String Theory from "Who Made God?"

Being no physicist, I am certainly at a loss when it comes to many of the scientific realities and theories of the universe.

It just so happened that I was in discussion with one of the young men who spent the weekend with us from the Life Action Revival Team. He mentioned his interest and study of physics in college. I barely know how to spell the word "fi...," er, "physics." I then sprung upon him one of my favorite questions: "Just what is string theory?"

His reply: "I dunno."

Suddenly the thought leaped into my head that I had asked the same questions of a young, bright medical student now studying at LSU-Shreveport medical school.

I made the call to him at approximately 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening.

He was in the school library.

Studying.

Studying on a Saturday evening? Yes, for there was a test on Monday. I was impressed and amazed.

But the urgency of the question caused me to move quickly beyond small talk.

Within seconds, I sprung my question. "Just what did you tell me was 'string theory?'"

I waited anxiously for the answer.

Silence. A long pause.

"I don't remember," he quietly replied.

I informed my guest of the verdict and happily, though somewhat emptily, finished the conversation with my medical student friend.

End of story. Almost.

Today, as I was perusing my blog updates, I found the answer.

Are you ready?

In 22 words or less, describe string theory.

String theory: fundamental particles (electrons, photons etc) are not point objects but strings which vibrate in different modes to produce different particles.

These words are from an interview done by Tim Challies you can find here with the interesting title, "Who Made God?" Honestly, I don't know any more than I did before.

As a physicist, I would starve.

A Quick Way To Save Three Days Per Year

Stop Facebooking.

According to this article, the average Facebook user spends about three days a year on the site. The most addicted Facebookers spent over 125 hours on the site last year, which is equal to more than a whole working week.

Granted, the study focused on British people, but it is very likely that Americans' use of Facebook would parallel these findings.

A bit ironically, the news item is posted with the proper icon to allow you to "Facebook" the story!

Another timesaving tip brought to you courtesy of this blog.

Disneyland In Dallas

One of my favorite churches has announced its intentions to build a $130 million building in the heart of "Big D."

140 year old First Baptist Dallas is undertaking a massive makeover of its aging facilities. Its worship center dates back to the 1890's. The church occupies prime real estate in the heart of downtown. In fact, over the years, they have faced the temptation (and offers) to move out of downtown and build facilities somewhere in the 'burbs. But they weren't budging.

I appreciate churches which "live" in the downtown area. Many of them face and have faced changing demographics, neighborhoods, and declines in size and giving. Many simply give in and relocate to "where the people" are or simply close their doors, like City Methodist Church in Gary, Indiana. (If you want a chill, look at that thriving congregation and beautiful building in 1967 compared to its state shortly before the building was slated to meet the wrecking ball.)

I pastor a church located in a downtown area. Once the church was set in the heart of commerce and population. Over the years, however, many people moved away from the downtown area, businesses closed or relocated, and decline set in. Reversing the pattern of decline is a challenge I and my church face in our location and one the City of Sulphur faces as well.

The City has made firm its commitment to downtown Sulphur. It recently remodeled a downtown building for a new City Hall. A building across the street from it has also been remodeled which will house city services and permit offices in a "one stop stop."

Another trend I have observed is that in many places people are returning to live downtown. Loft apartments are being fashioned from old warehouses and storefronts. Many cities such as Lake Charles, just over the river from us, are attempting to "revitalize" downtown with visions for new stores, apartments, and attractions.

So I get it and appreciate it when a church remains committed to stay in the heart of the city despite the obstacles. They choose to buck the trends, grit their teeth, and face the new challenges they face in their ministry settings.

First Baptist Dallas, home of pulpit giants George W. Truett and W.A. Criswell, refused the leave downtown Dallas when it well could have. Over the years, it, too, has faced declines in membership, giving, and influence.

I am not going to judge that church on whether it should be spending the money when it "could be giving to the poor." Neither will I comment on whether the magnificent building is a good way to breathe life into the "old gray lady." I am not going to say what they should do in their setting and culture when I live 300 miles away and have not grappled with the issues involved. Jesus taught us that we were not to judge another man's servant anyway. I am responsible before God as to how I lead our own congregation. And no one who has not grappled with the issues of being the church in a rapidly changing culture in general and a unique ministry setting in particular could possibly make the call.

I did, however, learn a long time ago that buildings do not reach people. People reach people.

If FBC, Dallas believes under God's leadership that it needs to spend $130 million to reach its city and remain a thriving, viable congregation in the heart of the city, then I bless their decision. Have you been to downtown Dallas lately? Sure, it has its share of urban blight. But, like the nearby new Texas Stadium, they do things bigger and flashier in "Big D."

What would George do? In his pastorate, he led First Baptist Dallas to be a prominent congregation with international recognition.

To do that, he had to seek God's leadership, build, and change. Don't we all?

A Fine Way To Start A Sunday

As I left for church recently, I was greeted by this sight.

Grow Your Small Groups and Increase the Stewardship of Your Church!

Two LIVE Events - One Day with Vic Simpson in the Lake Charles Area

Thursday, November 12, 2009
9:00am - 11:30am: The Stewardship Seminar
1:00pm - 3:30pm: The Activate Seminar

The LIVE Stewardship Seminar!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
9:00am - 11:30 am

Here's what you can expect to learn in The Stewardship Seminar:

The five types of givers in your church
How to cultivate first-time givers
How to develop an ongoing stewardship system
How to motivate people to tithe
How to challenge people to go deeper in stewardship
How to teach on money
How to increase giving in your church
How to help your congregation understand the connection between financial stewardship and spiritual growth
How to help first time givers realize the significance of their gift
Understanding stewardship as discipleship
Plus much more!

Hosted by:
First Baptist Church
401 S. Huntington St.
Sulphur, LA 70663

Only $49.95!
Register online by clicking here
or
For group registrations (5 or more),
contact us at 212-730-8300 ext. 212
or e-mail Info@ChurchLeaderInsights.com

Space is limited, register today!

The LIVE Activate Seminar!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
1:00pm - 3:30pm

This is a completely new seminar with almost no overlap from the original Small Groups Seminar. We will dive deep into how to run a semester based small group system. The LIVE Activate Seminar with Kerrick Thomas will answer questions like these:

How do I get 100% of my church involved in small groups?
What are the basic elements of an effective small groups system?
How do I recruit and train enough small-group leaders?
What are the myths that are holding back my small groups?
What is a good structure for small-group ministry?
How do I get small groups involved in serving and evangelism?
How do I get started?
And many more!
Only $79.95!
Register online by clicking here
or
For group registrations (5 or more),
contact us at 212-730-8300 ext. 212
or e-mail Info@ChurchLeaderInsights.com

Space is limited, register today!

Sign Up for Both Events and SAVE!

For an even greater value, register for both events at once for only $99.95!.
Click here to REGISTER NOW.

(UPDATE: Registration fee increases by $10 to register at the door.)

About The Seminar Leader:
Vic Simpson is the Pastor of Emmanuel Church in Huntingtown, Maryland, a bedroom community of the Washington, DC area. With over 30 years in full-time ministry, God has used him to lead stagnant and declining churches to new health, growth and life. In the nearly eight years that Pastor Vic and his wife Janice have been at Emmanuel, the church has grown from just 75 people to well over 400; most of the growth coming from people who have accepted Christ. A seasoned pastor with a proven track record, Vic is uniquely equipped to help churches understand how to develop and implement church systems to achieve healthy growth. Vic holds a D.Min. from Midwestern Seminary and is a Certified Trainer with Nelson Searcy and Church Leader Insights.