The Learning Revolution

A while back, I referenced one of my favorite talks by Sir Ken Robinson. In this talk, he explores the idea of - Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Recently, Robinson gave another talk Bring on the Learning Revolution. Here, he makes several interesting comments that have great relevance on education, creativity and personal pursuit of passion(s). Several of his later remarks would make great conversation pieces as it relates to the Church. Rather than extract various thoughts and quotes, I've simply posted the 18:00 presentation.

The Truth about Motivation

The following is an interesting clip about motivation by author Daniel Pink.

Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in theaters December 10th, 2010.

Summer Days

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 11:1)

In short, first of all, we are told that every year “in the spring” the kings would “go off to war.” It was a part of the rhythm of the king(s). On this particular occasion, the text says, “David remained in Jerusalem.” Things go down hill from there…

Something happens every year about this time. As schools wrap up, people begin to get in “summer mode.” There’s a mindset that many people undertake. An element of ease fills the air. We begin to think about vacation. About unwinding. About getting away.

Is there anything we could learn from 2 Samuel 11?

Interestingly, studies among Christian publishers show that books sales significantly drop during the spring-summer season. People still buy the Christianized romance novels and the like. However, as it relates to the books on spiritual formation, growth and development -- sales diminish.

Many churches even seem to fall prey to this. Expectations are lowered. At times less energy, creativity and resources are invested in messages, series and programs. Numbers are expected to drop.

Be that as it may, summer is actually a time to be intentional about one’s personal growth, as well as that of the local church. Many of us have more time. What would it look like to really dig into a formative book or an in-depth study of a book of the Bible?

Many have extra time and increased desire to engage others in community. How could the local church use this to create venues for others to get together?

What would it look like (for individuals and church ministries) to raise the bar over the summer season?

"Woe to you who are at ease in Zion."
~Amos 6:1

2:10 // Becoming the Person God Created You to Be...

"We are God's masterpiece,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “created in Christ Jesus, to do good works prepared for us in advance."

God indeed has a purpose for you. God’s purpose is much larger than what you accomplish in this life - it encompasses who you become. Sometimes, however, there is a gap between where we’re currently at and who God is calling us to become.

The New Testament book of Ephesians is full of practical insights to the process God uses for us to begin to see that gap become smaller and smaller, as we more and more become the person God has designed us to be.

This summer, at New Community, we're going to be diving into this exciting study in personal transformation.

2:10 // Discovering the Person God Created You to Be from Jerrell Jobe on Vimeo.

Free Audio Book :: Forgotten God by Francis Chan

In the book Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit, Francis Chan offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit's direction in our lives. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two?

As Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit--the Helper--so that we could be true and living witnesses for Christ. Unfortunately, today's church has admired the gift but neglected to open it. What is the the true source of the church's power? The Holy Spirit. Chan contends that we've ignored the Spirit for far too long, and we are reaping the disastrous results. Thorough scriptural support and compelling narrative form Chan's invitation to stop and remember the One we've forgotten, the Spirit of the living God.

This month Christian Audio is offering this as a free audio download. Just type in JUN2010 in the Coupon slot.