This morning I listened to the entire chat with Donald Miller and Derek Webb which took place last night. At this moment, I am too tired to post my interaction, so for those of you who have listened to it, I am interesting in hearing your take on the interview. Because I spent a considerably large amount of time emailing folks, it is way past my bedtime. While I snooze, feel free to post your thoughts on what was said. I hope to find time soon to add my thoughts on the discussion. Here are some questions you might want to consider (or not):
I. Did you hear anything that surprised you?
II. Did you not hear anything that surprised you ( left out)?
III. What stuck out the most in your mind (or that you enjoyed the most)?
IV. What disappointments or concerns (if any) do you have in light of the interview?
V. How do you think this interview will have an impact on future conversations?
I listened to it as it was streaming, and I “taped” it (to an MP3, of course) so I could listen later, because I was studying simultaneously. So I only half-listened, knowing I could go back and listen later.
I was disappointed slightly because I was hoping that Webb and Miller would interact more with each other, but he might as well have interviewed them separately.
They didn’t say much that I haven’t heard them say in recent podcasts (from RELEVANT magazine and Grassroots music), though I was only half-listening.
I have to say I pretty much liked what I heard.
I have to say that I’ve read two of Miller’s books and have no real problems with what he has to say, and I feel I can support almost every Derek Webb song.
I think the recent surge of interest in social justice is A GOOD THING. American Christians cannot turn their backs to the rest of the world (including Christians) any more! This does not mean that these “social justice” types are espousing a gospel that is merely one of being helpful and nothing else. It is one that includes more than just words, and I think that’s biblical.
Anyway. I say all that just because they spent a lot of time talking about social issues, which I don’t think is a bad thing.
As far as anything specific, I will need to go back and listen, because my attention was divided.
Although, I do remember Don talking about how our nation’s “checks and balances” are set up in such a way that it becomes impossible to accomplish anything for the kingdom of heaven through politics… Not sure what I think about that yet.
Oh yes, if anyone needs an MP3.
Thanks Jimmy for the link. I looked all over the place for a way to download the thing but couldn’t.
I hope to share my reflections after a while. I need to listen to it again as I too was multi-tasking and missed a couple of exchanges I needed better understand.
One quick thought: What do you think of Miller’s denial in the leadership of the new movement in the evangelical world, presumably the emerging church movement? For one to have written several books and with huge numbers sold coupled with his extensive speaking schedule, I have to wonder why he shirks the idea and responsibility as a leader of such a movement (although Webb doesn’t like to refer it as that).
Speaking of speaking engagements, on April 2, he will be speaking at the People’s Church in Franklin, TN in both morning services. I think I am going to try to make it. Wanna go?
I’d love to go, but that’s our DNOW weekend. Curses! Always with the simultaneous events!
I’m going to have to go back and listen to Don’s comments on the Emergent leadership thing. He said that in the RELEVANT podcast, too (which would be worth listening to for more insight on his thought, if you want that)… He spoke about being arbitrarily dumped into the “emergent” category by some in the Christian community, and he wasn’t really sure how he got there. I think he denies leadership in the movement because he’s not writing as part of some movement or espousing a movement in his writings (other than Christianity). The mantle has kind of been put upon him involuntarily, I think. And apparently it’s unwanted. I don’t think it’s necessarily a case of shirking any responsibility, because he didn’t set out for any.
On the other hand, one often becomes a role model or a leader without intending to, and that is a status not to be taken lightly. Miller may be saying he’s not a leader because he doesn’t consider himself one in some particular “movement” or group, but I think he’s smart enough to take his influence seriously, and realize that a lot of people listen to what he has to say. I think he realizes that (else, what’s with all the speaking engagements?).
Just some thoughts.