Posted by Chris on May 1, 2009 in
Church 
I spent the first half of the week serving Land of a Thousand Hills coffee to participants in the third ever Q Conference. I’ve been to all three, and plan on going next year.
I love Q because it asks questions and it offers solutions. This years 18 minute talks ranged from the neccessity of nuclear disarmament to the spiritual implications of the cell phone. Sometimes Q is groundbreaking (helping get TOMS Shoes off the ground) and sometimes it is controversial (this year’s interview with Ted and Gayle Haggard.) But it always forces me to think.
Although I love the content, that’s not the most powerful part of Q. It’s the participants. It seems like all of them are starting a non-profit or designing t-shirts that save lives in Uganda. It’s a bit overwhelming, and it’s easy to start thinking, “look how I’ve wasted my life!”
When I mentioned this to a new acquaintance named Jena over dinner, she said to me, “Don’t feel bad. Feel inspired.”
And I do.
Tags: Austin, Fermi Project, Gabe Lyons, Land of a Thousand Hills, Q, social justice, TOMS Shoes
Posted by Chris on Mar 19, 2009 in
Church,
Culture 
Every spring, tens of thousands of the world’s most creative mindsdescend on Austin, Texas for South By South West. The event includes over 400 indie bands, an interactive media conference and a film festival.
The first time I experienced this artistic pilgrimage, I wondered where all the churches were. My answer came on Friday night from a suited street preacher yelling for repentance.
Conversations such as the Q Conference, have shown that the Church’s role in a post-christendom culture must be to create culture that is more relevant, beautiful and creative as what the lost world has to offer. This is a far cry from Christian creative movement of the last few decades, focused on creating cheap knock-offs of secular culture.
The same day I encountered the street preacher, a nice guy from a music label gave me some free pizza and beer. He didn’t yell at me, explaining why his label was so much better than all the others. He just served me.
Every year, the artists who will shape the music, media and movies of the future come together for SXSW. What if Austin’s churches made it their goal to minister to the creators of tomorrow?
Tags: Austin, Church, Creating Culture, indie music, South By South West, SXSW
Posted by Chris on Mar 2, 2009 in
Life 
After recieving a great outpouring of encouragement and hope from some dear friends this Sunday, I’ve decided to deviate a bit from my regular commentary to give you an update on my hopes, plans and fears.
In the month since my position at Journey ended, I’ve spent a ton of energy trying to develop a concrete next step. After researching and applying for a number of opportunities across the country, I’ve decided what I want to do.
I”ve long felt a calling to plant a church in an urban area, reaching out to the crazy mix of artists/homeless/yuppies that make up urban centers. However, I feel that I am still a few years away from leading such an effort myself.
I’ve decided to move back to Austin, Texas. Whether I’ll serve on a church staff or “get a real job” has yet to be seen. My good friend Daniel just got accepted into UT’s Educational Psychology Ph.D. We are hoping to serve together as a Cares Team somewhere in Central or South Austin. Lord willing, this outreach will form they embryo of a future church plant.
In the mean time, I am seeking some part time employment to get me by. This is my most immediate need, and the worry that keeps me up at night.
Please pray for my situation, that God will provide soon, and that I will be able to serve him to the fullest of my ability. If you know of any jobs in Austin, or would like to get on-going updates on my life and ministry, comment on this post of send an email to chrismorton82@gmail.com.
Thanks for your prayers.
Tags: Austin, church planting, Urban
