Challenge Pre-Trip

I have been spending the week in Salt lake City, UT for a pre-trip for Challenge 2008. This is the mother of all trips for Challenge. There is so much to be done! It is a good thing that I am unemployed! The Challenge team is made up of youth pastors who are giving up their free time to plan a youth conference for 7000 people. These are great men and women.

My role is Rally Coordinator, which means that I have to plan the large group sessions for the week. We have some great speakers, musicians, and creative teams coming in. It is going to be something to pull off. One of the coolest thing is that we are having the sessions in the round. Something that I have never done. This adds a lot to the sessions, mostly stress.

Here are just a few people that we will be showcasing at Challenge '08

1. Francis Chan



2. Jimmy Dorrell



3. JD Greear



4. Becky Tirabassi



5. Tim Elmore



6. Greg Stier



7. Theatre for the Thirsty



8. Starfield



9. Zach Hunter

This is a great list and we are excited. I know that God will use this event.

What a Name Dropper!

I am not much of a name dropper. I don't get autographs. Don't really get the photo with my arm around a famous person. It is really not me. I know people like this, and they bug me. Thing is, I have met lots of evangelical celebs. Minnesota is a launching point for a lot of Christian careers, and I have met a few of them. This is all lead in to an excuse I am going to give as to the "123 Meme" post Jake Bouma started, tagged Brandon Mick with, who tagged me.

123 Meme Rules: (1) Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating! (2) Turn to page 123. (3) Find the first 5 sentences. (4) Post the next 3 sentences. (5) Tag 5 people.

The book that I will mention is the latest book by Tony Jones, entitled The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier. Tony had lunch with me yesterday and handed me a signed copy. How is that for a name drop? He was passing through WDM and had a copy with him (I gave him popcorn).

"The hand gropes for an invisible lever; it waves slightly , and the fingers twitch. The hand is connected--by an arm that needs to be propped up by another arm after fifteen minutes--and to a body that leans forward in its chair. Atop that body is a Brain full of Bible trivia and minutiae." (T. Jones)

I am almost 100% certain that this will get me in some sort of troublesome conversation where I will be asked, "Why would you waste your time and read that?" To which I will ask, "How may friends of yours have written a book? Besides, do you only read books that you 100% agree with?" Anyway, this quote from Tony is actually talking about how when he speaks at conferences, someone inevitably focuses on a small aspect of what he says, missing the big point. He goes on to get into interpretation of scripture, in which I do not plan to blog about.

And that is my 123 Meme. I would like to tag Katie, Lynette, Erin, Karla, and Megan (Since most people pick guys to do this AND these are more great names of people I would like to drop).

My Friend, Matt

The New Christians

It is no secret that I know author and Emergent Village leader, Tony Jones. Tony and I go way back to cake-eating Edina where he worked at Colonial Church and I was at Grace Church. Tony took me under his wing, as well as Doug Pagitt, and helped me see youth ministy as a significant and church-defining career. One of my favorite memories with Tony is sitting at Davanni's not wanting to go back to the church office, just wanting to talk the rest of the afternoon. Tony is unique. His intelligence in the field of church history, theology, and Christian thought is second to none (at least that I know).

Saying Tony's name these days seems to always get me in trouble , though. Too many people have read his stuff, heard a rumor about him, or taken a post from his blog out of context. I was in a church service this summer in MN and the pastor, preaching from Romans, took his second point to make sure people were "warned" about the Emergent movement. (Incidentally, since most were over the age of 50, they had no idea what he was even talking about). I can't say that I don't know why Tony is shrouded in controversy; it's just that it is weird that the guy I used to eat hot hoagie sandwiches with is now blogged about more than Titus (yes, I mean the book of the Bible).

People don't like to be challenged. They don't mind being sharpened, but they hate being challenged. To tell someone that they need to be a better husband, most would agree. To tell someone they need to go back to the wife they divorced and repent is another story. Tony challenges people. And his target isn't pagans, heathens, or even hypocrites. It is people who call themselves Christians. People who go to church, vote, and support a Compassion International child. It is people exactly like me.

In his new book, The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier, Tony lays out a new way to think about being a Jesus follower. One that isn't exactly black OR white. It is more like a new way to bring clarity by listening to all sides. I know this doesn't seem natural in this Two Party world we live in. Especially in Christianity, we tend to think in "us versus them" mentalities. The New Christians addresses this issue and more, challenging people to broaden their views.

Tony sent me the first chapter of his book, and I was intrigued. I plan on reading the rest when I get my hand on a copy. I am not suggesting you read it. I AM suggesting that you think about it. Tony and I probably disagree on as much as we agree, but I like having the debates. If you are someone like that, then you will like this book. It will push you. If you are someone who likes to read books that help you be a better you, then this isn't for you. In the same vein as UnChristian, Jones' book makes me uncomfortable, but so does world hunger, racism, and denominationalism. I believe the church of the future needs to be pushed, if it wants to be a church in the future at all. In doing so, it will have ears to hear what the needs of people are, and how to best share Jesus with them. This book will speak to open ears.

Perfection

Nothing...I repeat, nothing is better than a snow day.

If He Only Meant It

Recently, since I have been home more I have realized how much my two children fight. I tried to find out who exactly is starting it, but I quickly realized it is both of them. Grace sasses Seth, while he antagonizes her. It is a vicious circle. My only hope is that some day their mother and I will crash on island inhabited by "others" and they will have to learn to get along while their parents are running away from black smoke and things in our past. One thing is for sure, they got their ornery spirit from both their parents. It will be interesting to watch them grow up together. I hope they live to tell about it.

Thank You All

Today is my last day as the Student Ministries Director at Valley Church. It is a sad day for me as I leave so many friends and family. Although I am not going too far away, I know that things will be different from now on as I take the leap of faith toward planting Westwind. There are so many things to think about as I pack boxes and look through files, but all I can think about is saying "thank you". I have many people to thank, so I thought I would just stream thoughts of those folks.

1. Thanks to Quinitin Steiff for giving me a shot at leading the ministry.
2. Thanks to Wendy, Marcia, Brian, and Rob who worked on the search committee--I woudn't be here without you.
3. Thanks to all the interns over the years (Chad, Monica, Jon, Katie, Lynette, Emily, Jennifer, Alicia, Travis, Tommy, Geoff Jr., Megan, Laura, Sandy, Sami, Jake, Garrett, Jarrod) You worked so hard, and it never went unnoticed.
4. To all my awesome volunteer leaders (that I never got to hire), I say thanks. So leading Sunday School, small groups, going on trips, staying up all night, hanging out late, makin cookies, doing whatever needed to be done.
5. Thanks to the parents who supported me and my family. Thanks for your prayers, hospitality, care, encouragement, and love.
6. Thanks to Brent Thomas and the Central district. I appreciate you helping me get involved with other ministries.
7. Thanks to the MANY guys and gals who made my ministry better.
8. Thanks to all the SURGE groups (Johnston, Westchester, Boone, Alta, Story City, Lighthouse). That is one of the best weeks of my life.
9. Thanks to all the high school bands who came and played for all our events.
10. Thanks to a wonderful junior class when I first came here who welcomed me and my family.
11. Thanks to Brandon Mick, Jon Kalvig and Katie who were true partners in ministry.
12. Thanks to all my assistants (Jennifer, Kari, Lyndsey, Ashley, and Darla)--I know I am not organized, but you helped a ton!
13. Thanks to everyone who prayed for my (Dianne, Angela, Carolyn, etc.) who lifted me up to the Lord because they knew they work I was doing was not my own.
14. Thanks to Dianne, my counselor.
15. Thanks to My SPIF Team brothers (Josh, Tom, Jordon) for supporting me.
16. Thanks to Mike and Pat and everyone who cared less about the stain on the rug, and more about the stains in the souls of students.
17. Thanks to Derek, Dustin, Kevin, and Matt, who warped me up to the 21st Century.
18. Thanks to Shelly, who gave me a hug every week
19. Thanks to Isaac, I loved being a kid through your eyes.
20. Thanks for all the students who went to Rosebud and Belize--or any trip that opened their eyes to the world.
21. thanks to my small group (Ryan, Warren, Tim, Scott, Mike, Mark, Todd, Matt, Nate, Jason) You were a real help. I love you guys.
22. Thanks to the Waukee posse. You made things hilarious.
23. Thanks to the three-headed monster. I love you girls.
24. I want to thank Doug Fields, Tony Jones, and Mark Novelli for their advice over the years.
25. Lastly, I want to thank Karla, Grace and Seth who made ministry a lifestyle and not a job.

I will probably think of more but this is the list for now. It was an incredible 6+ years of ministry.

I've Died and Gone to Branson

You might wonder what happens when you die. Well, if you are a good person, you might get to go to San Diego, or Chicago. But, if you are a naughty person, there is only one destination for you...Branson, MO. I am currently writing from this ring of purgatory and I have to remember to close my mouth from time to time. Branson is so weird for so many reasons but here are a few:

• There is a reason why Yakov and the Oak Ridge Boys aren't famous anymore.


• Not everything needs to be covered in lights.


• Just because senior citizens are your primary market doesn't mean everything has to close at 8:30 PM.


• Bass are actually very dumb fish which will bite at anything, so you shouldn't brag too much when you catch one.


• Roller-coasters and go-cart are not accessories.


• Billboards should be used with discretion.


• Gravy is not a meal.

Well, I head back to the promise land today. It is only a short trip to Dante's Inferno. Regular America, here I come!

The Year in Review

I know that it is cliche to spend your last year's blog post on what the year was like, but it was a very interesting year for the Barker family.  That being said, here are some of the highlights of our year.

1. Grace gets into soccer
2. Family Trip to Belize
3. Family Trip to Rosebud, SD
4. Brandon's Sabbatical
5. The Bears Go to the Super Bowl
6. The Cubs in the playoffs
7. Grace gets "Kid of Character" award
8. Brandon throws his own birthday party
9. "Christmas List, Yo!" video
10. Brandon and Karla's 15 year reunion at Bethel University
11. Grace get glasses and retainer
12. The Barkers get a house troll (Jarrod the Intern)
13. Seth masters the Nintendo Wii
14. Brandon and Karla join Geoff and Deb to plant a church in Waukee, IA.

There were all kinds of fun things that happened, but I am most proud of the Barker family for putting themselves in two cross-cultural experiences (Rosebud and Belize).  They got to see a world that was much different than the one they live in. 

The year 2008 will bring many challenges.  We are hopeful in what God will do in our lives.  We thank God for every breath we took this year, and every thing our senses experienced.  It was a great year.

The Little Things

First of all, I would like to say that Jesus is the reason for the season, and that without him I would be nothing.  I am so grateful for God's sent son, and his unconditional love for me.  That being said, from time to time, there are certain things that tickle a person on the inside.  Things that do not have an eternal nature...things that might even distract from our purpose here on earth.  I am talking about Fantasy Football. 

On a snowy Christmas Eve, while people around the world were celebrating the birth of a savior, I was in the basement of my mother-in-law's house watching the Chargers take on the Broncos of Denver.  Down by 11 points going into this game, I needed a miracle to put me on top.  That miracles' name was LT. With 19 carries, 106 yards and 1 touch down, I surpassed the #1 seed in the playoffs (The Pitman Pigskins) and took a 5 point lead over my opponent clinching the GRACE GUYS GONE FANTASY FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP! 

Never in my 11 years of being involved in Fantasy Football have I even come close to a winning season, let alone a playoff.  Then, when I entered the playoffs with a 6-7 record, I knew that there could be Christmas miracles coming my way.  I defeated the #2 seat (The Padres) and then on to the #3 (Calvin Leads the Way), all the while knowing that the powerhouse PIGSKINS, with an 11-2 regular season record awaited me.  It all came down to Christmas Eve--just like the underdogs Mary and Joseph taking on Herod, I stood to lose everything to the domineering fantasy football giant.  And, while hymns were being sung in churches across the country, it was no SILENT NIGHT for the Woopsi Daisies of West Des Moines, as shouts of glee and joy where muffled by pillows as not to look like a pagan celebrating football over the birth of the savior.

So, sometimes it is the little things that bring joy. I know that it will be fleeting, and I know the perspective of this versus the birth of the King. Yet, from time to time it is nice to get what you really want for Christmas.

Fasten Your Seat Belts

It's that roller-coaster feeling.  Giddy excitement meets fearful trepidation.  The sensation of letting go of the swing and flying through the air.  It's driving down a deserted road at midnight with the headlights off in the moonlight.  It's dangerous wonder.  And now it is the feeling of planting a church.

Today, in front of the Valley Church congregation, students, and staff, I announced that I would be leaving the safety of the Valley community, and embarking on a whole new step-of-faith adventure by planting a church in the western Des Moines metropolitan area.  Words cannot express the sheer joy and the sheer terror that I feel.  To leave the safety of the established ministry lifestyle of student ministry, and venture to a new world of unknowns, gives me goose bumps. It is what Mike Yakonelli called Dangerous Wonder.  I call it Holy Terror.

This decision did not come quickly.  There were many catalysts that set this wonderful opportunity in motion.  One of the greatest jumps starts to this decision is my church planting partner, Geoff Safford.  God brought Geoff and his family down to Des Moines from Minnesota to prepare the way for this great adventure.  Geoff and I have known each other for about ten years, but have recently bonded through the passion for doing church in a new way for the next generation of Jesus Followers.  Another catalyst to this decision are all the conversations I have had with amazing people who follow Christ, and who God used to speak to my heart.  So many people I have encountered have spurred me on to think of this next phase of my ministry career.  I have been encouraged to lead in a new way in the church of Christ.  There are so many other reasons that God has used to move me to this decision, but the important thing is that I want to obedient to His call.

This decision does not come without costs.  I have to leave behind an amazing student ministry at Valley Church, filled with amazing staff (Jon, Katie, & Darla), great volunteer leaders (some have been around a long time), and incredible students that I do not want to leave.  Student ministry is tough, however, you are always leaving someone.  There will always be 7th graders to leave behind.  And I have some awesome 7th graders.

So, set your prayers for September 7th, 2008 (our launch date).  We will have many updates, found at Westwind Church's web site.  I know that there will be many more things to say, but for now, this will have to do.

Merry Christmas World!

I thought I would give the world my Christmas present early.  This is the hard work of Matt Johnson, Dustin Burggraaf, Kevin David and myself.  Super props go to Matt who put a ton of work into this.  Feel free to "re-gift" this to anyone you know.  I would love Matt to get some serious hits on his YouTube account.