Author Archive
Michael Kimpan
Offensive Jesus?
Thursday, April 12th, 2012
Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes. I’ve made plenty. I’ll make plenty more.
And in the future, when i err, I’d like to err on the side of grace.
We’ve heard it said many times before by trendy authors and edgy preachers willing to push the limits and boundaries of comfort, as well as those of us who have a proclivity for proclaiming ‘truth’ ::
‘Jesus was offensive. The gospel is offensive.’
‘Some people just aren’t going to like it. Jesus was a stumbling block to many.’ This usually comes with the implied perspective, ‘So if Jesus is a stumbling block to you, just get out of my way. I’ve got work to do.’
Jesus for Prez
Monday, February 27th, 2012
Last Monday was Presidents day.
So I tweeted, ‘Jesus for president.‘ on my facebook wall, and with several followers on twitter, this generated some discussion. Some were in support of Jesus as a candidate, while others cautioned the phrase sounded eerily similar to first century demands that Jesus overthrow Caesar — a misunderstanding of the messiah’s mission.
The discussion brings up some other questions…
If elected president (or forced by popular demand to run) … what would Jesus do? Would he run as a democrat? A republican?
Would Jesus spend his first term convincing (or forcing) every American to convert to the religion named after him? Would that even be a priority? Would he endorse and create wars to do the same globally? Would he concern himself with our interests as Americans or spend billions protecting our borders from illegals? What, if anything, would he do with prop 8?
Al Mohler, Mullets and Gay Marriage
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
I admit it. I used to listen to country music.
We all make mistakes.
I saw the error of my ways about the same time Billy Ray Cyrus came on the scene prancing around stage in his Guess? jeans singing ‘Achy Breaky Heart.’ I promised myself then that I’d be very cautious before ever again aligning myself with a man in a mullet.
That’s at least one reason I’m surprised that I’m writing this post.
Anti-Gay?
Thursday, September 1st, 2011
I was sitting at the edge of my seat, anxiously waiting for Hybels to make his announcement. As a former Starbucks partner (the internal terminology used for employees) and manager, the cancellation of Howard Schultz at the Willow Creek annual Global Leadership Summit was particularly disappointing.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting and speaking with Howard on more than one occasion, sharing cocktails and conversation with him and other senior leaders during the Starbucks leadership conference in NOLA; and again had the opportunity to rub shoulders with the business legend (who is really more like an iconic company rock star), during a closed session for selected managers in our region prior to the company launching their version of instant coffee called VIA in Chicago – a bold move for a respected coffee company.
Daydreamers
Sunday, February 13th, 2011
All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to find that it was vanity; But the dreamers of day are dangerous men, that they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible. –T. E. Lawrence
Our world needs daydreamers daring to dream dangerously.
The table of history is seasoned with men and women who have dared to dream of a world better than this; who have been emboldened by their visions to live life defiantly in the face of the status quo and have courage enough to ask an Almighty God to change His creation through them. Adding much needed and exquisite God-flavor to their surroundings, they have brought vivid color to a world of dull and dingy black and white and stirred the imaginations of those audacious enough to follow in their footsteps– encouraging those who come afterwards to take a hold of hope and visualize a world better than the one we live in.
