93 years ago today humorist Will Rogers appeared in his first movie. As a salute to one of the greatest observers of his culture, here are two favorite Rogers’ quotes:

 A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.

Things ain’t what they used to be – and probably never were.

27gen is an invitation to a regular conversation about all things connected with what I call ChurchWorld and its attempts to interact with the culture around us. We all can certainly learn by reading; I’m a huge propoent of that! But we can all learn more by our “associations” with other people. I’ll start the conversation by tossing out a thought or two – why don’t you join in?

My background is from a church associate pastor role of over 23 years. For the past seven years, I have served as a church development consultant with JH Batten, a church design-build company. My current role allows me the wonderful opportunity to explore what churches are doing today to grow and be healthy, and to help them achieve their vision.

I’m a student of history, but I view it as a bridge to our future rather than a rock to cling to. Let’s celebrate the past and learn from it, but let’s not get stuck there. As Rogers observed, our view of history grows dimmer the longer we move away from an event in time.

My formal theological training came at a time when churches were expected to provide programs for everything and to involve members in hours of meetings and activities. I bought into that model full steam ahead – but to what result? Churches with all heat and no light? I’ve come full circle now, and am growing restless with the complexity and ineffectiveness of church today.

A former editor used the following Scripture passage from Proverbs 25.to describe my mindset. I think it’s an appropriate challenge for all leaders in ChurchWorld.

2 God delights in concealing things;
   scientists delight in discovering things.
 3 Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth,
   the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.

                                                                                                                The Message

I’m certainly no scientist, but I have a burning passion to discover things that will help the church, the Body of Christ, grow spiritually and numerically.

You know – deep and wide.