DISQUS

brad helmuth · 1 year ago

well said...if the whinners spent half as much time doing ministry as they did being critical of this, that, and the other, others might actually get a glimpse of Jesus in their life...maybe. May God bless you richly today in your ministry to your family, friends, community, and your church. May He strengthen you and give you peace in the middle of chaos. You are a gifted man and God has used you greatly (in my life and others). May He continue to bless those around you through you. peace.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

Thanks, my friend. Maybe one day we will see each other again, eh?

Geoff · 1 year ago

I've always wondered why people feel the need to interject in my life as a minister. They would say it was their way of showing concern or mentoring me. They would shine that christian smile and say that they were trying to show me the right way. Although some of them were genuinely concerned for me and my best intentions, the advice was not well received. The problem is that people rarely have the best intentions. They want to flash their strong arm or "wisdom". I'm 23 and I don't need someone telling me that I am flawed. I need someone to support me. Tell me I am doing a good job and that they want me to push on a be strong. Your blogs have always been interesting. I can identify with the sentiments and the passion. Keep speaking your mind. I know some might tell you to tone down the language or to stop ragging on christians so much. I'll just tell you to keep sharing and know that at least one person identifies with your struggles!

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

I understand, Geoff. You want to feel valued and encouraged. It's not that you can't take criticism--we can all use people in our life to speak truth into us. But, we need those people to be be people we trust and are in relationship with. There needs to be mutual permission. So, be persistent and passionate in serving Jesus and stay sharp by surrounding yourself with people whom you love and trust. Peace.

joymark · 1 year ago

Thanks. I feel this down to my bones. Know that you're not alone.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

Giddeeup.

davey · 1 year ago

Rock On!

Paul J. · 1 year ago

Dear God, please don't let me ever do anything to piss JVo off. Amen.
;-)
Good post.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

Ha ha. You know the kinds of things that piss me off, man. I don't see you doing any of those. Funny guy.

TimMaynard · 1 year ago

Thanks for not kicking my teeth in! Not too many months ago I made my first comment on this blog and let's just say it was less than edifying. I really appreciate your patience with me, and your willingness to be so transparent about your frustrations.

All those things you ask God to be at the start of this post, you've been to Becky and I as our pastor, so ya, praise God for answered prayer, and thanks for valuing yourself enough to guard your time and energy. We love you dude.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

You're a good man and a great encourager, Tim Maynard.

torybee · 1 year ago

I am probably not the typical reader of your blog. I read it because you have a lot of great things to say and I like the fresh approach. Plus, it all seems pretty biblical.
I have a great interest in emerging church and I love seeing it lived out. I love the creativity, the conversation, the meeting of needs and going out of the church to "be Jesus" to people.
But a lot of people are scared of the "emerging church" label. I'd consider my church "emerging' but I bet 80% of the people who attend it don't even know what that label is and probably would speak out against it without even realizing that we are living it out!
I love being communal and missional; When I speak to others about my church (which is not yours, btw... I'm in CA) and what we do and the leader's vision and heart they all applaud, that is Just what Jesus would have done! But they don't really want to do it. It is easier to get together with other like minded Christ followers and enjoy a good service and lots of upbeat cool songs than to go out in the community and DO something.

think your post made me mentally go through and examine my life. Am I whiny? Am I pissy? Am I ingrown, lackluster, boring, backwards?
Am I reaching out and being Jesus or just complaining?
All good things to contemplate.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

Well, it sounds like we have a lot in common. Yeah, I'm not one for labels either but I have more in common with emerging/emergent leaders than I do with mainstream denominations for sure.

Thanks for your comment.

P.S. I'm from California too. I've only been a midwesterner for 4+ years.

torybee · 1 year ago

Funny, if some of my friends ever read your blog they'd cringe that I have anything in common with you! (no offense, and it is probably true, we do share much in common underneath it all)
Do you ever miss California? Norcal or Socal?

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

I miss NorCal often. I am from Folsom.

torybee · 1 year ago

I'm NorCal and I have relatives in Folsom. It is so pretty there!

inworship · 1 year ago

Excellent rant. And a great reminder.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

Thanks, man.

chadjarnagin · 1 year ago

:)

I heart you.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

and I, you.

Rich Kirkpatrick · 1 year ago

Uhmm.... love it. Only because in a small way I feel your pain. I am done, too. However, I pray I do not let these people color how I view the sheep they have polluted with the ingrown idea. Maybe some have hope? Maybe, not.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

Rich, do you love me? Feed my sheep.

danp · 1 year ago

I am seriously praying for you... can't tell you how many times I've been brutalized by Christians in general, stabbed in the back by well-known church members and dragged into my pastor's office to answer to accusations by people who got the ear of a man who can't stand to confront idiocy.

You are bigger than the "stuff" that comes your way. Remember who's sayin' what... keep it in perspective and then if necessary kick me in the teeth and give grace to the ignorant... Lord knows, mine have been kicked in enough to no longer feel the pain.

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

You are one of my favorite people.

heartfire · 1 year ago

I read your ‘Rant and Prayer’ yesterday and since then have been prayerfully searching my heart because I know that at times I have behaved in a combative manner towards pastors and church leaders in general. Although the reasons for my behavior are multiple and complex, they all lead to the same conclusion: that is, that my unforgiveness continues to spill out hurting innocent people such as yourself, and alienating the very people that might be able to love me. I don’t know when ‘open season on pastors’ was declared but it needs to end, and those of us Christians who have participated in it need to stop it now while we have time to do so.

Lord Jesus please bring me to a deeper place of forgiveness. Remind me Father of all that you have forgiven, humble me Lord so that I can see that my trials are nothing compared to the sacrifices that you made. I love you Lord Jesus, and I submit myself to your authority. “Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.”

John, you are one of the most authentic people I have met in many years; I love your brutal honesty. I read your blog regularly because of your incredible honesty, you don’t talk Christianeese and you dare to be different. I mean wow---you even separate God from our election process. You truly are a lover John; I know that because you have shown such kindness to me. Thank you for being a faithful servant, even when it is so very difficult. John, will you please forgive me?

Lois Jones----Jesus lover

shameonyoko · 1 year ago

Lois,

You're awesome. You have a very sensitive spirit. I already forgave you long ago when you got right back to me and expressed your hurts and sorrow. I don't think anything weird towards you. Lay it down. All is well.

Are you going to come visit us anytime soon? We are in a series on sex right now. Our next series is about the theology of some Christmas carols.

Would love to see you. Peace.

John

Or, as my friends all call me and you are welcome to call me, JVo

heartfire · 1 year ago

Thank You JVo! I appreciate you!
Yes, I will be coming---not sure when --yet at some point I do need to venture out of my apartment. I will enjoy seeing you again and meeting people at Westwinds. I always function better when I am in a church---perhaps that is why He told us to remain in fellowship--lol.
Peace
See you soon, Lois