moving this blog

Update your feed readers, bookmarks, favorites, or "pages that I want to block"...I'm moving the blog over here...

www.terrymichaelnewell.com

on changing sides

It's official. I've changed sides. I know many folks will be shocked to hear this, but I can't help the way I feel. Sometimes you've just got to go with your gut.

I stopped at one of my (new) remote offices and when it happened I couldn't believe it. I compromised a lot of what I usd to think was good and pure. I may be changed forever.

I now put cream and sweetener in my coffee and it's wonderful. Once a purist of strong, black coffee, I now enjoy the lighter side.

If I've disappointed any you, I'm sorry.

Why Emergent? (the short version)

Some circles criticize those of us who prefer an “emergent” path of the Christian faith. I’m not sure why that is. Are we that easy of a target? Are we really that misguided in our efforts and hopes for the practice of the Christian faith during our time in history? I don’t believe so. Let me say this, I believe God has called me to be emergent because of one word that is used consistently and compellingly. That is, conversation. That’s what attracted me to emergent in the beginning. I decided to attend the Emergent convention in Nashville as few years ago. Furthermore, I decided to go with an open mind, not to be the normal cynic I can be too often. I went to listen, but in the end, found myself in the conversation. I challenged some things and affirmed others. I learned a lot there and the learning continues. I think of it as God’s “call” because of something I read this morning.

"[God’s] appeals come through the conversations of good people, or from sermons,
or through the reading of good books; and there are many other ways, of which
you have heard, in which God calls us." (Interior Castle, Teresa of Avila)

That says a lot.

Criticize all you want. But, the conversations/sermons/books I’ve experienced in the past few years might as well have been a burning bush.

awesome experience

Bailey and I went to see this last week. And now I'm trying to figure out a way to go back.