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I wrore this in March of 2005, so it's only been about a year.

Having sat through only one conference of Maxwell's (a short luncheon at that), and having read only his Leadership 101, I was unsure of what to expect from his newest release, Winning with People.
Much like Fakers, Posers & Wannabes (Brennan Manning), I was equal parts dumbfounded and deeply impacted. I don't know exactly yet just how wise a person I consider myself, but through the experience of sitting at the feet of someone gifted enough to succinctly state so many practical principles on relationships I came away feeling like a first-year ministry leader. I guess, like many books of this type, some things were an affirmation to aspects of my life, but many of the pieces of wisdom Maxwell shares from a life of a learning leader hit home for me as areas that required massive amounts of further growth.
I was also deeply grateful for having read this book as early in life as I have, but at the same time, I wished I had read it earlier, such as before having entered into vocational ministry. It would most definitely have saved me some headaches and a few heartaches along the way.
Especially impacting for me was the paraphrase of Charlie "Tremendous" Jones… the difference between who you are today and who you will be in 5 years will be the people you spend time with and the books you read. I think back to where I was 5 years ago. I was still in college, but the people I was surrounding myself with were the cream of the crop in the University of Houston's Baptist Student Ministry. I was uplifted and encouraged by them on a daily basis. We had the late night prayer times and discussions of faith and life that can only be had by sleep-deprived college students at 2:00 AM. The books I read on a regular basis were textbooks and other mind-stretching books recommended by my pastor at the time and those I associated with at the UH BSM. And I see now, that it was all shaping me for where I am now.
The biggest challenge for me out of this book came as Maxwell utilized this quote to flesh out his assertion that friends are one of the five things that determines who we are (the other four being; genetics, self-image, experiences in life, attitude & choices about those experiences) . In large part, that quote was instrumental in challenging me to begin this entire new reading program. If I waste the time I have at my disposal now for self-improvement and growth, I will never forgive myself later. It has also been a challenge for me to expand my relational horizons. I really have no excuse to not be interacting with people outside of the church office on a daily basis. With my unique freedom at both home (being young and single) and office (flexible schedule), I should be immersing myself in the lives of many more people than I do (church members or not, I need to be more relational and less reclusive).
In my interaction, I also have the need to incorporate the Elevator Principle. I really do desire to be a Lifter, as Maxwell calls it. His practical helps towards taking this principle into action are ones I have already begun to try and initiate into my own life. Maxwell states that Lifters do the following:

+ Commit Themselves to Daily Encouragement
+ Know the Little Difference that Separates Helping and Hurting
+ Initiate the Positive in a Negative Environment
+ Understand Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal

I often feel that I can slip into becoming someone who drags others down. If I was truly a courageous person, I would ask some of those around me whether they feel uplifted or dragged down when they see me coming. I guess I just fear the answers they would give me. Above all, I do desire improvement in this area. If I can’t get down and dirty and repair the parts of myself that are broken or lacking, then I guess I don’t have much business meeting needs of others.
I was particularly inspired by the story of Professor Crane and his Compliment Club. In my quest to eradicate "Hatespeech" from the Student Ministry, I have utilized Lovespeech, but the task is far from complete . Utilizing Crane’s experiment of complimenting 3 people per day in the context of a ministry (ie: complimenting or encouraging a different 3 members of the student ministry on a daily basis) could prove highly beneficial. It brought to mind an old practice which I have fallen away from… the practice of writing little notes of encouragement and mailing them out to varied students during the course of a week. It also highlighted for me the importance of getting out there, getting into homes, schools and workplaces to interact with people in a positive manner that will encourage and uplift them.
As Maxwell moves into talking about the Trust Question, I begin to get squeamish. You see, I have something of a trust issue. In the past, both distant and recent, I have had those very close to me violate my trust and hurt me. Now, that wouldn’t be a huge problem, but when you combine that with insecurity and one of the most active imaginations since George Lucas (of Star Wars fame)… well, you can see that sometimes I can have a hard time really trusting folks. I mean, I can care about people and be compassionate towards them… but really, really trusting others is something I feel I need to work on. Conversely, I also feel that being worthy of others’ trust is a big struggle for me. This is something I genuinely desire to change and improve about myself… that I would be able to trust others enough to speak plainly and honestly with them about myself, my thoughts and motivations. I guess that would be genuine transparency?
However, as Maxwell goes on to write about The Approachability Principle, I am deeply challenged. I don’t know that I am the type of approachable person I need to be in order to effectively minister to students. By saying that, I mean, Maxwell gives the sub-heading for this chapter as being “Being at ease with ourselves helps others be at ease with us.” How at ease am I with myself? Before, I stated that I am an insecure person. Not as insecure as I used to be, assuredly, but vestiges of the old self do still remain. I am surely impacted by the seven characteristics that put people at ease:
1. Personal warmth (genuinely liking people)
2. Appreciation for the Differences in People
3. Consistency of Mood (Do people walk in asking "How is he today?")
4. Sensitivity towards People’s Feelings
5. Understanding of Human Weakness and Exposure of Their Own
6. Ability to Forgive Easily and Quickly Ask for Forgiveness
7. Authenticity (I am the way I am; I look the way I look; I am my age)

These are always the hardest kinds of thing to address personally because I always tend to have a hard time seeing which negative qualities I possess and which ones I don’t. I believe I have a personal warmth… sometimes. When I am literally not at ease with myself in a given situation or setting, I become so embroiled in my own insecurity that I do not exude the warmth that I believe I genuinely feel towards others. Additionally, I also believe that I have an appreciation for the differences in people. I think that difference is good, however, I do tend to have some personality disagreements with people who share different sensibilities and tendencies, however, like most, I probably have more friction with those who share my own worst faults than those who are radically different, though sometimes that isn’t the case.
However, as I move to the 3rd characteristic, I am deeply convicted. I don’t know how consistent my moods are on any given Sunday or Wednesday. And I know that my mood sets the trend for the night, but there are those times when it is so difficult to smile or have fun with them… not because I don’t love them or care about them, but because things just go wrong. Plain and simple. And I have found that sometimes the smallest things can deflate me and sour my mood before we’ve even gotten started for the event. I don’t want it to be that way, but sometimes, the stress of fighting with a projector or screen resolution or a recalcitrant, reclusive student just gets to me. As an aside, none of this is being stated as any type of excuse, but simply as a statement of fact to inform as to why sometimes there is not consistency of mood. It has been encouraging, though, to note that even for those whom everything seems to “go right,” there are still going to be off nights and off events.
As for the 4th characteristic, I am generally sensitive towards others’ feelings. I can be abrasive sometimes, but nothing that I feel is too much for that particular student to handle. The 5th and 6th characteristics, respectively, are both things that I feel I am moderately blessed at. I usually try and place myself in the other person’s shoes and see things as they are seeing them. I sometimes fail, but I am aware of this now, so it makes it easier to watch out for not doing this. As far as forgiveness goes, I am generally pretty forgiving… there’s been at least one instance of me having a difficult time forgiving somebody in recent times, but the harder thing for me has been to quickly ask forgiveness. I have been trying to be more intentional and lay down my pride in order to quickly seek forgiveness if I have done something to hurt or offend someone, but there are those times when it is just plain difficult to do so. God forgive me for the times I don’t swiftly seek forgiveness.
The 7th characteristic is something I give great lip service to, but I am, quite honestly, horrible at backing up with my lifestyle. Authenticity – I am the way I am; I look the way I look; I am my age – is something I consistently wish I could become stronger at. That quality of being at ease with who I am so that others are at ease with me. I feel I am learning and growing in this area, but I wish I were even more solid in this way. The story Maxwell gives is that Barbara Walters looks in her mirror every morning and says those words… “I am the way I am; I look the way I look; I am my age.” I have been praying through the ability to accept that I am who God made me and I look the way I look (and God loves me anyway) and that I am my age (and not younger or older). I have found that this does bring a level of security and ease to the insecure part of me… the people pleasing part.
Reading this book has been an eye opening experience for me, to say the least. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I feel I have gleaned an enormous amount from this first, almost cursory reading of it. It has literally felt like trying to drink out of a fire hydrant. There are some solid, life-changing principles that I feel God has used to continue and begin anew in developing my people and relational skills.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 06:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Check here and see some of the featured articles that will be published over the next couple of weeks...

I will be publishing a ton of all-new articles in the coming months. I just want to give a quick preview on what they'll be, because I really want you to check back in and start commenting on them as they're published.

Rating the Resources: I will be giving ratings to both types of curriculum and I'll even be doing some in-depth reviews of the different Bible study materials that are available out there. I'll be starting off giving capsule reviews of the various 5-6 session curriculums that are popular for Disciple Now and weekend retreats. Instead of you student ministers having to buy copies... just swing by MadMinister.com and check the ratings!

Articles: Look for all-new in-depth articles on the ongoing 'culture war,' dangers to avoid for the emerging church, and an in-depth look at the importance of para-church ministries such as Mission Houston and UBA. I am also considering a series of articles outlining the importance of regional cooperative efforts between student ministries.

Books: I have some responsive articles that I wrote based on my reading list from 2005 and I'll be sharing those essays, some of which are deeply personal, over the course of the next few weeks. In fact, I think I'll go ahead and post one later today...

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 03:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 05:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Donald was a great guy and a solid youth worker. In both incarnations of MadMinister.com, I've had a page dedicated to Donald's memory. Take a look.

Donald Scherer

Fellow UH Alum, Fellow Youth Worker, Fellow Mad Minister

In early February of 2003, a godly young man went home to be with the Lord. I was pleased to know Donald Scherer and to have been able to experience his passion, his zeal and his overwhelming love for Jesus Christ, the Personal Lord and Savior we shared. In addition to sharing several classes (Dr. Donnelly's web design class & several others), we were in the same graduation ceremony at University of Houston this past December (2002) and the last memory I will carry of Donald is the two of us, among others, laughing and celebrating the beginning of a new phase of life.

Before that, I remember hanging out with Donald at the "Church on the Cutting Edge" Conference being held at Houston's Second Baptist Church. We were both in the Youth Ministry Track and got a chance to dream big about the future.

I have to tell you that Donald was a solid, godly guy and a good friend. But more than that, he would want me to tell you that the most important decision you could ever make would be to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So, if there's never been a time like that, or if you have your doubts, feel free to get in touch with me. I would love to tell you more about the Jesus that inspired and encouraged folks through Donald's life.

Below is Donald's Obituary as it appeared in the Houston Chronicle:

DONALD RAY SCHERER, 23, born November 23, 1979 in Houston, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 9, 2003. Donald was a 1998 graduate of John Foster Dulles High School in Sugar Land, where he lettered in football, broadcasting and academics. He was also involved with the thespians and Fellowship of Christian Athletes where he served as Vice President for his Senior year and played soccer for 2 years. While in junior high and high school, Donald was an active member of the Westbury UMC youth program, the Agape youth choir, CCYM, DCYM. He received the John W. Armstrong award his senior year. Donald was also active in Boy Scout Troop 1303, earning 41 merit badges and the Eagle rank in 1994 while a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow-Colonneh Lodge 137. Donald received his BA degree from the University of Houston on December 19, 2002. As a student at U of H, Donald had an impact upon all those he met. He was an active participant in several campus ministry programs including the Baptist Student Ministries, The Methodist Wesley Foundation, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and was the Vice President of U of H Inter-fraternity Council. He was also one of the founding fathers of the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi (UH) chartering in November 2000 and served as the Pi Kappa Phi historian and Chaplain. He had worked the past 5 months as the Youth Director at Asbury Methodist Church in Corpus Christi. Donald only had a short time on this earth, but was one of God's bright, shining stars. Donald claimed a simple mission, "To faithfully serve Christ and show his love with everyone he encountered through relationships, discipleship, his personal actions and evangelism." It is his strong faith that assures us that he now walks with the Lord in Heaven. Donald touched a great many lives in Houston, Corpus Christi and across the state of Texas. His energy and laughter, and his constant smiles will be missed here, but we can only imagine the events he is planning for us when we join him in Heaven. Donald Ray is survived by his parents, Donald Alvin and Patricia Ann Scherer; sister, Katherine Sherer; brother, Robert Scherer; grandparents, Donald and Francis Scherer and Cesare and Dollie Mancuso; aunts, Rae Lynn Gabrieles, Sandra Worthy and husband Roger, Linda Krzywicki and husband Gary; cousins, Brandon Worthy, and Benjamin Goodheart and wife Tania; and a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Pallbearers will be his brothers of Pi Kappa Phi. Open visitation will be on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 from 5:00 pm to 8 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. "A Celebration of Life" memorial service on Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 11 am will be held at Westbury UMC, 5200 Willowbend at West Bellfort. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the youth programs at both Westbury United Methodist Church and Asbury Methodist in Corpus Christi.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 02:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I wish I had been clever enough to come up with this one, but sadly, I can't claim it as my own. So, kudos to the creative goober who came up with this and thanks to TS for sending it in.

1. My Legions of Terror will have helmets with clear plexiglass visors, not face-concealing ones.

2. My ventilation ducts will be too small to crawl through.

3. My noble half-brother whose throne I usurped will be killed, not kept anonymously imprisoned in a forgotten cell of my dungeon.

4. Shooting is not too good for my enemies.

5. The artifact which is the source of my power will not be kept on the Mountain of Despair beyond the River of Fire guarded by the Dragons of Eternity. It will be in my safe-deposit box. The same applies to the object which is my one weakness.

6. I will not gloat over my enemies' predicament before killing them.

7. When I've captured my adversary and he says, "Look, before you kill me, will you at least tell me what this is all about?" I'll say, "No." and shoot him. No, on second thought I'll shoot him then say "No."

8. After I kidnap the beautiful princess, we will be married immediately in a quiet civil ceremony, not a lavish spectacle in three weeks' time during which the final phase of my plan will be carried out.

9. I will not include a self-destruct mechanism unless absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, it will not be a large red button labelled "Danger: Do Not Push". The big red button marked "Do Not Push" will instead trigger a spray of bullets on anyone stupid enough to disregard it. Similarly, the ON/OFF switch will not clearly be labelled as such.

10. I will not interrogate my enemies in the inner sanctum -- a small hotel well outside my borders will work just as well.

11. I will be secure in my superiority. Therefore, I will feel no need to prove it by leaving clues in the form of riddles or leaving my weaker enemies alive to show they pose no threat.

12. One of my advisors will be an average five-year-old child. Any flaws in my plan that he is able to spot will be corrected before implementation.

13. All slain enemies will be cremated, or at least have several rounds of ammunition emptied into them, not left for dead at the bottom of the cliff. The announcement of their deaths, as well as any accompanying celebration, will be deferred until after the aforementioned disposal.

14. The hero is not entitled to a last kiss, a last cigarette, or any other form of last request.

15. I will never employ any device with a digital countdown. If I find that such a device is absolutely unavoidable, I will set it to activate when the counter reaches 117 and the hero is just putting his plan into operation.

16. I will never utter the sentence "But before I kill you, there's just one thing I want to know."

17. When I employ people as advisors, I will occasionally listen to their advice.

18. I will not have a son. Although his laughably under-planned attempt to usurp power would easily fail, it would provide a fatal distraction at a crucial point in time.

19. I will not have a daughter. She would be as beautiful as she was evil, but one look at the hero's rugged countenance and she'd betray her own father.

20. Despite its proven stress-relieving effect, I will not indulge in maniacal laughter. When so occupied, it's too easy to miss unexpected developments that a more attentive individual could adjust to accordingly.

21. I will hire a talented fashion designer to create original uniforms for my Legions of Terror, as opposed to some cheap knock-offs that make them look like Nazi stormtroopers, Roman footsoldiers, or savage Mongol hordes. All were eventually defeated and I want my troops to have a more positive mind-set.

22. No matter how tempted I am with the prospect of unlimited power, I will not consume any energy field bigger than my head

23. I will keep a special cache of low-tech weapons and train my troops in their use. That way -- even if the heroes manage to neutralize my power generator and/or render the standard-issue energy weapons useless -- my troops will not be overrun by a handful of savages armed with spears and rocks.

24. I will maintain a realistic assessment of my strengths and weaknesses. Even though this takes some of the fun out of the job, at least I will never utter the line "No, this cannot be! I AM INVINCIBLE!!!" (After that, death is usually instantaneous.)

25. No matter how well it would perform, I will never construct any sort of machinery which is completely indestructible except for one small and virtually inaccessible vulnerable spot.

26. No matter how attractive certain members of the rebellion are, there is probably someone just as attractive who is not desperate to kill me. Therefore, I will think twice before ordering a prisoner sent to my bedchamber.

27. I will never build only one of anything important. All important systems will have redundant control panels and power supplies. For the same reason I will always carry at least two fully loaded weapons at all times.

28. My pet monster will be kept in a secure cage from which it cannot escape and into which I could not accidentally stumble.

29. I will dress in bright and cheery colors, and so throw my enemies into confusion.

30. All bumbling conjurers, clumsy squires, no-talent bards, and cowardly thieves in the land will be preemptively put to death. My foes will surely give up and abandon their quest if they have no source of comic relief.

31. All naive, busty tavern wenches in my realm will be replaced with surly, world-weary waitresses who will provide no unexpected reinforcement and/or romantic subplot for the hero or his sidekick.

32. I will not fly into a rage and kill a messenger who brings me bad news just to illustrate how evil I really am. Good messengers are hard to come by.

33. I won't require high-ranking female members of my organization to wear a stainless-steel bustier. Morale is better with a more casual dress-code. Similarly, outfits made entirely from black leather will be reserved for formal occasions.

34. I will not turn into a snake. It never helps.

35. I will not grow a goatee. In the old days they made you look diabolic. Now they just make you look like a disaffected member of Generation X.

36. I will not imprison members of the same party in the same cell block, let alone the same cell. If they are important prisoners, I will keep the only key to the cell door on my person instead of handing out copies to every bottom-rung guard in the prison.

37. If my trusted lieutenant tells me my Legions of Terror are losing a battle, I will believe him. After all, he's my trusted lieutenant.

38. If an enemy I have just killed has a younger sibling or offspring anywhere, I will find them and have them killed immediately, instead of waiting for them to grow up harboring feelings of vengeance towards me in my old age.

39. If I absolutely must ride into battle, I will certainly not ride at the forefront of my Legions of Terror, nor will I seek out my opposite number among his army.

40. I will be neither chivalrous nor sporting. If I have an unstoppable superweapon, I will use it as early and as often as possible instead of keeping it in reserve.

41. Once my power is secure, I will destroy all those pesky time-travel devices.

42. When I capture the hero, I will make sure I also get his dog, monkey, ferret, or whatever sickeningly cute little animal capable of untying ropes and filching keys happens to follow him around.

43. I will maintain a healthy amount of skepticism when I capture the beautiful rebel and she claims she is attracted to my power and good looks and will gladly betray her companions if I just let her in on my plans.

44. I will only employ bounty hunters who work for money. Those who work for the pleasure of the hunt tend to do dumb things like even the odds to give the other guy a sporting chance.

45. I will make sure I have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what in my organization. For example, if my general screws up I will not draw my weapon, point it at him, say "And here is the price for failure," then suddenly turn and kill some random underling.

46. If an advisor says to me "My liege, he is but one man. What can one man possibly do?", I will reply "This." and kill the advisor.

47. If I learn that a callow youth has begun a quest to destroy me, I will slay him while he is still a callow youth instead of waiting for him to mature.

48. I will treat any beast which I control through magic or technology with respect and kindness. Thus if the control is ever broken, it will not immediately come after me for revenge.

49. If I learn the whereabouts of the one artifact which can destroy me, I will not send all my troops out to seize it. Instead I will send them out to seize something else and quietly put a Want-Ad in the local paper.

50. My main computers will have their own special operating system that will be completely incompatible with standard IBM and Macintosh powerbooks.

51. If one of my dungeon guards begins expressing concern over the conditions in the beautiful princess' cell, I will immediately transfer him to a less people-oriented position.

52. I will hire a team of board-certified architects and surveyors to examine my castle and inform me of any secret passages and abandoned tunnels that I might not know about.

53. If the beautiful princess that I capture says "I'll never marry you! Never, do you hear me, NEVER!!!", I will say "Oh well" and kill her.

54. I will not strike a bargain with a demonic being then attempt to double-cross it simply because I feel like being contrary.

55. The deformed mutants and odd-ball psychotics will have their place in my Legions of Terror. However before I send them out on important covert missions that require tact and subtlety, I will first see if there is anyone else equally qualified who would attract less attention.

56. My Legions of Terror will be trained in basic marksmanship. Any who cannot learn to hit a man-sized target at 10 meters will be used for target practice.

57. Before employing any captured artifacts or machinery, I will carefully read the owner's manual.

58. If it becomes necessary to escape, I will never stop to pose dramatically and toss off a one-liner.

59. I will never build a sentient computer smarter than I am.

60. My five-year-old child advisor will also be asked to decipher any code I am thinking of using. If he breaks the code in under 30 seconds, it will not be used. Note: this also applies to passwords.

61. If my advisors ask "Why are you risking everything on such a mad scheme?", I will not proceed until I have a response that satisfies them.

62. I will design fortress hallways with no alcoves or protruding structural supports which intruders could use for cover in a firefight.

63. Bulk trash will be disposed of in incinerators, not compactors. And they will be kept hot, with none of that nonsense about flames going through accessible tunnels at predictable intervals.

64. I will see a competent psychiatrist and get cured of all extremely unusual phobias and bizarre compulsive habits which could prove to be a disadvantage.

65. If I must have computer systems with publically available terminals, the maps they display of my complex will have a room clearly marked as the Main Control Room. That room will be the Execution Chamber. The actual main control room will be marked as Sewage Overflow Containment.

66. My security keypad will actually be a fingerprint scanner. Anyone who watches someone press a sequence of buttons or dusts the pad for fingerprints then subsequently tries to enter by repeating that sequence will trigger the alarm system.

67. No matter how many shorts we have in the system, my guards will be instructed to treat every surveillance camera malfunction as a full-scale emergency.

68. I will spare someone who saved my life sometime in the past. This is only reasonable as it encourages others to do so. However, the offer is good one time only. If they want me to spare them again, they'd better save my life again.

69. All midwives will be banned from the realm. All babies will be delivered at state-approved hospitals. Orphans will be placed in foster-homes, not abandoned in the woods to be raised by creatures of the wild.

70. When my guards split up to search for intruders, they will always travel in groups of at least two. They will be trained so that if one of them disappears mysteriously while on patrol, the other will immediately initiate an alert and call for backup, instead of quizzically peering around a corner.

71. If I decide to test a lieutenant's loyalty and see if he/she should be made a trusted lieutenant, I will have a crack squad of marksmen standing by in case the answer is no.

72. If all the heroes are standing together around a strange device and begin to taunt me, I will pull out a conventional weapon instead of using my unstoppable superweapon on them.

73. I will not agree to let the heroes go free if they win a rigged contest, even though my advisors assure me it is impossible for them to win.

74. When I create a multimedia presentation of my plan designed so that my five-year-old advisor can easily understand the details, I will not label the disk "Project Overlord" and leave it lying on top of my desk.

75. I will instruct my Legions of Terror to attack the hero en masse, instead of standing around waiting while members break off and attack one or two at a time.

76. If the hero runs up to my roof, I will not run up after him and struggle with him in an attempt to push him over the edge. I will also not engage him at the edge of a cliff. (In the middle of a rope-bridge over a river of molten lava is not even worth considering.)

77. If I have a fit of temporary insanity and decide to give the hero the chance to reject a job as my trusted lieutentant, I will retain enough sanity to wait until my current trusted lieutenant is out of earshot before making the offer.

78. I will not tell my Legions of Terror "And he must be taken alive!" The command will be "And try to take him alive if it is reasonably practical."

79. If my doomsday device happens to come with a reverse switch, as soon as it has been employed it will be melted down and made into limited-edition commemorative coins.

80. If my weakest troops fail to eliminate a hero, I will send out my best troops instead of wasting time with progressively stronger ones as he gets closer and closer to my fortress.

81. If I am fighting with the hero atop a moving platform, have disarmed him, and am about to finish him off and he glances behind me and drops flat, I too will drop flat instead of quizzically turning around to find out what he saw.

82. I will not shoot at any of my enemies if they are standing in front of the crucial support beam to a heavy, dangerous, unbalanced structure.

83. If I'm eating dinner with the hero, put poison in his goblet, then have to leave the table for any reason, I will order new drinks for both of us instead of trying to decide whether or not to switch with him.

84. I will not have captives of one sex guarded by members of the opposite sex.

85. I will not use any plan in which the final step is horribly complicated, e.g. "Align the 12 Stones of Power on the sacred altar then activate the medallion at the moment of total eclipse." Instead it will be more along the lines of "Push the button."

86. I will make sure that my doomsday device is up to code and properly grounded.

87. My vats of hazardous chemicals will be covered when not in use. Also, I will not construct walkways above them.

88. If a group of henchmen fail miserably at a task, I will not berate them for incompetence then send the same group out to try the task again.

89. After I captures the hero's superweapon, I will not immediately disband my legions and relax my guard because I believe whoever holds the weapon is unstoppable. After all, the hero held the weapon and I took it from him.

90. I will not design my Main Control Room so that every workstation is facing away from the door.

91. I will not ignore the messenger that stumbles in exhausted and obviously agitated until my personal grooming or current entertainment is finished. It might actually be important.

92. If I ever talk to the hero on the phone, I will not taunt him. Instead I will say this his dogged perseverance has given me new insight on the futility of my evil ways and that if he leaves me alone for a few months of quiet contemplation I will likely return to the path of righteousness. (Heroes are incredibly gullible in this regard.)

93. If I decide to hold a double execution of the hero and an underling who failed or betrayed me, I will see to it that the hero is scheduled to go first.

94. When arresting prisoners, my guards will not allow them to stop and grab a useless trinket of purely sentimental value.

95. My dungeon will have its own qualified medical staff complete with bodyguards. That way if a prisoner becomes sick and his cellmate tells the guard it's an emergency, the guard will fetch a trauma team instead of opening up the cell for a look.

96. My door mechanisms will be designed so that blasting the control panel on the outside seals the door and blasting the control panel on the inside opens the door, not vice versa.

97. My dungeon cells will not be furnished with objects that contain reflective surfaces or anything that can be unravelled.

98. If an attractive young couple enters my realm, I will carefully monitor their activities. If I find they are happy and affectionate, I will ignore them. However if circumstance have forced them together against their will and they spend all their time bickering and criticizing each other except during the intermittent occasions when they are saving each others' lives at which point there are hints of sexual tension, I will immediately order their execution.

99. Any data file of crucial importance will be padded to 1.45Mb in size.

100. Finally, to keep my subjects permanently locked in a mindless trance, I will provide each of them with free unlimited Internet access.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, here it is... MadMinister.com Version 2. Finally. After almost a year of waiting, the future of this website has arrived.

Well, it is almost 7:30 in the evening and I am plumb tired. I got here to the office over 12 hours ago and I'm just now wrapping up the last of the things on my "To Do" List for the day. But, I feel GREAT!

MadMinister.com Version 2 is up and running and has all the text-based content transferred over from the original format. The server has MovableType installed and it seems to be running smoothly. Hey, I even feel just a little bit trendy because I now have my own fully-functioning, interactive blog... albeit somewhat plain. (That will be fixed in the coming week as I devote some time to some minor graphics work).

I am increasingly excited about CityFest Houston coming in October of 2006. This should be a ground-breaking event in the life of this city and I can already see it uniting and bringing together many of the churches in the Greater Houston area. More and more, I am getting to see - on a daily basis - God's grand scheme for this huge city that I love so much. I truly desire to see revival break out in this city and see people recognize the awesome power of a living and active God who just wants to reconcile a relationship with His most prized creations living here in the 4th largest city in the nation.

SPAMARAMA 2006, a multi-church outreach I'm serving with, is also shaping up and I can feel the effects of CityFest on things like SPAMARAMA which is seeking to bring together churches for an outreach event on the Northside of Houston. It just feels like Houston has been gaining momentum towards a massive spiritual awakening since Hurricane Katrina and then Hurricane Rita hit. Praise God for being able to work through tragedy.

Alright, well, it's late and I'm tired... I'm going home. Peace out.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is intended to encompass any of the resources that are designed to teach the Bible as a complete whole, rather than in pieces or by topic. I'm not for or against either style, I simply needed a way to differentiate between all of the material that's available out there.

I've taken a sampling of the current Expository Bible study curriculum that's out there and I've given a couple of details about each, as well as the appropriate rating. Keep in mind that I am only posting resources that I have actually read through completely and/or taught from.

Here's the Rating Code:
+ "Throw it in File 13!" - avoid this resource at all costs.
+ "If it reaches just one teenager..." - somewhat below average; you might see something good out of it.
+ "I might've felt something supernatural" - could go either way honestly; average
+ "Jesus showed up" - done with excellence, aside from a few minor things here and there
+ "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!" - a sure-fire winner

Inquest Ministries
+ Beyond Belief - a study of the Semon on the Mount.
+ Jesus 101 - a study of the life of Christ
+ No Ordinary Joe - a study on the life of Joseph

Lifeway Church Resources
+ FUEL - a 2-year DVD-driven study of all the major Bible stories from Genesis through Revelation.
+ LXVI - a study of each of the 66 books of the Christian Bible, each section covering one, sometimes two books and each study containing 13 lessons.

Student Discipleship Ministries

NAMB (North American Mission Board)

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 03:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've taken a sampling of the current Topical Bible study curriculum that's out there and I've given a couple of details about each, as well as the appropriate rating. Keep in mind that I am only posting resources that I have actually read and/or taught from.

Here's the Rating Code:
+ "Throw it in File 13!" - avoid this resource at all costs.
+ "If it reaches just one teenager..." - somewhat below average; you might see something good out of it.
+ "I might've felt something supernatural" - could go either way honestly; average
+ "Jesus showed up" - done with excellence, aside from a few minor things here and there
+ "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!" - a sure-fire winner

Inquest Ministries

+ Diagnosis

+ Eikon

+ Tupos

+ Becoming an Eagle

+ LifeQuest

+ Salt & Light

+ Power Source

+ Vital Link

+ The War Within

+ Happily Ever After

+ Chiseled in Stone

Lifeway Church Resources

+

YLO (Youth Leaders Only) Music/Video-based Curriculum

+ MVL Bible studies

+ YLO Bible studies

Student Discipleship Ministries

+ Back to the Basics

+

NAMB (North American Mission Board)

+ It's Time

+ The 923 Call

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've taken a sampling of the current Youth Camps that are out there and I've given a couple of details about each, but this list is by no means completed... I just wanted to get it posted.

Here's the Rating Code:
+ "Throw it in File 13!" - avoid this resource at all costs.
+ "If it reaches just one teenager..." - somewhat below average; you might see something good out of it.
+ "I might've felt something supernatural" - could go either way honestly; average
+ "Jesus showed up" - done with excellence, aside from a few minor things here and there
+ "Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!" - a sure-fire winner

"Come One, Come All" Summer Youth Camps

Trinity Pines Youth Camp - "I might've felt something supernatural"

Student Life - "Jesus showed up"

Wild Week - "Jesus showed up"

Quest Camp - "Jesus showed up"

PowerPlus Youth Camps -"Jesus showed up"

Teen Mania's Extreme Camps - "If it reaches just one teenager..."

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Originally Preached: Sunday; February 15, 2004

“IT'S ALL ABOUT CHOICE”

The Choices of Ananias ( Acts 9:1-19 )

Opening Illustration: “A big choice from ‘The King of Torts”

For about two weeks last month, I had the opportunity to travel and work alongside several people from John Ward's company, doing the work they do... and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well, before one of the flights, I picked up the latest John Grisham paperback… I needed some mindless reading material after some pretty intense stuff… preparing this sermon, preparing our two newest series' for FATHOM… our Sunday night Student Ministry times.

I started reading this book and came to page 92 and the main character came to a point where he was offered a whole bunch of money to represent some clients. He was offered $10 million... but he could never talk about the case or how the whole thing played out. All he had to do was keep a deep, dark secret. $10 million! That's a lot of money! I won't go into the decision he ended up making, partly because I don't want to ruin the book's ending for you, but mainly because the dilemma this character found himself in was the same many of us often come to face, at any given moment… the dilemma of choice.

This morning, we want to take a look at two men who had choices to make… and some essential truths about the human dilemma of choice that we can learn from their experiences. Because, after all… it's all about choice. I want us to specifically look at four truths about choice.

And here's the number 1 thing about choice…

#1: Everybody has choices to make.

David had choices to make. (2 Samuel 11:1-2) à David has a choice to make… we see a string of choices starting here for David. He had the choice about where to be during the spring and now, he's got a choice to make regarding his purity.

Ananias had choices to make. (Acts 9:10-12) à Right here, we see Ananias given a choice… how will he respond? How will he react? He's just been given an order to go and pray for a killer of Christians?

Illustration: “Morgan Freeman in ‘Lean on Me”

Each of us has choices to make. There's a line in a movie I love… Morgan Freeman says, “ The only things I have to do is stay black and die! ” when he's told that he has to help calm a mob of rioting students. And you know what? That's completely true. In this life, there are only two things that we must do… that we have no choice about – every person must leave this life for the next through the process of death. That's an essential truth. And every person in here must live with the ethnicity we have been given… the heritage we've been given. Another essential truth. Some people joke and say, “I have to pay taxes!” Actually, no you don't. You can not pay taxes and get arrested and sent to prison… but it's still your choice.

I love to hear people tell me, “I didn't have any choice!” Because the thing is, you do have a choice. That sport or academic activity? It's all a choice. Nobody makes you take up sports or band or do good or bad in your classes. Nobody makes you take that job or turn down an opportunity for ministry. Students, when you choose to take part in that sport, that choice will mean that other things like academics and church and family drop down one place on your list of priorities. And that brings us to our second point…

#2: The choices we make will reflect our priorities.

David's priority was lust and disobedience… his pride. (2 Samuel 11:3-5) David made choices… and they reflected his priorities. He flushed every ounce of his integrity down the toilet for those particular choices.

Ananias' priority was obedience. (Acts 9:15-17) à Ananias made a choice… he did what God said to do, when He said to do it. Didn't waste time, didn't hem and haw. He made the choice to be obedient.

Illustration: “My passing on Super Summer opportunity”

I've told the story to our students many times about when I was a senior and the choice I made between Super Summer and a writing camp for the top young writers in Texas and how now… I kinda' wish I had been at Super Summer instead. I made a choice and… I can look back now and tell you that it was the wrong one. We all have moments like that, don't we? When we make a choice that we want… or that we're put in the position to make because of previous wrong choices.

When we set up priorities in our lives, our choices will reflect those… they'll show those for the whole world to see. If we make the choice to make a sport the primary priority in our lives, then guess what? Our choices will reflect that… they'll show that. If we make God a priority in our lives, then the daily choices we make will reflect that… or if we don't, likewise.

I'm continually amazed by people who come to me and say, “Ohhh… my life is so bad! Ohhh… things stink right now!” Oh, okay. Well, did you read your Bible this week? Did you pray? They usually look at me like I just suggested something new and exotic.

I've heard athletes say “ My record speaks for itself! ” What that's referring to is that an athlete can point back at his/her scoreboard and not have to make explanations, excuses or make promises. Instead, their past choices of training, practicing and discipline have resulted in success on the playing field and that displays their priorities for all to see… success on the playing field is a priority for them.

Coming up, you have the choice about whether or not to participate in “40 Days of Purpose.” As we heard from Bother Clay, there are three levels of participation and in order for these 40 Days to be effective, we need to choose to take part in all three, personal, small group and church-wide. Doing just one or two of the three won't give you the full extent of the results you could see. Folks, let's be honest. It all boils down to choice. We do what's important to us… we make time for the things that are important to us.

Beloved, you have a stellar opportunity to grow closer to your church family, your family that attends church, your spouse and anyone else willing to go through “40 Days of Purpose” with us. Parents, you have the opportunity… the choice to grow closer to your children spiritually. They'll be following along through the book at the same pace as everyone else. On Sunday mornings I'll teach the students about it and then on Sunday nights, the student ministry will have it's small group time at my home. My roommate Josh and I have been painting, cleaning and more just to get it ready for the big day! I'll also be hosting the Young Singles at my home on Friday nights. And it's not just those age groups! Every age group and life situation of the church will be reading and studying the book, meeting in small groups and committing to attend on Sunday mornings to seek to answer this question… “What on Earth am I here for?”

As Christians, our lives serve as scoreboards for a world that needs and wants to see godly lives lived out. What does your scoreboard say? What choices have you made? What priorities do those choices reflect?

Here's the third thing about choices…

#3: Our choices affect other people.

David's choices didn't just hurt him. They also affected everyone who knew him and about the situation, Bathsheba, his army and it really affected poor Uriah.

Ananias' choices affected more people than we can count, because Saul became Paul and Paul became one of the greatest evangelists who ever lived.

Illustration: Scene from “Spider-Man”

In a scene from “Spider-Man,” we see Peter Parker, Spider-Man, making a choice and guess what? It's the wrong one. Now, granted, at the time, it was the choice that felt right… but did he know better? Probably. But the saddest fact of this scene is that Uncle Ben was affected by Peter Parker's choice. He was there, waiting for Peter, and the robber that Peter chose to allow to escape murdered him.

That's right. And that's probably the thing that makes the biggest impact, at least for me. A lot of choices I make will affect other people… if I choose not to prepare for a Bible Study, then chances are I won't be able to effectively communicate exactly what God wants me to. If someone makes the choice to commit murder or rape… you know what? Their choices will affect other people.

If we choose not to make godly choices at work or at school or even at home, that will affect other people and in turn, it may influence their decision about whether or not to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Now, keep in mind… everyone has to make that choice for themselves. And you're not responsible for the choice they ultimately make. But, your choices will influence their choices and that will, in turn, affect their lives. If you choose to participate in “40 Days of Purpose”… that will affect other people… the people you live with, work with, hang out with… it's not just about you.

And here's the last thing about choices…

#4: Ultimately, I am responsible for the choices I make.

Ultimately, David became accountable for the choices he made. All of his story was laid out and bare for people centuries later to see.

Ultimately, Ananias became accountable for the choices he made… and I believe God rewarded him greatly for it.

There will come a day when each and every one of us will be accountable for the choices we have made, are making and will make. Now, that time may come at different points for each of us.

Some will face consequences for their choices the very next day. Others will never see the outcome of choices they've made until we go home to be with Jesus.

What choices are you making right now, in your own life?

What priorities are those choices reflecting?

Who are those choices going to affect?

Are you prepared to accept responsibility for those choices?

And most importantly, are those the choices that are going to make the most out of the choice Jesus made for each and every one of us? If you're a Christian, then we now must make choices accordingly. Jesus says that He came to give us abundant life… but the choices we make can limit that sometimes.

We have the choice to follow after Christ and make choices that will glorify Him and please Him… the neat thing is that every day is a new beginning. Every day can be a new, different choice to follow after God and to please Him. We get to start over each day and make all new choices that could please God…

What choices will you make this morning?

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a message derived from the writings of CS Lewis' "Mere Christianity."

“The Great Sin”

2 nd Samuel 11

Over the course of the past few weeks, we've been taking a walk through the book of Phillipians with Pastor Clay. We've been examining this book and learning about living in joy and about how God wants us to live a joy-filled existence. It's what He wants for us… what he intended for us.

In the midst of this, I believe it is important to realize that there are certain factors that can inhibit our experiencing joy the way God intended. Sin is, of course, the primary thing that can stand between us and the joyful life God has for us. And of those sins, God's laid a particular one on my heart for me to share with you this morning… the one that CS Lewis calls “the great sin.”

And in order to share it with you, I want to tell you a story this morning… a story about a man and the one time in his life when he fell and his sin was eventually exposed to the entire city. Now, for this man, this dark period in his life was the exception and not the rule, but like many other Biblical personalities, his sins and his life were laid bare for the entire world to see throughout history.

The man I'm speaking about is a man you've probably heard of… David. David once killed a giant and proved that he had courage. David was called a man after God's own heart… but he was not perfect. He was still a man. And the one time when David was less than what God wanted Him to be, was the one time that we'll look at today.

Our story starts in the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel, Chapter 11. And this morning, we're going to learn three dangerous things about – once again - what CS Lewis calls the great sin and that is… the sin of PRIDE.

Read 2 Samuel 11: 1 – 3

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful , and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said ‘Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”

Now, here's the first of the three dangerous things about PRIDE… you ready for it? Here it is…

#1: PRIDE can make us think we DON'T need to be where we should be.

Now, David was a “ man after God's own heart .” He knew what he needed to be doing. And he knew where he needed to be. In this chapter we are specifically told that this entire chain of events occurred at the time when kings go off to war. And that is for a very specific reason… because David was not where he needed to be.

We know that David was a king, a leader, but yet here we find David back at his palace when his men are out on the battlefield. Now, we're not told why David is not with his men, but we know David is not where he needs to be. Immediately after this, we are given something of a CNN newsflash about what David's army has been up to without their king. The Bible says that “ they destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah .” So, they'd been kind of busy. You know, just a little busy.

And then again, we come back to David… “ But David stayed in Jerusalem. ” To most of us, this point might seem like a sort of “common sense” point… If you're not where you're supposed to be, then of course things won't go your way! But beloved, there are so many ways we can rationalize, that we can convince ourselves why we shouldn't be where we need to be. And every one of them can be fueled by PRIDE.

David could have said, “Well, I've been beatin' on the Ammonites for a while now… I'm tired of it. I'm bored with it. I don't feel like it.” But you know what? The “I's” have it! Every one of those possible excuses begins with the letter I, as in me, myself and I. As in, not God. As in PRIDE.

Today, we have much of the same thing going… one can say, “I should be talking on the phone to my friend because they're having a hard time right now instead of studying for that test!” One can say, “Well, I should go to that bar with those people from work because I can witness to them by not getting plastered!” One can say, “I should stay home and meet the needs of my visiting family members instead of going to church!” ( Laugh ) That's probably the dumbest thing I've ever heard of, but I digress. All those are only somewhat convincing… because they once again place us in places where we aren't supposed to be and keep us from being where we're supposed to be.

What it boils down to is PRIDE starts festering when we start thinking we know what's best for us. Rick Warren says it best in the 1 st Chapter of “The Purpose-Driven Life”… it's not about you!

Let's continue… (Read 2 Samuel 11: 4 – 17)

Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David saying, “I am pregnant."

Alright, so here we have Sins #1, #2 and #3 – Lust, Adultery and now, dishonesty… lying.

So David sent this word to Joab: ‘Send me Uriah the Hittite.' And Joab sent him to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. Then David said to Uriah, ‘Go down to your house and wash your feet.'

Uriah said to David, ‘The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my master Joab and my lord's men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to my house and to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!'

At this point, confronted with the honor and humility of this soldier, I can't see how this king could have not thrown himself onto his knees and begged forgiveness and said, “Uriah, I have committed adultery with your wife… do with me what you will.” But, that's not quite what happened is it? Let's see…

Then David said to him, ‘Stay here one more day, and tomorrow I will send you back.' So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. At David's invitation, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his mat among his master's servants; he did not go home.

So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David's army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.

And we have the culmination of David's many sins… Murder. Instead of being convicted of his sin and confessing and rewarding what was probably one his most loyal soldiers, Uriah, what does David do? He sleeps with his wife, gets her pregnant, tries to make Uriah sleep with her so it will appear to be his child, then gets him drunk and tries again and then finally has him murdered! Go figure!

And that brings us to our second point…

#2: PRIDE leads to other SINS.

As we see here, David started with PRIDE, but PRIDE was not content to be alone. PRIDE was soon joined by LYING, COVETING, LUSTING, ADULTERY and MURDER. Pride leads to other sins… it is the root for many other sins.

But, back to David… (Read 2 Samuel 11: 18 – 27)

Joab sent David a full account of the battle. He instructed the messenger; ‘When you have finished giving the king this account of the battle, the king's anger may flare up, and he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Didn't you know they would shoot arrows from the wall? Who killed Abimelech, son of Jerub-Besheth? Didn't a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?' If he asks you this, then say to him, ‘Also, your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead.'

But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.

@ Illustration: “My humbling experience at Encounter ‘98”

Should be noted that the experience was not humiliating, but rather humbling. God cared so much about me that He was willing to completely step away and allow me to fall flat on my face… simply so He could then lovingly lead me to where He wanted me to be. He left me because of this next point, because…

#3: Pride is the complete anti-God state of mind.

When I say this, many of you may feel a bit uncomfortable with that statement, however I would urge you to consider this… it was pride that made the devil the devil. It was pride that prompted Lucifer to attempt to ascend to equality with God. And it is pride that often fuels in humans a desire to be independent of God. Even moreso, PRIDE causes division amongst people… in fact, as CS Lewis points out, PRIDE is enmity. And not only enmity between man and man but between man and God.

You see, PRIDE in and of its nature is essentially competitive. PRIDE gets no pleasure our of having something, but rather out of having more than the next person. We say that people are proud of being rich or clever or good-looking, but they are not. Instead, they are proud of being richer, or cleverer or more good-looking than someone else. It is comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest.

For David, his pride made him believe that his wants were more important than Uriah's needs and that he was important enough and more than Uriah… so much so that he could murder a man because he had an affair with that man's wife and got her pregnant. David had everything… but PRIDE made him want more, including what he was never meant to have. And because he falsely believed he was important enough to warrant it, because he believed he

Now, as most of my sermons, this particular sermon began as a Bible study that we did during our Sunday night youth activity… FATHOM. FATHOM is a time of topical life-application Bible study where we see what God's Word has to say about the many issues that teenagers deal with and are curious about.

And the series on PRIDE prompted the most responses I have gotten on a series since we did a study on Spiritual gifts. Teenagers, college students and adults all had numerous questions for me after teaching that and I remember them asking about various things in their life and if those things would constitute PRIDE. And at first, I tried to evaluate each and every specific thing that I was told. And I found that it was consuming my thoughts… trying to avoid pride, to avoid being prideful was becoming my focus.

And then God spoke to me during the preparation of this message with a still, small voice. He told me exactly how we can defeat the pride that entangles us. He said, “Carlos, why focus on the sin? Why start with trying to not do something wrong rather than striving towards that which is holy?”

And you know what God's answer to PRIDE is? How to combat it?

Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Humility. By embracing humility. And, how can we embrace humility? Here's three ways to start, keeping in mind that all these are done within the context of pursuing God and His holy will for your life… you ready? Here they are…

A. Learn to love.

And I don't mean just saying “I love you.” Talk is cheap… it's got to be backed up by actions. It means putting someone else's needs before your own.

B. Learn to serve.

Once again, putting others' needs before your own is a guaranteed pride-killer. It reminds us that we're not alone in the world and that the rest of the world doesn't exist just to serve us, which is something we often have the tendency to think. Jesus took on the mantle of servant when he wrapped a towl around his waist and washed the disciples' feet… can we do any less than follow his example?

C. Learn to be authentic.

Learning to be authentic, to be real and to be honest with yourself, with God and with others is another pride-killer. All it would have taken from David would have beena just a little bit of honesty, of authnticity. If he had just sat Uriah down and explained what he had done… things would have been drastically different.

And this brings us to our time of invitiation… it's about being real… about being authentic… about being honest. How many of us over the past week alone have shunned humility for the seeming glamour of PRIDE?

The challenge is simple… humility is required to fully enjoy the joyful existence God has for us… PRIDE can kill our joy. But we can kill PRIDE by seeking after humility.

For some of us, it could be a completely new thing. For some of us, something we've strayed just a bit from. Whatever your case, wherever you're at in your walk with Christ towards a joy-filled life… there's room at this altar, this morning for you to come and pray for humility… and to pray against PRIDE.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've always enjoyed great movies and I've always thought that the some of the best movies are those that have the best villains. What I consider a "best villain" might be different from what you consider equal to claiming that title. However, for me, I see a great movie villain as being realistic enough to believe, but fantastic enough to be in a movie. A great performance, plus great direction and screenwriting still do not a great villain make... it's that something that makes you shudder during their confrontations with the protagonist. So here they are, in no particular order.

Top 10 Movie Villains

1. Mr. Glass (Samuel L Jackson) in "Unbreakable." Yeah, Sam Jackson is cool. Add to that a complex, quirky character with an insanely horrible affliction and a cleverly concealed motivation and you've got one of the Top 10 movie villains of all time.

2. Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in "The Silence of the Lambs" - I mean, really. Do I need to say anything more? His name is a household word. That's an effective movie villain.

3. Magneto (Ian McKellan) in the "X-Men" series - His regal presence and bearing convey an authority and a sense of dangerous intelligence that is frightening... because it equals and/or surpasses that of the good guys and because we can't be entirely sure that he's one of the "bad guys."

4. Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) in "Psycho" - Alfred Hitchcock and Perkins' creation is intensely complex and that complexity is the most frightening thing about him. The presence of this movie villain and his "mother" are enough to keep you awake for days after watching it.

5. Darth Vader (David Prowse; James Earl Jones) in the "Star Wars" films - Once again, a villain who has become a household name? A movie villain classic.

6. King Kong (various incarnations) - Time and again, we see a 5-story tall ape becomse a relatable character that we find ourselves - in some weird way - caring about.

7. Calvera (Eli Wallach) in "The Magnificent Seven" - You just don't get cooler than a Mexican bandito who's cocky enough to take on Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson and James Coburn.

8. Phyllis Deitrichson (Barbara Stanwyck) in "Double Indemnity" - This femme fatale helped pave the way for countless others and became a noir classic. Her seduction and puppeteering of Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) was without peer and started an avalanche of femme fatale wanna'be's.

9. Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones) in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" - The classic comic portrayal of a High School Dean bent on capturing Senior Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) in the act of skipping school was beyond hilarious... he was underappreciated and was at least half the reason the movie has become such a success and classic.

10. The Two Crazy Kids from "Elephant" - Yeah, they creep me out. I work with teenagers full-time and have seen everything under the sun... and these kids still creep me out. Yeeeech.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Top Ten Reasons Eve Was Created

10. God was worried that Adam would frequently become lost in the garden because he would not ask for directions.

9. God knew that one day Adam would require someone to locate and hand him the remote.

8. God knew Adam would never go out and buy himself a new fig leaf when his wore out and would therefore need Eve to buy one for him.

7. God knew Adam would never be able to make a doctor's, dentist, or haircut appointment for himself.

6. God knew Adam would never remember which night to put the garbage on the curb.

5. God knew if the world was to be populated, men would never be able to handle the pain and discomfort of childbearing.

4. As the Keeper of the Garden, Adam would never remember where he left his tools.

3. Apparently, Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God caught him hiding in the garden.

2. As the Bible says, It is not good for man to be alone!

And the #1 reason why God created Eve...

1. When God finished the creation of Adam, He stepped back, scratched his head, and said, "I can do better than that!"

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 02:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Calm down, it's not true. It's just a cute little mock news article somebody sent me. Read and enjoy.

MICROSOFT Bids to Acquire Catholic Church
By Hank Vorjes

VATICAN CITY (AP) -- In a joint press conference in St. Peter's Square this morning, MICROSOFT Corp. and the Vatican announced that the Redmond software giant will acquire the Roman Catholic Church in exchange for an unspecified number of shares of MICROSOFT common stock.
If the deal goes through, it will be the first time a computer software company has acquired a major world religion. With the acquisition, Pope John Paul II will become the senior vice-president of the combined company's new Religious Software Division, while MICROSOFT senior vice-presidents Michael Maples and Steven Ballmer will be invested in the College of Cardinals, said MICROSOFT Chairman Bill Gates. "We expect a lot of growth in the religious market in the next five to ten years," said Gates. "The combined resources of MICROSOFT and the Catholic Church will allow us to make religion easier and more fun for a broader range of people."
Through the MICROSOFT Network, the company's new on-line service, "we will make the sacraments available on-line for the first time" and revive the popular pre-Counter-Reformation practice of selling indulgences, said Gates. "You can get Communion, confess your sins, receive absolution -- even reduce your time in Purgatory -- all without leaving your home." A new software application, MICROSOFT Church, will include a macro language which you can program to download heavenly graces automatically while you are away from your computer.
An estimated 17,000 people attended the announcement in St Peter's Square, watching on a 60-foot screen as comedian Don Novello -- in character as Father Guido Sarducci -- hosted the event, which was broadcast by satellite to 700 sites worldwide. Pope John Paul II said little during the announcement. When Novello chided Gates, "Now I guess you get to wear one of these pointy hats," the crowd roared, but the pontiff's smile seemed strained. The deal grants MICROSOFT exclusive electronic rights to the Bible and the Vatican's prized art collection, which includes works by such masters as Michelangelo and Da Vinci. But critics say MICROSOFT will face stiff challenges if it attempts to limit competitors' access to these key intellectual properties. "The Jewish people invented the look and feel of the holy scriptures," said Rabbi David Gottschalk of Philadelphia. "You take the parting of the Red Sea -- we had that thousands of years before the Catholics came on the scene."
But others argue that the Catholic and Jewish faiths both draw on a common Abrahamic heritage. "The Catholic Church has just been more successful in marketing it to a larger audience," notes Notre Dame theologian Father Kenneth Madigan. Over the last 2,000 years, the Catholic Church's market share has increased dramatically, while Judaism, which was the first to offer many of the concepts now touted by Christianity, lags behind. Historically, the Church has a reputation as an aggressive competitor, leading crusades to pressure people to upgrade to Catholicism, and entering into exclusive licensing arrangements in various kingdoms whereby all subjects were instilled with Catholicism, whether or not they planned to use it. Today Christianity is available from several denominations, but the Catholic version is still the most widely used. The Church's mission is to reach "the four corners of the earth," echoing MICROSOFT's vision of "a computer on every desktop and in every home". Gates described MICROSOFT's long-term strategy to develop a scalable religious architecture that will support all religions through emulation.
A single core religion will be offered with a choice of interfaces according to the religion desired -- "One religion, a couple of different implementations," said Gates. The MICROSOFT move could spark a wave of mergers and acquisitions, according to Herb Peters, a spokesman for the U.S. Southern Baptist Conference, as other churches scramble to strengthen their position in the increasingly competitive religious market.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yeah, these are all actual slogans used by churches on their billboards and signs. Some are cute, some are half-way witty and some are real groaners.

The following are actual signs found on church property:

"No God-No Peace. Know God-Know Peace."

"Free Trip to heaven. Details Inside!"

"Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin-Robbins."

"Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here!"

An ad for St. Joseph's Episcopal Church has a picture of two hands holding stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments are inscribed and a headline that reads, "For fast, fast, fast relief, take two tablets."

When the restaurant next to the Lutheran Church put out a big sign with red letters that said, "Open Sundays," the church reciprocated with its own message: "We are open on Sundays, too."

"Have trouble sleeping? We have sermons-come hear one!"

A singing group called "The Resurrection" was scheduled to sing at a church. When a big snowstorm postponed the performance, the pastor fixed the outside sign to read, "The Resurrection is postponed."

"People are like tea bags-you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are."

"God so loved the world that He did not send a committee."

"Come in and pray today. Beat the Christmas rush!"

"When down in the mouth, remember Jonah. He came out alright."

"Sign broken. Message inside this Sunday."

"Fight truth decay-study the Bible daily."

"How will you spend eternity-Smoking or Non-smoking?"

"Dusty Bibles lead to Dirty Lives"

"Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world."

"Our arms are the only ones God has to hug His children."

"It is unlikely there'll be a reduction in the wages of sin."

"Do not wait for the hearse to take you to church."

"If you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns."

"If you don't like the way you were born, try being born again."

"Looking at the way some people live, they ought to obtain eternal fire insurance soon."

"This is a ch_ _ ch. What is missing?" ---> (U R)

"Forbidden fruit creates many jams."

"In the dark? Follow the Son."

"Running low on faith? Stop in for a fill-up."

"If you can't sleep, don't count sheep. Talk to the Shepherd."

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 02:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's the answers!

JETS

REDSKINS

BROWNS

BUCCANEER

RAIDERS

VIKINGS

GIANTS

SAINTS

RAMS

COWBOYS

SEAHAWKS

PACKERS

49ERS

CHIEFS

CHARGERS

BILLS

OILERS

FALCONS

PATRIOTS

CARDINALS

DOLPHINS

COLTS

STEELERS

LIONS

BEARS

BENGALS

EAGLES

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

RAVENS

JAGUARS

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Try and figure out the actual names for these and then hit the Answers entry to find out if you got 'em!

How many NFL teams can you name?

747'S

STUPID SUNBATHERS

WISE SUNBATHERS

$1.00 FOR CORN

MIDNIGHT SNACKERS

SIX RULERS

UNCLE'S SPOUSE IN THE ARMY

PETER AND PAUL

EWE'S MATE

HALF BOVINE/HALF MAN

MARINE BIRD

LOADERS

SEVEN SQUARED

INDIAN'S LEADERS

CREDIT CARD USERS

IOU'S

LUBRICATORS

HENRY'S FIRST COMPACT

AMERICAN FOREFATHERS

FUNDAMENTAL LAWS

GIRL'S TOY/FISH'S ARM

SIX SHOOTERS

THIEVES

KING OF BEASTS

STREAKERS

TIGERS

U.S. BIRDS

EQUINE GOES WILD

BLACK CATS

EDGAR'S POEM

MICK'S SURNAME

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another one of the clever emails that everybody's received but nobody knows who to thank for.

You are 100% Texan if:

You use the phrase "fixin' to" daily.

Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.

You've ever been excused from school because "the cows got out."

You can properly pronounce the towns "Mexia" and "Mesquite."

You think that people who complain about the wind in their states are sissies.

You know the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but by the
availability of shade.

You have owned at least one belt buckle bigger than your fist

When you hear a tornado siren, you go outside and look for a funnel. .

Your "place at the lake" has wheels under it.

You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition and bait all in the same store.

Mercedes Benz is not a status symbol, but a Ford F350 4X4 is!

You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply.

You know that "y'all" is singular and "all y'all" is plural.

You are 100% Texan if you have ever had this conversation:
"You wanna Coke?"
"Yeah."
"What kind?"
"Dr. Pepper."

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a poem I did in January of 2001. I think it pretty accurately describes my face... what do you think?

"My Face"

It's kind of like those questions
Like we used to have to write, you know,
The little one and a half paragraph essays
On back in middle school…
"Describe your face,"
They would say, as if it was so easy.

My eyes jump out, being the strongest feature,
Or so I've been told, and I'm also told that
"The eyes are the windows to the soul"
So gloriously put.
What do mine show, I wonder?
Are they the things I hope they show?
Compassion and warmth,
And an intensity tempered by playfulness?
Or does it show a sometimes headstrong
Little boy, often lost in a sea of grown-ups?

Some of the kids I used to work with used to say
My cheeks were like "Michaelangelo's,"
You know, the Ninja Turtle?
Or like the little Beanie Baby,
Simply called "Congo."
(He was a big ape.)

My nose is thick and round,
Almost a caricature of Ole' Saint Nick's.
My lips just as thick, also vying for
A position on Santa's face!
My ears stick out, two handles that
Can be gripped.

I'm told my face has my mother's softness,
Her tender touch,
And that it has my Father's gruffness,
The smile below the surface.
Would I trade it away?
Not a chance.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Also titled, "Youth Minister," this was another piece written during October of 2000. It's something I like to go back and re-read because - even though it's cheesier than a box of Velveeta - it still reminds me of some of the very first experiences I ever had with Student Ministry.

Like the others, this piece is being re-posted with no editing whatsoever, as it was originally posted to MadMinister.com.

Don't be surprised, no matter what they say… always be understanding; don't compound the problem by showing disdain or disappointment.
Don't be surprised when Mrs. Hanson tells you that Billy looks up to you… that he thinks the world of you and that she doesn't have to fight him to get him to go to Sunday School anymore. Just smile and nod humbly, remembering Billy's last outburst of "hero-worship;" and the twenty minutes it took you and him to clean up all the "Silly String."
Don't be surprised when you have to strain yourself to not throw Jeremy out of your "Sunday School" class. You can see that; #1 he's playing with those action figures during your lesson just to get a rise out of you, #2 he's getting away with it because he's one of your favorite kids, and #3 he's the Pastor's oldest son, so you don't want to have to throw him out anyway.
Don't be surprised when you put your arm around Suzanne's shoulder and give her a gentle hug of affirmation, but are careful to follow the "three-second rule" (to avoid any misunderstandings on the teenage girl's part - they tend to get "crushes" easily). You've been to more than enough camps, retreats and conferences where that has been taught and reviewed.
Don't be surprised when you answer your phone at 11:37 PM, only to find that it's Stephanie and her friends calling to wish you a Happy New Year… for the tenth time.
Don't be surprised to feel your heart racing because you arrived at the office to find that Jeremy was taken to the hospital with severely painful appendicitis the day before. Feel a tear come to your eye as the secretaries tell you that he has been asking for only you since he came out of the operation. Quickly find directions to the hospital on Yahoo.com and then race over there in your beat-up 1992 Ford Thunderbird. Arrive at his room to find the Pastor sitting at a chair next to the bed where Jeremy is laying. Smile as you see Jeremy's goofy grin spread across his face and watch the mischievous twinkle re-appear in his eyes. Walk over, shake hands with the Pastor and then sit down on the edge of the bed and hand over a small Beanie Baby (a gift from the kids because they said it looked like you) to keep him company. Stay a while and just sit with him, not needing to say anything.
Don't be surprised, as you watch the wind blow through the trees down by the lake, when John, while crying softly, tells you that his father hit him. Don't be surprised at the pain that this young man felt. Put your arm around him and just sit with him for a while… words are meaningless right now. Tell him that he is loved and then pray with him, all the while knowing that this is only the beginning of this problem.
Don't be surprised when you try to talk to Katherine about her attitude, only to have her turn and flounce away, not having heard a word that was said. Talk to her mother, knowing that the words are going in one ear and out the other but still, keep trying.
Don't be surprised when you have to argue, in vain, with the Church Finance Committee over the extra $500 that you need for a youth event. Go back to your office and begin reworking the budget to get the most out of what you do have to work with.
Don't be surprised when it feels like you heart is being ripped out because the time has come to move on to another church and another group of teenagers after investing two years of your life in this group. Smile for the kids and stay as long as possible, but still feel horrible when Eric, upset and crying, walks away and won't talk to you.
The next Sunday, in a barren church hallway, tell him to stop walking away and turn and face you. Tell him that this is not the last time he will ever see you and that you do love him. Take him to lunch after the service and tell him that you will still be around, sometimes, and that he will love the new Youth Minister even more than he does you.
Don't be surprised when you remember that week during the summer when his mother, crying and frustrated, called you and asked for your help in dealing with his rebelliousness. Don't be surprised when you can recall the various and creative dirty looks he gave you as you "cracked the whip" on him by making him scrub dirty walls in the nursery. Recall the laughter the two of you shared as you decorated a meeting room for the children's "Vacation Bible School."
Remember, with fondness, all the good times you had with this group as you pack your things, turn in your keys and pager and walk out the office door.
Don't be surprised when that single, solitary tear slips down your cheek and you miss them terribly.
Don't be surprised when you put your chin up and walk into the room full of new kids, your new kids… and the rush of eager, young faces brings a smile to your face. Don't be surprised.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's another piece written in October of 2000. As I am doing with a lot of these re-postings, I am presenting them as originally written with no editing, whatsoever, so please forgive the many stylistic and artistic shortcomings you'll encounter.

That being said, enjoy.

Your fingers tap impatiently against the steering wheel of the Ford 15-passenger van. Suzanne is running late again; the van should have been on the road 15 minutes ago, but Suzanne, or more appropriately, her mother, is usually always running "a little late." The rest of the teenagers chat noisily amidst Brandon's increasingly annoying farting noises as you silently go over the last of the details in your head.
Quickie breakfast for tomorrow? Check.
Brandon's asthma medicine? Check.
A stack of extra Bibles (because most teenagers going on a church retreat inevitably forget theirs)? Check.
Your Gas-Ex? Check.
Suzanne's ride pulls up, the car rumbling and grumbling and you wave and smile broadly to Suzanne's mother who gives a beleaguered smile back and continues shoo-ing Suzanne out of the car giving her last minute pieces of random motherly advice, as only a mother can. Suzanne bounds into the van and you have already shifted into gear and are pulling away as the doors finish closing.
The sense of excitement in the van is palpable and not just from the teenagers. This is not only the first weekend retreat for them, but for you as well. You smile to yourself as Brandon's distinctive laugh sounds out and you quickly glance into the rearview mirror to make sure he's not having too much fun. He is, so - as you accelerate and enter the freeway - you tell him to put the air-conditioning vents back into their proper slots and that taking apart rental cars isn't a particularly good way to show the love of Jesus. He agrees… and then promptly begins making farting noises again, this time with his armpit.
You smile and begin trying to figure out the directions that you printed up off of Yahoo.com before you left the church. You hand them to Nathan, who is sitting beside you in the passenger seat, and say a quick prayer under your breath for divine guidance.
After two wrong turns, you arrive at the church and park the van. The teenagers spill out of the van and begin moving towards the main building. You call out a reminder "Don't forget you Bibles!" and the wave reverses itself as they all run back to get their Bibles.
Inside, it's a madhouse. You lead your small group through the flurry of teenagers everywhere, their own tardy Youth Ministers scurrying about, and then you leave your group by a large, healthy potted palm that you know you'll be able to spot later. You quickly rush over to the registration booth, sign in, and then make your way back to your group.
Leading your group, you find a row of seats not too far up in the nose-bleed section and get settled in. You breathe a huge sigh of relief and settle back to enjoy the night. During the first break, your kids' excitement is palpable; Shane & Nathan immediately head off to "get the holy hook-up" (ie: try to get phone numbers from girls they will never call). The rest of the group wanders off aimlessly to peruse the various CD's, t-shirts, concert posters and other goodies for sale in the church lobby.
You take a small break, something that will be rare over the next 48 hours. Brandon plops down on the seat beside you and grins, excited by his surroundings and definitely ready for the coming sessions in this huge auditorium.
You enjoy the following few hours of time to hear good, often humorous, teaching and to watch as your kids enjoy it also. After the nights activities conclude, you drive them back over to the hotel you are staying at… and that's where your trouble usually starts.
You groan inwardly as the receptionist states that the pizza is running around an hour late… Haley is complaining, saying that she is lactose-intolerant and can't have pizza. Shane and Michael are riding a luggage cart back and forth up and down the hallway and within half an hour of checking in, you receive a call from the front desk.
"Uh, yes, Mr. Tovar?"
"Speaking… is this about the pizza?"
"Uh, no, sir. We've had a phone complaint from another guest about the noise on your floor… is there any way your group can quiet down a little?"
"Sure, sure… I'm sorry about that."
"Thank you."
You hang up the phone, march out into the hallway and glare at Shane and Michael, who quickly vacate their vehicle of choice. You gather the group into one room and pass out a bundle of encouragement letters from each of their families, friends, etc. They break up to go read their letters and you take a breather, slowly sipping a soda until the pizza arrives.
After the pizza arrives and is instantaneously devoured by the restless natives, you begin the hour-long process of getting everyone settled in for the night. Fifteen seconjds after you close you door, Haley shows up at the door complaining that she needs an antacid. You quickly get her some loose change and rush her down the hall to a vending machine where you saw some. After that, you tuck them in and wait for your other two adult chaperones to arrive. They do so… at 3:30 AM.
The next morning, your group groggily arises, nearly half an hour late, and you stuff breakfast down their throats as you finish packing up to rush over to the church.
After arriving at the church, your group hurries into the back doors and to the same nose bleed section as the night before. At the lunch break, your male adult chaperone, Daniel, begins doing "donuts" in the parking lot with the church van… while the kids are still in the van. He speeds off with them to McDonald's to get them their food and when they get back, the kids whisper into your ears that they don't ever want him to drive them again… you heartily agree.
The retreat ends and you rush the kids back to the church for their parents to pick them up. As you rest your feet in your office at the church, waiting for the Pastor to pick up his two sons who went, Nathan, the younger of the two comes in and sits down.
"Hey Carlos, can I tell you something?"
"Sure, buddy, what's up?"
"Well, while we were there… during the worship times…" he touches his chest, right about where his heart is, glances down at the ground and then looks into your eyes, "I… I felt something. I haven't ever felt anything like it."
You are speechless. In your mind, you're saying But everything went wrong! How could you possibly have gotten anything out of the weekend? Nothing went the way I planned for it to go! It is then that you realize a truth that will stick with you for the rest of your days… God is most often strongest when we are at our weakest.
You put your arm around this humble 6th grade boy and give him a hug as his father walks into the office and asks, "So, how'd it go?"
"Great," you answer, smiling and strangely at peace, "It was great."

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is another short story written for a Creative Writing class in 2000. As with the other re-postings, I am presenting these pieces as originally published, with no editing whatsoever.

It's actually an excerpt from a much longer work, originally intended to be an original screenplay. The screenplay is entitled, "Prayer for the Dying" and is the story of one last missionary journey for a Catholic priest dying of AIDS and his Baptist evangelist friend. They travel with a team into a restricted zone and after barely escaping, Alex, the priest, succumbs to the disease.

"Best Friends"
(An excerpt from "Prayer for the Dying")
By: C.M. Tovar

The two men sat in a quiet room. One lay in an institutional bed, with handrails on each side of it and slightly faded pale blue sheets covering him up to his chest. There was an IV running from his wrist to a small plastic bag that hung by itself on a metal rack. The man in the bed was awake, though he was only staring at the ceiling. From time to time he would glance over at the other man, who sat in the worn, burnt-orange chair by the bed.
Just then, the man in the chair lifted his head from where it had been resting in his own hands. His eyes were puffy and reddened and the glistening of tears still rested in his eyes. Quietly, he sat back in his chair and this move elicited a creak from the weary chair. He was a big man, well over 6 feet tall and almost 300 pounds and it was all muscle. His eyes met those of the man in the bed and he quickly averted his eyes to his own hands.
"So you've finally quit praying, huh, Dell?" asked the man in the bed.
"Shut up, Alex…" whispered the big man. His eyes were still on his own hands.
"What did He say?" asked Alex.
At this, the big man shifted in his seat and moved his eyes to the floor. He still did not give so much as a glance to the man in the bed.
"What did He say?" repeated Alex. This time, his voice was a bit louder.
"You know damn well…" mumbled the big man, as he slumped back into the chair.
"Watch your mouth…" murmered Alex as he winced, quietly.
"What happened?" asked Dell, sitting up quickly.
"Nothing," came the quick response.
"That wudn't nuthin'" was Dell's response, "now, what was it."
"It's getting a little harder to breath is all."
The big man did not reply to this. Instead, he rested his head once again on his hand.
"You'll remember to give her the journal, won't you," said Alex. This time, he looked straight at Dell and waited for a response.
"I'll remember," was all the big man replied. His massive shoulders shuddered momentarily and he turned his head to the side, so Alex couldn't see him as well. Alex could still make out the barely audible sniffle, though.
"She needs to see the journal… to know…." His voice drifted off.
"It's her fault you're here… that you contracted -"
"Don't. The journal has to come from someone who will love her… who will be there for her when… when I can't be."
"All the stuff we been through… all the times when we shoulda' been dead…" his voice trailed off and the big man eased back into his chair.
"Remember the time when we had to get that crate full of Bibles into Yakutsk? And that college student, the goofy kid with the really thick glasses, what was his name?"
"Conti. Timmy Conti. But he used to make everybody call him 'Cokebottle' 'cause a his glasses." Looking at the far wall, Dell breaks into a smile.
"Yeah, that was him," said Alex, a smile spreading across his face as well.
"And when we got to that checkpoint and that one guard came to check our truck an' Cokebottle peed his pants he was so scared an' the guard just looked at us real disgusted-like and waved us on through," said Dell. He began laughing a loud, echoing laugh that was far louder than Alex's.
Alex began coughing and choking as he laughed and the laugh faded into a cough and he began reaching for a handkerchief of some sort. Dell moved onto the bed, sitting beside him, and pulled his own handkerchief from his pocket to place over Alex's mouth as he coughed.
Alex pulled the handkerchief away and started to hand it back over to Dell when he noticed a thick wad of blood in the middle.
"Sorry about the handkerchief," said Alex, no longer smiling.
"Don't worry 'bout it," said Dell. His own smile was gone as well.
"Do me a favor, would you?" asked Alex. His eyes met Dell's and the two men were silent for a moment.
"Anything, brother."
"Leave… now."
"I… I can't do that" replied Dell. His voice was raspy and tears began to form in his eyes.
"You have to. There's too much work to be done for you to stay here anymore… and besides… this is it."
Dell reached out his hand and Alex grabbed hold of it. They sat for a second without saying anything, and then Dell rose from the bed. He slowly picked up a worn, leather-bound volume on the small bed-stand and the small piece of stiff, white material lying next to it. Without a word, he turned his back, the journal in one hand and the priest's Roman collar in the other, and walked out of the room.
Alex sat back in the bed and stared, once again at the ceiling. His chest rose and fell evenly, and then, with a slight shudder, he was still.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A short story I wrote in 2000 for one of my Creative Writing elective classes. I still like it, even though the technique is rudimentary at best.

He has been there at every major crossroads in my life, quietly guiding me and protecting me. I wasn't aware of his involvement until I was 16, and then, he became a major part of my life, always there, always watching out for me.
There was the time when my sister became pregnant out of marriage, an act that nearly tore apart our family. I remember that night after the revelation so vividly; the dark of the living room because no one had bothered to change out the light bulbs… the dog barking, alone, in the neighbor's yard… the gentle creak as I rocked back and forth on the worn, blue Laz-E-Boy, still shell-shocked by the news. When I began to cry, he calmly stepped over to sit down on the arm of the chair. He put a massive arm around my shuddering shoulders and held me tightly, whispering words of reassurance to me. Most of all, though, I remember how he consoled her during that time. He was there in spite of the things she said and did that hurt him so deeply; the things that made him cry.
And when she lost the child in a miscarriage, and our family was beaten down even more, he stood rock-solid, a constant in the midst of ever-changing circumstances. He never wavered in his love for each of us, even when our actions hurt him even more than I will ever know. My anger and resentment at the actions perpetrated by my sister were completely against everything he had taught me, but still, he loved me, listened to me and finally granted his forgiveness to me when I asked for it. At times, I am unable to even forgive myself for some of the things I said to her; the times when I should have followed his example and just loved her. That was what she needed, not my self-righteous chastising. When he finally showed this to me - and she and I were reconciled - we sat together and wept, with him standing over us, smiling.
Less bitter times came, when he provided us with a new house… the excitement over all of us laboring over the freshly laid carpet with those fuzzy, little left-over pieces being kicked around by our feet as we rushed to move in. When we all sat around and watched movies together - movies are a mainstay in the Tovar household - his favorites were the ones he could relate to; that most embodied his characteristics. Needless to say, most of the ones we watched were not of that variety. But he sat with us anyway.
Times when embarrassing things happened to me; such as when I tried to be suave and sophisticated in front of a girl in a pool hall, with my friends present,… he was there, watching and laughing lovingly as I made a fool of myself. Or the first time I tried to pass off one of my gaseous emmitances as someone else's… he lightly slapped me in the back of the head and chided me for not being completely honest.
And then there was the time when we had to rush my father to the emergency room out of fear that he was suffering a stroke or heart attack… the nerve-wracking hours spent amidst a sea of Pine-Sol disinfectant-tinged air as we awaited results… my Father was there as well.
Even now, as I sit here, writing these things down and remembering, he sits, watching and reading over my shoulder… guiding me. Loving me. Protecting me. Inspiring me.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In one of the few cases in which I will ever retract a previous, written statement, I have to say that I can no longer completely agree with what I wrote 6 years ago.

While I believe that we, as believers, need to be aware of becoming involved in demonic practices, I have seen far too many Gospel-centered teaching, conversing and Christian connecting happen using the Harry Potter books as a "common ground" for me to dismiss them.

Therefore, I serve myself up a heaping helping of crow, in a delicously, non-judgmentally baked slice of humble pie. Congrats to ya, JK Rowling... you may have been a huge cultural help to Christians everywhere!

Book: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
Author: J. K. Rowling
Available: In paperback or hardback at Amazon.com

Background: First printed in 1998, this children's book quickly sky-rocketed to the top of all the sales charts and also quickly became the target for many parents' groups that moved towards banning the book from schools and libraries. This book currently is the Number 1 most "challenged" (meaning, it is being considered for "banning") book of 1999, 2000 and it is in the running for 2001.

Summary: A young wizard baby is orphaned when his parents are killed during a battle with an evil wizard. He is then placed with a "Druggle" (regular person) family. At the age of ten, after years of abuse and insult at the hands of his aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is invited to attend Hogwart's School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he must contend with hostile teachers, new experiences and the return of the evil wizard that killed his parents.

Mad Parts:
+ When Harry's aunt and uncle try and hide him from the mysterious invitations that can always find him. Amusing.
+ Harry's continuing success after the harsh treatment at the hands of his aunt and uncle. No matter your age, the desire to see harry succeed is infectious and you find yourself rooting for him.

Mad Props:
+ For a well-written book. J. K. Rowling did a superb job creating a fantasy world that we could step into and visit through Harry's eyes.

Mad Slops:
+ For paralleling "James and the Giant Peach" specifically and Roald Dahl generally. This book had the same sort of "tone" and "voice" that the former did and some of the parallels are pretty glaring. I'm not trying to imply anything, I'm just stating that if you've read any of Dahl's works, you might get a been-there, done-that feeling.
+ For basing an entire story-line around wizardry and witchcraft.

Mad Minister's Verdict:
I had a class this past Summer semester called "Communication Law & Ethics." One of the assignments for this class was to write a report on a "banned" book (in my case, I chose a "challenged" book) and place ourselves in the shoes of someone on the school/library board making the choice whether or not to ban the book. After looking on the American Library Association's website, I was reminded (by its prominent placement there) that the first Harry Potter adventure had been a hot topic and one of my pastors had actually mentioned it on a Sunday morning.
I thought and prayed long and hard over that particular project. Media is something close to my heart and Ted Stanton's Comm Law & Ethics class had made me think long and hard about issues of freedom of speech and religion and how those laws related to media, especially in the case of the process of "banning books." After seeing how strong a reaction the first Harry Potter book had garnered, I decided that this book needed to be the one I read and wrote my report on.
In the paper I wrote, I gave the decision that I would not vote to ban the Harry Potter book. My reasoning? That if one is to ban a book such as "Harry potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," then the book series "The Chronicles of Narnia" and others will not be far behind. Because I am not willing to take those quality, Christian classics out of the hands of children, I would not vote to ban Harry Potter, or any other book for that matter (within reason, of course - there are always extreme cases for consideration, so don't "Sound Off" about "what if-this" or "what if-that").
Now, as a book reviewer, I will say this: the Harry Potter books are very well written books. They're compelling and quickly engaging to children, teenagers and/or adults (being the latter, I found myself swept up into the story). J. K. Rowling did a great job setting up a fantasy world, creating memorable characters and crafting a first adventure for this endearing title character. Nobody can deny this and it is very easy to see why this series of books has caught on with children and parents alike. This is the kind of fairy tale that we don't often see being widely published and mass marketed in this day and age. And it is light-hearted and innocent… at first glance.
Now, I am not one to look for the "lurking evil" in each and every secular media piece. There's plenty of great secular media out there, and more often than not, the artistic quality is far better than the "Christian" stuff that gets put out. However, the bottom line with this particular book series is that it does promote witchcraft. Plain and simple. One could argue that "Well, they're good witches/warlocks" or "It's a positive, uplifting story that promotes following your dreams," and it does fit both of those statements.
While the witches/warlocks are good ones, it does portray witchcraft as being something that can possibly be good. And no matter what the perceived level of innocence is on the part of the author, the reader and the publisher, none of that discounts what the Bible has to say about witchcraft.
The Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, chapter 18, verse 10 states that anyone who "engages in witchcraft" is "detestable to the Lord." Take a second and get up and go look it up in your own Bible. I'll wait. Then, take a look at the New Testament book of Galatians, chapter 5, verse 20. "Witchcraft" is listed among the things that are of "the sinful nature." Now, neither of these verses is proof-texting. Taken in context, both Old Testament and New Testament, we're being warned about taking part in witchcraft.
And taking part never starts as "taking part." It starts as "just looking," or "just curious." And it progresses from there. While the Harry Potter books are great entertainment, they still invite us to view witchcraft as something that could inherently be good. And the fact of the matter is that if you are a follower of Christ, you cannot do so. We cannot take that chance at being drawn deeper into something that God calls us not to be.
So, my recommendation? If you're a follower of Christ and you're reading this, then I have to say I cannot recommend it to you, and I do this out of love rather than legalism.

Mad Points: 1 outta' 5. (Bolstered by a good story, good characterization and good writing.)

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book: "The Westing Game"
Author: Ellen Raskin
Available: In paperback at Amazon.com

Background: First printed in 1978, this book was awarded the distinguished "Newbery Medal" and was hailed by critics and fans alike as a "classic whodunit" (New York Times).

Summary: 16 possible heirs are invited to participate in a game that could win them $200 million if they can figure out who "caused the death of Samuel J. Westing," a reclusive millionaire entrepreneur. As tensions mount and people's true sides are revealed, it becomes more and more apparent that the man behind it all might not be exactly what he said he was.

Mad Parts:
+ The ending. The reader was kept guessing up until the end. This would make an amazing movie (other than the one made for TV a couple of years ago).

Mad Props:
+ The characters. Each one was carefully crafted and built up and you knew where each one was going to end up and their actions before they did. However, each twist and turn made sense when it was revealed.
+ The plot. This was a very good "whodunnit." I was personally not aware of who was going to be the murderer until the very end.

Mad Slops:
+ For a little bit of a "contrived" plot. The story was very good, but some of the events seemed a little too contrived to be realistic, but then, the whole novel was a stretch. The important part was that you had a great time getting there.

Mad Minister's Verdict: This book was an extremely enjoyable read. Even though the target audience for it doesn't seem to be anyone over the age of 21, it was still a great read. I have to admit that when I re-read this book, I had completely forgotten the outcome and I was kept guessing until the very end. For a fun night's read, or to give your kids something that's just plain fun… I can recommend "The Westing Game."

Mad Points: 3.5 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of my Top 10 favorite fiction books of all time. I can't explain why, but I just love this story. Call it a guilty pleasure read if you want, but it just connects to me.

Book: "Watchers"
Author: Dean R. Koontz
Available: In paperback or hardback at most online bookstores.

Background: In 1986 or so, and was one of Dean Koontz's earlier works, before he began steadily hitting the New York Times Bestseller List. The tone is different than his present works and much less complex.

Summary: A lonely man, Travis Cornell, is moving through life with out purpose or without hope, when he finds an intelligent dog in the woods and he and the dog are nearly attacked by an unseen threat. Through a series of events, Travis and his new dog, Einstein, come into Nora Devon's circle of influence and three develop a bond that gives each of them new purpose. The twist? The dog, Einstein, is a product of recombinant DNA testing and has had his intelligence boosted to human levels of understanding and awareness. The trio then proceeds on a wild ride of adventure, dodging the dog's "step-brother" named The Outsider that also escaped from the Biogenetics laboratory, a professional hitman bent on snatching the dog, and the government agents after both the dog and The Outsider.

Mad Parts:
+ When Travis and the dog first meet and are stalked by The Outsider. Great writing and a suspenseful tone make you never want to go camping again!
+ When Travis, Nora and Einstein (the dog) are attacked in their new home by The Outsider and Einstein is "killed" by The Outsider. Travis' reactions pulled all the right emotional cords.
+ When Travis finally kills The Outsider. Tears came to my eyes. For real. Okay, not for real, but tears could have come to my eyes if I cried really easy.

Mad Props:
+ For a strong, large cast of compelling characters that evoked emotions in readers.
+ For having interesting central characters that I could cheer for.
+ How cool is a dog that can think like we can, anywayz? Way mad.
+ For coming up with a genetic manipulation story like this before we could actually do it.
+ For having the two main characters wait 'til marriage to have sex! Way uncommon in today's sex-crazed media!

Mad Slops:
+ For a lot of cursing! Way too much. It comes from the "Bad Guys," but still. The story would have been just as good without it. Trust me.
+ For the grisly nature of some of the murders. And there were lots.

Mad Minister's Verdict: I can't explain why this novel is a favorite of mine, in spite of its many, many flaws. For some reason I just like it. It's pretty much one of those "guilty pleasure" books… you know, the type that have zero impact on anything, but that you just read for relaxation when you don't need to think or interact? Yeah, that kinda' book. Otherwise, I couldn't really recommend it to anyone unless you're tied down, given a copy and someone volunteers to sit there and turn the pages for you, one by one. And even then, I would recommend trying to find a way out of it.

Mad Points: 2 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of my Top 10 favorite fiction books of all time and a MADMINISTER.COM MUST READ for all those pursuing a vocational ministry career. Seminary students, pastors and those who are currently working out their calling should get a copy of this book ASAP.

Book: "The Visitation"
Author: Frank Peretti
Available: At most online bookstores

Background: In 1986, Frank Peretti's book "This Present Darkness" was first published, but little notice was taken of it at that time. The sub-genre of "Christian fiction" was just beginning to become popular in the mainstream Christian market. By 1988, this sleeper suddenly awoke and took the market by storm. As late as July of 1989, "This Present Darkness" was still the #1 best-seller among Christian books. In August 1989, Peretti's next work "Piercing the Darkness" was released by Crossway Books and promised to be at least as popular (by 10/89, it had already passed the 750,000 sales level of "This Present Darkness"). Since then, Frank Peretti has been atop the "Christian Fiction" sub-genre, being rivaled only by the current "Left Behind" series.
"The Visitation" is the latest, as of this writing, in Frank Peretti's Christian adult fiction works (as opposed to his teen/pre-teen series "The Cooper Kids") and it definitely lives up to the genre Peretti created, that of the "Spiritual Thriller." Hailed by many as a modern day prophet, Frank Peretti's novels always carry an important, urgent message to the Body of Christ and this one is an extremely important novel for anyone "doing ministry" as defined by our present church culture.

Summary: A retired pastor, Travis Jordan, must contend with his own doubts and questions about his faith in his small town of Antioch, Washington when a mysterious stranger arrives and is able to seemingly delve into Travis' varied past. As occurrences of spiritual events heighten tension and escalate the fears of the town's ministerial board, Travis and a young preacher, Kyle Sherman, must dodge controversy while trying to uncover the secrets of this deadly new threat that will inadvertently force Travis to re-visit his own past.

Mad Parts:
+ When Travis first meets the "stranger." It sent chills down my spine and had me guessing!
+ When Travis recounts his experiences on staff at a church. As impossible and sad as they seem, these kinds of things DO HAPPEN!
+ When Travis recounts his experiences with a "Big Church." Truly heart-breaking.
+ When Travis recounts the many lives he came into contact with during his ministry. For me, it was hugely affirming and succeeded in showing the highs of "ministry" as our current church culture defines it.

Mad Props:
+ For boldness and utilizing the spiritual gift of prophecy! Frank Peretti's book is God-influenced and on-target for today's church in America.
+ For telling an effective story that kept me guessing. Many novels in current Christian popular fiction just don't cut it, but "The Visitation" is truly a compelling story.
+ For having the boldness to address the dangers and pitfalls of "professional ministry" without condemning it.

Mad Slops:
+ This book was almost a template book after his previous work, "The Oath," though this one was much better, I thought. The same general plot points were followed as in the previous book, however this one was much more masterful. This isn't actually a "slop," just a sort of observation. Having read "The Oath" before reading this one, I could kind of see where this one was heading, but I enjoyed getting there.

Mad Minister's Verdict: This book is definitely a "Mad Read," especially for all seminary students, ministers and Christians in general. Peretti's dead-on capture of the frustrations that can, so often, come from doing "full-time ministry" is something every church member should read and take to heart. Without a doubt, this is Peretti's most relevant, needed (to the Church in America today) and heart-felt work to date.

Mad Points: 4.5 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book: "The Oath"
Author: Frank Peretti
Available: In soft cover or hard cover at most online bookstores.

Background: This novel was Peretti's "breakout" hit… it was released in both hard cover and soft cover and was pushed quite hard among the Christian community.

Summary: Hyde River has a deep, dark secret and it is coming to the surface as Steve Benson comes to investigate the death of his brother. As events begin to unfold and Benson makes both friends and enemies amongst the towns-people, an evil, growing being continues to hunt him down and eliminate those around him. In the end, Benson must come face to face with Hyde River's awful secret monster… Sin.

Mad Parts:
+ Any time the "Dragon" eats somebody. It's something right out of a Spielberg monster flick.

Mad Props:
+ For a creative, if somewhat gory, allegory for what Sin in a person's life can become. Extremely relevant and a very strong underlying message.
+ For creating a creature that is seemingly unstoppable. Dangerous and deadly, this thing would make short work of a Jurassic Park dino or even a Great White shark.

Mad Slops:
+ For the whole "small town" thing, again! Why are these books always set in SMALL TOWNS! Hyde River! Who has ever heard of a town called "Hyde River?" Who names a town Hyde River? Huh? Tell me that? "Jim Bob, we gotta go catch us a cotton-pickin' dragon!"
+ For some really gory scenes. The whole "black goop" comin' outta the hearts was pretty gross.

Mad Minister's Verdict: All in all, a well-crafted, well-thought out thriller. I can definitely recommend this to anyone and everyone looking for a great read… Christian or not. It's not preachy and it doesn't shove anything down your throat, so in my book, it's a "Mad Read" for any and all!

Mad Points: 3 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of my Top 10 favorite fiction books of all time. I cannot stand even mentioning the travesty of the same name which was released in theaters other than to say that after that, I became a staunch critic of Paul Verhoeven.

Book: "Starship Troopers"
Author: Robert Heinlein
Publisher: Ace Books, a division of Putnam Berkley Books
Available: In paperback

Background: In 1959, Robert Heinlein wrote this ground-breaking best-seller that challenged most of the views that people held of society and the way it should be run. One of the most controversial books of its time.

Summary: This tale, set in the distant future where various other planets have been colonized and we have found that we are not alone in the universe, chronicles the military career of Johnny Rico, a young man who graduates high school and enlists in the Armed Forces, Mobile Infantry in order to combat a race of intelligent insectoid aliens that the humans are battling with over territory. Full of advanced technology that was far, FAR ahead of his time, a compelling story of a military man's life, and a social commentary that will leave you in chills, this book is a MADMINISTER.COM MUST READ!

Mad Parts:
+ When Johnny Rico comes to grips with the fact that he has found his purpose in the Mobile Infantry and he "goes career."
+ When Johnny's instructor, Mr. Dubois, explains mistakes in our societal parenting of "juvenile delinquents."
+ All the "Bug" battles!

Mad Props:
+ For boldness! Heinlein had an opinion, and he shared it! His views kinda' make sense the way he presents them in a logical, concise manner!
+ For inventive story-telling! This is a CLASSIC in science fiction, for anyone that considers themselves "well read!" Even if you don't enjoy science fiction, you will still get into this book!
+ For NO cussing! That's right! Heinlein never once took Jesus' name in vain, or used a single word that could be remotely construed as a curse word!
+ For NO sex! Again, Heinlein proved that you don't NEED sex to make a best-seller!

Mad Slops:
+ The movie "version" of this book. Whoever had bright idea to sell the movie rights to some one who would allow Paul Verhoeven to direct and Casper Van Dien to act (or at least stand in front of the camera and read lines) needs serious counseling, and if that doesn't work, they should be strung up by the waist band of their BVD's and given the ultimate Atomic wedgie. The movie HAD NOTHING in common with the book other than a few names!
+ The movie "version" of the book.
+ Oh, and did I mention the movie "version" of the book?

Mad Minister's Verdict: This book is a "mad read" and shouldn't be passed up. The thoughts and commentary on our society is frightening and well thought out. Heinlein deserves the accolades he earned for writing this book. Even more commendable is the fact that I can, in good conscience, recommend this novel to other Christians.

Mad Points: 4.5 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book: "Prophet"
Author: Frank Peretti
Available: In trade paperback

Background: One of Peretti's earlier works, this novel was written in 1992 and was Peretti's follow-up to his successful "Spiritual Warfare" books, "Piercing The Darkness" and "This Present Darkness."

Summary: John Barrett, a reporter for Channel 6 News, begins experiencing strange visions and hearing things after the death of his father, who was a Christian and a prophet. As Barrett is continuously antagonized by a News Director and his superiors, he and another reporter investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Governor Hiram Slater's teenage daughter. Amidst the election campaign and the raging abortion battle, John must reveal the Truth.

Mad Parts:
+ When John Barrett's gifting first kicks in, live on air in the form of a question that totally calls out an interviewee. LOL!
+ The descriptions of John Barrett's prophetic visions as they begin emerging. This is a strongly needed part of educating on spiritual gifts, specifically the gifting of prophecy. While I would urge readers to clearly investigate what the Bible has to say about the gift of prophecy, this book does have its uses.

Mad Props:
+ For boldness! Peretti calls out abortion issues boldly and clearly, spelling out each and every point of contention with that view point.
+ For a strong, Biblical perspective on the "gift and ministry of prophecy." This gift is often debated and Peretti does a commendable job of painting a clear picture of what this gift looks like in the present day, amidst our media-driven culture.
+ For creating a compelling story, if somewhat "black and white," that moves us along through one man's journey towards finding his identity in Christ.

Mad Slops:
+ For painting a somewhat "black and white" picture of the abortion issue. The "good guys" and the "bad guys" were a little too clear cut, when in real life, it's not always that way. The main "bad guy" could have used more fleshing out and more motivation into why he was willing to do the things he did. The same with other "bad guy" characters (with the exception of the character 'Tina Lewis').
+ For a somewhat "preachy" approach to the whole issue. This is definitely a "Christians only" sort of book… not that people couldn't come to know Christ as a result of reading it, but probably not. The ministry of this book is clearly defined from the outset.
+ Dialogue could have used a little tweaking in places. Some lines were just way too hokey for me to swallow.

Mad Minister's Verdict: Not a bad read at all! Definitely pick up a copy and read it through. In spite of its shortcomings, it's still an important piece of fiction, especially for Christians who may have this particular spiritual gifting. Keep in mind however, that the exercising of this gifting probably won't always be as dramatic as it was in this novel.

Mad Points: 3 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book: "This Present Darkness"
Author: Frank Peretti
Available: In most online Bookstores

Background: The novel that rocketed Frank Peretti to the forefront of the genre known as the "Spiritual Thriller," "This Present Darkness" is still a mainstay in Christian fiction. Hailed by many as one of the top works on spiritual warfare, some even put it alongside "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis as one of the most influential books on spiritual warfare of all time.

Summary: In the small town of Ashton, a plot is brewing just under the surface which has the potential to destroy everything God has previously done in that small town. As several key figures in the town (including a reporter, a pastor and others) begin to come together, a second world inhabited by angels and demons, unfolds and soon there is a two-plane battle occurring for the small town of Ashton, one in the physical mortal plane and one in the spiritual.

Mad Parts:
+ The first full, all out angels vs. demons battle and each and every one after that. Peretti constructs scenes that are complex while still staying within the understanding of the reader. It becomes easy to imagine a multi-layered picture of angels and demons battling over humans' safety as events unfold in the mortal plane at the same time.

Mad Props:
+ For Peretti's well-thought out approach to story-telling about spiritual warfare. He obviously put a lot of thought into how to construct the plot to this novel, making it complex and multi-faceted, but also easy to grasp. This easily could have become a convoluted mess.
+ For his attention to "prayer" in spite of the much more visually glamorous happenings going on between angels and demons. It is never in doubt that prayer is a necessity to the success and/or defeat of the angels and demons.

Mad Slops:
+ Theologically, it could be argued that angels have no race or ethnicity. In fact, in some people's eyes (especially those who have not studied up on the subject) the portrayal of various, ethnically-diverse angels could lend credence to the mis-guided belief that people/humans become angels when they die. I can see the argument "for" showing various ethnicities in angelic beings, however I feel that is simply not strong enough to warrant doing so.
+ For once again setting a novel in a small, Walton-esque town! All his books, except for "Prophet" have been set in small towns! Enough already!

Mad Minister's Verdict: Yeah, I know it might sound like I'm nit-picking. I'm not. And even if I was, tough… you can live with it. Anywayz, this book is a good, solid read and I can definitely recommend it to those looking for a good, solid read. However, as I stated above, the "small town" mentality seeps through and at some points becomes overbearing and I have the strong urge to look around for Ma and Pa and their cow… It was cool once, twice and maybe even the third time, but the continuing of the "small town" thing can distance some readers.
Without a doubt this is a ground-breaking novel and one that most, if not all, Christians should read at least once.

Mad Points: 3 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Book: "Piercing The Darkness"
Author: Frank Peretti
Available: At most online bookstores

Background: This was the follow-up to Peretti's phenomenal "This Present Darkness." While not a sequel in the truest sense of the word, it still nonetheless drew from the character pool created for the first novel and even expanded on some of those characters.

Summary: This time around, a private Christian school is under attack for "child abuse" and under attack for coming against the inclusion of "New Age" type material in public school curriculums. Several of the angels from the first novel make an appearance, as do many of the human characters from the first novel, here serving in mainly an "advisory" role.

Mad Parts:
+ For the little jab at George Lucas' New Age beliefs. Yeah, yeah, I'm the hugest Star Wars fan out there, but it was still fun.
+ For the demonic possessions scenes with the little girl and her "friend." Pretty scary stuff… not "Exorcist" scary, but scary nonetheless.

Mad Props:
+ For not entirely rehashing the first novel and adding extra "issues" to further complicate matters for the protagonists. The pieces with the Christian school coming under attack were cool.

Mad Slops:
+ For drawing too much from the first novel. There was a whole lotta' new stuff, but it was still not as good as the first novel, in terms of originality and creativity.

Mad Minister's Verdict: If you read and enjoyed the first novel, then by all means, pick this book up. It's a good, solid read and I had no real problems with it. It's pretty straight-forward, but seemed to drag in parts where the "mentally afflicted" character was featured. Some might say those were the best parts, but hey, everybody's entitled to their opinion.

Mad Points: 2.5 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of my Top 10 favorite fiction books of all time. Caleb Carr is amazingly accurate in his portrayal of forensic technique evolution and his story-telling ability is nigh unparalleled.

Book: "The Alienist"
Author: Caleb Carr
Available: hardcover or softcover

Background: In 1994, Caleb Carr, wrote "The Alienist," a harrowing historical fiction novel that takes place during Theodore Roosevelt's term as a New York City Police Commissioner. Carr, a contributing editor to MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History and frequent writer on military and political affairs, wrote this breakout novel which quickly sky-rocketed to the top of the New York Times Bestseller List.

Summary: This fictional remarkably historically accurate account of America's first serial killer takes place in 1896 in New York. Laszlo Kreizler and a team of hand-picked experts track a serial killer who is ruthlessly murdering child prostitutes in the inner city of New York. The story, seen through the eyes of reporter John Schulyer Moore, unfolds as massive corruption is being rooted up from the Police Department by Theodore Roosevelt and the team must operate under extreme secrecy, avoiding the criminals they are trying to protect, the police whose cause they are working for and the serial killer himself, who will kill them if they get in his way.

Mad Parts:
+ The team's first encounter with the serial killer amongst the rooftops. It is chilling and unexpected.
+ Anything with Theodore Roosevelt in it! His scenes are funny and well-developed using existing accounts of his personality.

Mad Props:
+ For well-researched historically accurate methods and settings. The geo-political issues to the police methods are perfectly presented to craft a world that you can set foot in.
+ For a distinctive main character that the reader can root for. Laszlo Kreizler is strong, capable, smart, adventurous and, most important of all, human.
+ For a narrator that the audience can relate to. Our ignorance of methods, settings, people becomes his ignorance of it and we are able to learn more that way.

Mad Slops:
+ For the grisly murder scenes.
+ For the few curse words.
+ For the world of the flesh trade in New York City. This world is definitely dark and gloomy.

Mad Minister's Verdict: This book is a really good read, but the subject matter makes it one I can't recommend to those under 18 or who are faint of heart (No, it's not that kinda' subject matter). Carr more than ably captures the flavor and feel of turn of the century New York and his mastery in building frightening scenes and a rousing chase is clear-cut.

Mad Points: 4 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another old, re-posted comic review. Man, I wrote a lot of reviews back in the day, didn't I?

Comic Book: "The Dark Knight Returns" (4 part mini-series)
Writer: Frank Miller
Artists: Frank Miller & Klaus Jansen
Available: As a reprinted trade paperback, in most online bookstores. In the original 4 part printing, try most online collectible stores.

Background: Around the time that "Watchmen" came out, this pivotal work by Frank Miller, along with "Daredevil: Born Again" and "Batman: Year One," proved to be Frank Miller's groundbreaking works. As an industry standard of perfection, this work came VERY close to "Watchmen" and it is still argued over which is better ("Watchmen" is, in my opinion, simply because that book had no established insanely popular character to work with, but still went over as well as it did). Originally released as a 4 part prestige format mini-series, this book sky-rocketed to fame for its gritty portrayal of an aged Bruce Wayne/Batman still carrying on his quest of revenge.

Summary: Bruce Wayne/Batman comes out of a 10 year retirement in the future to battle a new menace in Gotham City alongside a brand new, female Robin. Batman must first face off against a vicious "mutant" gang leader and then, he has must face the Joker in a final, to-the-death battle. As if that wasn't enough, Batman must face off against Superman (who is sent in by the US President) in a battle to the death.

Mad Parts:
+ When Batman comes back into action.
+ When Superman and Batman have their final battle.
+ When Batman fights the leader of the "Mutant" gang. The first time, the big "B" gets his bragging rights handed to him in a little doggie bag. The second time around, Batman gets his revenge.

Mad Props:
+ For the truly grim artwork supplied here.
+ For the character profiles here. Each of the characters is portrayed exactly as if they'd aged and were going through these events.
+ To DC Comics for allowing one of their "Big Three" to be portrayed in this manner. The backlash could have been pretty gory for DC, but instead they showed what they had and released it to massive critical acclaim.

Mad Slops:
+ For the gritty, grim subject matter. Once again, we're thrust headfirst into a bleak world where hope is thrown aside and then trampled on.
+ For the massive body count here. Almost as bad as going to see a Paul Verhoeven flick.

Mad Minister's Verdict: Once again, this comic is considered a "contemporary classic" and as such, many have elevated it to the point of a magnificent piece of writing. And rightly so. Miller and Jansen injected much needed new blood into this classic hero and they brought about a totally new way of telling stories, however, it was just so depressing and bleak! From a Christian stand-point, I couldn't see why one would read this. Not as bad as "Watchmen," but still pretty bad. I would suggest "Batman: Year One" as a possible alternative, but even that comic is pretty dark.

Mad Points: 2 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Man, this book is a great one. I just picked up the hard-cover 10th Anniversary edition and went back through... the artwork doesn't get any less stunning as time has gone by.

Comic Book: "Marvels" (Limited Series)
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Alex Ross
Available: At most comic shops in trade paperback; at most collectible shops in the original 4 part series.

Background/Summary: This 4 piece work of art came out in 1994 and then later was re-published in 1999. It is a re-imagined look at some of Marvel Comics' key moments, all through the eyes of a human news photographer. The entire book is painted art, as opposed to regular pencil & ink art.
The story traces the beginning years of the Marvel Comics Universe, re-envisioning many of the key moments and telling a compelling, human story through the eyes of the perfect everyman… a newspaper photographer whose life intertwines with those of the superheroes he both admires and fears.

Mad Parts:
+ The end of part one, the huge, two page splash of many golden age Marvel heroes parachuting into a Nazi stronghold. This was definitely a winner.

Props:
+ To artist Alex Ross! His attention to detail and "realistic superhero" looks have taken the comics industry by storm. The coolest thing about this book is getting to see classic "Marvel Comics moments" re-imagined from a different point of view in a completely different manner.
+ To writer Kurt Busiek! His very human story and keen attention to dialogue are crucial in portraying the everyman who the story circles around. Just the whole concept is something worth reading for.

Slops:
+ Not really any. The story is told cleanly and clearly, with a certain nostalgiac flair that predates any cursing, sex, nudity, etc.

Mad Minister's Verdict: This is something I am extremely pleased about recommending to anyone and everyone. This could easily be considered a contemporary classic in comics and should definitely be read by all those who remember picking up copies of the original stories when they first came out, or who is just a fan of comics in general.
The story is great, the art superb and the moral content is not too shabby either. This is a family friendly comic, but artistically mature enough to interest anyone who might have an interest in reading it.

Mad Points: 4 outta' 5. (Comics don't get much better than this one!)

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This review was written prior to the current re-vamp of DC Comics' entire line. I'll be posting a new review as new issues become available.

Comic Book: "Robin" (Issues 1 - 140)
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artists: Varied
Available: Through most comic shops.

Background/Summary: Being the third in line to become the world's most prominent teen sidekick is a pretty daunting task, but the character of Timothy Drake has become a fan favorite. The first Robin was Dick Grayson, who is now Nightwing and a star of his own comic and hero in his own town. The second was Jason Todd, a young orphan who was murdered by the Joker, Batman's nemesis (and the DC Comics fans in a call-in "voting" in which it was decreed that the young teenager would die by a narrow margin). Now, the third is a young man of 14 who figured out Batman's secret identity and then aided Batman in a case which resulted in his recruitment into the "Bat-ranks."
Now, the young hero is at a private, boys' boarding school, along with Alfred Pennyworth (formerly of Batman's employ) and is struggling with his own identity as a superhero. This character has time and again proven that he has a good head on his shoulders and isn't afraid to use it.

Props:
+ Tim Drake/Robin is propositioned by his long-time girlfriend when her aunt & uncle aren't home. At that point, he has the choice about whether or not to engage in teenage, premarital sex and he chooses to say "No." This kind of responsible writing and story-telling and its subsequent praises by critics, retailers and fans alike won accolades for Chuck Dixon. And the message was not preachy, long-winded or overdrawn, but real and honest. And it was GREAT!
+ Tim Drake/Robin must confront the issue of guns in his school when a friend of his is shot and killed. He tracks the killer down over the course of several issues and finally finds himself in a fight with the other teenager. Their fight is broken up, however, by Batman's arrival in possibly the best ever portrayal of the Batman's authority I have ever read. He simply states two orders, telling the killer to go to a police station and turn himself in and then telling Robin to get in the Batmobile. After reading that frame, I was ready to turn myself in!
+ Tim Drake/Robin must contend with his new girlfriend's pregnancy (he was not the father). Teenage pregnancy gets an in-depth look over the course of the next 15 or so issues and this sub-plot that becomes a major plot-line is another example of strong, socially responsible story-telling.

Slops:
+ Some of the plotlines have gotten a little outta hand (C'mon, Demon Assasins up for the highest bidder?).
+ Sometimes, Tim is a little too good for his age. A 14 year old is a 14 year old, no matter who he is or what he does. Also, I recognize that he is a talented athlete, but c'mon! He needs to lose some fights!

Mad Minister's Verdict: This is a strongly recommended monthly book for any and all teenagers, and any and all adults, interested in comics. It may not be the one that most are fascinated with, but the stories are hard to match, the character serves as a strong role model, the art is detailed and brightly colored, and overall, it's a "Mad Read!" I could, without a doubt, recommend this story fully to any parents for their teenagers!

Mad Points: 4 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This review was written before the current re-vamp of the entire DC Comics line. I'll be re-writing a new review as new issues become available.

Comic Book: "Nightwing" (Issues 1 - 115)
Current Writer: Chuck Dixon
Past Artists: Scott McDaniel, Greg Land, others
Available: At most comic shops.

Background/Summary: Dick Grayson/Nightwing, formerly the original "Robin" (there have been three), first appeared in the pages of The New Teen Titans #44 in a new costume, as a different superhero, effectively shedding the mantle of "Batman's Kid Sidekick." Now, he has his own city, Bludhaven, his own life and his own superteam that he leads (The Titans) away from Batman and out of his mentor's considerable shadow.

Mad Props to Issues:
+ #1-9; This collection of issues got me back into comics. The art is amazing, the story-telling dynamic and just an overall great read about a young man trying to come into his own. (I can relate) You can pick it up as a collected trade paperback entitled "Nightwing: A Knight in Bludhaven."
+ #25; A great one-shot story that gives you a glimpse into the humanity of the former Robin and the current Robin. The big/little brother dynamic here is perfect and this is considered by many to be the best issue to date.
+ Various hints are made towards Nightwing's status as a Christian, however, this important facet of his character hasn't been explored yet.

Mad Props to Comic Writer Chuck Dixon:
+ For consistency! This guy has to be one of the hardest working writers in comics today. I admire his strong, consistent story-telling, his attention to detail, dialogue and character and his advances with this character, my favorite. And the best part is, his stories are really good! I enjoy reading his work and I consider him to be the best kept secret in comics today!

Mad Props to Comic Artist Scott McDaniel:
+ This guy is a "Mad Minister!" Check out his homepage and you'll see that he's seriously into seeing people come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! I cannot express in words how much of a blessing it was for me to go to his homepage ( www.scottmcdaniel.net ) and see all the Christian art and even to see the awesome tract he has constructed using his art from various issues of "Nightwing." By all means, go and check this page out!

Mad Slops to Issues:
+ At some points, the stories are too thin, especially the current run. There haven't been any real, big advances in the title character's growth lately, other than trying, and succeeding, in building up a Rogues' Gallery for him as there is with Batman.
+ Scott McDaniel leaving. His art was the best ever. Period.
+ Once again, the fact that even though this character is a Christian, his roots are not explored makes for a frustrating read for me. Chuck Dixon, the writer, on his homepage shares his views of his faith in comics (both he and Scott McDaniel are Christians), however, he has yet to show the Christian faith of this character even though other comics characters' faiths are being explored. (The comic character "Nightcrawler" of the "New X-Men" and "Uncanny X-Men" titles is pursuing his studies to enter the Roman Catholic priesthood) A major letdown, seeing as how the series is approaching issue #60 as of this writing.

Mad Minister's Verdict: A great comic read if you're inclined. Fast paced art, rapid fire story-telling and an overall masterful comic book. Hopefully, there will be more depth to the character's faith added at a later date.
I understand that these characters belong to DC rather than the individual writers/artists, but I know that you guys do have some pull as to what the stories are about and what they add to/take away from the characters.

Mad Points: 3.5 outta 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Going back and re-reading my original review, I find that, over time, I've mellowed a little. The content is still objectionable, but I find that now I am less... judgmental? ;)

Comic Book: "Watchmen" (12 part maxi-series)
Author: Alan Moore
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Available: In trade paperback form at most online bookstores. In original twelve part series at most online collectible websites.

Background: Originally published by DC Comics as a twelve part maxi-series in 1986, this has become the definitive comic book, in addition to "The Dark Knight Returns," and which vaulted comic books into the ranks of "art" and "real fiction works." Originally conceived using the stable of Golden Age DC Comics heroes, the plot had to be slightly reworked using entirely new characters when DC Comics vetoed the concept of soiling its characters with the sordid events of the book. Most, if not all, comics are now held up to this work for comparison. Every one of them falls short.

Summary: With the Keene Act passed, costumed vigilantes are outlawed and all must retire. In the wake of the Cold War's start and the anti-communism tensions on the rise, most of the vigilantes retire and/or go to work for the government. Chronicling the rise and fall of the vigilantes over a period of almost 20 years, several complex, distinctly un-comiclike characters emerge as memorable legends and then must come out of retirement, overcome their personal flaws and race against the clock to avert a world-wide tragedy. The result is the most shocking comic ending you will ever read.

Mad Parts:
+ Whenever Rorschach comes into frame. Void of compromise, he is twisted in his black and white view of the world, but understandable. Especially mad is the part when Rorschach walks into a bar to interrogate "low-lifes" and the bartender, after trying to pretend he's missed Rorschach, just collapses and pleads, "please don't kill anybody." A hoot.
+ The heavy realism and attention to detail in Dave Gibbon's artwork. You can't help but be sucked into this sordid visual world he's created.
+ The moral dilemma forged through the course of the book that culminates in the climax of the book. You will NOT forget this ending.

Props:
+ For proving that comics aren't just for kids. This story is so textured and deep that you will need a rebreather just to get started.
+ For creating characters that follow through with how they are established. Most works have characters jump out of character in order to have a "happy ending." There are no "happy endings" here.

Slops:
+ This book is SO ungodly. Abounding with cursing, taking Jesus' name in vain, premarital sex, nudity, acts of violence, drinking, smoking, etc this is just NOT a clean book by any moral standards.
+ While this book is a "classic," it is still revered in a world where godliness/holiness is, sadly, not a sought after trait. The tone and mood of the book are bleak and without redeeming qualities. Artistically, it is perfection, however this comes at the cost of moral bankruptcy.

Mad Minister's Verdict: Very conflicted on this one, folks. However, being one who loves Jesus first and foremost and a writer/artist second, I had to rule against recommending this one. There's just too much crap to sift through for the good stuff. Don't read it unless you're going into the field and need to study the industry standard. I must say, however, that is the best written comic book I have ever read and it deserves the critical praise it received.

Mad Points: 2 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Some of my view on this particular title have changed, but many of my initial thoughts have stayed the same. I would rate it, now, as maybe a 2.5 or 3.

Comic Book: "Ultimate X-Men" (Ongoing Series)
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Tom Raney
Available: At most online comic shops.

Background/Summary: Following quickly on the heels of "Ultimate Spider-Man" came "Ultimate X-Men." This was the same concept as the re-telling of the Spider-Man story, however it varied widely in approach to the original story material.
In Ultimate X-Men, the story, characters, costumes and events were hugely influenced by the X-Men movie, which had just come out. The artist and writer both admitted that the film's success had opened the way up for them to make drastic changes in the X-Men's origins and the story that they told.
As a result, the "Ultimate" X-Men dress in black leather and sport hip haircuts and are actually teenagers. Professor X, their mentor, is a young, 30-something man who is very active in their super-heroing.
The first six issues concentrate on their battle with Magneto and the introduction of Wolverine into the team, along with Colossus, Iceman and Beast.

Props:
+ For the art. As with the "Ultimate Spider-man" artwork, this is crisp and clean, but still possesses a contemporary look and feel to it.
+ For the radical re-designing of the characters and their origin story. This is both a good and bad thing. The good that comes out of it is that you don't have that been there/done that feeling. You have no clue as to what's going to happen.

Slops:
+ For the radical departure from the source material. Unlike the "Ultimate Spider-Man" team , which stayed true to the character's origin (but added and built up the story and characters), this comic re-does everything.
+ For the sex. Nothing is shown, but when you have Wolverine laying in bed next to 17 year old Jean Grey, there's very little left to the imagination.

Mad Minister's Verdict: This series has good art and decent writing, but it has nowhere near the potential that "Ultimate Spider-Man" does. The characters aren't endearing or real in any way, they're simply cut from the stock "too cool" comic character cloth and this makes them less believable as heroes and moreso, as teenagers. I mean, really, how many 17 year olds can fly a Blackbird jet at subsonic speed? How many 17 year olds have biceps that look bigger then Schwarzenneggar's?
Honestly, I would say to skip this one. If you have a thing for X-Men, pick up the newly re-vamped regular titles, "Uncanny X-Men" and "New X-Men" instead.

Mad Points: 1.5 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Review originally posted in 2002, I think.

Comic Bool Review

Comic Book: "Ultimate Spider-Man" (Ongoing Series)
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mark Bagley
Available: At most online comic shops.

Background/Summary: One of the latest things Marvel Comics has started doing in order to try and expand their market into the younger generation has been to re-tell several of their flagship stories in a here/now setting, re-envisioning the stories, the characters and adding more details in some places.
They launched the line with this title, "Ultimate Spider-Man" and quickly continued with "Ultimate X-Men" and "Ultimate Marvel Team-Up." New readers have been born out of this maneuver and their readership is expanding as a result of this line, even though some comics fans are still against it.
Issues # 1 through 6 told the Spider-Man origin story and introduced the Green Goblin as his first major villian. Issues #7 through 12 told the story of Spider-man's first run-in with the Kingpin of crime and his gang of mobsters, which included the introduction of Electro, another one of Spider-man's classic foes.
Currently on issue #13, this story was a sweet one-shot issue in which Peter Parker tells his best friend, Mary Jane Watson, his secret identity.

Props:
+ Brian Bendis' stories! Ultimate Spider-Man has quietly moved into my #1 favorite comic spot due to its real and compelling stories, strong characterizations and amazing dialogue.
+ Mark Bagley's artwork! The art is crisp, action-packed and contributes to the overall story.
+ The overall concept. Tis kind of move was definitely necessary in order to begin to make advances in gaining new readers. Between this comic, the re-vamp of the original Spider-Man titles and the movie, due out next Summer, Spider-Man should once again be restored as one of the top super-heroes!
+ The sly in-jokes and sight gags. If you look harder, there are tons of little things that will make even the most stoic comic fanboy smile.
+ For this new interpretation of Peter Parker. Between the art and the characterization, this is definitely one of comics' top heroes! The "ultimate" Peter Parker has to be one of my two favorite characters and is slowly edging Nightwing outta' the #1 spot.

Slops:
+ Not really any. There's zero sex or cursing, but the violence has progressed a little bit more. This shouldn't be a problem though, because the aim of this series and the entire line has been stated as being "mainstream" in its intended appeal. Meaning that they're aiming at teenagers, but not through gratuitous sex or violence, but rather through great art and awesome writing.

Mad Minister's Verdict: I have to be honest and say that after a full year of issues, the quality has stayed exactly the same… which was excellent. Nothing tapered off and the comic is just as strong today as it was a year ago when it initially launched!
I have to place this in the same category as "Robin" and "Meridian" and state that this is a completely "safe for teens" comic book title! And it really pleases me to be able to say that cause of some of the other crap that's out there.
I can whole-heartedly recommend this comic title to anyone and everyone who might wanna pick it up and check it out.

Points: 4 outta' 5.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thought you Matrix people might like this. Don't say I don't be looking out for you!

- Spence

What is the Matrix?

That's an old question. The real head-scratcher is:

When is the Matrix?

Using background culled from the three movies and "Animatrix" shorts, The Associated Press compiled an estimated timeline of the war between men and machines:

2010-60 — Humans create humanoid drone robots with Artificial Intelligence to fill jobs as construction laborers and servants.

2069 — The hovercraft transport ship Nebuchadnezzar, later to be captained by Morpheus, is constructed in the United States.

2075 — AI programs evolve and some robots began to resent their human overlords.

2077 — In the first case of a machine rising up against its owners, the butler robot B166ER slaughters two humans, leading to B166ER's eradication and a backlash against robots and artificial intelligence.

2080-85 — Rioting and violence against machines prompts robots to flee major cities and establish their own community — known as Zero One — in a remote part of the Middle East.

2085-2095— Zero One thrives, creating superior vehicles, computers and weaponry and decimating the economies of many human nations, which now lack the machine-based labor that made them strong.

2096— United Nations officials refuse to accept the robot civilization of Zero One as a sovereign nation. A trade blockade of robot goods leads to war.

2097 — Zero One survives a nuclear attack — its inhabitants are impervious to the heat and radiation and casualties are quickly replaced. Counterstrikes launched against humans.

2098 — As cities fall beneath the might of mechanized forces, desperate military leaders attempt to block the main source of energy for the robot city: the sun. The plan destroys the atmosphere and fills the sky with choking black smoke — but does not stop the machines.

2099— Machine forces overtake human armies and capture survivors and civilians for experimentation, determining that human bio-electricity can be harnessed to replace the sun's energy.

2100 — Machines create the Matrix, a dream-like world set in 1999, to extend the lives of the comatose human batteries.

2105 — The first human known as The One, locked in bondage inside the Matrix, learns he can manipulate the world through thought and manages to break free. Seeks sanctuary in the underground human stronghold of Zion.

2105-2150 — Zion resistance movement created, although The One later dies under unexplained circumstances.

2161 — Morpheus born in a Matrix womb; freed in childhood.

2167 — Trinity born in a Matrix womb; freed in early childhood.

2175 — The Oracle prophesizes that Morpheus will discover the second coming of The One.

2199 — Trinity and Morpheus discover Neo, a hacker in the Matrix. They free him and do battle with Agent Smith, a program designed to rid the Matrix of humans who detect its flaws.

2201 — The Osiris, another human rebellion ship, discovers machines drilling through the Earth above Zion. Crew members send a message through the Matrix to their compatriots shortly before being destroyed.

2201 — Now living in Zion and working with the rebellion against the machines, Neo encounters The Architect, the artificial intelligence program that created the Matrix.

2201 —The Architect reveals that the Matrix places rebellious humans in Zion, which it then targets for destruction, thus eradicating "bugs" in its system. He states that Zion has been destroyed five previous times — suggesting the Matrix may be much older than he thinks.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Special thanks to TS for submitting this one...

Question: You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner and is running at you while screaming obscenities. In your hand is a Glock .40 and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?

The Liberal Answer:
Well, that's not enough information to answer the question! Does the man look poor or oppressed? Have I ever done anything to him that is inspiring him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think? What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What does the law say about this situation? Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me or would he just be content to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me? This is all so confusing!
I need to debate this with some friends for a few days to try to come to a conclusion.

The Conservative Answer:

BANG!

A Texan's Answer:

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click... (sounds of clip being ejected and fresh clip installed)

Wife: "Sweetheart, he looks like he's still moving, what do you kids think?"

Son: "Mom's right Dad, I saw it too..."

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

Daughter: "Nice grouping Daddy!

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This series of articles was originally posted sometime in 2001, so as you read, please keep in mind that it has been almost 5 years since I've written these articles and I am re-posting them with no changes, whatsoever, so you can get the complete experience of what I was going through in the moment.

Additionally, here's a quote I have from Wolfgang, the man himself, who found the page, read the articles and had this to say in an email he sent me;

"Hi Carlos, someone showed me your material on the web, good stuff! Sorry I couldn´t be there that evening when Ralph came in.

- Wolf

This is the final article in a series I wanted to write on the three church models that I have had the opportunity to examine and actually see in action and hear about. The first article was about the house church structure. The second was about the cell church structure. And this one, I want to take a look at some reasons why I see the traditional American church as being the predominant form and why I see it being this way for a little while yet before we turn over to one or both of the other models.
Right now, the United States is a very consumer-driven culture. Everything is based on what we want, the way we want it. Burger King's slogan has been "We fix it your way," or something like that. The American dream has been ingrained into our minds as being financial success. That's what is spoken of, implied and shown in the way we live and pursue the things we do. Material possessions here are viewed as status symbols rather than actual tools to accomplish a goal. A Mercedes convertible is seen as the ends rather than the means to an end.
Does this bother me? Sure. It should bother every American follower of Christ, but not because it's wrong for the sake of being wrong. It should bother us because I feel we have allowed this consumer mentality to infect the way we function as the body of Christ in America today. Churches are quickly adapting the corporate model. We drive 30 or 40 miles out of our way just to get to our "favorite brand of church." How similar is this to the times you have desired a certain flavor of coffee or ice cream and driven an extra few miles just to get it?
I had the opportunity to visit a very large church in Houston recently (I won't name it because that could be construed as slander) which is quite well off financially. I was able to take a tour of their youth ministry floor (yes, that's right, they had almost an entire floor where their youth ministry was housed) and see the elaborate "themed" attractions. There was a huge meeting area with a big-screen TV inside an artistically modeled aircraft. There was a "fun" room where they had actual full-size video arcade games (not the stand-up kind, but the actual ones you could sit in). And there was a beautifully decorated, carefully maintained "theme" to the entire floor.
For the first full hour while I was here, I was amazed. When the person giving me the tour told me that most, if not all, of the teenagers that were members at this church treated this room with complete disinterest, I was shell-shocked. Half of me wanted to cry and just walk out. And the other half of me wanted to come back to my dorm and immediately begin fixing up my resume!
However, the problem is, this mentality is prevalent amongst our culture today. We are a capitalist nation with a consumer mentality. And a church where we have to be real… where we have to be challenged… where we have to let other people into our lives because that's the only choice for you and the person sitting across your own living room from you… our society may not be ready for that.
For decades, the church has been struggling to keep up with the culture. And now, culture is shaping the church in America. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. God moves in churches all across America every week. Is this the optimum way to do church? Maybe, maybe not. This could very well be the way I am called to be a part of the church… going back on staff at a church and doing youth ministry the way I know how.
But the thing I want to consider… and I hope you'll consider this with me… is, what would this country be like if the body of Christ began meeting in homes. Just imagine it with me for a second. Having to completely bare yourself to other followers of Christ who would hold you accountable and who would know your strengths and weaknesses and who would be privy to your deepest struggles and triumphs. Would it be a good thing or a bad thing? A strength or a weakness?
And would we be willing to give up our wants for what could be our greatest need as a body of believers?

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This series of articles was originally posted sometime in 2001, so as you read, please keep in mind that it has been almost 5 years since I've written these articles and I am re-posting them with no changes, whatsoever, so you can get the complete experience of what I was going through in the moment.

Additionally, here's a quote I have from Wolfgang, the man himself, who found the page, read the articles and had this to say in an email he sent me;

"Hi Carlos, someone showed me your material on the web, good stuff! Sorry I couldn´t be there that evening when Ralph came in.

- Wolf

This is the second in a series I guess I'll call the "Church Structure Series." I've been praying through and taking a look at three different church models (based on my past experiences and the insights of those who have either helped to start or document these models). The week after I was able to sit down and talk with Wolfgang Simson about house churches, I was able to sit and talk with Ralph Neighbour, who is kinda' the cell church guru. He's written several books on it and has started a ministry, called Touch Ministries.
I came from a "church with cells" so I have been able to see the effectiveness and functionality of the cell, however, where most churches in America seem a bit unwilling to convert fully to house churches. By contrast, a great number more seem willing to consider and/or integrate the cell church structure in some way, shape or form into their present church structure.
The cell church functions in much the same way that the house church does, but the two models differ on two key points:

The cell church does not see itself as a separate entity, but rather a part of a whole and, by design, is not meant to function without the rest of the church body.
The cells that make up a cell church are usually built from interests or like-minded people rather than by location or by subculture as a house church is.
Now, these are definitely not the only two differences, but they are the two that I wanted to take a look at.
The usage of cells to make up a church is good because that way the full responsibility of each cell does not rest solely upon its' cell pastor. Instead, there is accountability between cell pastors and the church pastor, which can guard against some cells going astray. It's bad because this can quickly become just another church structure in which people get shuffled into and lost in.
The use of "focus group" cells is a practical evangelism tool and can be very effective in both discipling and evangelism. I remember as a teenager the times my youth minister would simply hang out with me moreso than I remember any of his Bible Studies. I'm sure some of them were great and meticulously prepared, but more often than not, the times that stuck out in my mind were those when he simply shared life with me. This sharing of life (or different aspects of it) is what these "focus group cells" can become. And this type of relational evangelism or discipleship can oftentimes be much more effective than going through a workbook or study guide.
All in all, the cell church structure strikes me as being something worthy of further investigation and the model can definitely be put to good use, especially here in America.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This series of articles was originally posted sometime in 2001, so as you read, please keep in mind that it has been almost 5 years since I've written these articles and I am re-posting them with no changes, whatsoever, so you can get the complete experience of what I was going through in the moment.

Additionally, here's a quote I have from Wolfgang, the man himself, who found the page, read the articles and had this to say in an email he sent me;

"Hi Carlos, someone showed me your material on the web, good stuff! Sorry I couldn´t be there that evening when Ralph came in.

- Wolf

I want to preface this particular series of articles (on various church models) by saying this: I am a young follower of Christ who is simply seeking out and examining the various church models so that I can find what I feel to be the most effective. I am not bashing, attacking or decrying any one form of church as long as that body is actively pursuing the kingdom good. I have simply been so moved by my current experiences that I must write about it. All in all, it has been an awesome experience, one which I would not trade the world for.
I had just came from a multiple hour-long (from about 8 PM 'til Midnight) discussion time with Wolfgang Simson (author, "Houses That Change The World") and I have to admit, I was blown away!
Why, you ask? Let me first take a minute to explain where I am coming from. My "ministry career" as I used to define it, started at a large Catholic church roughly 3 years after I accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. I started out working with their teenagers and then moved into teaching/speaking at their confirmation classes. From there, I served a year on the church's Pastoral Council, where we supposedly advised the Pastor on matters of ministry to our peers. I say "supposedly" because our suggestions and concerns were usually not heeded. Nothing wrong with the church… the Pastor (at that time) was simply content where he was at and had no intention of getting up and moving.
From there, I moved to the church where I had accepted Christ. After discipling, mentoring and some interning under the then-youth minister, I took over for him and served for two years on staff there, at a traditional Southern Baptist church.
Now, I have found myself at a church where "doing ministry" is a way of doing life together rather than an institutional set of practices. It is basically a difference in mind-sets... on one hand, you have a large building, with around 200 or so "members" and a "ministerial" staff of around 5 or so, with a variety of "support" staff members. The "key components" of a traditional church structure's meeting are:

1) "Singing" - usually called "worship" and lasts about 20 minutes or so
2) "Preaching/Teaching" - done by a "trained professional"
3) "Invitation" - time for people to come down front and "be ministered to," the people are invited to come rather then reached where they're at.
4) "Mingling" (before and after the "service") - the only real fellowship sometimes. This could include lunch at a cafeteria such as "Luby's" or a good, Tex-Mex restaurant if you're in Texas.

With the house church structure, you can see a bit of a contrast… these four things are what Wolfgang Simson stated as being the four components of a successful house church:

1) "Meating" - meeting while eating… many times we go out to eat after church, but the fellowship isn't considered as part of the actual "church" time. This isn't what's reflected in the New Testament church.
2) "Sharing life together" - this isn't going to happen on three hours a week… there has to be genuine sharing of lifestyles and lifeways.
3) "Learn something together" - this can be through teaching, discussion… whatever way the group can take away heart knowledge of a living Lord. But, it should be noted that the primary way this should be happening is by example.
4) "Prayer and Prophecy" - times of intense prayer and prophecy are usually followed by the planting of churches and/or the salvation of unbelievers who are there. Prayer happens for a time and then prophecy follows, which usually results in knowledge about various people in the room and sometimes, a vision of where the next church is to be planted.

The differences between the two models, needless to say, caught my attention. A million questions were rushing through my mind as I sat and listened to these things being broken down for me. You have to know that I was hearing this all fresh and new… I had not read his book and had never before met this man. I had been at a church that is moving towards being a house church but still has many traditional trappings (ie: lots of singing, little if any prophecy, very few miracles/healings and an understood, underlying structure to it with a hierarchy). I had been struggling deeply with trying to find what a "house church" really was supposed to look and feel like and then… I heard stories of it from a first-hand visitor. I heard him break down the structure and the things that he felt were important in this type of church.
At this point, I became more engaged. Wolfgang Simson went on to state some of the pitfalls he saw happening in the Western church on a pretty regular basis:

1) Following a guru
2) Being a holy huddle (unaccepting of new faces)
3) Not connecting with the body of Christ in the area
4) Exchanging one program for another… one quote he said stuck out in my mind and I wanted to state it right now… he said, "We have programs because we don't have an understanding of prophecy."
5) Replacing of "corporate worship" with "singing songs."

After he stated those, I started thinking about the various accounts of the New Testament church I could remember right off the top of my head. Nowhere in those could I see the traditional church model (except, of course, for the large celebrations in the temple courts, and those didn't seem too frequent). Did I feel attacked? Having come from the background, I could easily have been. I could easily have discounted what he was saying as something "weird" or "nuts" or even blown it off as "small church insecurity syndrome." However, I stepped back and as I did, I realized that I had bumped into the wall of the box I had been thinking inside of.
I had always thought "inside the box" of how I "did ministry." I had only ever seen one way of doing church (even across denominational lines) and that way had always been within fixed boundaries. There had been set boundaries, traditions and trappings that had always been a part of my ministry life. "Set appointments if you need to do counseling," Have your secretary say you're in a meeting when you have to get the budget done," "Have high attendance Sundays so people will invite their friends," "Have special, 'interactive' sermons for Easter and Christmas so you can catch the attention of the CE Christians," and more such "Come, come, come" strategies. Looking at my past experiences, I could easily see where Kevin Smith got his material for his film "Dogma." I had been a part of the "Come and see" mentality as opposed to the "Go and show" model.
Now, I was shell-shocked. For the past two years at my present church, I had been struggling to get teenagers to "come" to church, rather than considering the option of planting a youth house church in three or four of their homes (which I am currently praying about doing). Now, I see another vital truth about the house church movement… the philosophy entails planting house churches into a subculture, rather than trying to get people out of a subculture and into a church.
There was a three part process that Wolfgang Simson mentioned that especially hit home with me… he stated that one mind-set that exists is to follow these three steps:

1) Behave - get people to adapt, change their ways, and become "like us"
2) Believe - get people to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and then begin teaching them the Christian theology
3) Belong - allow people to feel as thought they belong at church; allow them to feel a sense of affinity and community with the other believers

I thought about what he said and then processed it and found that I could see what he was talking about. Then, he went on to say that he felt in a Post-modern culture, a new order of doing things had developed and was becoming the most effective way to do ministry:

1) Belong - allow people to feel loved, accepted and to know they have a home and family
2) Believe - Bring them along to the point where they accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
3) Behave - Begin a cleansing process in which the new believer can shed the trappings of their old life and begin a new way

After this last set of principles, I had to take some time to process everything I had known to be "ministry." This is something I am still attempting to do even today. I had not grasped the fullest extent of the vision for house churches and a return to the New Testament way of doing church. Now, I feel that I have at least reached a point where I can begin investigating this phenomenon with complete abandonment to what changes it could mean for my life. This experience of speaking with and discussing the "house church movement," with someone who is actively living out the practice, has served to open my eyes and make me think "outside the box" in terms of acceptable ways to do ministry, especially in a Post-Modern world.
It is usually a standard reaction to something brand new and radical, which carries and aura of perceived "impossibility," such as this, to put it in the back of our minds and ignore it for a day, a month or even a year. However, with something that could possibly, I feel, mean the difference between death and life for the church in America today, I feel it is definitely worth investigating. Whether or not God's plan for me is to be back on staff at a church or para-church ministry is still something God has yet to show me, however, I can say that I now view planting house churches as a viable option.
What I've attempted to do here is simply to outline the principles of the house church movement and then highlight those that most stuck out in my mind about it. I've also tried to give my initial reactions to both those principles and the idea of the paradigm shift that it would entail for me, as a minister, and maybe even for the church in America today as a whole. I plan on writing at least three articles in this "series" just kinda' laying out what I heard in visiting with Wolfgang Simson (author, "Houses that change the World") and then Ralph Neighbour (cell church guru). After those two, I want to set out the differences between those two structures and the "traditional American church" structure.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Inasmuch as this was a defining moment in our nation's history, it was a defining moment for me as a follower of Jesus. I wrote this the evening of 9/11 after I returned to my dorm at University of Houston following a time of prayer at our Baptist Student Ministry.

Dangit, I still get a little choked up thinkin' about it. I gotta' go find some Kleenex.

Right now, I can't help but think of today's events... the images I witnessed on television, the sounds I heard as the footage was played over and over again, each time with more and more added to the story. I am shown the surreal image of a plane, flying at top speed, directly into the side of twin buildings that I had always seen part of the New York City skyline. And the recurring thought that stays firmly in my mind is, "These are the kinds of things that are only supposed to happen in movies... these are not supposed to be real life…." Motion picture companies pay thousands of dollars to try and achieve these images on film and make us believe they really happened… and yet, it just did. Here in the United States, we have been attacked in our homes, in what is the worst terrorist attack ever on American soil.
The reality is beginning to set in that thousands of people lost their lives in less than an hour of carnage that spawned from hatred and evil in its worst form. It is beginning to set in that the twin World Trade Center towers will never again grace a sunrise or sunset on the cityscape of New York City. It is just now coming into my mind that the Pentagon building had been a symbol, as much as a building, of our nation's strength in my eyes.
I have to say that right now, as I sit here at 1:30 AM writing this article (not what I had originally planned to write on) and still thinking and praying over the events of the past few hours, that my mindset and emotions are probably very similar to a majority of Americans.
I am saddened. I am grieved for those whose lives were taken during this tragedy. I can sympathize with their families and the heartache and wondering that they will face in the coming days, months, years. My heart goes out to those who were in the buildings and their families who will be hoping and praying for the safety of loved ones as the days go by and rescuers continue the search. And I feel a grievous sense of pity for those who perpetrated this act. Whatever massive fraud they were tricked into buying into by Satan… I cannot have a more profound sense of pity for them.
I am angered. Like most Americans, this is something that has struck deeply to the core of every man, woman and child in this great nation of ours. One of my first, human reactions was to want; no, demand retaliation… no matter the cost. I symbolically stand shoulder to shoulder with my President, as he appears again and again on television, vowing to "hunt down" those responsible. And yet, even as I do this, a still, small voice asks me to pray for those who did this… I stop and think about what must have been going through their minds.
And then I stop and think about what God must be thinking… looking down at all this playing out. Do we really know what He's thinking right now? Even though God is not an American, He surely must want us to strike back, right?
Or is He sitting there right now… I can imagine it: God, the Father, the Creator is seated at a simple wooden chair. He is watching these events play out and listening to the cries of His creations… His children… and He is weeping.
He is weeping and desperately hoping, with the hope that only a parent can have for a wayward child, that His children will turn back to Him in one of their greatest times of need. And His tears and hopes are not only for His American children, but for those children who are of whatever ethnic group that the attackers are from. He is weeping and holding out His hand for each and every person on this planet and as some grab hold and others try to reach out, it is our place and our responsibility to remember that we are the precious children of a loving, caring Father God.
He did not desire this nor did He ordain this, though He will be glorified through it. An it is times like these that we are reminded to come before Him and sit at the feet of His simple wooden chair and just let Him love us… unconditionally. To let us cry against his rough, callused hand and then for Him to comfort us as we ask "Why?"
And in the midst of a tragedy that was unimaginable… that was unspeakable… I strangely feel at ease knowing that my Father is listening and responding to the cries of His children.

"and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and
pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

- 2 Chronicles 7:14

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lots of folks ask me... "Is the name MadMinister.com just a catchy name or does it mean more?" Here is a short piece I wrote in 2000 in response to the question, "What is a Mad Minister?"

Many of you who visit this site and hear about "Mad Minister" this or "Mad Minister" that will probably just look kinda' crazy at the person/page stating it and then wonder to yourself, "just what is a Mad Minister?" Well, glad you asked.
Let me start by telling you what a Mad Minister is not. Contrary to popular belief, a Mad Minister is not simply a flashy new name for a "Christian." It's not the latest "WWJD" or "FROG" fad to come across the Christian marketing landscape… confining it to that would be an abuse of everything a Mad Minister stands for. A Mad Minister is not a brand, spanking new seminary grad with his degree in hand, ready to "do ministry." In fact, being a Mad Minister does not require any formal education of any kind. A Mad Minister is not a gifted preacher/teacher, a present-day apostle, a cool guy who can "relate" to teenagers, or even a world-wide evangelist who leads thousands of people to Christ in a single day and then complains that was a slow day, though any one of these could be a Mad Minister.
A Mad Minister is not a seeker of fame or attention and is not a slick, pre-packaged version of the Gospel to base a ministry upon. A Mad Minister does not exist solely to make a profit or add notches to the old "witnessing" belt. And most importantly, the only difference between a Christian and a Mad Minister is actually two seemingly small words… "Yes" and "Lord." However, when combined, these two words represent the biggest sacrifice that many people can or will ever make.
Most people who claim to be Christians are actually just customers of the biggest fire insurance company in the world… the Body of Christ. They sit back, chill out and wait 'til they "get called home." And surprisingly, our society accepts and embraces that way of viewing things. We sit back, pay a "specialized, trained full-time minister" to provide us with our spiritual nourishment, all the while missing out on the bigger picture… that we are all called to be Mad Ministers and not simply fire insurance carriers. Many people out there "accept Jesus Christ as Savior," but miss out on accepting Jesus Christ as "Lord," because of what it could mean "giving up."
Instead, we choose to simply wander about in a desert somewhere between "Christian" and Mad Minister, never embracing the full, abundant life that Jesus Christ offers.
On the teaser page for MadMinister.com, a definition is given in bold letters… "A passionate, abandoned, insanely committed follower of Jesus Christ" and that definition is what I offer to you as a description of a true Mad Minister.
Saul of Tarsus became a Mad Minister when Jesus Christ called him to a greater mission (MM1). Saul of Tarsus was a formally educated member of the Jewish synagogues who had a hatred of Christians. He had made it his goal to base his own career on the hunting down and murdering of anyone who called on the name of Christ. On his way to persecute even more Christians, Saul was blinded on the road to Damascus by a bright light and it was then that God spoke to him in an audible voice. God gave Saul very clear instructions as to what exactly he was to do in order to regain his sight. At that point, God placed a calling on Saul's life, asking Saul to step up and shed his old life in order to become not just a Christian, but a Mad Minister. Now, at this point, Paul could have simply chosen to stay blind and hate Christians that much more. In fact, today, many people use such "misfortunes" as fuel to fan their flames of hatred for God.
Instead, Saul said "Yes, Lord" and became Paul, the Mad Minister and in turn, Paul threw away his past, his education, family (if he had one at the time) and everything else to follow in the footsteps of a carpenter from Nazareth who was the Son of God. Paul became insanely committed and followed the will of God with complete abandonment, in spite of the cost. As proof of his insane commitment, I submit to you that poor ole' Paul spent most of his "ministry time" in jail writing letters to churches in other cities and to fellow Mad Ministers.
My point in citing Paul as an example is this: whoever you are and wherever you are, God can call and receive you as a Mad Minister. Paul was actually on his way to persecute Christians… even more (MM2)! Paul had been killing Christians and God still called him out of that lifestyle into service as a Mad Minister! Not only was he committing murder, but he was also murdering God's own chosen people! If God was willing to use this person, this persecutor, then what's to stop him from using you?
As you hang out here at MadMinister.com, I want to challenge you to consider your own commitment level to Christ. Has there ever been a time in your life when you've taken Jesus Christ as your personal Savior… and Lord? If not, are you ready to take the plunge and become not just a Christian, but a Mad Minister?

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MM1 Check out the Book of the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament of the Bible; Chapter 9 to get the full scoop on Saul/Paul's beginning to his wild adventures.
MM2 Once again, check out the Book of Acts (New Testament); Chapter 9 for more details. You can also read up on Paul's former lifestyle in the same book (Acts); Chapter 8, verse 1.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This was originally written within days of 9/11, but I'm re-posting it as current, because I think it can still apply.

From the time when I entered 2nd Grade until the end of my 7th Grade year, my family lived in the perfect Suburban neighborhood… except for one thing. Almost every night, without fail, several Caucasian men would sit outside and talk and gossip about what had gone on in the neighborhood that day. These guys obviously had nothing better to do than this and they were pretty… errrr, frank about how they felt about minorities moving into their neighborhood.
During this time, my father had to travel and move about the country, trying to find construction contracting work wherever he could. He would be gone for 6 months at a time and my mother was left to raise 3 children, maintain a household, and along with those demands, she also had to combat the things that these ignorant men chose to heap on us as well. Don't get me wrong, my Mother is a strong woman and was never cowed by their behavior, but I can only imagine what it was like for her. We were not the only ones on the block who felt the sting of their taunts and murmured remarks, but we lived right between them and our lawn (which I can still remember my mother mowing) became a walkway for them.
I say all this to say that I have endured, first-hand, the horrid experience that is prejudice. I was pre-judged based on the color of my skin an opinion was formed about what I was before I had even opened my mouth.
And now, in the shadow of the horrendous action perpetrated against our country by a new brand of evil, Arab-Americans everywhere are beginning to feel that same sting. It is that evil gnawing that makes you nervous to be outside your own home for fear of some kind of action that you have done nothing to deserve, except simply being different.
And I am not simply limiting this to matters of ethnicity. I am encompassing gender, denomination and many other classifications as well… things that people cannot change about themselves and/or are the victimization of stereotyping.
Taking a second to give an aside to the followers of Christ reading this, I must say this. Yes, we are all angry. Yes, we all desire retribution. And, yes, the people who perpetrated this crime must be punished for their crimes. And we can be thankful that we have a President who professes Christ (and has the added plus of being a Texan) and is going to do what is necessary to protect and serve his people during this time. However, we must realize our first and foremost responsibility… we are to go to war and fight back, but on our knees.
As for anyone else finding this page, I urge you to not express hostility against all members of one ethnicity/one religion because of the actions of a few. In situations such as those, two wrongs do not make a right. Am I saying that there should not be retribution for this crime? Of course not. Our society has laws and they are in place for a reason. Whenever someone violates those laws, punishment should be doled out to the guilty parties by the authorities and that is that.
However, persecuting people due to a skin color resemblance to those who perpetrated this crime is simply unwise.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wanna know more about becoming a Mad Minister? Then, keep reading...

By now, you're starting to get an idea of what a Mad Minister is… or at least I hope you are. You may be wondering about becoming a Mad Minister and/or what it takes. What I wanted to do real quick, was let you know how you can become a Mad Minister too. The way I want to do this is kinda' lead you through six different truths… six things that we can accept, based on the Word of God.
#1 - You are loved… the New Testament book of John chapter 3, verse 16 is pretty well known and this states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This includes everybody out there… and it includes you, not matter what you've done or how you feel about yourself.
#2 - You are a sinner… the New Testament book of Romans chapter 3, verse 23 says that, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Whether or not you agree that we're born into original sin, you have to agree that at some point in your life you've committed a sin (If you say "no," you just committed one!).
#3 - You are loved as you are… the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 5, verse 8 says this, "But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Regardless of whether or not you or I or anybody spits in his face, Jesus died for each and every person who has lived, is living or who will live. God loves you just that much.
#4 - You must repent of sin… the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 3, verse 19 says that, "Repent, then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Hey, check it… having to repent of sin is sometimes a daily thing, even for Christians. There's nothing wrong with having to do this… but it is a necessity. Fact: God is holy and he'll cleanse you, but you have to turn away from the old ways.
#5 - You cannot earn eternal life… the New Testament book of Ephesians, chapter 2, verses 8 and 9 say that, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Eternal life, also called salvation, is a "gift," not a payment for good deeds. You can't earn salvation… somebody could go to church every day of their life and still miss out on Heaven by about 18 inches (the distance from your head to your heart).
#6 - You gotta' confess, believe and pray… Going back to the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 10, verses 9, 10 and 13 say, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised his from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved… For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Wherever you are now, you can invite Jesus Christ to come into your life and take away the pain, the hurt, whatever it is that you're carrying. I won't tell you that life will be perfect if you take this leap, but I will say this… you will never again be alone in your suffering.

If you can agree with each and every one of these things, then I invite you to pray a simple prayer, right now (no magic formula or anything, just a paragraph to help you express your choice)…

Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I need forgiveness from you. I believe that you died on the cross and rose again from the dead so that I could receive eternal life. I turn away from my sins and ask for forgiveness from you. Right now, I want you to trust you as my Savior and promise to follow you as my Lord. Thank you for hearing my prayer and giving me eternal life.

If you prayed this prayer for the first time, please click here and let us know about it. Why? So we can do some things for you…

1) Pray for you and with you…
2) Provide you with a local church family you can become a part of…
3) Provide you with guidance as to where to go from here. This is an awesome thing and we here at MadMinister.com want to help you along the way as much as we can.

Then, the next step is telling others about the change in your life. That's the sole requirement for being a Mad Minister (a passionate, abandoned, insanely committed follower of Jesus Christ). Being a Mad Minister goes above and beyond accepting Jesus Christ as Savior… you gotta' start tellin' people what he did for you and start living life with Jesus as your Lord!

Blessings,
C-los

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is, in short, my testimony, to any followers of Jesus who may come upon this page. However, for those who haven't started a relationship with Jesus yet, I want you to hear my story... and take from it what you will.

The main body was written sometime around 2000, while there is a short addendum that I added today, close to 6 years later.

This entry was originally written around 2000.

I grew up in a pretty average suburban neighborhood. My Dad's a contractor and my Mom's a teacher and between the two of them, they were able to provide for a suburban home in Houston, Texas.
My earliest recollection of "church" was our excursions to the local Catholic church where I would do my best to catch some "Z's" while the guy up front "in the bathrobe" talked in a slow, steady monotone. He was very careful to stay at the exact same pitch and level the entire time he spoke so that he wouldn't disturb my (or any of the other kids') sleep time. I remember the few times that my mother caught me or either of my siblings napping… she would give us a pinch that awoke us with an audible "yelp" if we were too far into dreamland… this would result in an even harder pinch and a dirty look.
From there, I was enrolled in "Religious Education" classes which provided me with pure and utter agony. Never one to stay silent in a boring situation, I did my best to liven up the "classes." My "teachers" were not amused. When hard times hit the family, we were forced to abandon our place in Suburbia and move to a "less affluent" area resulting in one of my lowest points as a teenager.
In the middle school I was in, I was miserable. Picked on and completely out of place, I had a hard time fitting in and hated my 8th grade year. The first year and a half of high school weren't much better. I was so wrapped up in my own lack of self-worth and self-esteem that I ignored those around me and became a sort of hermit. I couldn't be bothered to interact with my peers when I was so wrapped up in my own self-loathing.
I would walk the halls and feel as though I was viewing life in black and white, with mono speaker sound. There was nothing attractive about my life (to me) or my existence and it was at this point that I began considering suicide as an option. In my eyes, if I was not happy here in this life, then why prolong the suffering? Why bother? I began looking at a permanent solution to an extremely temporary situation.
It was at this point that I was invited to a church unlike any place I'd ever been. It was different then other churches I'd been to because the people that were going there actually wanted to go there. This in and of itself warranted investigation, at least in my mind. Then, I met a guy who was serving as a youth minister at that church… his name was Henry. Henry introduced me to the idea and concept of a different life other than the one I had been living.
He would teach and talk to us about Jesus and I actually paid attention to some of what he said (as opposed to the girls that were there) and on January 27th, 1993 I took Jesus Christ as my personal Savior… I "got saved," "born again," "received Christ" whatever terminology you wanna' use. I entered into a personal relationship with a living, breathing, moving active Son of God who loved me more than I could ever fathom or understand.
The acceptance and unconditional love I had been needing and craving came through that relationship. And I noticed that as I walked down the halls of my high school, I was seeing things I had never seen before. I was now viewing life in high definition color TV with stereo, surround sound where it had been black and white, mono.
But, I still was not a Mad Minister. I held on to things in my life… some out of rebellion and others out of ignorance. All I knew was that I had shed my old self and become a new creation… something completely unlike my former self. As Henry taught myself and other teenagers, we learned about who God was and what He wanted of us.
As I moved up in high school, I began to turn my back on church and the God that I had come to know and I chose to follow after my own desires for a period of time. I began to chase after my own dreams of becoming a writer and/or filmmaker (I didn't care so long as I made lots of money) and it was during this time that I stopped going to church completely.
When I was 19, I had flunked out of my first freshman year of college. How and why? Simply because I wouldn't go to class and would spend my time and effort out on weekends wherever I could find a fun time and I was cruising along being a "college guy" without the "college." After the second semester and the fourth "F," my college chose to throw me out for a period of time. And all this time, there had been a still, small voice pleading with me to come back home… to return to the Father who loved me.
And the following December, I heeded the call.
I returned to Henry and asked for his help. I had been asked to begin serving on a Pastoral Council at a church and to teach in their classes and I wanted help from Henry… I needed to be mentored and taught in the Christian life. As I grew, I made choices to follow after Christ even when seemingly better or more glamorous opportunities were presented to me. I served a year on the pastoral council and then, went to Henry again and asked for him to teach me everything he knew about youth ministry.
And it was at that point that I became a Mad Minister. Defying reason and logic and becoming disordered of mind in all matters apart from pursuing Jesus Christ's will for my life, I turned lordship of my life over to His will rather than my own.
Was I perfect from then on? Of course not. I had a whole lot to learn and fortunately, guys like Mark Collins, John Bodine, Spencer Lightsy and others stepped up to help guide me along the way. Did I make mistakes after that? Almost on a daily basis. But never the same mistake twice and each time, I came back with renewed commitment to my relationship with Jesus Christ. God re-ordered my life and re-prioritized everything in it. He turned me from a perpetual screw-up into a capable, strong follower of Christ. I could go on and on about what Christ has done in my life and what He's currently doing… and I will. You'll be able to read it as you explore this website more and more.
Now, God is teaching me more and more on a daily basis and I still have my struggles to be sure, but the bottom line is this… Jesus Christ called each and every one of us not just to become a Christian, but also a Mad Minister.
What "separates the men from the boys" is the answer we give when He calls us.

Addendum (added 02-23-06):

I go back and read this and it reminds me of everything I love about Jesus. In some ways, those who have kept journals through the years can relate to this experience... you write down what Brandon Barnard calls "spiritual markers" throughout the daily part of your faith journey and then, years later, go back and read them and they bring about great times of sweet reflection.

Praise God for His continued, abundant, overwhelming faithfulness to someone as hopelessly clueless as me. May His name be glorified in everything I do.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yeah, I know, this could seem a little bit presumptuous, but trust me, these books more than make up for it. Some of them you will have heard about, others you don't even know they exist... but all of them are worth dropping what you're doing right now and finding a copy as fast as you can.

Here they are, in no particular order... the Top 5 Books you should be reading.

1. "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell. (ISBN: 031026345X) A re-imagining, if you will, of the Christian faith. Rob Bell, the featured speaker in the NOOMA videos takes us through several movements in which he explores our previous conceptions about Christianity and bravely challenges the reader to "work out their faith."

2. "Identity Crisis" by Brad Meltzer, Rags Morales & Michael Bair. (ISBN: ) A careful character study of DC Comics' major heroes, revealing that even those we consider heroes experience moments of moral ambiguity. Truly a well-done morality tale wrapped up in a clever whodunit murder mystery that actually makes you care.

3. "The Visitation" by Frank Peretti. (ISBN: ) Possibly the best novel ever written by this author, he very effectively unpacks the supernatural and practical sides of vocational ministry in a nicely-paced spiritual thriller.

4. "Chasing Daylight" by Erwin Raphael McManus. (ISBN: 0785281134) McManus takes us for a ride, laying out the direct relationship between passion and initiative. He lays out questions like, 'why do some of us realize our dreams and advance forward while others timidly sit back and watch from the sidelines' and provides Biblical proofs for the need to live life with a healthy sense of urgency.

5. "The Word on the Street" by Rob Lacey (ISBN: 0310922682) The back of this book starts with this sentence... "For those who've never read the Bible, and for those who've read it too much." Pretty interesting lead-off, isn't it? The book is no less direct and intriguing as we're subjected to Lacey's radical paraphrasing of Scripture into today's vernacular.

Posted by Carlos M. Tovar at 05:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)