Jersey Shore

So... I've heard about MTV's Jersey Shore for quite a while. Normally, it's being made fun of by Joel McHale at "The Soup" or one of the late night talk show hosts.

That kind of attention, although negative, often means there is 'something going on.' So, I tuned in to a couple shows.

WOW - there is something going on over there. And I believe I'm a little dumber from observing this show . Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it's not entertaining (I'm not saying it IS entertaining either... how's that for wishy-washy). I'm just saying the level of partying, sex and mayhem is at an all time high.

Sadly, I can relate to most of it. I remember a day when life was about partying. About hitting the best club. About picking up on the opposite sex. About not being able to have a great night out without a bottle of alcohol.

God's grace is so truly amazing. So truly incredible. So truly exponential. Grace, forgiveness, peace, mercy, gentleness... it's just so wonderful to have a God who sent His Son to be so gracious to us... even in the midst of our rebellion. (Romans 5:8).

There is Solid Hope for Jersey Shore!

Why Oakland Raiders Fans Would Make A Great Church – pt 1

Accommodating Leadership

From the moment I got near the place of worship where the world’s most passionate fans were gathered some three hours before kickoff, I saw people partying everywhere… and the management, employees and even city police were all so incredibly accommodating.

These ‘disciples’ were paying $25 a carload to park in a dusty, dirt field over a ½ mile from the ‘church’… sorry, I mean McAfee Coliseum. And everyone loved it. They erected their pop-up tents, fired up their portable grills (and their special beverages of choice), and then commenced with the enjoyment of what is appropriately termed, “Raider Nation.”

I was fortunate enough to attend the season opening Monday night game (Sept 8) with a guy who had great seats and very special parking. We were privileged to land on an actual paved lot, not more than 100 yards from the ‘church.’ But the pictures below are all you could see… a ‘nation’ of tents, grills, coolers, food, and the smell of a great time.

Above all, it was the accommodation of the leadership that was off the hook. In EVERY professional or college sporting event I’ve ever been to, parking is a premium (especially up closer to the ‘church’). Not only did ‘the nation’ leadership let you take up more than one space, they would even skip entire ROWS of valuable parking space to allow for oversized pop-up tents, grills, tables, chairs, and even DJ equipment.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if the pastors, staff, employees, and volunteers in American churches would be as accommodating to their ‘church’ people? I was a newcomer to 'Raider Nation' and still felt welcome, accepted, and a part of the family. I didn’t need look for a place to feel at home. I didn’t even consider not being accepted. I was a part of the ‘family’ from the moment I arrived. But then again, I didn’t have a Denver Broncos jersey on either.