the final post (at least for now)
I started this blog on December 15, 2004. At the time, I was on staff at a large church and my goal in starting the blog was to shorten the distance between myself and the people that I served in my ministry — to allow them to see the “real” me as I struggled, laughed, learned, and figured life out, step by step. I thought, at the time, that blogging would be a great tool for helping you, the reader, to see that pastors — at least this one — struggle with normal stuff — and aren’t really that different from anyone else.
But over the last couple months, I haven’t felt the same. The blog has become something I write, not because I’m excited to post something but because I feel like I have to get something new up. More importantly, there has been a growing list of topics that I want to write about, but don’t feel like this is the best format.
God is really leading me on an exciting journey of emergence in my life — of leading me into new understandings of leadership, church, theology, culture & spirituality. And it’s all good, and so much of it is exciting and deserves hours of conversation. And yet, in the midst of emergence, things are sometimes a little sloppy — sometimes a little scary & undefined. I’m okay with the tensions, but at this time, feel like I’d just be sticking my face out to get my nose cut off.
So, this is my final post. On the way home from Kansas City on Saturday, I bounced this idea of some of my most trusted friends, and then on Sunday night, I trusted my small group to give some guidance. And we all think, that this is the best thing for Charlie for now.
I’ll probably start a new blog, just for family to share pictures and stories. And I’m going to do more writing for myself, and see where it leads.
Thank you for journeying with me. Thank you for all your comments. Thank you for all your encouragements.
Charlie,
I’ll miss your blog but I can understand your perspective. I’ve really enjoyed reading it the last 3.5 years though! I’ll just have to make sure Jen sends me pics of the boys regularly.
Miss you guys everyday.
you rock charlie dean….and you just keep pressing in and keeping your ear cocked to listen to that still small voice. i have greatly loved reading you blog and will miss it. may the lord bless you in so many ways and the rest of your family. you are doing a great job! Bless you!!
beth g
Charlie - I’ll my miss long distance updates on what is going on in your life and what you are wrestling with and celebrating - its been a good read!
I will miss reading what you’re thinking, Charlie, but I certainly understand. Keep listening to the Spirit and you won’t go wrong. Love you all, Janet
Sad.
One time this really wise guy told me not to burn all my non christian music and stuff because I would probably just go out and but it again in a year or so…
He was right…
His name was Charlie…
I bet he will blog again.
Plus I really hope he does because in addition to the “emerging” theological refinement is also the story of Imago Dei which is bigger than charlie and needs to be told… so the rest of us can hear it and learn from it and contribute to it…
i got a cold.
so i watch tv.
and on this tv i watched dirty jobs.
mike rowe delivered a baby calf.
there are these cows just wandering around with baby cow hoofs sticking out of the cow. thousands of cows and this little one poking its way out.
then the calf emerges from the womb. i think wombs are made of ick. i didn’t see anything clean in there. all nastiness.
but at the end, mike rowe had a baby calf in his arms. and i swear, that guy had a tear in his eye and it wasn’t b/c of the amniotic fluid spraying.
so even though it looked painful, it was messy, i got scared more than once, and it probably disturbed a few people, there was still this cool little calf running around an hour later.
dang that calf was glad to have emerged.
Bummed…….
you have given some great “fodder” for discussion this past year. i wish you well and blessed as we get ready to pour into the Peoria area and beyond.
my take-away from the last couple of months has been something that you have been very consistent with in your words…….we do not follow the leaders of the church, for the leader of the Church is who we need to follow. the leaders of the (small) church are just men, but the leader of the (big) Church is God! there is a discernment that we must have when men talk, but from that discernment is a knowledge that must come from the Word.
i know that there has been some energy used up on the discussion of post-modernism and modernism, but Paul says, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy (something that I have struggled with and for which I humble myself before all now) and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? “Who are these leaders that we quarrel over?” Only servants, through whom you came to believe-as the Lord has assigned to each his task………(1 Cor. 3:2-23)
i have been humbled as God has been working in me. as you have put it, we have a church we attend, not the church…..but as a whole, we are of Christ, and Christ is of God! i can see a day when all the churches come together in worship in one place.. how powerful is that for the kingdom and how much does Satan fear that? the time for Revival is here Peoria! Let us be intentional about coming together in the body of Christ!
and for that I bless you Charlie……..
Another blogger bites the dust. How are we stay-at-home mothers going to fill our days now?
Goodbye my lover
Goodbye my friend
You have been the one
You have been the one for me
so long for now, thanks for giving us a fun place to think
Charlie,
I would love to find a way to get my college kids to attend, but that’s another story.
I’m not sure you could pick me out of a crowd, but I have enjoyed listening to you for years. I visited Imago Dei for the first time last week, and I would have introduced myself, but you were exhausted.
I just wanted to tell you, that it’s not just the people you know face to face that have enjoyed, and gotten so much from your written word. It’s been a joy over the years, to discover also, that there can be someone with a sense of humor who also pastors.
I’m amazed at how much you accomplish, with 4 little ones too! Your wife is clearly amazing.
I am on Facebook, one of your many friends. If you ever find time (I’m still waiting for that to happen) I hope to be able to read your thoughts and visions again.
Blessings always, Susan Wang
I totally agree with Summer and Mizz. Give our love to Jen and we hope to see you guys soon.
Katie, for all of us
Hey Charlie. I’ve enjoyed your blog because it makes me feel like I am still connected to you. Hmm, that sounds a little too sappy. But it’s true.
You are a great communicator and I hope you keep writing. I have zero doubt that you have some really good books in you. Get ‘em out of there!
I’ll see you around,
Chris.