane Langberg, a
outspoken critic of several
acting biblically, when in
team brought in GRACE
Christian institutions,
reality they’re creating a
to do an independent
practicing therapist with
“These moments are a disruption of what we want to believe is true. We protect our institutions because often, they’re our god.”
investigation. Stewart said
for the abused. If
his hope was to make sure
you bring attention
there was nothing in their
to these errors,
past that was undealt with,
they believe they’re
and to create a church
being persecuted.
environment that would be
They close their
an extremely safe place for
ranks tighter. It
the most vulnerable.
is tougher to get
“We knew we needed
the Church to do
someone who can see things
the right thing
objectively, to make sure
than even secular
we’re doing this the right
institutions,
way,” Stewart says. “The
decades of experience
specifically the Sovereign
because in churches they
Church in America has been
working with sexual abuse
Grace Churches and its
believe they’re ‘just being
so afraid of ‘being attacked’
victims in the Church, says
founder C.J. Mahaney.
obedient to God.’”
by our culture that we cover
that reactions of churches
SGC has been accused of
like Willow Creek are
negligence in its handling
circles continue to insist
the most common, tragic
of sexual and physical
there isn’t a spiritual cancer
response to victims’ claims.
abuse survivors, and yet
in churches, others are
pastoral leadership team
“These moments are a
While some Christian
up anything that doesn’t make us look good.” Stewart says Belmont’s
Mahaney has continued to
doing everything they can to
wants to send a clear
disruption of what we want
be a celebrated presence
eradicate it.
message to their community.
to believe is true,” Langberg
within the reformed world.
says. “We protect our
Denhollander believes that
100-plus-year-old church
place for people, both a
institutions because often,
many churches become
in Nashville, Tennessee,
place for those who have
they’re our god.”
more concerned with
has made a nearly unheard
experienced abuse, but also
protecting the “unity” of the
of decision: to bring in an
a system that prevents it in
protection that creates
Church rather than fighting
independent investigator to
our context,” he says.
abusive cultures. Rachael
for justice.
look for abuses they weren’t
It’s not just institutional
Denhollander, who became
NOV-DEC
toxic environment
Denhollander believes
Belmont Church, a
aware of.
“We want to be a safe
In many church cultures though, pushing for change
the face of the survivors
when a church focuses
Newly hired executive
can be risky. Grace (whose
of the Larry Nassar/USA
so much on forgiveness,
pastor Ben Stewart, and the
name has been changed by
Gymnastics scandal, believes
they ignore justice, they
rest of Belmont’s pastoral
her request) was only a few
twisted theology creates
become hostile to any
leadership team, watched
months in to her position
church cultures that enable
outside help. “The biggest
as scandal after scandal
at her church in Kentucky
abuse. Denhollander has
problem in most churches is
robbed evangelicalism
when she sensed there was
078
2018
a problem bubbling beneath
violence policy. If the
the surface. A woman had
answer is no, they should
told her in confidence that
ask the pastor to lead in
the son of one of the church
that area, and offer to help.
elders had been accused in
Organizations like GRACE
the past of inappropriate
offer online resources
relationships with teenage
for these topics, and lead
girls, but that no charges
presentations that teach
were ever pressed.
ministries how to create a
“For me to make this man an issue, and ask what
If a church leader is irritated by these questions,
do about it, would affect
that’s a warning sign,
everyone,” she says. “I
Tchividjian says.
would respond.”
Number of charges against an evangelical pastor or leader between 2016 and 2017
safe environment.
our church was going to
wasn’t sure how people
192
and ‘I hope you die.’”
“There’s such a fear
Tchividjian says
vulnerable places of their past,” he says.
of being a dissenter or
what happened to Dyer
troublemaker, but on
represents a massive need
safe presence can only
senior pastor and elder
this topic you can’t be too
for survivors of abuse:
happen when churches
board agreed with her.
intentional,” he says. “You
the need to know they’re
rediscover a commitment
Through Grace’s leadership,
can always be engaged.
not alone. Most survivors
to what Dyer calls “the
the church created their first
Protecting the most innocent
have never told anyone
indwelling Christ.” She
official safety policy stating
and powerless in our
about their abuse, and
believes that many churches
that windows would be
churches is too important.”
when they do, what most
have subtly shifted their
of them need initially is
message from “how can I be
not immediate answers,
with Christ” to “what can I
but the incarnation:
do for Him.”
Fortunately, Grace’s
installed on every classroom door, and that whenever
***
possible, there would be two
This sort of welcoming,
teachers for every class. The
Vonda Dyer wasn’t surprised
fellow Christians who
elder board and Grace also
that Hybels furiously denied
will be there with them,
evangelicals who have
set up specific guidelines
the accusations against him.
saying they are sorry, and
access and influence all
with the man, including him
She was surprised, however,
seeking to empathize. For
around the world, deny
not being allowed to lead
that the Willow Creek board
the American evangelical
what we see happening in
any small groups for teens
defended him during a
church to change, victims
our Church, then we give
or children, as well as going
“family meeting” last March.
of abuse need to know they
the rest of our country
are surrounded by loving,
and every other country
the evangelical world, even
compassionate people and
permission to ignore us.”
illustrates the power of
those who were progressives
are safe and healthy enough
one voice speaking into a
and always talking about
to hear their stories.
church’s culture.
how ‘silence isn’t spiritual,’
“We talk about loving
were just … silent,” she says.
and engaging people in the
should ask their pastors
“I got the hate letters saying,
Church, but when we really
if the church has a child
‘Hope what you’ve done to
do it, it creates space for
protection or domestic
Bill happens to you tenfold’
survivors to share the most
to counseling. Grace’s compelling story
Tchividjian says members
“After the family meeting,
079
“If we, American
JOSH PEASE is a writer specializing in the topic of sexual abuse in the church.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES The soul outfit is reckoning with the past in hopes of a brighter future.
P
aul Janeway describes his family with a quote, fittingly, from southern historical figure Andrew Jackson: “I was born for the storm, and a calm does not suit me.” Janeway
used to run from the storm. These days, he finds himself embracing it. As the frontman for soul group St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Janeway has tangled with his Alabama origins throughout his musical career, but he’s never brought them forward to be the center of the band’s music. St. Paul’s newest record, Young Sick Camellia, is their third after 2014’s Half the City and 2016’s Sea of Noise, but Janeway is leading the group down more personal roads on Camellia. This will be the first of a three-part album series in which Janeway explores his family tree. Camellia is about him, its follow-up will be about his father and the third album will center on his grandfather.
NOV-DEC
080
2018
081
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
“I grew up in a conservative,
it’s kind of entrenched culturally in me. I’m trying to swim
very religious area,” Janeway
YOUNG SICK CAMELLIA [SINGLE LOCK]
NOV-DEC
through that and find my own identity.”
says. He says at one point he
Janeway’s grandfather was a mechanic from Middlesbor-
tried to eradicate his accent, but
ough, Kentucky. Janeway says his pappaw was “tough, not
he gave up the effort years ago.
a hugger or someone who would say I love you. He was a
“A lot of people have a sense of
hard man. He showed his love through work.”
pride in being from Alabama,
Janeway’s father was raised in a single-wide trailer, poor,
but there’s complication there
in Alabama. He doesn’t hug, either. Both Janeway’s dad and
for me. My father and grand-
pappaw had “a chip on the shoulder,” Janeway says. He
father are from [the South] so
ticks off some of their old adages: “‘The world’s against me,
082
2018
“You’re always trying to give hope. That’s what music does. It uplifts me. It creates this moment of hope that we’re beyond ourselves. ”
to call my baby / Tried to reach her but now it’s goin’ hazy / Air is gone so now I’m never comin’ home.” “On the idea of space, it’s me feeling somewhat isolated,” Janeway says. “But it’s also the idea of my head being in the clouds, or just being weird and feeling that way at certain times.” In the two follow-ups to Camellia, Janeway will bring the lyrics back down to earth. The second album, about his father, will be about the land and the dirt, and the third, about his grandfather, will have a subterranean quality.
I’m going to blast through mountains.’ That kind of thing is
“My grandfather told me before he passed that he was
ingrained in my DNA. I’m always trying to prove myself.”
like a caravan. He just moved trailer to trailer so he could
That competitive drive is complicated by Janeway’s up-
work on equipment and go underground,” Janeway says.
bringing, both in the Church and the South as a whole. Jan-
“So there will be three parts and three layers.”
eway used to aspire to the seminary, but he’s not religious
In that sense, the distance between Janeway and his fam-
anymore. In fact, he takes a few shots at some of the hypoc-
ily tree will be made literal.
risy he sees in modern churches on Camellia: “Gun-shaped
Writing the album was cathartic for Janeway, but the re-
Bible and a loaded tongue / Jesus ain’t the problem, but He
cord is outward-oriented, too. He wants it to be a point of
started one” he sings on “GotItBad.”
connection for people, something people can identify with
Janeway played guitar at his family’s nondenomina-
and use to create unity. It’s meant, in some way, to create
tional charismatic church growing up, and he says he still
the common ground Janeway felt he missed as his path di-
thinks about how to balance the love and compassion he
verged from his ancestors’.
heard in worship with the hardened cynicism of his ances-
“You’re always trying to give hope,” he says. “That’s what
tors. He’s still drawn to the message at the heart of church,
music does. It uplifts me. It creates this moment of hope
but the context of that message—the politics and attitudes
that we’re beyond ourselves, and bearing someone’s soul
that prevail across most of the South—bothers him.
makes you feel hopeful or connected. Music is about that
“I’m a lot less judgmental than I was [growing up in
specific moment.”
church],” he says. “Youth was the bliss of ignorance, but life
There are bigger places than Chelsea, Alabama, but Jan-
experience makes you more compassionate and more un-
eway still won’t be able to leave its shadow, and that’s okay
derstanding. You understand there are a lot bigger places
with him now. He’s suited for the storm, after all.
than Chelsea, Alabama.”
“Even in my church days, I was always drawn to songs
Young Sick Camellia filters Janeway’s heritage, evolution
that deal with hurricanes and the banks of the Jordan and
and tension through a swirling series of images, namely
things like that,” he says. “It still brings something out of
storms and outer space. Janeway, caught between his roots
me. I still feel a somewhat spiritual connection. There’s still
and his beliefs, sings through his conflict with a voice that
a passion—a passion to try and get to a higher place.”
couldn’t be anything but Southern and words that couldn’t be more torn about that. The singer pleads on “Apollo”: “Captain, can you hear me?
T YLER DASWICK is RELEVANT’s senior writer. He’s on Twitter @tylerdaswick.
/ I wish I was the one that told you / Stuck in moon dust, try
083
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
A practical guide to the most liturgical time of the year
BY J O S E P H R I G G S
E
very year around
it that they’re all supposed to
existence by the time of the
this time, families
be lit, one Sunday at a time,
Council of Tours, when monks
all over the world
but after that, things get
started celebrating by, well,
head
their
fuzzy. What order are they
fasting every day of December
basement for the
supposed to be lit in, exactly?
until Christmas. It was a
cherished yuletide tradition
What do they symbolize? Why
different time.
of
swearing
do we do this? For anyone
as they yank all the dusty,
who’s ever briefly considered
tradition evolved, falling in
cobweb-covered
grunting
to
and
boxes
Over
the
centuries,
the
full
becoming one of those people
and out of popularity but
of Christmas ornaments out
who celebrates Advent, look
never
from underneath all the other
no further. Here’s your guide.
entirely until the 1960s, when
dusty, cobweb-covered boxes.
quite
disappearing
the Second Vatican Council
Then they take them upstairs
HISTORY
established Advent as a time
and begin the other cherished
Before we start, it’d make
of hope and expectation.
tradition of figuring out what
sense to give you a little
So where does the wreath
happened
to
history about Advent. Or it
fit in? Pretty recently, actually.
Christmas
ornaments
the
missing from
would, if there was an easy
It’s the invention of a German
last year, before finally giving
way to do that. Advent’s been
Protestant
up and going out to buy some
around for a while (2,018
Johann
new ones. For many families,
years, give or take) and there’s
largely remembered for his
one of those cherished pieces
a lot of history, not all of it
work among the urban poor
of
terribly well-documented.
as a man who believed that
There’s some speculation
saving
people’s
Four candles, three white
that the apostles themselves
caring
for
and one a shade of pink,
may have started observing
needs should go hand in hand.
around
holly,
Advent in their own lifetimes,
mistletoe, pine or maybe just
but all that’s known for sure
poor
children—many
ceramic angels. Tradition has
is that it was definitely in
them
orphans—and
seasonal
decor
is
the
Advent wreath.
a
circle
of
085
minister
Hinrich
named
Wichern,
souls
their
and
physical
He worked with a lot of of was
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
brainstorming a way to help them
Church has its Roman Rite, which
the “Bethlehem Candle,” is meant
practice patience until Christmas.
ascribes specific readings to each
to celebrate the love of Jesus,
In 1839, he happened upon the idea
of December’s four Sundays with
symbolizing the manger. The 85th
of a wreath that would count down
distinct themes and just assigns a
Psalm
the weeks in December.
different candle to each one.
especially the 11th verse, which
is
sometimes
associated,
So, yes, your Advent wreath was
But for those of you who aren’t
reads: “Love and truth will meet;
originally designed to keep little
Catholic or just prefer to celebrate
justice and peace will kiss.” That’s
kids preoccupied until Christmas,
Advent in the quiet of your own
right, John Mark McMillan fans. It’s
but don’t let that strip you of the
home, here’s one of the more
sloppy wet kiss time.
meaning of the Advent candles.
generally accepted calendars.
Which is ... what exactly?
The third candle is a big one.
The first candle is called “The
This is Gaudete Sunday and it’s
Prophecy Candle” and is meant
the week where you light the
MEANING
to
differently colored (usually pink)
If the backstory of Advent is a
paired with passages from the Old
candle.
little vague, then its present is
Testament that looked forward to
“rejoice” and this candle is meant
a complete mystery. Depending
the coming Messiah, like Isaiah
to represent joy. It’s sometimes
on who you ask, the four candles
9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us
called “The Shepherd’s Candle,”
could stand for the four cardinal
a son is given and the government
although, a little confoundingly,
virtues,
dispensations
will be on his shoulders. And he
Mary’s Magnificat from Luke 1 is
of salvific history, four different
will be called Wonderful Counselor,
the reading most associated with it.
groups of people who visited Jesus
Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
in Bethlehem or even just four
Prince of Peace.”
the
four
nice-sounding words. The Catholic
symbolize
hope.
It’s
often
Gaudete
is
Latin
for
“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon His
The second candle, known as
lowly servant. From this day all
THE CANDLES OF ADVENT 1
2
3
4
PROPHECY CANDLE
BETHLEHEM CANDLE
GAUDETE CANDLE
A N G E L S’ C A N D L E
The first candle of Advent is
This candle is meant to
This is the pink one, lit on
The last candle of Advent is
meant to symbolize hope. It’s
symbolize the love of God,
the Sunday of Christmas.
meant to symbolize peace,
supposed to be a reminder
who humbled Himself to
It’s sometimes called “The
both for Christmas and for
of the Jewish prophets who
become the baby in the
Shepherd’s Candle,” and
the upcoming year until the
looked forward to the coming
manger. It’s associated with
is meant to symbolize joy.
next Advent season. It’s often
of the Messiah.
the Psalms.
“Gaudete” is Latin for joy.
associated with doxology.
generations will call me blessed.”
prophetic writings has been made
hope and expectancy, celebrating
If your Advent wreath has five
known to all nations, according to
the past to be reassured about the
candles instead of four, the big
the command of the eternal God,
future.
white one in the center is called
to bring about the obedience of
Celebrating Advent takes a little
“The
it’s
faith—to the only wise God be
discipline. There’s a lot going on
meant to be lit on Christmas Eve,
glory forevermore through Jesus
in the Christmas season and just
representing the purity of Jesus. If
Christ! Amen.”
Christ
Candle,”
and
your Advent wreath only has four candles, well, consider upgrading
MESSAGE
next year.
In his book, Journey
The final candle is called “The Angels’
Candle.”
It
represents
Into God,
the
Heart
author
of
Philip
peace and is often lit with the
Pfatteicher
reading of some New Testament
“Since
doxology, like Paul’s words in
Bernard of Clairvaux,
Romans 16: 25 - 27, “Now to
Christians have spoken
him who is able to strengthen
of the three comings of
you according to my gospel and
Christ: in the flesh in Bethlehem,
about everyone is familiar with
the preaching of Jesus Christ,
in our hearts daily, and in glory at
the feeling of December 25th
according
the end of time.”
coming and going before you
of the mystery that was kept
Advent is a way to observe all
really get the chance to reflect and
secret for long ages but has now
three of those comings at the same
savor it. Advent is an opportunity
been disclosed and through the
time. It’s about having a spirit of
to do just that—to prepare for
to
the
revelation
the
writes,
It’s about having a spirit of hope and expectancy.
time
of
Christmas by reflecting on all Jesus’ coming meant, means and will mean in the future. And if you’re getting to this a little late and have already missed a Sunday or two, no worries. You’ll unpack the Advent wreath again next year. Or, you know, go buy a new one. So those are the basics. As long as you know how to light a candle, you should be set to celebrate properly. Pass it on. BONUS CANDLE
5 CHRIST CANDLE If your Advent wreath has
JOSEPH RIGGS is a writer from Portland, Oregon, where he lives with his dog Jude.
five candles, then you’re in luck. The big center one is the Christ Candle, and it’s meant to be lit on Christmas Eve.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
R E L E VA N T SELECTS
FILM/TV MUSIC BOOKS
NEW RELEASES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Tori Kelly T
ORI KELLY IS A POP STAR. That much is
full choir), then the lyrics sound like anything you’d
clear. She’s touring with Ed Sheeran.
read in any hymnal in any church pew in America.
“Unbreakable Smile” topped out at
In an age when many Christian artists are trying
No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200. She
to make their lyrics subtle enough to sneak onto
was nominated for a Grammy. This is all standard
mainstream radio, Kelly sings “Don’t let Sunday
pop star fare, and nobody would blame Kelly for
fool ya / Here’s my hallelujah / Every single day / I’m
sticking with what’s clearly working. So eyebrows
running to Your grace.”
were raised when her new album Hiding Place
Maybe that explains the involvement of people
dropped, which doesn’t wholly abandon the pop
like Lecrae and Kirk Franklin, the latter of whom
format, but definitely recontextualizes among an
encouraged her to be bold about her faith,
[CAPITOL RECORDS]
explicitly gospel sound. And if the church-inspired
affirming that creative energy and spiritually bold
Gospel music is as
music hearkens back to the warm, vintage sound
content don’t need to exist at odds. In fact, done
timeless as genres get,
of that old-time religion (the album even features a
well, it can be the best thing you’ve ever done.
NOV-DEC
088
HIDING PLACE
and Kelly deploys its charms elegantly here.
2018
ALPHA
CHRISTON GRAY
ALBERT HUGHES
CLEAR THE HEIR
[SONY PICTURES]
[CHRISTON GRAY]
Though pitched as a pre-
Christon Gray doesn’t do
civilization take on the man’s best
anything small. Not in his life
friend movie, Alpha also works as
and definitely not in his music,
an appealing art piece about the
where big hooks meet bigger
slow, silent lives of early humanity,
production which collectively
and the companions they found to
meets the biggest lyrical topic of
get them through a young world.
all: the power of God.
DOPESICK BETH MACY [LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY]
Beth Macy’s searing portrait of a country in crisis takes readers to the frontlines of the opioid epidemic and the
Noname
people for whom it’s not just a headline.
A strong contender for best debut of the year IF YOU LISTENED TO
Chance the Rapper’s
MOSIAC MSC
Coloring Book (and you
HEAVEN
did), then you already
[CAPITOL
know Noname, who
CHRISTIAN]
stole the spotlight on
The fresh spin on the
“Finish Line.” Now she’s
worship genre features
got her own album,
lots of soupy production
and it lives up to the
and CHVRCHES-esque
extraordinary promise
instrumentation, backing
of her early guest
Sunday morning lyrics.
verses and mixtape, showcasing a fresh talent that—mark our words—you’re going to be hearing about a lot over the next few years. Like Chance, Noname’s music gets real, charting a smart, spiritual exploration of
SEARCHING
her faith, her new home
ANNEESH CHAGANTY
in L.A., her past and,
[SCREEN GEMS]
above all, what it means to be a black woman in
ROOM 25
America in 2018. It’s not
[SELF-RELEASED]
always pleasant (and
An exploration of faith and blackness
often explicit) but it’s riveting, and one of the
John Cho is on a quest
in 2018, from one of the most exciting new talents in hip-hop.
best debuts of the year.
to find his missing daughter via her digital footprints in this taut thriller, in which the many camera tricks never get in the way of the story.
089
02/03
RECOMMENDS
BOYGENIUS ME & MY DOG [MATADOR RECORDS]
Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers are three of the most exciting young stars in music, and their teamup amplifies their talents, resulting in a gorgeous, emotionally harrowing listening experience.
Elevation Worship
THE SISTERS BROTHERS JACQUES AUDIARD [ANNAPURNA
They live up to their name.
PICTURES]
IN EXODUS 20:25, GOD TELLS
name, full of the sorts of soaring,
THE Israelites to make an altar
anthemic choruses that continue
of imperfect stones, telling them
to climb toward the ceiling even
that “if you use a chisel on it, you
after you think the song has surely
will defile it.” This verse inspired
reached its climactic zenith. That’s
the title track of the latest effort
pretty typical worship music fare,
from Elevation Worship, who
but what sets Elevation apart is the
acknowledge that today, we are
care and craft of the production, the
the imperfect stones, living our
sincerity of the lyrics and the real
own lives as an altar to God.
sense that worship can exist on its
Hallelujah Here Below lives up to
own as a real sermon to itself, full
the “Elevation” part of the band’s
of nuanced truth.
A delicious tale of Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly as outlaw brothers in the Old West.
HALLELUJAH HERE BELOW [ESSENTIAL RECORDS]
Fans of U2, Coldplay and early Muse will appreciate the shimmering guitars and sing-along choruses.
FASHION CLIMBING BILL CUNNINGHAM [PENGUIN PRESS]
NOV-DEC
LOW
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FREEDOM
Before he died, one
DOUBLE NEGATIVE
DERAY MCKESSON
of the world’s most
[SUBPOP]
[VIKING]
There’s a haunted quality to Low’s music,
DeRay McKesson recounts his rise
but you get the impression that these are
as a leader of the Black Lives Matter
good ghosts, sorrowful but not looking to
movement, and why he hasn’t given up
startle. Just to be heard.
hope yet.
090
acclaimed fashion photographers wrote the story of how it happened and what he learned about himself along the way.
2018
Mount Eerie AS MOUNT EERIE, Phil Elverum achieved a
somber celebrity with 2017’s A Crow Looked at Me, which documented the death of his wife in a fashion so heartbreaking you could hardly bear to listen to the whole thing. Now Only acts
NOW ONLY
as a sort of sequel, exploring the legacy Elverum
[P.W. ELVERUM &
has left behind for him and their daughter. It’s a crushing listen, but it’s tender too, reflecting on the little moments of beauty that remain even after someone you love is gone.
SUN]
A lovely and very sad meditation on the gaps left behind when a loved one dies.
BLACKKKLANSMAN
in projects a little
REMEMBER GOD
we believe and how we
SPIKE LEE
too audacious for
ANNIE F. DOWNS
actually live. She wants
[TRISTAR PICTURES]
their own good. But
to bring those spaces
[B&H BOOKS]
in Blackkklansman,
closer together, and in
it leads to one of the
Annie F. Downs is a truth
Remember God, she
Spike Lee is fearless.
most biting, thrillingly
teller who specializes
does just that, putting
Sometimes that
uncomfortable pictures
in exploring the spaces
into words what it really
fearlessness results
of the year.
between what we say
means to trust God.
The 1975 The band remains delightfully hard to pin down. HE 1975 ONCE SCREAMED
T
predictable, a necessary bad boy counterpart to bands like One Direction. But throughout their
career, they’ve repeatedly zagged when you’d expect them to zig, confounding critics who wanted to pigeonhole them. Case in point, their new album is a soothing throwback to tasteful lounge lizard acts, with plenty of horns and handclaps to make the shift easy.
A BRIEF INQUIRY INTO ONLINE RELATIONSHIPS [INTERSCOPE RECORDS]
Not as brief as you’d expect, and a lot smarter than you’d think.
091
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
03/03
RECOMMENDS
Santigold WRITING ABOUT MUSIC is a necessarily
impossible task. How can words really describe what music does? But some
THE GOLD FIRE
artists are more impossible to write about than others, and few are tougher than Santigold. She bounds from genre to genre like all of music history is her personal sandbox, mastering influences with astonishing ease. Hard to describe, but incredible to hear done so well.
SESSIONS [DOWNTOWN RECORDS]
Looser than her usual work, but still laced with daring wit.
SEA PRAYER
Runner and A Thousand
CRAZY RICH ASIANS
old-fashioned it is,
KHALED HOSSEINI
Splendid Suns. This book,
JON M. CHU
deploying timeless rom-
[RIVERHEAD]
NOV-DEC
I DON’T WANT:
lovingly illustrated, tells
[WARNER BROS.]
the tale of a refugee
com tropes with skill. The second is how fresh it all
Khaled Hosseini became
family on the eve of their
There are two competing
feels, with an all-Asian
a household name
desperate scramble for
charms for this movie. First,
cast and a thoughtful
with books like The Kite
freedom.
there’s how delightfully
message about heritage.
092
2018
Andy Mineo
A
NDY MINEO IS GOOD AT JUST ABOUT everything
he does, and this bothers him. You can hear it in his music and lyrics—the excruciatingly high bar he sets for himself, and his crushing
disappointment when he fails to meet it. Instead of stewing on this, Mineo raps about it—nakedly owning up to his own drive for perfection and his fear that he won’t ever measure up. This, counter-intuitively, is part of what makes him so good. There’s a lot of rap out there about people who’ve arrived. Mineo raps about the journey. And II: The Sword is a journey, following Mineo through a dizzying array of flows, beats and styles as he examines his own heart for whatever flaws it might have. In the hands of a lesser emcee, this would sound a little schizophrenic. II: THE SWORD [REACH RECORDS]
from South Park, and we
From Mineo, it just sounds uncomfortably honest—like he
absolutely mean that as a
didn’t have to worry about whether or not all of this fit into
compliment. It makes the
Andy Mineo’s flow is the
honest, raw content of his
real hook—a little scrappy
lyrics come across as that
and a little playful, like
much more vulnerable, not
El-P mixed with Cartman
to mention powerful.
a vetted brand. It doesn’t really fit into a brand. Not much about Mineo ever has. He’s a Christian rapper swinging for the big leagues. And if he keeps this up, he’ll succeed.
JUSTICE
INTE R N AT I O N A L
093
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
SEPT-OCT
094
2018
095
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
LAST WORD A Thought Before We Go
part of the journey. I’ve learned the most painful
There’s Hope Even When There’s No Finish Line No one is beyond redemption, and that means everyone can be a cause for change.
Let me finally say something
moments are often the ones that
about hope. I live in a country
define us. There have been so
where unemployment is at 3.9
many days when I’ve wanted to
percent, yet there seems to be
quit charity: water, run away
a collective deficit of hope. The
and hand the keys to someone
times feel caustic. So many
else. But instead I stay. We
people are angry, defeated and
tackle our problems and we
fearful of the future. But in a
grow stronger. I look back on
recent address, Pope Francis
the obstacles we endured with
said something I can’t get out of
gratitude. If we hadn’t been
my head: “A single individual is
challenged to improve, charity:
enough for hope to exist. And
water might not exist today.
that individual can be you. And
I’ve learned there are no
then there will be another you,
shortcuts. I’d always thought
and another you, until it turns
there would be a finish line for
into an us...and when there is an
our organization, but it’s taken
us, there begins a revolution.”
me 10 years to figure out our
We still have so much work
work is not about the finish
to do. Yet every day I wake
line. It’s about the race. It’s
up hopeful that we will solve
about keeping a steady pace and
problems like the water crisis in
putting in the kind of effort and
my lifetime. I believe together
creativity that gets results.
we can bring life’s most basic
There’s an old rabbinic saying
BY S COTT H A R R I S O N
I love: “Do not be afraid of work
I
really is needless.
necessity to 663 million people who still don’t have it.
that has no end.” That’s how I’ve
I’m just one guy who built
come to see this journey. If your
one charity, but it’s made a little
recently had the chance
of infrastructure had broken a
work is in the service of others—
dent. Next year, we’ll make a
to visit charity: water’s
cycle of disease and despair for
if you are compassionately
bigger dent.
very first project. It
generations to come.
pursuing an end to the suffering
was a well that we
When I go on trips like this
the world are solved: One by one. By me and you and us.
had funded on my thirty-first
and meet with the people we
you—your work will never end.
birthday and then built in the
serve, they often talk about
That idea used to scare me. Now,
IDP camp of Bobi, Uganda.
their lives as having two distinct
it inspires me. I hope it inspires
periods: “before the water” and
greatness and action in you, too.
The sprawling camp of 31,000
Maybe your “do something”
people had cleared out, leaving
“after the water.” That’s true for
a small village of about 500.
me as well. Almost everything
looks like partnering with
And while our old well was
in my life is different “after
charity: water to bring clean
banged up from a decade of use,
the water.” There have been a
water to communities in need.
clean water still flowed. It was
thousand lessons along the way.
Maybe it looks like finding a
incredible to see. We calculated
I’ve learned no one is beyond
This is how the problems of
of people less fortunate than
different cause that motivates
the handle must’ve been
redemption. Even if you think
you or starting a nonprofit of
pumped about 50 million times.
your past might disqualify you
your own. Whatever it is, my
S C O T T H A RRIS ON
When I looked around at all
from a better future, I promise
hope is that you will give your
Scott Harrison is the founder
the kids in the village who were
you, it’s never too late to make
time, your talent and your
10 and younger, I realized they’d
a change. One day you’ll look
money to make things better for
never had to drink dirty water
back, connect the dots and see
others and end their needless
in their lives. A simple piece
how your past was a necessary
suffering—because so much of it
NOV-DEC
096
of charity: water. This column was adapted from his book “Thirst,” courtesy of Currency, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group.
2018
03
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
SEPT-OCT
04
2018