Churches and Silliness Part 1

I'm wondering how silly churches sound to the outside world. It might be difficult to understand if you are not part of a church context, specifically, the 'Church of Christ' context in the south. The role of women within the congregation seems to be getting a lot of attention as of late.

 Let me preface this conversation before we move any further. This is a serious issue in the workplace, community, and church. This topic is divisive with many church fellowships. It causes anxiety for many. In the simplest way possible, this is an attempt to address the subject and why it causes so much tension and anxiety.

 Again, this is not an attempt to be deep or even express all the moving parts connected with these discussions. Also, it is important to state this is just one ugly side of a community of people. We all have friends that can look at the same information and have two different views. Look at politics, sports, and even food have disagreements.

 The question is really, why do we get so anxious and upset about these topics? It is my opinion it is because we have created a sense of security in our belief that serves as a foundation in our life. Not just a foundation but possibly one of the only stable foundations in our life. When the only stable foundation in our life gets rocked it creates anxiety. Anxiety leads to intense conversations. These intense conversations lead to broken friendships and instability in our foundations.

 Back to the topic... Women's roles in the church or the Role of a Women in Church
 1. Women's roles: The tension on the subject of Women's roles within the Churches of Christ is coming to a head pretty quickly. The subject is getting so hot it is almost unavoidable in some circles. As of late, there have been several churches that make public statements that go against the traditional view of the subject.

Many churches are making public statements that they will "allow women" to have leadership roles within the congregation of the church.

Here is a quick view as to why this causes tension. 
Traditionally, many churches use the New Testament of the Bible is the baseline source for the behavior of a Christian. Not only behaviors but also how the church should conduct themselves when gathering together as a church body.

When a church gathers it is typical to have fellowship, a time of prayer, and worship. In the New Testament (NT) there are two specific passages that state women are to be 'silent not have authority over a man.'

Many people view this as a timeless directive and should be observed every time the church gathers together.
It is not meant to be hurtful or mean spirited. The assumption is everyone has a role to play and the role of leadership belongs to a man. (There is so much more to understand this perspective better) 

In recent years it has become popular to re-examine this subject with a more open approach. This approach goes against the traditional view in reading scripture.

The argument is that the bible is not as clear as it appears to contradict itself on this subject. It is argued that there are more passages to discuss how women are to lead than not to lead.

 This has left many to scratch their heads looking for a biblical directive on the matter, simply because we assume we should have a biblical directive and practice.

Some reactions to these conversations:
1. React and support the traditional approach
2. React and prove the traditional approach wrong
3. Ignore the conversation completely
4.  Address it and make a stance knowing a loss to a congregation will take place.
5.  Some are just numb, they have too many other important arguments going on in life to care.
6. Surprised that this is even a conversation
7. What else do we have wrong and fearful that their foundation isn't as solid as they once felt?
 ...many more...

 Allow me to leave you with this thought.
 If we are doing the things that Jesus commands, then the above subject is not a subject at all. We will be so tired we wouldn't even consider the debate.

Be encouraged to Love God, Love your neighbor, take care of the orphans and widows, feed the homeless, visit people who are sick, be joyful with the people joyful, be in the prayer of thanksgiving and full of gratitude.

Most of all be exhausted.

Well: no good a Grammer: but it's post

Awww, well it’s been a long month. I have started a new job role at Walmart. This one will be the biggest growing opportunity I have had to date. I have noticed on a Monday’s, I ask myself “why did you change jobs???” then come Wednesday I feel the rhythm of work flow and confidence which makes it enjoyable. Every day I am leaning things about work and life, including God. The last few years I had been stuck in a bit of a rut when it came to my spiritual life, I have had a few bursts here and there but nothing that has determined consistency. Last summer I took a class at Harding University in fulfillment of my Degree. During this time the Central Teen’s were there for Uplift. Shannon Cooper, the Youth Director, allowed me to join in on their evening devotionals. This was the first time since we left Little Rock that I felt like a contributor to God’s work. This time was such a blessing to me an my relationship with God. I know this sounds weird but it was good, so much that I will be joining them again in a few weeks. Bentonville Church of Christ: After being at this church a few years, we are finally getting involved. It is such a drive within me to work and do things that make a different for the church community. There has defiantly been a reassurance of energy for Ministry. I find myself with what Lee Henson of Camp Caudle notes, the BUG. I assume many people have the ability to separate Church, work and family life into different buckets and fully function. I can tell you that this is very difficult for me. I’m finding it very difficult to think about work and other things when you have been bitten by the BUG. We have been in prayer, not consent prayer, about our direction as to where we are to move in this ministry aspect. Let me back up for a second. While in college, I was very involved at our church(s), Acappella, New Covenant and the Firemen, that I didn’t really focus much on school till I got in trouble. Dr. Edward Myers pulled me aside and told me the following: “Mark, you are talented in many different areas and you will do very well any anything you choose. But you are not good at them when you are trying to do so many of them. You have the personality that only allows you to do one thing really well at a time.” At the time I thought he was just being a jerk and telling me not to do the ministry stuff I wanted to do. But after a few years there was a realization that he was correct. So, when I moved to NW Arkansas to work for Walmart, I told myself I was going to focus on my Work and Sandi. The church approached me several times with helping on ministry items and I politely refused. Hindsight this was correct approach for us at the time. But ever since last summer, I have cared less about my Job and more about my family and church work. The little talk I had with Dr. Myers is ringing very true, and really need to figure out how to separate the two and be beneficial at all three: Family, Church and Work. I guess that is my true prayer. Speaking of Family: We are doing great; the two older girls have bunk beds now, which make them very excited. Addison is 4 years old now, Avery turns 3 on Friday and Ava is sitting at 18 months old. Each of these girls has their own personalities and I love every single one of them. Ava has a very “Dry” personality then randomly bursts out in facial and physical expressions, Avery is maturing faster than I expected, she has always been the active loving one. She is now calming down and wanting to do more on her own. Addison is smart as ever, she is asking intelligent questions about clouds, people and God. What I can say about is Sandi is that I look at her everyday and think how lucky I am to have a beautiful wife. She is a great example of a mother, Christian partner and friend. I find myself extremely lucky.

Thoughts to dump... enjoy

OK, it's been a long time. Jotting some thoughts:
1. There is a lady at work who i didn't think very highly about when i first started, but everyday i work with her i feel like a total jerk for thinking anything less than one of God's children. She he a very hardworking person who (seemingly) does the right thing. A very impactful item learned (learning) this year is not to treat people the way you think you should treat them but as who they are as children of God.
2. As I'm getting more responsibilities in my life (family, work, bills), other things just aren't as important to me. One thing is not feeling in a rush: it is OK that laundry didn't get done this morning or the house didn't get picked up this morning. It is ok that i didn't answer that phone call every time it rings. It is ok that i drive like a grandma, It is ok that it took me 4 months to build the playground outback. It is important to hug my babies. With that said, it is still important to keep up with ones personal life for mere sustainability.
3. This year marks the 5th year since started working my career. This career has always felt right. With much difference from what i studied or work so hard to be, i do still feel this is where God wants us to be.
4. I do want to be more involved in church, just not comfortable still. This past summer i went back to Harding for two weeks, during that two weeks the Central Youth Group was there and i was able to spend time with them. This was the most effective i have felt for the kingdom in 5 years. Something is missing there i can can't quite put my finger on it.
5. Acappella: Many of you know that i worked with the Christian singing group Acappella as a sound engineer. That was one of the best experiences in my life. It set the stage (no pun intented) for what i do today. Many thanks to that ministry.
6. Family: Family isn't intended to be #6, infact it is #1 in my life. Addison, Avery, Ava and Sandi are the things i think about most of my days. Could not imagine what my life would be like with out them.
7. Spent a few hours at the Rockadyne Church of Christ "Jumpstart" youth rally on Saturday. Spent about 4 hours talking to former school mates and friends, Paul and Lee. They both are in ministry, it is so weird to realize how far removed i am from that style of thought. i applaud them for keeping in the ministry, i know it is not easy in any way.
8. Busy month: Camping with friends, Addison turning 4, working out of town for 10 days, going to some HOG football games maybe even a cowboys game.
9. Miss my Little Rock church families and friends.
10. Think Positive about everything: This is actually hard sometimes, it's like running, you have to do it for it to be natural.

Avery Ann Hixson

Today, June 8th 2009, Avery Ann Hixson was born into this world at 3:53pm.

See Pictures on Facebook or the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28811679@N05/?saved=1

Public News

Sandi and I are proud to announce we are set for another child in early June! We had fun telling our families this past week. Addison wore a T-shirt which said "This little monkey is going to be a big sister." Thank you all!

Addison Walking

Updated Pictures: I find myself too lazy to blog anymore... I do have a few blogs that i would like to post but that would cause me to think...

Enjoy