Things I learned in February

The blur of February 2007 becomes finito today.
Here's what I think I learned:

• Peyton Manning can win the big one.
• Even true friendships require consistent cultivation.
• Presentations to a Board of Directors can actually be enjoyable.
• Meeting with a board of elders usually isn't.
• People in their 80's have much to offer, and yearn for conversation.
• Early Valentine's surprises can be a big hit, if done right.
• In-laws can change their minds about you - even if it's just for a weekend.
• A right attitude gained through daily prayer adds incredible strength to life.
• Daily prayer is the easiest and one of the hardest activities a human can accomplish.
• I can't help but see the potential in people, which means reality often frustrates me.
• Putting big life events of our friends on my calendar helped us pray for them.
• Bad spiritual leaders cause strife in truly great people.
• There are too many undefined terms being thrown around in Christianity.
• Change can be scary for people.
• I have a LOT to learn about worshiping God.

Is church in America just a business?

Just starting. Didn't want to, but had to begin a blog to reply to my friend Skip's.

In response to him, I wrote that denominations seem to me like corporate businesses and individual churches like franchises -- with each marketing Jesus (for tithe checks) in whatever way reaches their target market best.

A bit cynical, I know. But I'm starting to wonder how much of what we call a "worship service" on Sunday is really just idolatry -- people exalting their favorite Christian hero/team. Most Christians I know leave church talking way way more about the pastor, message, or church itself than about Jesus Christ or God.

I'm not saying there are no true believers at church. I'm just wondering if what we've been raised to believe is ministry ... just isn't.

Real ministry according to Jesus seems to be either prayer or humanitarian efforts like feeding the poor, visiting the lonely/sick/imprisoned, etc. (see Matt. 25). I've yet to see a church where meeting those needs dominate the budget.

Any thoughts?