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mi casa es su casa

Why do you cry? He has risen

Why do you cry? He has risen

Why are you weeping? He's not dead

Why do you cry? He has risen

Why are you weeping? He's not dead

He paid it all on that lonely highway

And his anointing I can feel. He shed his blood

For my transgressions

And by His stripes we are healed



Music & lyrics by Kirk Franklin

Greenbelt

The Laird crew have pretty much decided that we're going to head off to the Greenbelt festival later this year.

It will be a first for me, and something I've been meaning to do for years now.

Greenbelt have launched a new site today, and made some announcements about the line up.

Wanna come?

HT to Greenbelt for the image

New site from Moot

Nice to see that the lovely people at Moot have given their website a springclean.

Clean lines, tidy aesthetic , pared down and simple.

I like it.

HT to Moot for the image

Ragamuffin Carlos Whittaker coming to UK?

Word is Jesus following Uberblogger and Worship leader, Carlos Whittaker is coming over to the UK during May.

Last night Los tweeted:

Hey UK. Looks like the wife and I will be heading out there for a bit in late May. Let's book some nights of worship!!!

This is good news.

Here’s hoping for a hook-up...

Ragamuffin Soul
More on Los at johnnylaird

HT to Los for the image

Lovely Atheists and Jesus followers

Last year when the UK initiated Atheist Bus Campaign was in full swing I think there was a little spike in the ancient and ongoing debate between Theists and Atheists. The argument often descends into childish or spiteful rhetoric and head honcho, top banana amongst the non Believers, Richard Dawkins is regularly described as “shrill”. I’m sure “shrill” is Dawkins’ middle name!

It can actually become quite boring. If ever you’ve read the comments section in any of The Guardian’s articles on faith you’ll know what I mean.

Sometimes I wonder if we’re getting it all wrong.

I’m sure a much more rewarding and edifying experience would be to bring together some of the less strident, but no less compelling voices...not to debate, not to argue, not to score points, but simply to hang out. You know – eat some food, enjoy a walk in the woods, make sandcastles on the beach, look at the stars...whatever.

In my head, I’ve kinda compiled a short list of Atheists who I think are completely top people – inspirational in their field, interesting and seemingly in love with life.

I’ve come up with a similar list of Jesus followers who have really informed my own way of looking at Scripture and walking the Way of Jesus.

I’d love to bring this bunch of folks together.

I’ve got a funny feeling they’d get along famously

Any thoughts?

Any obvious omissions?

Lovely Atheists

Eddie Izzard
Billy Connolly
Dr Brian Cox

Jesus followers

Desmond Tutu
Rob Bell
Brian McLaren
Erwin McManus

Rob Bell in London with Chapel Street, and Jim Wallis on the way

Kudos has to go out to Chapel Street for hosting an excellent evening with Rob Bell in Westminster, London last night.

For an organisation still in its infancy, the guys at Chapel Street were the hosts with the most!

For the record - and for the naysayers out there - Rob spoke very clearly and principally about Jesus, the Cross and the Resurrection in his “Drops Like Stars” presentation.

Clearly, Chapel Street mean to carry on as they have started as they shared news of the “Social Justice Tour” later in the year, when they bring Jim Wallis to the UK.



I once blogged that Chapel Street were “One to watch”. Perhaps more than ever this is the case.

The amazing story of the ministries of Russ Rook, and those of his friend and cohort Phil Wall is one that deserves to be told more completely and shared more widely. Through Roots, ALOVE, HOPEHIV and now Chapel Street these are a couple of men of God, who have regularly found themselves walking in places where God has been doing his stuff. Clearly there are things to be learned from their experience.

HT to Chapel Steet for the images

Friend of the geek...

One of the ways I describe myself is a “friend of the geek”. It sits in there nicely alongside “Connector, communicator, change agent, blogger & social activist... friend of the geek & radical"

One of the chief geeks I consider myself to be a friend of is Chris Hinton of Geek Speak.

Today he poses the question....” Are online friendships “real”?

I know what I think.

Got any thoughts?

HT to Chris for the image

Media Day at The Salvation Army Kettering

On Saturday May 8th I’ll be exploring & speaking about how we can use Twitter, blogging & other Social Media stuff in ministry at a media day held The Salvation Army in Kettering, England.

Other folks will be talking about sound engineering, presentation software, the use of video etc, whereas I’ll be concentrating a little more on community, tribes and connections...and stepping outside of the Church bubble.

The organisers are also hoping to arrange a video link up with the guys from the US to talk about MediaShout.

There’s no website per se for the event, but there is a registration place here, if you want to check it out.

Brian Kelly Photography

I’m quite partial to a beautifully captured image, and you could do a lot worse if you wanted to see some than to check out Brian Kelly’s glorious new website. Not only are the pics themselves wonderful....the site is pretty elegant as well.

Brian first came my notice when I was impressed by some excellent shots he’s taken of Pastor and Author, Ed Dobson for a book and website project called Living Jesusly.

Both Brian and Ed hail from Grand Rapids, Michigan...as does Rob Bell of Mars Hill Bible Church.

All 3 guys are worth checking out

• More about Ed on johnnylaird
• More about Rob on johnnylaird

HT to Brian for the pic

Problogger.....then who?

Let’s assume Problogger’s Darren Rowse is your – and most other blogger’s - #1 port of call for blogging tips & inspiration.

If YOU were to choose only ONE OTHER guy to watch, who would it be?

When you make your choice, unpack it a little, and explain WHY?

HT to Darren Rowse for the pic

Stuart Pendred sings....Carol Jarvis and Murray Greig play: Celebration Concert for ANDY GREIG - Bedford - 23rd April

If you read johnnylaird regularly, you’ll know that I’ve been dragging my old carcas around various long distance runs in recent months, at first in aid of my buddy Andy Greig, and now in his honour, as Andy died in November having fought a brave, dignified and inspiring battle against bone cancer.

Another one of my dearest and longest standing friends, the wonderfully talented Stuart Pendred has done so much to push this whole thing of friends trying to help each other along, and has been invited to perform in a Celebration Concert in memory and celebration of our friend Andy, at The Salvation Army in Bedford....somewhere - as kids - Stuart, Andy, me and a whole tight knit gang of kids spent countless happy hours, days, doing the stuff that close friends do. They were magical times that have left me with some amazing memories, and friends I will love forever.

All proceeds from the concert will go towards Andy's Angels - the charity that was set up during Andy's illness.

Stuart spoke, sang and held it together wonderfully at Andy’s funeral.
Another of the musicians who offered their tribute on the day was the amazing Carol Jarvis, regarded as one of the best trombonists in the world. Carol has toured with many of the world's top orchestras and has also performed with Seal and Sting. Her playing is just beautiful. Sublime.

Andy’s cousin Murray Greig will also be featured.

As the Principal Trumpet player for Opera North as well as being Trumpet Tutor for both the Royal Northern College of Music and the famous Chethams Music School, Murray is truly one of the UK's best trumpet players.

Check out Stuart’s site for more details

Spanish getaway

If you and your family fancy a short break in Spain, here’s the skinny...

Some really good friends of mine have a great little place that I’m glad to help them promote, cause it’s a top place and I love ‘em.

It’s stylish, very comfortable and close to the beach.

They’re top folks, who’d be happy to shoot you an email more details on cost, availability and stuff.

If you want to know more, leave me a comment and I’ll hook you up with them.

Disclaimer: This is all straight & genuine, but I do get a little kick back for coffee money should you book through me....just sayin’!

I did it....just!

I managed another 13.1 mile stagger yesterday in memory of my dear friend Andy Greig.

Excellent day - beautifully sunny, but a bit chilly.

So good to hook up with old friends again.

HT to 42Run for the image. More available there.

Forge America

I was stoked to discover today that Forge are kicking off in the US.

Originally an initiative out of Australia, driven in large part by the work of Alan Hirsch and Mike Frost, who get so many mentions on my blog I’m fearful they might think I’m stalking them.

I’m not...really I’m not...I just think that between them they have the best handle on what it means to be missional in the West in the 21st Century, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on what they have to say.

My noodlings about Mission”Al”
My noodlings about Frosty

Forge America describe themselves like this:

Forge is an innovative mission training network that seeks to equip Christian leaders for mission in a first world setting.

Forge recognizes the enormous cultural shifts that have occurred in the world over the last few decades and is committed to developing leaders who can live and serve incarnationally, who have a holistic view of life and mission and who are able to re-think church structures recognizing that one size does not fit all.

Forge encourages the dreamers, entrepreneurs and the risk takers in our churches to boldly seek new expressions of church and new approaches to mission so that we can be genuinely connected to the heartbeat of our communities.

The Forge dream is to see both new missional communities birthed and established churches encouraged refocusing on the task of mission within their communities

Forge has emerged at a time when it is widely agreed that we find ourselves in a new mission context. In our present cultural climate most experienced evangelists and missionaries recognize that intentional mission responses and church planting is the most effective approach. Forge is a bold initiative that specifically addresses these challenges by linking experienced mission practitioners with emerging missional leaders. Forge aims to focus its energy on developing leadership that can understand the missional challenge and proactively develop strategies, approaches and teams, to be able to take the church onto new and uncharted ground.

You may want to check out the forthcoming Forge Missional Imaginations Conference in April, hosted by Wheaton.

Forge’s National US Director is fellow Aussie, Kim Hammond

As a double whammy bonus on this post, here’s a great little interview with Alan conducted by Andrew Marin of Love is An Orientation, and a link to Churchplanters conference where Hirschy gives a great lecture on the whole Missional deal....it’s really worth taking the time with a coffee to listen to this presentation if you want to get some perspective on this missional business (you have to give ‘em your email address)

“Bring It To Life” Missio Dei

Now, you wouldn’t expect a member of the famously teetotal Sally Army to run a Guinness ad on their blog, but - heck - Ireland won the rugby today, so that’s my excuse!

But it’s not the rugby I want to talk about.

It’s the wonderful ad that’s been running on TV in the UK at the moment, and there’s something about the “Bring It To Life” tagline that is interesting to me.

Guinness have shifted from the “Good Things Come To Those Who Wait” slogan to the a new line of “Bring It To Life”. The ad “World” shows a bunch of guys loosely playing God and creating a world of their own - one that looks a little like LOST on a very bad weather day:

I read that previous ads based on the ‘Good Things...’ slogan were “firmly rooted in the experience of drinking in a pub”. Guinness say their famous brew is also increasingly popular at home and the company were looking to find a way to persuade more people to experience Guinness “wherever they were.”

The Creative director of the ad said this was “based on a product truth which reframes the drink making it more contemporary and relevant to a new audience” (and the way they now consume alcohol.)

The interesting thing to me is that some of the language that could slip very easily into a conversation about faith and Church.

I’m not convinced about the validity of the search for the “contemporary and relevant” in and of itself, but I am stirred by the sheer size and awesome grandeur of this world we live in, and the way it speaks to me of God.

I’m also blown away to think that we can experience God the creator....wherever we are; and that includes in the pub!

Church: Crowd or Community?

Mosaic’s Erwin McManus nails it with this great preach that you can catch – in audio or video* - at the Mosaic Podcast, and calls out his own community. (Who I have massive love for, BTW)

“You have to decide whether you just want this is to be a place where you come to observe or a place where you want to have community and communion”

“I don’t want you to come to Church. I want you to BE the Church”

Strong stuff. Challenging as ever. Great lessons to be learned.

Thanks, Erwin.

One of the Scripture passages quoted in this preach is the wonderful Micah 6:8 (New International Version)

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

(*This particular message is entitled “A Fresh Start for Mosaic”)

HT to Bluefish TV for the image

St Paul's Cathedral - Global Poverty Project Churches Launch

Tonight hundreds of people will gather at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral for the Global Poverty Project Churches Launch.

I’m glad to be among that number to listen, and learn more about this significant initiative.

There’s no ”us and them...”

What a deeply sad clip

Now, strangely enough, I don’t have a problem with guns per se. There are plenty of good folks in the US and beyond who use them sensibly and responsibly in hunting and sports, BUT...and it’s a big but...the easy availability of guns to the criminal world has to be addressed.

I don’t know what the answer is, and I don’t know enough about the culture to really understand it , but it’s certainly troubling that someone like Shane Claiborne is given such short shrift here and it raises all kinds of questions about Empire, Kingdom and nominal Christianity.

I wonder how many of the folks responding to him so vehemently released how well known he is, and how far his influence reaches?

Click for more on Shane Claiborne and The Simple Way

Croydon Churches: Java for Jesus

I’m looking forward to Croydon Churches Forum Leaders Breakfast tomorrow, part of which will be a presentation from the Nationwide Christian Trust where they will outline their vision – described as Living Oasis - for how some of the old Wesley Owen Christian bookstores can be reinvigorated and used for mission and ministry in their local contexts. This nationwide chain of Christian bookstores has recently been victims of the recession and have been in various stages of liquidation and flux in recent months.

Now, it may seem obvious to Christians that there is need for a high street outlet for Christian resources – books, DVDs, music etc, but I’m quite intrigued to hear more about the vision, and what impact such a retail environment would have on the broader community.

A cursory look at the associated NCT and Living Oasis websites seems to show that - aesthetically at least - the initiatives seem to have both feet planted firmly in the realms of “Churchianity”.

Good books about faith are important – so important - and I dearly wish my own ecclesia would read more often. I’m a massive advocate that Jesus followers should be well resourced and well read, yet I think we have to caution ourselves about creating environments that only appeal to people who behave like we do, look like we do, and share our cultural points of reference. Beware the Holy Huddle.

NCT also mention a move from “Maintenance to Mission” on their site.

Again, this is right up my alley, but the thought occurs that we still need to understand and explore – corporately and individually – what is means to follow the Missio Dei. Do we need to create our own Christian coffee shops, or should we be drinking our Java for Jesus in those places – those “third places” that already exist?

It can be done – and done well, though, as shown by church.co.uk’s recent Hub coffee shop review.

Please don’t assume this post is wholly negative. I’m just exploring and sharing my own internal ramblings, and committing them to the blogosphere!

Blogging Bishop of Croydon, Nick Baines will be at the breakfast, so it will be interesting to hear his views.

HT to Pernell Goodyear of The Freeway for the image