S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5

WHY ARE WE HERE? IBC is a community that exists because we believe Jesus Christ transforms lives. We want to be fully alive as followers of Jesus, and we hope you’ll join us on this journey.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

GROWING IN CHRIST At the heart of our journey is the gospel of Jesus. We trust Christ as our Savior and find ourselves becoming more like him as we deepen our relation-ship with him.

CONNECTING IN COMMUNITY The way of following Jesus is not a path we walk alone. The gospel story draws us into a community of people whose lives are being transformed by Jesus.

JOINING THE MISSION Followers of Jesus aren’t just saved, they’re also sent. Believers become witnesses to the grace of God as they take part in his mission to rescue and redeem the lost and broken.

For more about growing in Christ, connecting in community, and join-ing the mission at IBC, please contact info@irvingbible.org.

C O N TACT I B C2435 Kinwest Pkwy Irving, TX 75063 (972) 560-4600

WEB irvingbible.org FACEBOOK irvingbible TWITTER @ibcvoice ELETTER irvingbible.org/eletter

New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

SUPPLIES FOR SUCCESSIBC served as the community drop-off point for Supplies for Success, a city-wide initiative designed to provide school supplies and backpacks to Irving kids in need. Over 175 volunteers from all over the community came to IBC to stuff backpacks with supplies donated by about 20 local businesses and organizations. After 5 days, 1,951 backpacks had been filled at IBC for a total of 4,079 backpacks provided overall by Supplies for Success.

It was a joy to see Christians, Muslims, agnostics, etc. all work side-by-side for the common good of our city. (Jer 29: 7: “See the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”)–Tricia Kinsman, Director of Local Partnerships

“ ”

Chatter | 3

LIFE

It’s amazing how motivated I am to call the dermatologist or match up stray sock pairings whenever it’s time to sit down and think about God, talk to him, and finally surrender to him. This morning I tried taking a walk to clear my head and focus my prayers in the same general direction, but then I remembered some gifts I had to buy, and thought maybe I should get on Amazon when I got home. What words would I type into the Amazon search engine? Would I get free shipping?

The church fathers would be proud.

Keeping focus is just plain hard. Lately, I’ve started writing out old-fashioned to-do lists in a real memo notebook I carry around in my deflated-hot-air-balloon-size purse. I draw little boxes and then check off those little boxes. Have you ever felt that kind of satisfaction? If not, I’m not sure we can be friends. Most things make it on to my list — kid things, work things, house things, car things. All things but God things, because it feels odd, grand, and indefinite to put “surrender everything in my life today to God” next to a little hand-drawn box on my list right there with “buy ice” and “deal with the leftovers,” so I don’t.

How is this accomplished, anyway? How do I know when to finally make that check mark? Even putting “Bible study” or “verse memorization” or

“prayer journaling” on my list feels like depositing Almighty God into the nice little sanitary place I had retrofitted for him. So I don’t. And he ends up not having a place at all.

Legend has it that Saint Patrick wrote his iconic “Loria” or “Breastplate” back in the 5th century while being pursued by Irish King Leoghaire. The king was trying to prevent Patrick from “sowing the faith” in his land, which was obviously un-successful if the invention of green beer means anything at all.

Part of Patrick’s poem reads like an Ultimate Check-off List:

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise.

It goes on, but you get the idea. I like the image of a breastplate in the heat of battle, protecting vital organs and infusing its wearer with courage. Especially the idea that Christ himself could be a breastplate — encircling, enveloping, ensconc-ing. Patrick prayed to be fitted with Christ as he approached his life’s work, which is a far cry from how I accommodate only brief flashes and glimps-es of Christ whenever I’m not busy with my busy little busyness.

Or maybe Patrick’s prayer belies a similar struggle he had with focus. Maybe St. Pat, between driving out the snakes and preaching to the pagans, also had pets to groom and mail to open. Perhaps he speaks for himself and for all of us who struggle to bolster ourselves for the day and discern the real work of life from the incidental. Or maybe that’s just the thought that comforts me most.

At any rate, his is a helpful prayer. I hope it bolsters you, too, for whatever you’re checking off today.

a letter from ChatterEditor Julie Rhodes

Art Direction, Design & Goodness Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming

Admin Extraordinaire Victoria Andrews

Pastor to Hashtags Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor

Photography Katherine Ivey (Photo Update)*

Writers Amber Black (New is Good)* Megan Foreman (Chatter Facts)* Jason Elwell (Next Steps)** Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)*

Editorial Assistance/Proofing Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*

Thoughts, comments, ideas? Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.

Need Chatter Digitally? Chatter is on the web at irvingbible.org/chatter.

Are you a media socialite? Like Chatter on Facebook. It’s so likeable.

*Most beloved and indispensable Chatter Volunteer.

**Most beloved and indispensable IBC staff member.

China produces approximately 40% of all the socks in the world.

HISTORY

SCIENCE

TEXAS

TOMFOOLERY

LANGUAGE

GENERAL

FOOD

CULTURE

CHATTER FACT ICON KEY

Chatter is…

GEOGRAPHY

Chatter | 4

The name “Lebanon” and the word “cedar” (Lebanon’s tree) each appear 75 times in the Old Testament.

W hen my husband Brady and I arrived in Lebanon last October, not a single kid at Home of Hope was in school.

Months before, the UN had some classes going, but funding had dried up, and since then the 50 or so school-aged kids had nothing to do.

All day long.

We’d been charged with educating them (among other things), and since then have been taking steps towards a new, odd mixture of Montes-sori, home schooling, un-schooling, and project-based learning.

Before last fall, Brady and I had been living in the Arabian Desert. And after fi ve not-so-fantastic years, we began praying for a diff erent opportunity. One that would use our interests and gifts; and most of all, one that would let us work together. Then we heard about Home of Hope, a home for abused and abandoned street kids outside of Beirut, Lebanon. Some kids there are refugees from the region’s many armed confl icts; some are from families that left them to fend for themselves at the dumpster or tried to sell them to predators. Each child’s back-ground and experiences (or lack thereof ) is remark-ably diff erent from the next, sometimes even when they are from the same family.

As our 8 to 17-year-olds range from never-been-to-a-day-of-school-ever to can-fl uently-read-and-write-in-English (Arabic is their native language), education is a slow and tricky business. Our fi rst step has been attempting to get them used to the schedule and to the behavioral guidelines of our community and its space.

I anticipated some diffi culty as the kids are pretty clever with avoiding rules they’d rather not follow. But much to my (very thankful) surprise, they’ve taken to the new standards quickly and fl uidly.

Beirut has been destroyed and rebuilt 9 times.

But then came a meltdown.

One of our newer arrivals (I’ll call him Nate) had been coloring an intricate picture and wasn’t fi nished. He wasn’t even close to fi nishing, but he desperately wanted to continue.

I don’t know much about Nate. He doesn’t have papers, and we don’t know his birthday. He came to us as a child protection case, which means there’s something in his past the judge is protect-ing him from. I know the other kids make fun of him because he breaks down crying at the simplest provocation. I know when he looks up at me from his small frame that he desperately wants to be ac-cepted. I know that being able to color all day long would do him great good, and that as things are, this isn’t an option.

So I knelt next to him and told him we had to go. He looked up from the paper and then went back to coloring. I told him I would keep it for him and he could color again tomorrow. He smiled at me and kept on coloring. Finally I put the palm of my hand on his paper, pulled his chin up so our eyes met, and told him I would count to three, and then I was taking the paper.

Well, I took the paper.

And thus began the most descriptive string of cursing I hope you’ve never heard from the mouth of an eight-year-old. Some of it the staff refused to translate, of course, but it included some graphi-cally unkind words about sisters and mothers and who knows what else.

But really? It didn’t upset me. Not in the least. Because I get it. He’s eight. The world is a cruel, cruel place. Where parents abandon their kids and so much worse. Where even the loveliest among us leave scars on their beloveds. And this kid? He’s no one’s beloved. Not in a way that really counts. He’s fl ailing in the water of life, just trying to keep from drowning for another day. Of course he freaks out sometimes. Of course.

God is using these everyday situations (because the kids-freaking-out-thing happens daily) to show me how little I think of him as a perfect be-ing. How though I say he’s the most compassionate, forgiving, and full-of-grace entity in the Universe, I functionally believe he overlooks wrongs only

up to a point, especially when it comes to me.

Extending grace to these kids is simple. I don’t think about it. I get it. But when it’s me making the mistakes, me who’s freaking out, me who’s cussing people out (in my head, anyway) and fl ailing sloppily in the water, I don’t think of God as having already forgiven. Already overlooked. Already moved on. It’s not that I think he’s angry with me per say, but I keep wallowing and turning my failure over in my mind and fl ogging myself and all-around just not moving on.

Later, Brady brought Nate back upstairs to talk to him about what happened. I could hear them, and before Nate left I asked him to join me in the offi ce for a minute.

“Nate.”

He wouldn’t look at me.

“Nate, I want you to know that I like you very, very much.”

He didn’t move his hung head, but looked up at me through his eyebrows.

“I saw you earlier when you were building with the blocks. I saw you sort them and match the picture exactly. You’re smart. You’re so smart. I’m glad I know you.”

He fought tears as I talked and wouldn’t really look at me. I asked him if I could give him a hug, and I did. He didn’t hug me back. As usual with our kids, I wondered if I’d terrifi ed him somehow, or transgressed something in a way that made him nervous. And as usual, I reminded myself that I’m actively choosing to love them all the best way I can, even if it’s uncomfortable for them sometimes. I won’t withhold whatever love I have to give out of fear. I just have to trust God with whatever comes of it.

The next day, though, when Nate came through the door for class, his face shone with a huge grin and he immediately came over to hug me. All was

forgotten. We’d had a day, we had

both gotten some sleep, and the morning held new mercies.

Just as God says it does for those

living the King-dom Way.

And I hear God chal-lenging me through it all,

saying, “Look. I get it. You’re small in this wide universe and

you’re limited by mortality and humanity. The world is a cruel, cruel place. There are people in your life who meant well, but they still left scars. And even when you’ve walked with me a much longer time, you’ll still leave scars on your beloveds. You have faith, but you’ll freak out sometimes. There’s a reason why people in the Scriptures prayed for more faith even though they were see-ing God in the fl esh. You’re not perfect. Your faith isn’t perfect. Your choices aren’t perfect. I get it. Go to sleep, and we’ll talk in the morning, okay?”

Amber once ate turkish delight on a moonlight night in Istanbul (not Constantinople).

Amber and her husband Brady are IBC missionaries serving at Home of Hope in Beirut, Lebanon where they work with abused and abandoned street kids. They are also the purveyors of Serious Creatures, an online store offering whimsical, unique artwork (by Brady) — prints, cards, and stationery (seriouscreatures.net).

There are people in your

life who meant well, but they still left

scars .

An Evening with Tapestry

C E L E B R AT I N G 1 0 Y E A R S O F M I N I S T RY TO FO S T E R A N D A D O P T I V E FA M I L I E S !

with special guest Carissa Woodwyk, author and speaker

Saturday, September 19S TA RT S 6 : 3 0 P. M . • D I N N E R S E RV E D AT 7 P. M .

H I LTO N D F W L A K E S1 8 0 0 H I G H WAY 2 6 E • G R A P E V I N E , T X 76 0 5 1

MANY KIDS AT HOME OF HOPE ARE REFUGEES FROM THE REGION’S ARMED CONFLICTS.

This image has been blurred to protect the privacy and security of our IBC partners and the people they serve.

Chatter | 6

IBC Movie Night “The Martian”A night out for IBCers and their friends.

FILM IS ONE OF OUR CULTURE’S MOST POWERFUL MEDIA. How can we as Christ-followers engage it in a redemptive way? As part of the ongoing Conversations series, IBC has planned a screening of “The Martian” (direc-tor: Ridley Scott, starring Matt Damon) for anyone interested in having a fun, thoughtful evening out. (This new release will be out only a week when the IBC event takes place!)

Following the film, there will be a panel discussion with voices from both the church and film worlds. This event is also a great opportunity to give IBCers a non-threatening venue to introduce their unbelieving friends to Christian people and ideas.

Want to know more? We did, too. Chatter asked pastor Ryan Sanders to give us the skinny.

CHATTER Ryan in your opinion, what’s the biggest mistake Christians make when approaching a film?

RYAN SANDERS I think the Christian subculture could get better at asking about what a film says, rather than how it says it. For instance, is it about the transcendence of science and the promise of a humanistic savior (“Interstel-lar”)? Then it may be Rated PG-13, but its message is misaligned with the message of the gospel. Is the film about rebirth, counter-cultural selflessness, and the battle between good and evil (“The Matrix”)? Then it may be Rated R and soaked in violence and vulgarity, but it delivers gospel-shaped themes just as well as many sermons.

The point is not to get distracted by the packag-ing. Some of the most Luciferian movies I’ve ever seen were beautiful, emotional, Rated PG lies. On the other hand, redemption can be found in some of the most gritty, hard-to-watch stories. In fact, isn’t that exactly the lesson the Bible teaches us? Imagine trying to make a Rated G film about the life of David or Esther or Abraham or Jesus. You might tell most of the story, but you couldn’t tell the whole story.

IBC NextGen Pastor David Grant once told me, “I can find the gospel in any movie.” I think that’s a healthy and helpful approach. The filmmaker’s intent may be entirely antithetical to Christian thought, but he lives in a world created by God with glimpses of shalom embedded in it. All truth is God’s truth. And wouldn’t it be cool if we had the chance to point out those accidental God-shaped messages to our neighbors who, though seeing, don’t perceive?

I should say one more thing about this, though: obviously, there is a point for all of us at which on-screen depravity distracts from even the best message. Quentin Tarantino might make a movie with redemptive, gospel-shaped themes, but if he did, we may not be any better off for watching it because of the amount of violence we would have to endure to get to his message. That line is differ-

ent for each of us, and we have to walk it with Jesus. Incidentally, “The Martian” is not yet rated, but we expect it to be PG-13. This is probably an event you’ll want to get a babysitter for.

CHAT Why is IBC holding this event?

RS Primarily, this is an outreach event. It’s an opportunity to invite our friends, neighbors, coworkers and classmates to a non-threatening environment to be introduced to Christian people and ideas. It’s the next in our series of cultural

“conversations.”

But it’s also an opportunity to discuss that first question. The fastest way for the church to turn off the people she’s called to reach is to dismiss their culture. If we are to be effective missionaries — godly, good neighbors, as our summer sermon series suggested — then we have to live in the culture to which we are sent. We don’t have to adopt secular culture’s humanist assumptions, but we have to know them and respect them. This is what Paul did at Mars Hill.

CHAT Ryan, tell us about the panelists. Specifically, tell us you got Matt Damon.

RS Funny you say that. My wife teases me about having a man-crush on Matt Damon. Unfortunately, Matt has yet to confirm his plans to attend. However, we do have a very exciting addition to the panel. Craig Detweiler is an author, filmmaker, and Director of the Center for Entertainment, Media, and Culture at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He has agreed to anchor our panel discussion. Other panelists haven’t been decided but will likely include a local film critic, and at least one voice from the church/seminary space.

As soon as Matt returns my calls, I’ll let Chatter know. In the meantime, if any IBCers would like to reinforce my invitation, Matt’s publicist Jennifer Allen at Viewpoint, 8820 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 220, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Just sayin’.

CHAT What kinds of topics will the panel members address?

RS The panel will be much more equipped than I have been here to talk about film, both as an art form and as a cultural pedagogue. The series of

“conversations” we’ve been having at IBC have all been about forces and beliefs that shape our culture. I’m excited about focusing such a conver-sation on film because it is such a powerful part of our culture.

Plus, we’ll have a terrific and specific example of filmmaking to discuss. I read “The Martian” on vacation this summer and it’s a great story with lots of good things to discuss related to isolation and community, guilt and redemption, helpless-ness and rescue, and the value of human life.

WHERE Movie House & Eatery in Flower Mound. It’s one of those new movie-tavern kind of places.

WHEN Saturday, October 10 (time TBA)

WHO Anyone! But space is limited to the 134 seats in the theater. As of this publica-tion, “The Martian” is not yet rated. Please be mindful as you invite friends and family.

COST $10 plus any food/drinks. No child care available. Tickets will be made available at the Town Square kiosk.

DETAILS

Matt Damon dropped out of Harvard 12 credits short of graduating to pursue his acting career.

Chatter | 7

IN Matthew 28:19, Jesus charged his disciples with this: “Therefore go and make disciples of all na-tions.” This word “make” in the Great Commission has always perplexed me, and still does. I grew up in a church that was highly evangelistic, in that we put a lot of teaching and time into getting people

to “cross the line of faith” but we weren’t the greatest at making disciples. “To make” something connotes process, that whatever is being made takes time and effort. My girls, 9 and 6, love the show “How it’s Made” on the Science Channel. It doesn’t matter if it’s paperclips or wind turbines; we stay glued to the TV, fascinated by the process of how things are made. When I was asked to write about my next steps with Jesus, my mind immediately went to this idea of how disciples are made, and where I am in that process.

A disciple is best defined as one who “adheres” to the teachings of Jesus. The Lord has been revealing to me that there’s a difference between someone who

hears the teaching and someone who adheres to the teaching. The goal of our faith isn’t getting our theology straight so we can make it into heaven. The goal is becoming more like Jesus.

We took a tour of a Greek Orthodox Church here in the Dallas area recently, and one of the icons on the wall was of the crucifixion scene. Our tour guide asked us if we noticed anything different about the thief who was crucified next to Jesus — the one who asked

Jesus to remember him when he entered his kingdom, essentially confessing his belief in Jesus as Savior of the world. There were two things we noticed about the icon: one was that he had a halo around his head, unlike the other thief. The other thing was subtler, but deeply convicting to me: the thief was drawn to look just like Jesus. Each week when worshippers enter that place to sing their songs and pray their prayers, they do so with this image of what discipleship should be right in front of them: a sinner saved by grace, looking more and more like his savior.

God is also teaching me in these days that disciple-making takes practice; it’s the practice of “putting on Christ.” Paul writes in Colossians 3:12 about the

“clothes” we must “wear”: tender-heartedness, kindness, humility, meekness, forgiveness, patience, and, above all, love. We practice putting on these char-acteristics of Christ each week when we gather for worship. In our songs, in our prayers, in our preaching, and in Communion, we are reminding our hearts that Jesus is the object of our affections. We practice putting on Christ when we spend time in his presence, allowing the Spirit to purge us of our sinful-ness and remind us of our “belovedness.” And finally, we practice putting on Christ when we embody his love out in this broken world that he has called us to redeem.

Brennon Manning says this of Jesus: “He’s the Great Rabbi because His being and His doing, like His humanity and His divinity, were one.” The next step for this worship pastor is to continue to clothe myself in Christ so it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. It’s not quick or easy. It’s a journey — a long obedience in the same direction.

Jason Elwell’s philosophy is simple: “They’re not skinny jeans if you’re skinny. They’re just jeans that fit.”

Jason is IBC’s worship pastor.

Next Steps: PUTTING ON CHRIST

Chatter asked IBC pastors to weigh in on their “next steps” for the year — personally, spiritually, or ministry-wise. Here’s Jason.

The modern paperclip design has never been patented, and nobody knows for sure who invented it.

In ancient Rome, free citizens were required to wear togas. Et tu, Brute?

Chatter | 8

Meets at Moviehouse & Eatery in Keller, TX at 9 a.m. every Sunday, beginning September 13.

About the community: The Well Church is a multi-ethnic community. Research shows that of the 300,000+ churches in America, only 15% of them are multi-ethnic. This means that 85% of churches in America are homogeneous. Sociologists have defi ned a multi-ethnic church as a community where at least 20% of leadership, staff and members are of a diff erent ethnicity. (In the DFW area, these statistics are closer to 8-10%.) The Well leadership team chose the city of Keller because the Keller area has grown by 50% over the last 10 years and is estimated to grow by another 20-30% over the next 10 years. Studies show that cities like Keller become even more diverse in that second wave of growth. (Not to mention Keller is geographically located with 2-5 miles of 15 surrounding cities.) Trey and his team believe Keller is a perfect landing place for a Christ-Centered, Disciple-Making, Multi-Ethnic Church.

About the pastor: Trey served on the pastoral staff at Irving Bible Church, fi rst as a Student Pas-tor and then as Church Plant Resident before being called to found and plant The Well Church Of Keller. Trey’s duties as Lead Pastor/Elder include giving overall vision and direction for The Well Church, as well as raising up, training and equipping leaders, and preaching and teaching the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ. Alice and Trey have been married for seven years. They have two beautiful children, Mason and Hannah.

About the vision: The Well Church Keller desires to be “A Place of Common Ground” A church where no matter your ethnicity, no matter your background, no matter your status, one can put all of those things aside for the sake of the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ. The hope is that The Well Church, Keller is a place where people of all ethnicities and backgrounds are walking, working and worshiping God together as one.

Connect: thewellchurchkeller.org

THE WELL CHURCH, KELLER

CH

UR

CH

PL

AN

T P

RO

FIL

EDid you know IBC has a church planting residency program? This year, IBC is pleased to offi cially launch two pastors into ministry at strategic new congregations in the DFW metroplex: Trey Grant at The Well Church in Keller, a multi-ethnic congregation; and Ephraim Figueroa at RED Tu Iglesia en Espanol, a Hispanic congregation that meets on the IBC campus on Sunday afternoons.

DID YOU KNOW?

PASTOR TREY WITH ALICE, MASON AND HANNAH

Woodingdean well, hand-dug in East Sussex, England, between 1858 and 1862, claims to be the world’s deepest hand-dug well at 1,285 feet.

Chatter | 9

Meets at IBC on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.(“RED” stands for “Renovation, Education, Discipleship”)

About the community: RED Tu Iglesia en Español is a Hispanic community with a desire to reach the greater Hispanic community in the city of Irving. RED began three years ago as a Bible study for Spanish-speakers in the North Dallas area — a place where they could share the Word of God together in their fi rst language. The Bible study continued growing, and more and more people began trusting their lives to Jesus. People started coming from diff erent cities in the Dallas area, the major-ity from the city of Irving. It became apparent to Ephraim and his team that this was the time to take a next step to pray for the city of Irving and plant a church. Irving has a total population of 216,290, and the Hispanic community is 41% of that — approximately 89,000 of the total population. To the RED leadership, there was an obvious need for more Gospel-Centered churches in the Spanish-speaking community within the city of Irving.

About the pastor: Ephraim comes from Presbyterian Revival Church in Puerto Rico. For several years, he served as a Youth Director, Worship leader, and was also involved in diff erent short-term missions to Spain and Cuba. He has been in Dallas the past three years, and has just completed his Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural ministries in Dallas Theological Seminary. Ephraim is planting RED Tu Iglesia en Español as Senior Pastor, providing the vision and leadership to equip other lead-ers, preach and teach the Word of God, and promote “renovation through the education of the word of God” and “making disciples that disciple others.” Ephraim and Melissa have been married for 11 years. They have two beautiful children, Daniel and Abigail.

About the vision: RED is another word for “network” in Spanish. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The desire at RED Tu Iglesia en Español is to develop a network of people in the Hispanic community that are connected to one another in the love of Jesus Christ.

Connect: facebook.com/iglesia.red.tx

REDTUIGLESIA

CH

UR

CH

PL

AN

T P

RO

FIL

E

PASTOR EPHRAIM PREACHES FROM THE COMMONS STAGE AT IBC

In the book of Genesis, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and his Egyptian wife, Asenath.

Chatter | 10

If you or someone you know is in crisis, now is the time for rescue. At Recovery at IBC, we’re real people learning to apply the 12 steps in our lives to alleviate emo-tional pain, stress, and control. Whether your issue is alcohol, anger, or anything in between, Recovery is here to help. More info: irvingbible.org/recovery

Losing your grip?

A person’s hand grip is strongest when the arm is held at a 90-degree angle in front of the body — as opposed to resting at the side or voguing like Madonna.

Chatter | 11

New to IBC?

Looking to fi nd your place at IBC?

Been here forever but can’t seem to fi gure out what it's all about and how you fi t into the larger picture?

The Time Is Now. THESE LONGTIME IBCERS HAD NO IDEA WHAT THEY WERE MISSING IN PROPEL.

Facilitating a table at a recent Propel Class was a true refresher course for me of IBC’s vision of “Growing in Christ, Con-necting in Community and Joining the Mission.” Hearing various staff mem-bers passionately expand the why and pur-pose behind this vision left me thinking how everyone could benefi t greatly by attending this class, whether new to IBC, looking for their place to serve, or someone like myself who has been involved at IBC for many years. 

- Sharon Arrington

I took Propel after attending IBC for some time in order to follow in the steps IBC has designed to give a member the best overview of the church, its ministries, and how to best fi nd your place to serve. Learning the history of the church, the structure of the church, and highlights of IBC’s reasons for operating as it does are extremely important to understand. I felt I was given the entire “manual” to be the best informed as I could be. We also got to hear personal stories from our table leader, meet IBC staff , pastors, and volunteer lay

people of IBC; all of which helped develop a feeling of connection. It made IBC more personable to me.

- Cheryl Small

My husband, Gary, and I have been members of IBC since 2004. We were asked to be table leaders at a Propel class a few months ago. I have always wanted to attend this class even though I was already plugged into several ministries. It was amazing! I feel every person who walks through the doors of IBC should attend Propel. You get plugged in, make new friends, feel connected, and learn some things about IBC you may not even know! I most defi nitely recommend Propel to everyone – not just “newbies.”

-Diana Dunn

We had been wanting to do this for some time, but our schedules hadn’t al-lowed us the opportunity until recently. What a huge inspiration this class was. Even though we have been members for 17 years, it was so wonderful to hear from our leaders about their heartbeat and passion for IBC. It’s not just for newcomers; it’s a wonderful class for everyone to be a part of — another great way of connecting in community. We walked away feeling very blessed to have been a part of that experi-ence. We made some new friends, too!

- Dana and Rod Myers

Newton’s third law of motion is responsible for propelling of any kind. And for low grades in AP Physics.

Propel is designed to help you fi gure out how to best plug into IBC's culture and calling. We'll talk about what it means to grow in Christ, connect in community, and join the mission. . . and what that might look like for you.

September 13 – October 4 | West A | 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Questions? Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.orgRegister at irvingbible.org/propel

Chatter | 12

�ha� Ma� ers M� �

IF you’ve been attending IBC the past decade or so, you’ve

probably experienced the Newcomer Gathering. This event was one of the formative experiences that led my wife, Tiff any and I, to join IBC. The Newcomer Gathering is a place where people can learn more about IBC, its story, hear from Pastor Andy, and learn what matters most at IBC. Tif-fany and I fi rst attended a Newcomer Gathering around six-and-a-half years ago, and we were struck by a few things.

“Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you're more willing to take risks.” –Yo-Yo Ma

of worship to God and depicted the beauty of God. The large murals de-picting the biblical story especially caught my eye as a young seminary student and still do to this day. We left that evening having enjoyed our experience, but also remarking how unique the building, culture, and people of IBC were.

The things that stood out to Tiff any and me that evening were a few of IBC’s core values. And “values” are not a statement of what you are against, but what you are for — what

First, the authenticity and openness of Andy and the other staff mem-bers. That level of transparency and honesty was a breath of fresh air for us. Second, during the Q &A when people asked about IBC’s beliefs or doctrines, Andy or the elders would always respond with “we believe Scripture teaches…”. Everything was grounded in and guided by Scripture. After the event, we were taken on a tour of IBC, and I couldn’t help but notice the intentionality and empha-sis IBC placed on creativity and art. The creativity was an expression

matters most to you. You see, our core values are connected to our hearts and the very fabric of who we are. This is true for every individual or organization, whether stated or unstated. Values guide actions and reveal identity. Values don’t just mark an organization, they mark the people and are lived out by people.

Here at IBC, our desire is for every-thing we do to be grounded in and guided by the wisdom of Scripture. We want everyone to hear the gospel of God’s extravagant grace. We

Chatter | 13

Originally I was drawn to IBC because of (former chil-dren’s pastor) Jan Fanning. But what really drew me in was the culture of authenticity. There is an invitation to come as you are and meet a God who loves every part of you — the good, bad and ugly.

ADRIENNE SIEFERS, Elementary Pastor

I was not brought up in a church that taught or talked much about “grace.” I am a perfectionist, so you can imag-ine how it might have been for me to fi rst understand what God’s grace was and what it really meant in my life! It took me a long time to fully accept it and learn how to extend it to others. This has been transformational in my life over the years!

- SHERRI SHARP, Connections Director

Authenticity comes to mind for me. Our fi rst or second Sunday at IBC, we heard Pastor Andy talk about some-thing he was struggling with — not someone else’s struggle and not something he used to struggle with. I’d spent a lot of my life in church up to that point, but I’d never heard a senior pastor be that authentic before.

- SCOTT MCCLELLAN, Communications Pastor

What drew us initially was the consistent biblical teaching that challenges listeners to grow in their walk practically, not just theoretically. We also loved how others-focused IBC was. It was evident how IBC mobilizes its members to be the church IN the world. We also loved how creativity is welcome. IBC is a safe place to do things outside of the box.

- SEANA SCOTT, Women’s Ministry Intern

Grace. Twenty-two years ago, in a state of grief, I walked into IBC on Finley Road where I knew no one. My mother was seriously ill, and I wanted to fi nd a church closer to her home, and to heal from hurts in my life. I arrived early and quietly sat down on one of the wooden pews. Mary Bodein was on stage rehearsing the morning music with the small choir. Slowly, God’s people gathered inside the church. And then the music began. Voices sang out to worship our Lord and Savior, and afterwards Pastor Andy spoke with grace and kindness and humility. I knew I was home! I’m still here!

- MARSHA TRIBBETT, Single Parents at IBC

believe in the power of prayer and long for it to pervade all we do. And we desire to be a people marked by generosity, and we want to be a church and people who are known for authenticity. And creativity and art can be a way to draw closer to God and to respond to the beauty and goodness of God. These are the things that matter most to us as a church. This is the DNA and identity God has given to and entrusted IBC with. Just as these six values have guided IBC over the past decades, they will continue to shape us into the future.

So over the next six weeks beginning September 13, the IBC teaching team will begin a new series called

“IBC’s Values,” exploring what matters most to us as a church

— IBC’s values of Scripture, grace,

prayer, generosity, authenticity, and creativity. Not only do we want to be a place that holds these values dear, it is IBC’s prayer that these shared convictions will be an outfl ow of who we are and how we live, just like Tiff any and I experienced years ago at the Newcomer Gathering.

For radiant red hair, Jason recom-mends L’Oreal hair color #512.

Jason is a part of Pastoral Staff at IBC and works closely with our IBC Teaching Team on sermon and series development. He also works with Men at IBC. Tiffany is Ministry Coordinator for Women at IBC

Wha� Drew Yo� To IBC?

VALUES GUIDE ACTIONS AND

REVEAL IDENTITY. VALUES DON’T JUST MARK AN ORGANIZA-

TION, THEY MARK THE PEOPLE AND ARE LIVED

OUT BY PEOPLE.

Staff ers weigh in on the IBC values that made an impression.

Every human being shares 99% of his or her DNA with every other human being.

Chatter | 14

UPCOMING

SeptemberSEPTEMBER 7

NAMI Begins — 6:30 p.m.For families and caregivers of those with mental

illness. Contact Joey at joy@netbreezeinc.com or

myrabuzz@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 9

Elementary Midweek KickoffKids connect with friends and explore God’s word

through small groups and more! More info: irving-

bible.org/children.

2435 Kinwest Kickoff — 5:30–8:30 p.m.Join us for a free meal and kick-off party!

2435 Kinwest is open to the community and includes

activities, classes and support groups for all ages.

More info: irvingbible.org/2435kinwest.

SEPTEMBER 11

Men’s First Watch Kickoff BreakfastJoin Men at IBC for a massive breakfast, and a great

conversation with Norm Hitzges. More info: irving-

bible.org/men.

SEPTEMBER 12

Writer’s Workshop — 10 a.m.Commons AnnexJoin a community of people honing their writing

skills. Contact Donna at doreilly@irvingbible.org.

SEPTEMBER 13

Explore God — 10:45 a.m.Explore God is a unique look at questions about God,

faith, and purpose. Contact jstein@irvingbible.org.

Propel Begins — 10:45 a.m.See article, pg. 11.

Marriage at IBC — 9 a.m.The CommonsA 10-week class providing practical ideas for improv-

ing common points of conflict in marriage. More

info: irvingbible.org/marriage.

In His Image “Connect” Night6:30 p.m.A weekly Bible Study for adults with special needs.

Every second Sunday will be a night of fellowship

featuring music, games, and service projects. All

welcome! Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

SEPTEMBER 14

Living Grace Group — 6:30 p.m.For those with mental illness. Contact Heath at

heathmurry@yahoo.com

Family Grace Group — 6:30 p.m.For families/caregivers of those with mental illness.

Contact Buzz at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 15

Women’s Fall Bible Study Begins9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. — The CommonsJoin us as we study Proverbs. More info: irvingbible.

org/women.

SEPTEMBER 16

FPU BeginsFinancial Peace University provides practical ways to

get out of debt, spend and save wisely, and more.

irvingbible.org/fpu

SEPTEMBER 17

GriefShare — 6:30 p.m.A caring group of people who will walk alongside

you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.

Contact shararrington@verizon.net.

SEPTEMBER 19

Tapestry 10th Anniversary CelebrationSee ad, pg. 4.

SEPTEMBER 20

Mission Lunch — 12:30 p.m.See ad, pg. 16.

SEPTEMBER 23

Special Education Parent Training6:30 p.m.A workshop to help parents understand and advo-

cate within the special education system in public

schools. Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org

Baby Dedications Registration Opens The next Baby Dedication service will be October 11.

Register your child at irvingbible.org/babydedication.

SEPTEMBER 24

Square One — 10:30 a.m.See ad, pg. 16.

Animate: An IBC Worship ExperienceSee ad, pg. 17.

SEPTEMBER 25

Middle School Lock-InSee ad, pg. 17.

OCTOBER 4

Drawing Near to God Through Prayer12:30 p.m.See ad, pg. 16.

Perfectly Blended — 6:30 p.m. Learn practical tips, and gain insight for raising your

stepfamily with wisdom. Register at irvingbible.org/

hopeandhealing.

OCTOBER 16

Father/Daughter Campout See ad, pg. 17.

October

SUNDAY COMMUNITY MEALS

6 p.m. — Town SquareMeals are $3 per person or $10 max./family.

9/6 No Meal! Happy Labor Day!

9/13 Fajita Madness, salad bar

9/20 Burgers and brats, salad bar

9/27 Giant baked potatoes with all the fixin’s, salad bar

If you’d like to serve on a Sunday night meal team, contact Pat O’Reilly at (214) 289-6176 or sun-daynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK MEALS5–6:20 P.M.

Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./family. PB&J sandwiches are also available.

9/2 Pizza, salad, desert

9/9 Pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, chips, salad, dessert. FREE meal, hosted by Pat Downey’s team.

9/16 Enchiladas, tacos, refried beans, chips and salsa, home-baked cookies. Hosted by Barbara Witte’s team.

9/23 Baked chicken quarters, baked beans, potato salad, dessert. Hosted by Bob Downey’s team.

9/30 Baked potatoes with chili and all the fixins’, salad. Hosted by Lavern Howell’s team.

Changes to the menu may be made depending on food cost, availability, and Bob Downey’s whim.

If you’d like to serve on a Wednes-day night meal team, please email bdowney@irvingbible.org.

CUPPA HOURS

Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

BIBLE COMMUNITIESGroups on Sunday

Synergy9 a.m. — The AlcoveAll Welcome

The Tree9 a.m. — West D20s & 30s, married & young families

Crossroads10:45 a.m. — West CCouples & Families late 20s to 40s

Journey10:45 a.m. — The AlcoveAll Welcome

On Track10:45 a.m. — Conference RoomSingle Parents

Thrive10:45 a.m. — West DSingles in their 30s & 40s

Renew10:45 a.m. — Training CenterAll Welcome

Legacy Builders6:45 p.m. — West A — All Welcome

CHILDRENInfants Through 5th Grade

Children’s Sunday Services9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.

Elementary MidweekBegins September 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Kids connect with friends and explore God’s word through small groups, food, fun! Visit irvingbible.org/elementarymidweek.

HOPE & HEALINGCommunity Care

Abortion Recovery CounselingContact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

GriefShare6:30 p.m. — West C Contact shararrington@verizon.net.

Recovery at IBCThursdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. West Wing Youth LoungeA group for hurts, habits, and hangups. irvingbible.org/recovery.

The Living Grace GroupFor those with mental illness. Contact Heath at heathmurry@yahoo.com.

Family Grace GroupFor families/caregivers of those with mental illness. Contact Buzz Moody at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

NAMI Family-to-Family ClassContact Joey at joey@netbreezeinc.com or Debra at eumoore@yahoo.com.

Stephen Ministry at IBC One-on-one ministry for hurting people. Contact stephenministry@irvingbible.org or call (972) 560-4636.

Spousal Abuse RecoveryContact kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

MARRIAGEGrowing Together

Marriage at IBC Contact bmassey@irvingbible.org.

Pre-Marriage Mentoring Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

MENCommunity and Resources

First WatchFridays, 6:22 a.m. — The Commons Contact Nat at npugh@irvingbible.org.

First Watch ReplayTuesdays, 6:30 p.m.Training CenterContact brianarrington1@yahoo.com.

First Watch Xtra Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.Training CenterContact bcope@huntoil.com.

Visit irvingbible.org/men.

MISSIONLocal and Global

Prayer Meeting2nd and 4th Wednesdays6:45-8 p.m. — The Chapel

Laundry LoveFirst Saturday of the month 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Contact laundrylove@irvingbible.org.

New Friends New LifeServe dinner to women healing from sexual exploitation every third Wednesday. Contact Christine at newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

SINGLE PARENTCommunity and Resources

Sit with us on Sunday!9 a.m. service, lowest right-hand section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage. Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.

SPECIAL NEEDSCommunity & Care

Small Group for MomsSundays, 9–10:15 a.m.

In His Image Bible StudySundays, 6:30–7:45 p.m

Small Group for ParentsWednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m.

SonShine Pals and RoomCare during Sunday ministry.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

STUDENTSMiddle/High School and College

Middle School SundaysSundays — 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.Student Ministries area

High School SundaysSundays, 6:45–8 p.m. Student Ministries area

IBC College MinistrySundays, 3:30 p.m.The Commons AnnexContact college@irvingbible.org.

High School MidweekWednesdays, 7:15 p.m.Join us for worship and community.

Middle School The “W”Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Join us for a time of friendships and teaching.

Visit irvingbible.org/students.

WOMENCommunity and Resources

Women’s Fall Bible StudyBeginning September 15Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.The CommonsJoin us as we study Proverbs.

Visit irvingbible.org/women.

2435 KINWEST Wednesday Nights at IBC

IBC Choir Kicks Off 9/9Wednesdays, 7–8:30 p.m.IBC Worship CenterContact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.org.

ESL: English as a Second LanguageWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Haven B, C, D

Citizenship ClassWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.IBC Conference Room

IBC Career Transition MinistryWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Microsoft Computer SkillsWednesdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m.The Training Center

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

ONGOING MEALS

If you are a first-time mom, you have questions. Lots of them. And you need support. Lots of it.

That’s why Square One exists — to connect new moms in community as they embark on the mothering journey.

³hat if they don't stop crying?

What if I'm not doing ·his r ght?ill ° ever sleep again?

When Thursdays, Sept. 24–Oct. 29 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Where Comfort Zone 4 at IBC Who First-time moms with a baby 6 months old or younger Cost Free Register visit irvingbible.org/women

Questions? Contact Angie at SquareOne@irvingbible.org.

Drawing Near to God Through PrayerPrayer is one of the central catalysts of our transformation as we learn to entrust God with all we are and all we have. If you desire to deepen your prayer life, remove obstacles to prayer, or learn new ways to pray, then consider participating in this free event.

When: October 4, 12:30–3:30 p.m. Where: The Training Center More info: jstein@irvingbible.org

DON’T BE LEFT OUT.

THE IBC MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCK IN

September 25 8 p.m.– 8 a.m.

AT Group Dynamix | 1215 Trend Drive, CarrolltonFOR Students currently in 6th–8th gradesCOST $25/PersonQUESTIONS Contact Michelle at mrobinson@irvingbible.orgINFO Join IBC Middle School Crew group on Facebook

MIDDLE SCHOOL

FATHER/DAUGHTER CAMPOUT • OCTOBER 16–18 Hiking, S’mores, Campfires • Lake Murray, Oklahoma

The sixth annual Father/Daughter Campout is just a short drive over the border to Oklahoma. Enjoy time away from everything elec-tronic and find space for meaningful conversations. The weekend highlight: a special time of affirmation around the campfire with other dads and daughters.

COST: $50 FOR DADS AND $25 FOR DAUGHTERSRegistration: irvingbible.org/men Questions? Contact Kym at kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

LIFELONG MEMORIES

An IBC Worship ExperienceThursday September 24 7 p.m. in the Worship Center

As image-bearers of God, we are called to live out His life in the world. Animate is a night of focused, participative worship in which we welcome God’s Spirit to continue his transformative work in our lives. As we connect to God through worship, we are brought to life — animated — and bear His image well.

More info: jelwell@irvingbible.org

A Summer AbroadSEPT. 20 12:30–2 P.M. IN THE ALCOVE

Have you wanted to go on a mission trip but didn’t know where to start? Have you gone on trips in the past but want to hear updates about our partners and their work? No matter who you are, you are invited to come to the September Mission Lunch and hear from individuals who went on IBC trips over the summer. It will be an encouraging afternoon of hearing how God is moving through IBCers’ lives and global partnerships.

RSVP: lmoussa@irvingbible.org

Art Music Expression

Chatter | 18

The fastest recorded tennis serve in history was hit by Australian Sam Groth during the 2012 Busan Open Challenger Tennis Event. The speed was 163.7 mph.

HOW DO I GIVE?

My Time, Talents & SkillsFamily Promise Day Center VolunteersThe FP Day Center is where the adults go to devel-op a plan for housing and jobs while their kids are in school. If you could give a few hours a week or a month to spend helping at the Day Center, contact Merlyn at (469) 586-5374, or ma-n-me@msn.com.

Kroger and Tom Thumb RewardsThrough the Tom Thumb Good Neighbor and Kroger Neighbor-to-Neighbor Programs, every time you make a purchase, a portion of your total will be donated to IBC. Visit irvingbible.org/donate and fol-low the instructions. NOTE: Even if you have linked your Kroger reward card to IBC before, you must re-link your card for the new collection period. The Tom Thumb program is ongoing. Contact lwoo@irvingbible.org.

Laptops Needed2435 Kinwest is adding a new Microsoft Computer Skills class. In order to best serve the community, they need 5–10 laptops. Donated laptops must have Microsoft Offi ce installed. Contact Shannon at2435kinwest@irvingbible.org.

Meal Team VolunteersIBC makes meals available both Sunday and Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use some additional volunteers to serve together. For Sundays, contact sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org. For Wednesdays, contact bdowney@irvingbible.org.

Medical Professionals NeededOur weekly medical clinic needs professional health care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment for our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis and do not need to serve every week. Contact Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org.

Mentor Kids in Single-Parent FamiliesMen and women are needed for gender-specifi c mentoring of children from single-parent families. Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.

SeniorCare Volunteers NeededSeniorCare, a ministry of IBC, needs the following volunteers to help at assisted living and nurs-ing homes: a men’s group leader for Saturday or Sunday evenings, and leaders for Sunday morning services & communion twice a month at the Vil-lages; leaders for Sunday services twice a month at Ashford Hall; and volunteers to help with outings, personal visits and devotionals at MacAurther Hills. Please contact Mike at seniorcare@irvingbible.org.

Visitor Follow-Up Team (Rex Greenstreet Ministry)We are looking for a volunteer to make calls or send welcome emails (or both) to new visitors from IBC. Training and coaching will be provided. Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org.

My ResourcesOnline Giving OptionIf you would fi nd it more convenient to donate to the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit irvingbible.org/give.

FIND A PLACE TO SERVEYou’ve come a long way since that fi rst breath mint. You’ve been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing. And it’s at this point that you might start looking around at all the people who help create those events — ushers, greeters, meal team members, table hosts, small group leaders, and the like. Your next step now is to join them! Consider your passions, talents and spiritual gifts and then ask about a place to serve. Visit irvingbible.org/serve.

JOIN IN WORSHIPSo you found the address, a place to park, and a breath mint on the way in. Good work! If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already taken the fi rst step — attending a worship service. This is the fi rst and most important place to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to fi ll out a Newcomer Card. Tell us a little about yourself and let us know how we can engage with you. Somebody will reach out to you this week. Visit irvingbible.org/connect.

We’re glad you asked. Here are the steps to take for having your questions answered, fi guring out the IBC story, and, if you’re feeling ready, plugging in.

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERINGSo you’re kicking the IBC tires? Good! We’re so glad you’re here. The Newcomer Gathering is a great opportunity to meet church leadership, learn what IBC is all about, and connect with other newbies in a fun, relaxed environment. Next Newcomer Gathering: January 21, 2016

SIGN UP FOR PROPELAll right! You’re feeling the IBC vibe and want to see where you might get involved. Propel is a 4-week class that explores the IBC calling and culture, and how your unique personality and passions fi t in. Meet many of our pastors and directors of ministries at IBC. Next Propel: September 13

JOIN A COMMUNITYYou’re fi ring on all cylinders but something is missing. And that something is a someone, or a group of someones. Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Women’s Bible Study, First Watch, and more. We encourage you to fi nd a group and connect authentically with others. Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

Start

HOW DO I GET CONNECTED AT IBC?

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter | 19

This summer, in between battling my accursed lawn (it won), driv-ing hither and yon with the family, and being employed, I spent time studying. With an actual book. In an attempt to gain useful knowl-edge that I can apply to my daily existence. In other words, wholly

unlike anything that happened in college. The book in question is “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist” by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek. As you may have guessed, it is not an epic narrative poem lamenting the authors’ collective inability to believe in the overwhelming power of Nothing (inap-propriate capitalization being de rigueur in advanced poetry, as are hoity-toity phrases like “de rigueur”). It is, rather, a book that falls into the genre of Chris-tian apologetics.

As is required by the often-overlooked Canterbury Creed of the Associated Apostolic Quill Sharpeners of 1533, I must tell you that the term “apologetics” has nothing to do with apologizing. Wait. So sorry, it actually does come from the same Greek word “apologia.” But in the case of apologetics, the term means to give a formal defense of a position. Christian apologetics, therefore, is giving a reasoned defense of the faith in direct accordance with 1 Peter 3:15, and is in no way (well, maybe 10%) akin to telling your neighbor you’re sorry he’s going

“down below” because he once quoted you an NPR story about carbon dioxide emissions. If you’ve ever read C.S. Lewis, you’ve read apologetic literature. And if you’ve only watched Liam Neeson portray a CGI lion in the major motion picture adaptation of Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” then you have not. Although you did at least learn that Aslan has a very particular set of skills and that one should never kidnap his fauns. Not even in the sequels.

I became interested in apologetics right around the time my “because the Bible says so, duh” defense stopped working. Although that implies it had once start-ed working, which I don’t recall ever being the case. Nonetheless, while I have never been a certified apologetics nut, I have managed to get mildly enthused about the subject over the years. Recently, however, I decided more in-depth study was required. Not to ward off internet trolls (that’s merely a side benefit), but because I have three young inquisitors who will undoubtedly start ques-tioning me someday — probably next Tuesday — as to why all the things their mother and I have told them are true, actually are. Because if I can’t give (or at least know how to find) answers as to why they should continue believing, there are plenty of people out there with reasons why they should stop.

Well, not on my watch, Chachi. Or Joanie. Whichever.

So, after hearing Frank Turek speak at our church one Sunday last spring, I ordered the complete IDHEFtBaA: Troll Hunter edition consisting of the book, a study guide and a non-HD DVD. I first read the book, and learned much. And then forgot most. Which is why I am now in the midst of working through the study guide. Because nothing will help me remember things better than scrawling illegible answers in smeared ballpoint (side note: all pen companies hate lefties — the handed, not the political). I wish they’d included flash cards. Or a flash drive I could plug into my noggin like in “The Matrix,” as long as it didn’t come with any whoa-inducing side effects.

While my transformation into an impregnable wall of faith-affirming facts and logic is not yet complete, I do feel more comfortable about thoughtfully engag-ing with “seekers” and “wanderers” and “lollygaggers” and “lawn loiterers” about matters of eternal consequence. I can turn self-defeating questions back

upon the questioner (“There is no truth, man.” “Then how is your assertion true?”). I can whip up a delicious meme about God existing “because science!” I can illustrate to the truly open-minded that faith in Christ is anything but blind, that it does not require turning off your brain, and that extra-biblical evidence from many fields corroborates the validity of the Bible’s claims more so than any other historical book.

I cannot do any of these off the top of my head just yet. But give me time. I may never be the second coming of Ravi Zacharias — mainly because he’s still alive — but I will hopefully be able to hold my own against the followers of Nothing. Or at least those who answer “nothing” when asked what they did at school all day. God help me. Seriously.

Jason Fox will never apologize for eating the last brownie.

Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, where he barely endures the lack of In-N-Out Burgers.

ALL APOLOGIES

Ravi Zacharias is an Indian-born, Canadian-American Christian apologist.

During the summer in Texas, it can take over 90 gallons of water a day to keep a home’s lawn green.

Chatter…you CAN take it with you. Send us your Chatter photos on location, and you may see yourself in an upcoming issue. Email us at chatter@irvingbible.org.

Longing to avoid the face-melting heat of August in Texas, Chatter jumped at the chance to visit Telluride, Colorado with Sara and Sam Brzozowski. There were probably adults with them, too. And maybe Nessie.