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most exciting aspect of ministry

One of the most exciting aspects about ministry at Quest is our stewardship philosophy.  It has been there from the beginning – even before the church got started.  So, it is exciting to see stuff in my heart/mind come to some level of fruition.  If you want to get to know someone on a deeper basis, you’ll likely want to know how they earn, save, spend, and give away. 

Churches are no different.  We can say all that we want to say with our lips but a church’s budget speaks a great deal to its ministry and stewardship philosophy.  We have a long way to go but after several years of saving a few dollars here and there [Quest is a 6 year churchplant] and tinkering with our nomenclature, we are excited about the church’s 1 Fund and 3 Foundations.  Continue reading “most exciting aspect of ministry”

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the apple cult

My parents purchased what I believe to be an Apple IIc many years ago when I was in elementary or junior high. I didn’t really have the brain capacity to enjoy it.  Played a few computer games on it.  Never used computers again – honestly -until I hit college and grad school.  It was during grad school that I  had a couple friends that were fantatics about Apple computers.  These Apple “evangelists” were trying to convert me – even then – to the Apple Cult… Continue reading “the apple cult”

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zoka’s or stumptown coffee?

Been working hard with a handful of volunteers to revitalize the space of Q Cafe.  We have a very limited budget but I think folks are going to be pleased with the new kids’ room, counter level work corner, benches, and more desks for laptops users and students, etc.  We’re only spending two weeks on the remodel so next week will be crunch time as we reopen the cafe on Monday, January 14.

But it’s not just the space.  We’re working on the quality of the “product”.  We want it to be a great community cafe where we feature great coffee and tea, free WiFi, an art gallery, and an all ages live music venue.

After some thought, we’re switching coffee suppliers and considering  Zoka’s or Stumptown Coffee.  Who would you choose? Continue reading “zoka’s or stumptown coffee?”

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fight poverty 3 – a vision of compassion and redistribution

This is the third and final part of a short series entitled, Fight Poverty.  If interested, you can read Part I [An Introduction] and Part II [A Broken World].  We want to do our part so Minhee and I have decided to give up our annual salary next year to join the fight against global poverty.

Global poverty is a very painful and complex situation.  But, it can also be seen in a simple angle:

  1. There are people and countries around the world that are suffering, dying, and in grave need.
  2. There are people and countries with abundant resources that can benefit the “have nots” around the world.
  3. The solution is simple:  Redistribute resources from us to them [since we are part of the same global community] and in that process, help create sustainability and build up/equip local leaders…

I know it’s too simplistic but we must see ourselves as part of the solution.  There is nothing wrong with enjoying the material goods that most of us have access to but we can easily cross the line into gluttony and overconsumption.  My family and I have everything that we can possibly need but there are times I still struggle with wanting more.  When is enough enough? Continue reading “fight poverty 3 – a vision of compassion and redistribution”

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fight poverty 2 – a broken world

This is part II of a short series entitled, Fight Poverty.  Here’s Part I – An Introduction and Part III – A Vision for Compassion and Redistribution.

The statistics you will read below paint a picture of a broken world.  A very broken world.  And you and I are a part of it.  Every time I examine these figures, I sometimes just see numbers and forget that these are about people – like you and me, my children, your children, etc. And more often than not, I am simply overwhelmed because I don’t quite know what to do.   While we may not be able to completely “fix” all of the world’s problems, we need to still do our part to be the solution… 

This is not just a Christian issue.  It is a humanity issue. Continue reading “fight poverty 2 – a broken world”