Dom Ruso

Communicating the Gospel in a Post-Christian World

Hey, just thought i’d post this in case some one is interested.

In a world bombarded with technological gadgets its becoming increasingly difficult to
communicate God’s truths in an effective manner. In addition, we have a generation apathetic
toward the church and her story of hope. This reality has many discouraged, and some feeling
helpless, but this is not the whole picture. Increasingly, many are learning new ways to
communicate biblical truths in a way that grips the hearts and minds of a new and changing
world. If you are serious about reaching the next generation and developing your
communication sense, you don’t want to miss this two day class where we will learn how best to
tackle some of today’s most pressing communication challenges facing the Church.

Instructor: Pastor Dom Ruso; Cost $120 (full course)
Date: Saturday, March 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Monday, March 28 from 7 – 9:30 p.m.
For Information or To Register Phone: 519-438-7224 x289 or E-mail: srice@uwo.ca
Location: Huron University College, UWO

Scandal of the Evangelical Mind

A few weeks ago some of my young adult leaders and I started working through this exceptional book by Mark Noll.  Noll, in addition to being named  one of America’s most influential Evangelicals by Time Magazine, is also a robust historian with pastoral sensitivities.

I selected this book for my leaders as spring/summer reading since they desired to grow in their understanding of historical issues as they pertained to the church. Albeit early in our reading, it has been encouraging to hear some of my leaders commenting that the scandal that Noll discusses (that Evangelicals have never been able, in a focused manner, to nurture a passion for the mind) is something that does not seem to be repeating itself in their generation.  They consistently  say that they want to grow and learn to love God with all their heart, soul and mind. (They are reading the book

Here is a brief quote to wet your appetite.

“…there is a theological dimension to the scandal of the evangelical mind. For an entire Christian community to neglect, generation after generation, serious attention to the mind, nature, society, the arts– all spheres created by God and sustained for his own glory– my be, in fact, sinful.” 23.

Road Trip to Grand Rapids

It’s been a while, but i have a good excuse. New baby, doctoral work and lots of involvement at North Park. With a slower pace in the month of Feb. I’m looking forward to a short visit to Calvin College with our Missions Director.

Also, at the end of Feb i’ll be posting some thoughts at http://www.epconference.net/ concerning God’s economy.

Christmas Reading List

I have been MIA from my blog. Writing papers and preparing sermons has been keeping me steadily busy.

Over the break i’m reading two important book. Cox’s The Future of Faith and Hart’s Atheist Delusion. Hope to provide a short review of both books soon.

Merry Christmas

Harvey Cox and Religious Shifts

While most like to believe that George Barna is the father of religious trends i think Cox and his new “The Future of Faith‘ book might have more to offer.

NHL 2009

Wow, can’t believe the hockey season is right around the corner. O.K i’m not going to lie i’ve been having withdrawals.

Anyone else a Habs Fan?

THROUGH THE ROOF

Through the Roof, TTR is a gathering of Young Adults that meets on the Campus of UWO in London.  I’m so excited to be speaking. Hope to see you there.

Politics and God

Politics and God are often seen as an oxymoron. Isn’t politics the realm of Satan ? There seems to be a growing movement suggesting that anything organized and structured can’t be from God who moves spontaneously by the Holy Spirit. I think it’s unfortunate how we’ve come to associate spontaneate with the role of the Spirit who regularly follows in step with the trinitarian dance to reveal more and more of the Son to us.

While this argument has a long history within the Christian tradition, the recent passing of Senator Ted Kennedy might provide a fresh perspective.

I recently read Excerpts from Kennedy’s letter to Pope Benedict XVI, a wonderful note revealing the heart of a politicians concerned about his relationship with God and his service to the world.  He wrote, “I pray that you have all of God’s blessings as you lead our Church and inspire our world during these challenging times. I am writing with deep humility to ask that you pray for me as my own health declines.”

A great reminder that no matter our roles or positions, we all need God’s guidance and help as we try to make a difference in the world. May the life of Senator Kennedy inspire a new generation of leaders to continue to seek God and serve the world.

The Future of Homosexual Leadership

O.k. i’ve been posting about some of these issues for while.  I came across this quote by

V. Gene Robinson, the openly-gay bishop of New Hampshire. He remarks, “Just simply to say that it goes against tradition and the teaching of the church and Scripture does not necessarily make it wrong,” he said. “We worship a living God, and that living God leads us into truth.”

Is this a model of leadership that you would feel comfortable following? Would love to hear your thoughts. Is this future of leadership in the Anglican church.

If going against the teaching of the Church and the tradition does not characterize something as wrong, then what does?

Thoughts?