Cyber Padre or Suburban Pastor?
Originally published in the May/June 2008 issue of YouthWorker Journal. (story here) Reprinted with permission. Those who would rather bask in type-set goodness can grab the PDF.
Confessions of a Clan Chaplain:
Loving God, games, and the gamers who play them
My name is Rob, and I’ve got a secret. I’m a 30-year-old gamer. Ever since Frogger, I’ve been hooked. Side-scrollers, roleplaying games, adventure games, first person shooters, simulations, massively multi-player on-line games, I love ‘em all. But that’s not my secret.
I’m also a pastor, an Associate of Youth and Family Ministries to be exact. Over the years, many have asked me when I was finally going to become a “real” minister. I usually just laugh and say, “I’m very happy where I’m at, thank you.” Inside, it ticks me off. But that’s not my secret either.
Like most secrets, mine started small. I was bored one day, and broke, so I searched the net for a new game, something fun and free. I stumbled on what I still believe is one of the greatest games ever made. (Gamers can find out more at freeallegiance.org) I tried it, loved it, and joined a squad.
For the non-gamers, the difference between squad games and pick-up games is like the difference between Church League Softball and AAA Minor Leagues. Squad members discuss tactics in online forums. They schedule practices to improve skill and teamwork. What started as a simple distraction had turned into a commitment.
You know what the greatest part was? I was one of the guys. When someone swore, they didn’t apologize to me. When I got angry, they didn’t lecture me. And best of all no one assumed they knew me just because they could label me. It was a meritocracy of humor, intelligence, and skill. Finally, after a year, I took the big step. I told them I was a minister. What started as a commitment had become a community.
Members joined and members left, but the core became fast friends. We shared family pictures and work frustrations. We argued philosophy and politics. And because they trusted me, occasionally they would come to me with a question, or a problem, or even a prayer request.
Another year passed, and I posted a poll in our forum volunteering for clan chaplain. (clan instead of squad because the connotations hinted at the family we had become for each other, and chaplain because our community was so diverse) They overwhelmingly accepted, and dubbed me “Padre.” What started as a community had become a ministry.
So now you know. My big secret is out. I’m a shepherd with two flocks. I minister to kids in a suburb of Milwaukee. I also minister to a misfit band of gamers from LA, to Slovakia, to Australia, and points in between.
What surprises me every day is how much these two groups have in common. They like Jesus and hate church, which means I can’t hold a service and wait for them to show; I go to them. When they cry, I mourn with them. When they laugh, I dance with them. When we talk, I try to listen as much as I speak. I show them as much love as I’m able. When they ask why, I tell them stories.
“Did you hear the one about the guy with two sons?”
That’s real ministry even if the guy you’re praying for is a computer programmer from Germany. That’s real ministry even if the girl you’re counseling has braces and ADHD. It’s ministry because Christ is present, transforming us. These glimpses of the coming/present kingdom remind me that God is here too, inescapable, relentlessly loving, even on the Internet. Why would I give that up just to be a “real” minister?
Tosa Skateboarders Get Famous-er (and me a little bit too)
We made the paper! Walked into work this morning and our administrator showed me the article. Turns out someone over at the Journal Sentinel thought the story of a church that supports skaters was worth sharing. Why would a church give a care about a bunch of skateboarders? You’ll just have to read for yourself. Better yet, go out and buy a copy, then email Annysa Johnson to tell her what a great job she did writing the article, and then go to your church/business and challenge them to get on board too!
Check out our new video!
If you like it, be sure to let Paul Lewis know. He’s the one who did most of the filming and all of the editing. He’s also our most faithful volunteer advisor, and the kids love him. Thanks for everything, Paul!
Somewhere over the rainbow
What an amazing show. I went to see Wizard of Oz over at Tosa East last weekend and it was great! The leads were compelling, the orchestra was solid, and the special effects? Wow! People flying around all over the place! It was an incredible show and a wonderful way to spend an evening.
And there’s still time! Don’t miss out! Check out Wauwatosa Now for another review and showtimes.
If God loves me always, why did Jesus have to die?
“God does not need the cross to forgive us or love us. Jesus forgave and loved people before the cross. But some of us needed the cross to be able to really accept that forgiveness. God does not need the cross to love us: God has always loved us. But many of us needed the cross to really grasp that. God does not need the cross to be reconciled to us. But many of us needed the cross to be reconciled to Life, to break the cycle of rivalry and to heal our estranged authority image. The cross speaks to us at the point of our need. And while these are not God’s problems, but our alienation, still for us that alienation is very real. So to the one wracked with guilt God says through the cross, “I take the blame. I pay the price.” To the one who is locked in self-hate God says through the cross “I love you so much I would give my life defending you.” To the one in rebellion to life God says through the cross, “See me here. I am not a threat; I am love.”
-Derek Flood of sharktacos.com (full essay here)
If you’ve got the time, give it a read. It’s great stuff.
WARNING!
This is a journal. As in, personal opinions. As in, NOT the official stance of anybody but me. As in, NOT my final answer on anything. As in read at your own risk, your mileage may vary.
