It all makes sense now...

I was reading Sex God by Rob Bell and read this section and what I have been going through in the last few weeks all makes sense now.

Take, for example, a parent who yells at their children and holds them accountable for all sorts of random tasks they were suppose to have known to do and who allows their mood to dictate the mood of the whole house. This kind of parent dominates their family with manipulative behavior and petty punishments that create chaos an insecurity for those around them. This kind of parent is using their strength, but they are actually weak. They do this because in truth, they're broken, confused and insecure. They have no idea what they're doing, as a parent or as a person.

The same is true for managers and bosses and teachers and anyone who uses their position of authority to coerce or manipulate or bully others. They can get people to do what they want, but it's only because of the position they hold. Their authority is rooted in nothing larger or stronger or higher than their rank. And that can be taken away tomorrow. They may appear strong, but they are actually weak.

Maybe this also speaks to some of you. But either way you should go pick up this book today. It is unbelievable.

SNYDER

Who would I be

Thanks to Eric Putman I have some questions to answer.

1. If I could be a famous historical figure I would be Benjamin Franklin. I know he gets a bad rap for some things, but what a great mind he had. I mean bifocals, come on. He was on an episode of The Office. Also, he is the only non-President to be on a bill.

2. If I could be a celebrity I would be Owen Wilson. His movie Bottle Rocket is one of my favorites. If you haven't seen it I suggest you do so soon.

3. If I could be a famous athlete I would be Roger Federer. He is super down to earth and authentic. Every article I have read on him has nothing bad to say. Also, if you write a letter to his parents house asking for an autograph you will get a pic back with his autograph on it. He signs every request.

4. If I could be a famous musician I would be Bono. . I love U2 and I love what he is trying to do in Africa.

5. If I could be a famous Christian Mover and Shaker I would be Craig Groeschel. He is the pastor at Life Church in Edmond, OK. His vision and the innovative ideas his team comes up with are amazing. They are doing some amazing things. Check it out.

That was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I now tag my beautiful wife and E Money

Phantom Planet couldn't be more right on

California here we come. It is official we are moving back to California. Mariah landed an awesome job at a Great Church, Mariner's in Irvine, and I am in th interview process at Capo Valley Christian Schools to be the K-8th grade Chaplain. We are beyond excited to move back to the Golden State. I will know more about my job next week. We will be back there by August 15th.

SNYDER

Facebook, there is a craze

Facebook is amazing. If you do not have a facebook profile I suggest you get one. It is so much cleaner than myspace and can actually do a lot more. When it first came out it was for college students. Now it is for everyone. There are a lot of applications for it that you can put on your page. So, after you read this post and get a facebook make sure you add me as one of your friends. I believe Facebook will and can play a huge part in ministry. I am trying to figure out how to incorporate ministry into it. The best thing is that it is getting better and better. Let me know what you think. SNYDER

Some good stuff Saddleback is doing

Saddleback Church has some big plans by 2010. Here is a little bit of what it looks like on Matt McGill's blog It is going to be incredible.

SNYDER

16 questions when searching for a church

I found these questions on David Foster's Blog He is the pastor of The Gathering in Nashville. They are some great questions.

If I were looking for a church to attend in the morning, here is what I’d look for:

When I enter do I hear laughter?
Are people greeting me as a job or a joy?
Does the place look like they were expecting me?
Are people buzzing as they greet each other?
Is there spirited music playing as people gather?
Does the music move me?
Do the people on stage look real and engaged?
Are the announcements short, strategic, and to the point?
Is there a printed outline with Scripture already printed on it?
Does the pastor smile?
Does the message title promise a relevant topic I am interested in?
Does the pastor speak with humility and authority?
Do I feel the presence of God?
Are people listening and engaged?
Is the service no more than 71 minutes?
Does it pass by fast?

SNYDER

We went to the Zoo

It was awesome. here are some pics that I really like. It was really hot at the zoo, there were ostriches (he scared me, he was missing an eye) and a fake Gorilla that we took our picture with.




SNYDER

This is a great quote...

I feel like this quote sums up the ministry world.

"Be the change that you want to see in the world." - Mohandas Gandhi

SNYDER

Just a little fun in Bricktown

I just thought this was funny. Here is the statue of Micky Mantle, he is from Oklahoma.

Here is Micky Mantle stepping on my head.

Some tough questions

This was posted on Craig Groeschel's Blog not too long ago. Over the past few months I have been asking myself these questions and it is really tough. I'm not going to tell you my answers, but ask yourself these questions. WARNING. It might change some things for you.

1. If you weren’t on staff at your church, would you worship there?
2. If you didn’t know ANYTHING about Jesus, what would you know about him after a normal weekend at your church?
3. If you had a loved one who didn’t know Christ, and they had one week left to live, would you take them to your church or another?

SNYDER

College Football 2008

Tonight is the night. This is my favorite game of all time going back to the Sega Genesis with Bill Walsh's college football.

If you remember this game I want your comments on who your favorite team was and players. I really wish I could afford to buy it for the PS3, but it's like 80 bucks. Oh well. Just thought I would share some college football goodness. The season is only like 45 days away.

SNYDER

Blogging from Dashboard.  

I am writing this blog from dashboard on my mac just to see how it works and if it is easier or faster.  I don't prefer it nor do I reccomend using it all the time.

SNYDER

Some good memories

This is a video we did for Wildside. Man I miss those guys. Enjoy!



SNYDER

Going to church on the internet

We just had this discussion in our office this morning. I say you have to meet people where they are at. The internet is the place to be. With Facebook, Myspace and other places like it you have to find a way to reach people over these mediums. A new one is Second Life. I do not know much about it, but I do know that Lifechurch.tv has started a campus in Second Life. I love the idea. People who do not go to church can go now in their home while on the internet. Now I know a lot of people will say, well this isn't church. I kind of agree. I believe church is what happens outside of Sunday morning. Sunday service is an event where, yes, you will get fed. you will get to worship, but it is an event with teaching the Word and worship through music. What you do the rest of the week with your small group, out in the community and with other believers is church. Now, my hope is that these people who are going to church on Second Life will take it further and start doing things outside of second life in their community with other believers. I love the idea and can't wait to see what is next. I believe, as a youth pastor, I have to find ways to meet students where they are at. and the students I know spend a lot of time on the internet. The question now is how do we tap in to this medium and reach students who may or may not come to your weekly experience. How do we get them involved? If you know of a church who is using the internet in a mighty way to reach youth please let me know. I really hope this made sense.

SNYDER

Freedom Rings

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons. As a kid we would go to our land in Guthrie, OK and set off fireworks. I haven't set off fireworks in a long time. I have always gone to the 4th of July parade in Edmond, OK when I was in town or not working. Edmond has one of the top 10 4th of July celebrations in the country. But one main reason I love the 4th is the freedom that we were given. What an incredible nation to live in. We can worship whoever we want when ever we want. I think this is one of the major problems with other countries. They tell you who you can worship and can't. I personally choose to worship Jesus Christ. I choose to celebrate the freedom I have in Jesus on the 4th and every other day of the year. What or who are you going to celebrate this year?

SNYDER