tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138262612011-07-25T10:25:02.495-07:00What is Koke Mushke i Vogel? It is my Albanian nickname. It means little mule head. Guess I'm stubborn.KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.comBlogger891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-25002873347670630292011-07-23T21:43:00.000-07:002011-07-23T21:49:55.836-07:00

I have had people ask me if I have read the Newsweek article The John Next Door. I have the article at home and really enjoyed what it had to say. I thought about my book Am I Sleeping With the Enemy and some of the thoughts both writings had for me as a Christian man, father, husband, and Christian leader. First, the article sadly suggests that the researchers had a difficult time finding men

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-34643158138860181202010-07-31T11:48:00.001-07:002010-07-31T11:48:54.410-07:00

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-33299106666052689382010-01-16T22:49:00.000-08:002010-01-16T22:53:42.987-08:00

"Within a book widely touted as the path to peace, violence has incongruously been central to the Bible and how it is used. This collection book examines the manifestations of violence in Scripture, and the ways that Scripture itself – whether violent in content or not – can be used to justify violence and aggression in specific social circumstances."From the IntroductionFinally released--A Cry

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-8558449784021389982009-12-22T12:54:00.000-08:002009-12-22T13:14:11.581-08:00

The Better Way: The Church of Agape in Emerging CorinthWhen Paul came to Corinth he found a culture emerging from the ashes of Roman power. As Julius Cesar rebuilt the fallen city he brought Roman culture to this Greek community. Likewise, Paul's message of salvation in Jesus rebuilt the fallen lives of people dominated by a culture of power. This power was displayed in violence, discrimination,

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-10578103408776027732009-12-20T16:33:00.000-08:002009-12-20T16:50:49.687-08:00

In April 2007, the Saturday before we launched I met Maria. She was spanging at Pioneer square. Caleb and I bought her some juice. Over time and meetings with her she eventually showed up at Agape. She got a place to live, had two babies, and was in treatment center for heroin. She came to Agape for 1 1/2 years--more regular than people we saw who were "brought up in church." 8 weeks ago she

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-4898236529902730922009-11-06T15:28:00.000-08:002009-11-06T15:31:47.255-08:00

The next few posts are for those reading the manuscript Am I Sleeping With the Enemy? This spot will be open for you to comment, offer criticisms, or suggest changes to section 1 of the work.Thanks,Ron Clark

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-89890516613209479422009-09-28T20:16:00.001-07:002009-09-28T20:32:02.259-07:00

Diversity I always thougth diversity just happened. I always thought that diversity was easy. I always thought that diversity was someone else's job. I knew that diversity is beautiful.I knew that diversity is a sign of Christ.I knew that diveristy fires us up. I didn't know that diversity is intentional.I didn't know that diversity is easiest when we start over.I didn't know that diveristy

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-70104287590472116422009-09-26T14:38:00.001-07:002009-09-26T14:44:01.605-07:00

This month Freeing the Oppressed was released as I put the finishing touches on my second manuscript and began editing my third. While I actually hate writing I have found that it seems to be the best way to communicate with a larger audience concerning God’s will and work in this world (that is why we do a newsletter). I signed three contracts with a publisher in January to publish these books

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-34619874555286465292009-08-30T15:46:00.000-07:002009-08-30T16:14:44.949-07:00

This morning we met at Agape and had a service/worship.What is service/worship? Lincoln High School has given us a plot to care for. We chose to worship by working together to clean the school. It was a lot of hard work. We had communion afterward and talked about how we saw God working.I was surprised at who showed up. I was also amazed at who chose not to show up. Actually, now that I think

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-12353960790997537892009-08-10T06:24:00.000-07:002009-08-10T06:40:34.397-07:00

Sunday morning was a very powerful Sunday. Elsie came with her boyfriend and mother as we greeted them with hugs. You see, the Monday before her 7 month old baby, Christopher, had died due to SIDS. Elsie had been homeless, moved to Dignity Village, and finally was able to leave and get her own apartment. She had never done drugs, and loved her new baby. She had been a regular at Agape and we all

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-72101421211553630232009-08-07T10:33:00.000-07:002009-08-07T11:03:12.489-07:00

Today is my son's 17th birthday. What a joy it has been to see him grow in our home. However, this post is probably more about me than him, and I guess I should begin by stating that. You can read on if you want, however as parents we do self reflection on our kids' important days at times.I had a dad who was emotionally distant and didn't connect well with me or my brother. He was an atheist and

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-26886188423677541082009-07-30T18:16:00.000-07:002009-07-30T18:23:18.159-07:00

Interesting day of ministry. I had a 16 yr old shadowing. It was my son, he was being punished and had to go with me today. His experience of ministry:1. A no show--so we visited and looked around Powell's Bookstore.2. Some street kids who visited Sunday. Had lunch with them. Two went in the bathroom to shoot up because they had a bad heroin addiction. We talked to the females about boundaries,

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-59002896092860244472009-07-26T17:31:00.000-07:002009-07-26T17:50:48.059-07:00

My wife, Lori, our Women’s Minister has been studying with Alena Starns for a while. Alena has come out of years of abuse and addiction and has worked hard to grow closer to God. Alena is also responsible for bringing many to church with her. Lori says that the Thursday study has turned into a small group.She was baptized into Jesus this morning by Lori. Our philosophy at Agape is if you study

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-68961515519589702942009-06-21T20:59:00.000-07:002009-06-21T21:27:11.234-07:00

Welcome to Danna Neito. Danna is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University who has raised support to come to Agape and work with Lori as a Women's Ministry intern. She is fully supported by our supporting church, the Park Plaza Church of Christ in Tulsa. She has already hit the ground running and is going with Lori on studies and meetings. She will also be part of our human trafficking

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-85847599194236248832009-05-15T22:21:00.001-07:002009-05-15T22:38:04.763-07:00

This past Easter was our second year as a new church. We moved to the Lincoln high school auditorium because the cafeteria was full last year.We did a practice in the auditorium the week before Easter and had over 100. Four people came in response to the 20,000 post cards we sent out with this picture, inviting them to church.On Easter we had 145+ in attendance with over 40 first or second time

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-59026624504184097692009-05-01T11:27:00.000-07:002009-05-01T11:29:59.816-07:00

As many of you know today is our monthly Friday prayer and fast day. I am cramming a handful of Lays potato chips in my mouth in preparation.The Vice Principle at Reynolds High School has recently challenged me to be praying about our work to develop boys groups in the high school. She has also been leading a committee to do a Human Trafficking conference in May at the school. She asked me point

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-58719960414465565192009-02-22T21:06:00.000-08:002009-02-22T21:36:28.657-08:00

More lessons from church planting. Today was another good day of worship. It came at the end of a great week of ministry, or begins another great week of ministry.1. I have talked with a lot of church planters about their worship ministry. Typically, lead church planters/ministers/pastors claim that they have to go through quite a few worship leaders to find one that sticks. Nelson Searcy

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-35815412467220052892009-02-10T16:42:00.000-08:002009-02-10T17:07:14.190-08:00

In church growth studies the 100 attendance barrier is a big hurdle in growth. Typically, churches hang out at these various barriers and either crash through them, or stay below and eventually begin to decline. In the past I have always watched the church where I preached struggle at two barriers: 100 and 500. It is pretty intimidating but one that causes you to step back and wonder if the

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-22253450394319214862009-01-15T20:51:00.001-08:002009-01-16T14:40:28.661-08:00

On Sunday January 11 Lori Clark and Kathy Zumwalt put together our second prayer stations worship. Prayer stations are tables with activities which involve writing, praying, reflecting, discussion, or other forms of creating as a form of worship. It involves the various senses in worship. I have always been the logical, rational, experience God through preaching and the written word. Therefore,

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-41890920463219230882009-01-07T21:58:00.000-08:002009-01-08T06:22:31.893-08:00

Here is a great video clip of one of our members at Agape, Thomas, who is getting married in a couple weeks.

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-48217865148343844142008-12-21T14:08:00.001-08:002008-12-21T14:18:19.774-08:00

Last weekend I traveled to Crescent Lake resort to marry a couple whom Lori and I love deeply. last March I baptized Brandon. Brandon and I referee wrestling for years and he has been with Agape from day 1. That Sunday Brandon baptized Whitney. They work with our youth group now and are a great blessing to us at Agape. Brandon and I rode out on snowmobiles with a group of guys to the wedding. It

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-45975737397407415832008-12-19T09:45:00.000-08:002008-12-19T09:57:47.175-08:00

Twenty-one years ago I woke up to a cold snowy Missouri morning.Twenty-one years ago I took a brisk five mile run in the snow.Twenty-one years ago I roused the guys from sleep in my house and went out to door knock for the JOY bus. I was a youth minister.Twenty-one years ago I signed up 3 or 4 families to ride the bus to church the next day.Twenty-one years ago I smiled as the snow covered the

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-51560403233717501392008-12-17T07:52:00.000-08:002008-12-17T08:21:05.552-08:00

A couple of months ago I listened to the FBI and Sheriff's dept. do a presentation on human trafficking and underaged prostitution. I was at the regular Attny Gen. Sexual Assault Task Force meeting where we had been discussing "sex industries" and prostitution. Interesting conversation that most ministers don't have on a regular basis. I would have to say that the team I work with (about 15)

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-45491058989220232392008-12-05T12:59:00.000-08:002008-12-05T13:32:23.664-08:00

The UN has designated this year as a focus on human rights in communities. I was asked to participate on a panel at City Hall concerning domestic violence. I sat with 5 other professionals to talk and then participate in Q and A.One of the panelists, who was Vietnamese, shared her story about being at a store purchasing a tent. The store was out and the sales associate called the manager over to

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-78830738957679641112008-12-04T15:36:00.000-08:002008-12-05T13:31:37.573-08:00

How hard it must be to walk away knowing there are more in slavery.Can we help?

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-58145627866346467962008-11-24T07:18:00.000-08:002008-11-25T21:11:51.743-08:00

Today we started our Advent Conspiracy. Our website has been redesigned and has an Agape Blog for my sermon series. This is a movement which Rick McKinley, Imago Dei Community Church, co-founded. It began in 2006 and has been taken up by churches throughout the world. The goal is to use the Advent/Christmas Holiday season to prepare God's people for worship rather than consumerism. $450

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-33003917035337055632008-11-13T21:00:00.000-08:002008-11-13T21:24:12.497-08:00

I recently went to an early morning Narcotics Anonymous meeting. I went to celebrate one of my friends at Agape who had 1 year being clean. He had relapsed last year and almost lost his family. I sat by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. Some of us got the chance to speak for a few minutes. I mentioned Peter in Luke 5. Jesus gave him a vision and Peter trusted that vision from Jesus. I felt

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-86442626215064633202008-11-08T22:21:00.000-08:002008-11-10T12:40:56.771-08:00

Friday Nov. 7 our Recovery Minister, Zak Zumwalt, organized a group to help at Nightstrike. This is a ministry through Bridgetown Ministries. Every Friday night teens, youth groups, and people come to Liberation Church at 6:30pm for an hour of worship and orientation. Then they head under the Burnside Bridge to serve the homeless. People serve at various stations from foot washing, passing out

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-42867047704381926842008-11-04T21:41:00.001-08:002008-11-04T22:14:28.032-08:00

It's Funny That......for the first time in my life I voted for a Democrat for President....I lived to see an African American become president....I have read the information sent to me and still feel I made a logical, rational, choice....I have read the information sent to me and am amazed at how blind people can be if they don't want to vote for a candidate....at this point our president seems

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-71506260050760011732008-11-02T21:19:00.000-08:002008-11-03T06:12:26.857-08:00

I was eager to see how well we would do at Agape since Friends' Day. We had a Sunday off as we went to our annual gathering TLC at the convention center. Today we decided to focus our communion time on the Cascade kids and faculty/staff. We let them talk about how God was working in the announcement of the college's closing. It was great to see them process how God was opening doors for them. We

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-15446650660524206882008-10-28T18:46:00.000-07:002008-10-28T20:37:45.124-07:00

Crisis:Many of us here in the Northwest have been saddened by the recent news about Cascade College's decision to close its doors after the Sprinig 2009 semester. Lori and I thought a lot about the many people that would be hurt through this decision. Agape has anywhere from 15 to 20 students from Cascade with us. This is about 15% of our church. The staff and faculty at Cascade also are affected

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-46593184302318132142008-10-24T18:16:00.001-07:002008-10-24T18:23:07.709-07:00

What a great Friends Day.We had over 135 people and rejoiced as Mike Heironemus was baptized by Brandon Lohmeir. Mike is our 7th baptism since we started and it is great to see Agape people reaching out and studying with people. God moved that day and we had many guests who celebrated the baptism and shared lunch with us. We talked about Jesus' vision to Peter (Luke 5:1-11). He left everything

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-8532961973258520602008-10-06T07:59:00.000-07:002008-10-06T13:01:35.025-07:00

I finally read it. The book has been on my shelf for 2 years. I have heard the author quoted, the stories retold, and the book reviews. I finally read it on the plane from Nashville last week.I like it. I mean I really like it.Not for many of the reasons that I have heard that have made the book successful. I think it does reflect the Northwest. I think it does show that God's love penetrates

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-9178087607069621062008-09-28T21:36:00.000-07:002008-09-30T09:23:37.420-07:00

This past week I was at Abilene Christian University's Summit conference. I was asked to do 3 classes on the Emerging Elders book which was released by Leafwood Publishers on Monday, Sept. 22.I enjoyed the classes. They were attended by elders, ministers, and their wives. A few college students came. I was prepared to answer questions such as, "Since you're not an elder how can you write a book

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-36847298891986426912008-09-16T20:12:00.000-07:002008-09-17T05:58:40.056-07:00

This video kicks off our new Tapeinos Ministry

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-56112700026294576962008-09-14T21:40:00.000-07:002008-09-14T22:30:17.331-07:00

In the current discussions found in recent church growth literature two terms seem to be popular.Attractional was popular when I took church growth classes in the 80s and 90s. Churches focused on attracting people. We wanted to know what we could do to get people to come to worship. Usually we placed a lot of emphasis on Sunday morning worship. Our efforts for excellence were devoted to 10am-

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-3532480963585635922008-09-09T11:08:00.001-07:002008-09-09T11:24:20.476-07:00

God continues to work. The past 2 blogs on the Agape Blitz have only touched the surface. I guess I will be blogging about this for the next few weeks.Weeks ago the new Fire Marshall visited Dignity Village. He stated that there needed to be a lot of changes for the safety of the residents. One of the major changes was to turn 17 tent structures into permanent structures. The residents began to "

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-66582658207668319392008-09-07T22:18:00.000-07:002008-09-07T22:41:45.168-07:00

This morning we appointed two new ministries at Agape. Dr. Kilnam Cha and Kyung Cha are both from Korea and active at Cascade College. Kyung is the college nurse and Kilnam is professor of Old Testament. Kilnam will begin a survey of the Old Testament, a short introduction for people wanting to learn about God's grace. The class will be the first of many classes in our Biblical Studies Ministry.

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-26564227891400209112008-09-04T16:46:00.001-07:002008-11-03T07:52:41.856-08:00

Finally!A project that began with my doctoral work at Harding Graduate School in Memphis has come to a stopping point—at least for now. I began working on my dissertation in 1998as a program to develop elders in churches. This began at the Metro Church of Christ, in Gresham, Oregon with a friend who was an elder there (Doug Davis). Over the next 8 years 11 couples completed the ongoing training

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-40127165478627505712008-08-24T21:18:00.001-07:002008-08-24T21:33:52.643-07:00

Last year we began a tradition called the Agape Blitz. We sent Agape people and their friends into the community to serve as Jesus said, "Freely you have been given so give freely..." 20 people from our supporting church in Tulsa joined us (Park Plaza Church of Christ) and we ended up with 40 people serving in 3 areas of Portland.This year we served at Dignity Village, Anawim Homeless Ministries,

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-67312867742452035992008-08-07T18:05:00.000-07:002008-08-07T18:08:36.668-07:00

Today Nathan is 16. Wow, time has flown. Wish we had digitals of him as a baby. The first time I saw him he was peeing all over the nurses. They laughed--I was so proud. I cried when he came out and have loved holding him ever since.Now he is driving and doing well with a stick shift. Happy Birthday Nathan.

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-81094904833791263892008-08-06T16:50:00.000-07:002008-08-07T07:53:46.436-07:00

I have been in Phoenix for about 3 days at the AMFM conference. God opened a door as Eric Garcia, director of AMFM, asked Dr. Patty Warford and I to develop a team to help them and other churches address abuse. We both spoke this week and found many other teams who shared with us how glad they were that this component (domestic and sexual violence) was being addressed. The webpage will be up soon

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-64690411477019596892008-08-01T08:12:00.000-07:002008-08-01T08:29:02.815-07:00

The last few weeks have been filled with Agape work, travel, and speaking where theology, biblical studies, and ministry intersect. This week I spoke at the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. I have done this over the last couple of years and always enjoyed the conference. This year I talked about my book, Am I Sleeping With the Enemy: Men and Women in God's Image (

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-14704463467372226412008-06-28T22:40:00.000-07:002008-06-29T06:38:24.623-07:00

I actually have a few minutes on the plane from Nashville so I will catch up on my blog. I made my usual yearly trek to the annual Churches of Christ Scholar’s Conference. This year it was held at David Lipscomb University in Nashville. I had only been to Nashville once (1992) with Lori but have never seen the campus. I came to present papers on Male Violence (for my book next year—Am I Sleeping

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-36325761133077788402008-06-23T09:53:00.000-07:002008-06-23T10:15:38.233-07:00

Summer Sundays in Portland are usually low attendance days. In my 10 years here I have noticed that many people are gone during the summers. The same is true at Agape, however God continues to do exciting things with us. We have been hitting low 60s (last year we were mid 30s) and we know that this fall we will be well over 100. We are trying to operate as a 200 person church which means that we

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-69358814808930290862008-06-17T14:11:00.000-07:002008-06-17T14:50:55.399-07:00

Agape continues to grow, even though we have hit summertime. We are consistent in attendance and the home communities that are meeting for the summer, continue to bring in new people. This summer we are appointing new ministry leaders which excites me. A financial team, youth ministry leaders, set up teams, and home community leaders are all the response of people who want to lead for Jesus.Lori

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-51538074071710599152008-06-07T15:51:00.000-07:002008-06-07T15:53:09.822-07:00

Remember in the last blog I mentioned that I usually have 5-10 people at these sessions on the faith community and abuse/rape. Well, this time I had a group of over 60 which was quite surprising. We spent about 15 minutes looking at the Rape of Dinah in Genesis 34 (they were in groups of 6 reading it aloud and discussing it) and then came back together. It is exciting listening to sexual assault

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-25972719067926626442008-06-02T21:43:00.000-07:002008-06-02T22:10:18.568-07:00

Sorry it has been such a long time since I blogged. I can't believe I missed the whole month of May. I have photos from our training in Tilamook but still can't get them uploaded. I will blog about that later.Last December I got a call from Washington DC. One of the staff of the National Crime Victim's Department had asked me to present a discussion at the conference on the faith community and

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-12184132250618075672008-04-28T18:17:00.000-07:002008-04-28T18:26:31.510-07:00

I have always been struck by God's plan in Jeremiah 29:7. To a nation suffering in captivity God tells them to settle down, plant vineyards, marry, and pray for the pagan nation of Babylon. Hmmmm. That's interesting. Pray for the nation that destroyed your city and laughs at your faith (Psalm 137). That's what God called them to do. Even in captivity they were to bless their nation.If God called

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-79693311824712128842008-04-19T15:42:00.001-07:002008-04-24T21:56:40.581-07:00

What a great discussion Wednesday night. The Rehearsal hall was packed (had to bring in extra chairs). This session the Cascade students were surprisingly absent (except the ones required to come for my class). Kevin Reed from Cascade moderated. We had students from Portland State, Mt. Hood Community College, a youth group, and many other visitors. This year the agnostic students took issue with

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-54631367422493594432008-04-09T07:12:00.000-07:002008-04-09T07:18:46.344-07:00

Back in December when we went to Trans Siberian Orchestra the parking was terrible. There was no place to park and we had to park a couple miles away and ride the MAX lightrail to the concert. We missed the start. So after we got home, I contacted the Rose Garden to express my frustration with the parking and the long wait at the garages.One of the staff eventually contacted me and offered to

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-75270678513968473822008-03-29T22:03:00.000-07:002008-03-29T22:06:22.092-07:00

I was told by a minister that Kip McKean, considered the founder of the International Churches of Christ, had publically written that I was a “Friend” and “Sold Out” disciple in the mainline churches of Christ.When I first heard this I thought that this would make me a target (the International Churches have been considered a cult by many religious groups). It made me a little nervous—because I

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-41551060472041086662008-03-29T21:58:00.000-07:002008-03-29T22:02:28.053-07:00

The guy who did Agape’s logo continues to be a popular “junk artist” in Kansas City.I remember baptizing Danny Joe the day after Christmas, back a few years ago. He’s a great guy—and got a great wife Millie!Great job Danny Joewww.djgdesine.com

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-23946992977585521502008-03-23T20:29:00.000-07:002008-03-23T20:44:58.689-07:00

Thanks for your prayers.Easter 2008 was a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus as well as our first year as a church. We were concerned about our 200 goal because Spring break took about 30 college students from us. The home community leaders helped set this goal and had worked hard to reach this. However, God was moving at our Easter Brunch/Worship.We had 125 come for worship. Dignity

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-91138269474958070702008-03-13T06:23:00.001-07:002008-03-13T06:45:20.710-07:00

Our Agape Explore Series is a time to have discussions concerning faith and belief in God. I remember doing these years ago at Cascade and found that they were well received. I had my friend Chris Jackson come talk about Agnosticism and the United States Atheists talk about why they were atheists. Then we would close the series with a panel discussion/debate on the topic of faith in God. It has

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-73045598539319382402008-03-10T10:44:00.000-07:002008-03-10T21:11:08.233-07:00

I met Brandon years ago when we were refereeing a wrestling tournament. He visited church a few times when I was at Metro and I really liked him. He was involved with Young Life and at Good Shepherd so I knew he had a good heart for Jesus. He went off to the NAVY for a few years. Thought I would never see him again. He called two weeks before Agape launched last year and said he was in town,

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-63652216331997168662008-03-01T07:42:00.000-08:002008-03-01T08:00:30.788-08:00

This is Lori and me on Valentines getting ready for the dinner/cruise evening. She was worried about getting sea-sick. I was mad because it wasn't a dinner but appetizers and cocktails. This is me 30 minutes later trying not to throw up. I heard that looking to the horizon kept you from getting sea-sick. I looked this way most of the trip. Lori had a blast. I was glad it was only appetizers!

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-32670207398629561952008-02-23T21:34:00.000-08:002008-02-23T22:09:24.594-08:00

Lori and I just came back from a week in Hawaii. We spent our 20th Anniversary there. No kids, no stress, no worries. What a blast. We spent 2 days in Honolulu visiting Pearl Harbor and driving around the island. People are right. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth.We went to Kona, on the big island, and spent 5 days. We stayed at a hotel down on the strip where the local hang out

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-81527683145582057122008-02-07T12:01:00.000-08:002008-02-07T12:10:20.571-08:00

I was having lunch with a friend I had not seen in ages. Chris is a philosophy instructor at a Portland college. I met him seven years ago when I attended an Atheist-Christian Philosophy dialogues. They were reading Nietzsche’s The Anti Christ. I went because my dad was atheist and I wanted to experience what he was thinking. He liked Nietzsche.Over the years I grew to like Christ. Chris

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-85387939760010400602008-02-01T17:29:00.001-08:002008-02-03T06:55:37.693-08:00

Agape people have stuck in my mind this week. Sunday we presented Erin Marie, Maria's baby, to the congregation and challenged Agape to support and encourage her as a single mom. The church gave an amen to being a Christian example to them and to loving and supporting them. Faces smiling at the second baby we have had born at Agape.Kevin and Lia, both active in leading the Dignity Village home

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-54217791698247460622008-01-25T17:10:00.000-08:002008-01-26T13:10:54.697-08:00

God works. God moves. God uses us.Wednesday morning James Wood and I are meeting about Sunday. He had preached at Agape while Lori and I were in North Bend/Coos Bay doing an abuse workshop. James and I talked about the sermon and how things were working for him in his internship. I pointed out that in a church plant you get support and feedback on the sermon during the week, not usually during

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-62458422481854531542008-01-17T20:18:00.000-08:002008-01-17T20:46:58.981-08:00

Side stiches. Remember those?I was on the treadmill today and clipping along at a good pace and after a mile, it hit me. I hadn't felt one of those side aches/side stiches since high school. In college and afterward the pace you train at is pretty high and above the side stiches. You know those, they hit you when you're running or working out and the pain gets your attention.Side stiches get

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-60602853016538609992008-01-08T13:04:00.000-08:002008-01-08T13:15:30.039-08:00

This Wineskins issue is devoted to domestic abuse and the church. Greg Taylor asked me 6 months ago to edit this issue and have some of my colleagues write articles for the journal. It has been a lot of work but I feel that these are well written articles that will challenge us to address abuse in our communities and faith communities. I thank God that a journal, especially one in the churches of

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-75535517082683486802008-01-01T12:46:00.000-08:002008-01-01T13:06:41.470-08:00

What did you do for new years? We have had an interesting last couple of years. When I was younger our church would rent a gym and invite youth groups to play basketball, volleyball, and other games until about 2am. That was always fun.When we moved out to Oregon the evening switched to meeting with friends and going home at 12:10 sharp to crash and sleep in for New Year's Day. This would be

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-11968415733431253402007-12-18T21:37:00.000-08:002007-12-18T21:42:19.340-08:00

I never thought I would be as happy as I am today. I have a woman who gets more beautiful every day and surprises me with her patience and support. We are so much more alike the more we are together. 20 years ago I gave my love to her and she has never disappointed me or made me regret that decision. She has made me a better man and looked past my baggage and past. How blessed I am--God knew who

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-58020946683075905362007-12-18T21:26:00.000-08:002007-12-22T12:10:59.352-08:00

I kiss all my boys. My boys don't hesitate to kiss me--well, Nathan not so much now. I guess that is OK. But I've never been ashamed to show affection to them.I grew up with a dad who didn't show affection. He never kissed us, that I can remember (although he did kiss my mom a lot--at least before they were divorced). I can't remember him ever hugging us. My brother is divorced and is not

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-22445108114869311492007-12-18T21:14:00.000-08:002007-12-22T12:10:41.228-08:00

Finally got these pictures from our trip to the Rolof farm back in October. What a great place. We went with some friends and gathered pumpkins and saw the famous Rolof family. They are the ones who live near Beaverton and star in the show Little People Big World. Everyone told us that they are usually gone during this time. However, they were all home and were even being filmed for an upcoming

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-33298401571882010082007-12-13T10:31:00.000-08:002007-12-15T08:50:54.424-08:00

As many of you know Agape and many of the Cascade College students continue to provide a ministry for the residents at Dignity Village. The Cascade kids have been providing tacos for years every Wed. evening. This past summer Agape helped out while the kids were home for the summer. The residents called me Pastor Taco. I get a kick out of that.We also began a home community there on Wed.

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-64370055875216291002007-12-02T20:23:00.000-08:002007-12-03T13:48:44.121-08:00

So we went to lunch together at Louie's Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown. We had a good meal and it was hot.He had been in and out of rehab and was now 9 days clean from heroin and crack. He was wanting to get off the streets and we talked about options. I feel that it is better to give options and empower people to choose, rather than choose for them and tell them what to do. It was obvious that

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-13971780964606007872007-12-02T08:20:00.001-08:002007-12-02T08:33:30.652-08:00

Thursday morning I was making my usual trek downtown to see who God would put in my path. Pioneer Square was covered due to the Ale Festival. As usuall most of the people I usually see are gone from the square. I have found that searching the bridges, riverfront, and Saturday Market area gives more people to meet. This day I got off the MAX and headed to the river. Something kept urging me left

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-66801855663589845762007-11-22T22:24:00.000-08:002007-11-22T23:13:53.140-08:00

I just returned from 5 days in San Diego. I presented a paper at the annual Society of Biblical Literature and American Academy of Religion national conference. The AAR includes many religion scholars and the SBL includes the scholars of the Biblical texts. This will be the last year that both groups will meet together. As always I enjoy this conference. This year I was sruck with some

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-80934861719015947592007-11-12T19:49:00.000-08:002007-11-13T09:43:43.613-08:00

Home communities have been the driving force behind Agape. Actually God and the Holy Spirit are the driving force but you all know what I meant in the previous statement.We have had 7 home communities going. These are great places to connect with people and reach out into the community. Now, we added a new community that will meet at Dignity Village .I went to their weekly council meeting last

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-36936392800205525882007-10-25T21:01:00.000-07:002007-10-25T21:15:45.700-07:00

My Friend.What a great day of ministry. A bible study in Sherwood and setting up a baptism for next week. She reminded me that last year we prayed in a park near the cafe where we had breakfast and met the couple for study. We prayed that we would have baptisms in Sherwood. We thought we would plant the church there. We didn't but we will have the baptisms. She is beautiful and so good with

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-70788896894601235162007-10-15T17:07:00.000-07:002007-10-15T17:23:24.792-07:00

What a day we had Sunday for our Friends' Day. 101 showed up, including the guy sitting outside who we invited to lunch. Great worship and celebration of Agape's 6 month in existence. We had a wonderful worship, finished the Gospel of John, and had a huge Subway sandwich for everyone. Yet, as Lori and I talked about the day these thoughts came to mind:We all brought friends from Dignity Village,

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-71088622458802918042007-09-18T07:56:00.000-07:002007-09-18T08:16:54.587-07:00

When I was a kid I remember the story of the 3 Billy Goat's Gruff. In the story the goats had to cross a bridge where a "troll" lived. The troll was mean, scary, and wanted to eat the goats. I learned as a child that trolls and monsters lived under bridges and we never went there in the dark.As I grew, bridges and overpasses became a place of refuge on a long road run. We would take shelter under

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-4542052814318046902007-09-03T16:33:00.001-07:002007-09-03T16:53:02.342-07:00

I remember my first sermon. It was in 1980 and the typical dialogue sermon that was being tested in the Lutheran Churches. I attended a Missouri Synod Lutheran church and my senior year was the time when I and the preacher's son both did the positive negative sermon. The preacher's son and I were friends. We played football and wrestled together and got along well. He wanted the negative so we

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-11554085908792961842007-08-31T02:29:00.000-07:002007-08-31T02:42:52.571-07:00

Agape BlitzIt is an excess of $3000 gift to Portland.It is a time when 14 Park Plaza church members, Tulsa, join over 30 Agape people to serve in our community.It is a time to work with Lowe’s to provide siding, lumber, and brooms to help Dignity Village winterize 5 homes and roof 2 others.It is a time to connect with this community and develop relationships.It is a time to see how a homeless

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-90614201706100298332007-07-30T15:52:00.001-07:002007-07-30T16:39:58.224-07:00

I continue to be blown away by what has been happening this summer. Usually, summer church attendance is the lowest due to vacations, etc. For Agape, it has continued to be strong. We run anywhere from 38-45 consistently even when we have 10 regulars gone. The number of people who have visited Agape at least once after Easter has grown to 100+. God is truly good. I am looking forward to the fall

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-81379837774994930072007-07-04T08:12:00.000-07:002007-07-04T08:14:35.768-07:00

This is a picture of Pioneer Courthouse Square. This place is a popular hangout for downtown Portlandians. I also hear that it is the hangout for homeless/runaway teens. Some have reported that Portland has the highest teen runaway drug rate in the country, and of course, many of the kids are here.I have been going downtown to meet some of the kids and get to know them. I will take some to lunch

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-66583840746197712102007-04-21T19:21:00.000-07:002007-04-21T19:40:58.778-07:00

So my 14 year old son comes at me at 9:30pm the other night. I'm tired, sore, and shutting down for the day and he is going to bed. He wants to wrestle. Now, my dad never wrestled with me that I can remember. He was tired, out of shape, and just didn't do that with us boys. Considering his dad beat him, I guess he was doing the best he could with what he had. Once he arm wrestled and told me this

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-71487193300406908672007-04-13T12:46:00.000-07:002007-04-13T21:09:41.142-07:00

Diverse people, diverse faiths, diverse backgrounds, diverse views. All eating together (pizza with and without pork) and having a blast. That is what home communities are all about. We had a great time and developed a lot of relationship last night. We talked about God, is Jesus God, the Koran, what Agape's plans are, and yes--politics.College students, technology guys, photographers, a

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-90234382007319967502007-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:002007-04-11T18:49:02.497-07:00

Thank you to all of our supporters and those praying for us. There is so much to say, and so many emotions running through our minds and hearts at this time. God is good and we are excited to officially be in Portland as a new church.You can visit our website www.missionagape.com to pull up the Powerpoint presentation of our first worship service. Sorry--I don't know how to copy the link here!

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-79448847397258551762007-03-06T21:37:00.001-08:002007-03-12T18:11:50.365-07:00

We are counting down to the launch of the Agape Church of Christ. It was about a year ago that we made the decision to go with Kairos and plant a church in Portland. God had been leading us for 2 years to leave Metro but we thought it would be a church down south. God is good and we wanted to stay here. One of the Kairos trainers asked us why we would leave a city we had developed an outreach

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-12990003059766994652007-01-18T22:17:00.000-08:002007-01-18T22:31:18.627-08:00

I have heard a phrase about evangelism that has caused me to think a lot. When I discuss with some what plans we have for the church plant, where we will be worshipping (Lincoln High School), our plans for the launch worship, and how we will be reaching out--I have had a few mention something to me. "We don't want to be forcing or leading the Spirit do we?" While I understand what they are

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-1162564846978835512006-11-03T06:17:00.000-08:002006-11-04T14:01:20.026-08:00

OK, so I received the opportunity of a lifetime. I was scheduled to speak at my alma mater (Harding University Graduate School of Religion) in Memphis on Thursday. I had everything planned out. Catch the 6am flight to Dallas, then Memphis; arrive at 3pm; meet with the students; and then lecture on the Prophetic Church and Social Justice in the Gospels from 7pm to 9pm. I was excited because this

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-1160955752574671742006-10-15T16:17:00.000-07:002006-10-15T16:42:32.606-07:00

Couch Street park is a really nice park in Portland, near the Pearl District. The boys and I went there and played. We met some folks that told us something about Portland and faith. One was Lucan's mom. She was from Croatia and has been here 8 years. Very nice lady and son but she shared with me that Croatia has been through some tremendous changes and is doing well now. I guess I never realized

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-1159487321834819732006-09-28T16:44:00.000-07:002006-09-28T16:53:56.660-07:00

We have been visiting with people downtown to ask a few questions about their faith, views of God, and suggestions about church. From what people tell us Portland needs a church, yet a church that helps people and cares about young people.Tony wanted me to try the Tarot cards. I thanked him but suggested another time. He told me that Tarot cards do not tell the future. They only profile people's

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-1151967171516145262006-07-03T15:46:00.000-07:002006-07-03T15:54:21.486-07:00

I was completely blown away when a Swiss journal for feminist Biblical studies asked me to submit my article on the Rape of Dinah (Genesis 34) this Spring. I was also struck when a representative of the Attourney General's Sexual Assault Task Force asked me Thursday to join the committee. God pushes, but I never knew it would be this hard.It makes me wonder, and you can wonder too, how often we

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13826261.post-1119305391622794862005-06-20T14:53:00.000-07:002005-08-23T15:13:30.926-07:00

Mushke dhe Koke Mushke Koke Mushke i Vogel means "Little Mule Head" in Albanian. This is my nickname and I never have figured out if it is a compliment or a joke. Never the less, I guess it says something about who I am, or who some perceive me to be. I'm not Albanian but have been there 3 times to teach. I also teach English and Bible to Albanian and Kosovo families here in Portland, Oregon. I

KMiVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01836485376510663761noreply@blogger.com6