SEPTEMBER 2015

It was a joy to see Christians, Muslims, agnostics, etc. all work side-by-side for the
common good of our city. (Jer 29: 7: See the peace and prosperity of the city to which I
have carried you. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.)

Tricia Kinsman, Director of Local Partnerships

WHY ARE WE HERE?

IBC is a community that exists

because we believe Jesus Christ
transforms lives. We want to be fully
alive as followers of Jesus, and we
hope youll join us on this journey.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?
GROWING IN CHRIST At the
heart of our journey is the gospel of
Jesus. We trust Christ as our Savior
and find ourselves becoming more
like him as we deepen our relationship with him.
CONNECTING IN COMMUNITY

The way of following Jesus is not a

path we walk alone. The gospel story
draws us into a community of people
whose lives are being transformed
by Jesus.

JOINING THE MISSION Followers

of Jesus arent just saved, theyre also

sent. Believers become witnesses to
the grace of God as they take part in
his mission to rescue and redeem the
lost and broken.
For more about growing in Christ,
connecting in community, and joining the mission at IBC, please contact
info@irvingbible.org.
CONTACT IBC
2435 Kinwest Pkwy
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 560-4600

irvingbible.org
irvingbible
TWITTER @ibcvoice
ELETTER irvingbible.org/eletter
WEB

FACEBOOK

New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

SUPPLIES FOR SUCCESS

IBC served as the community

drop-off point for Supplies for
Success, a city-wide initiative
designed to provide school
supplies and backpacks to
Irving kids in need. Over 175
volunteers from all over the
community came to IBC to
stuff backpacks with supplies
donated by about 20 local
businesses and organizations.
After 5 days, 1,951 backpacks
had been filled at IBC for a
total of 4,079 backpacks
provided overall by Supplies
for Success.

a letter from Chatter

Chatter is
Editor Julie Rhodes
Art Direction, Design & Goodness
Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming
Admin Extraordinaire
Victoria Andrews
Pastor to Hashtags
Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor
Photography
Katherine Ivey (Photo Update)*
Writers
Amber Black (New is Good)*
Megan Foreman (Chatter Facts)*
Jason Elwell (Next Steps)**
Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)*
Editorial Assistance/Proofing
Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*
Thoughts, comments, ideas?
Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.
Need Chatter Digitally?
Chatter is on the web at
irvingbible.org/chatter.
Are you a media socialite?
Like Chatter on Facebook. Its so likeable.
*Most beloved and indispensable
Chatter Volunteer.
**Most beloved and indispensable
IBC staff member.

Its amazing how motivated I am to call the dermatologist or match up stray sock pairings whenever
its time to sit down and think about God, talk to him, and finally surrender to him. This morning I tried
taking a walk to clear my head and focus my prayers in the same general direction, but then I remembered
some gifts I had to buy, and thought maybe I should get on Amazon when I got home. What words would I
type into the Amazon search engine? Would I get free shipping?

The church fathers would be proud.

Keeping focus is just plain hard. Lately, Ive started
writing out old-fashioned to-do lists in a real
memo notebook I carry around in my deflated-hotair-balloon-size purse. I draw little boxes and then
check off those little boxes. Have you ever felt that
kind of satisfaction? If not, Im not sure we can be
friends. Most things make it on to my list kid
things, work things, house things, car things. All
things but God things, because it feels odd, grand,
and indefinite to put surrender everything in my
life today to God next to a little hand-drawn box
on my list right there with buy ice and deal with
the leftovers, so I dont.
How is this accomplished, anyway? How do I
know when to finally make that check mark? Even
putting Bible study or verse memorization or
prayer journaling on my list feels like depositing
Almighty God into the nice little sanitary place I
had retrofitted for him. So I dont. And he ends up
not having a place at all.
Legend has it that Saint Patrick wrote his iconic
Loria or Breastplate back in the 5th century
while being pursued by Irish King Leoghaire. The
king was trying to prevent Patrick from sowing
the faith in his land, which was obviously unsuccessful if the invention of green beer means
anything at all.

Part of Patricks poem reads like an Ultimate

Check-off List:
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise.
It goes on, but you get the idea. I like the image
of a breastplate in the heat of battle, protecting
vital organs and infusing its wearer with courage.
Especially the idea that Christ himself could be
a breastplate encircling, enveloping, ensconcing. Patrick prayed to be fitted with Christ as he
approached his lifes work, which is a far cry from
how I accommodate only brief flashes and glimpses of Christ whenever Im not busy with my busy
little busyness.
Or maybe Patricks prayer belies a similar struggle
he had with focus. Maybe St. Pat, between driving
out the snakes and preaching to the pagans, also
had pets to groom and mail to open. Perhaps he
speaks for himself and for all of us who struggle to
bolster ourselves for the day and discern the real
work of life from the incidental. Or maybe thats
just the thought that comforts me most.
At any rate, his is a helpful prayer. I hope it bolsters
you, too, for whatever youre checking off today.

C HAT TE R FA C T I CON K EY
CULTURE

LANGUAGE

FOOD

LIFE

GENERAL

SCIENCE

GEOGRAPHY

TEXAS

HISTORY

TOMFOOLERY
China produces approximately
40% of all the socks in the world.

Chatter | 3

hen my husband Brady and I arrived

in Lebanon last October, not a single
kid at Home of Hope was in school.
Months before, the UN had some classes going, but
funding had dried up, and since then the 50 or so
school-aged kids had nothing to do.
All day long.
Wed been charged with educating them (among
other things), and since then have been taking
steps towards a new, odd mixture of Montessori, home schooling, un-schooling, and projectbased learning.

Chatter | 4

Before last fall, Brady and I had been living in the

Arabian Desert. And after five not-so-fantastic
years, we began praying for a different opportunity.
One that would use our interests and gifts; and most
of all, one that would let us work together. Then we
heard about Home of Hope, a home for abused and
abandoned street kids outside of Beirut, Lebanon.
Some kids there are refugees from the regions
many armed conflicts; some are from families that
left them to fend for themselves at the dumpster or
tried to sell them to predators. Each childs background and experiences (or lack thereof ) is remarkably different from the next, sometimes even when
they are from the same family.

As our 8 to 17-year-olds range from never-beento-a-day-of-school-ever to can-fluently-read-andwrite-in-English (Arabic is their native language),
education is a slow and tricky business. Our first
step has been attempting to get them used to the
schedule and to the behavioral guidelines of our
community and its space.
I anticipated some difficulty as the kids are pretty
clever with avoiding rules theyd rather not follow.
But much to my (very thankful) surprise, theyve
taken to the new standards quickly and fluidly.

The name Lebanon and the

word cedar (Lebanons tree)
each appear 75 times in the
Old Testament.

This image has been blurred to protect the privacy and security of our IBC partners and the people they serve.

MANY KIDS AT HOME OF HOPE ARE REFUGEES FROM THE REGIONS ARMED CONFLICTS.

But then came a meltdown.

One of our newer arrivals (Ill call him Nate) had
been coloring an intricate picture and wasnt
finished. He wasnt even close to finishing, but he
desperately wanted to continue.
I dont know much about Nate. He doesnt have
papers, and we dont know his birthday. He came
to us as a child protection case, which means
theres something in his past the judge is protecting him from. I know the other kids make fun of
him because he breaks down crying at the simplest
provocation. I know when he looks up at me from
his small frame that he desperately wants to be accepted. I know that being able to color all day long
would do him great good, and that as things are,
this isnt an option.
So I knelt next to him and told him we had to go.
He looked up from the paper and then went back to
coloring. I told him I would keep it for him and he
could color again tomorrow. He smiled at me and
kept on coloring. Finally I put the palm of my hand
on his paper, pulled his chin up so our eyes met,
and told him I would count to three, and then I was
taking the paper.
Well, I took the paper.
And thus began the most descriptive string of
cursing I hope youve never heard from the mouth
of an eight-year-old. Some of it the staff refused to
translate, of course, but it included some graphically unkind words about sisters and mothers and
who knows what else.
But really? It didnt upset me. Not in the least.
Because I get it. Hes eight. The world is a cruel,
cruel place. Where parents abandon their kids and
so much worse. Where even the loveliest among us
leave scars on their beloveds. And this kid? Hes no
ones beloved. Not in a way that really counts. Hes
flailing in the water of life, just trying to keep from
drowning for another day. Of course he freaks out
sometimes. Of course.
God is using these everyday situations (because
the kids-freaking-out-thing happens daily) to
show me how little I think of him as a perfect being. How though I say hes the most compassionate,
forgiving, and full-of-grace entity in the Universe,
I functionally believe he overlooks wrongs only

up to a point, especially when it

comes to me.

There are
people in your
life who meant well,
but they still left
scars .

Extending grace to these kids

is simple. I dont think about
it. I get it. But when its me
making the mistakes, me
whos freaking out, me whos
cussing people out (in my head,
anyway) and flailing sloppily in
the water, I dont think of God as
having already forgiven. Already
overlooked. Already moved on. Its not
that I think hes angry with me per say, but
I keep wallowing and turning my failure over in
my mind and flogging myself and all-around just
not moving on.

Later, Brady brought Nate back upstairs to talk to

him about what happened. I could hear them, and
before Nate left I asked him to join me in the office
for a minute.
Nate.
He wouldnt look at me.
Nate, I want you to know that I like you very, very
much.
He didnt move his hung head, but looked up at me
through his eyebrows.
I saw you earlier when you were building with the
blocks. I saw you sort them and match the picture
exactly. Youre smart. Youre so smart. Im glad I
know you.
He fought tears as I talked and wouldnt really look
at me. I asked him if I could give him a hug, and
I did. He didnt hug me back. As usual with our
kids, I wondered if Id terrified him somehow, or
transgressed something in a way that made him
nervous. And as usual, I reminded myself that Im
actively choosing to love them all the best way I
can, even if its uncomfortable for them sometimes.
I wont withhold whatever love I have to give out of
fear. I just have to trust God with whatever comes
of it.
The next day, though, when Nate came through
the door for class, his face shone with a huge grin
and he immediately came over to hug me. All was

forgotten. Wed
had a day, we had
both gotten some
sleep, and the
morning held
new mercies.
Just as God says
it does for those
living the Kingdom Way.

And I hear God challenging me through it all,

saying, Look. I get it. Youre
small in this wide universe and
youre limited by mortality and humanity.
The world is a cruel, cruel place. There are people
in your life who meant well, but they still left scars.
And even when youve walked with me a much
longer time, youll still leave scars on your beloveds.
You have faith, but youll freak out sometimes.
Theres a reason why people in the Scriptures
prayed for more faith even though they were seeing God in the flesh. Youre not perfect. Your faith
isnt perfect. Your choices arent perfect. I get it.
Go to sleep, and well talk in the morning, okay?

Amber once ate turkish delight on a moonlight night

in Istanbul (not Constantinople).
Amber and her husband Brady are IBC missionaries serving at
Home of Hope in Beirut, Lebanon where they work with abused
and abandoned street kids. They are also the purveyors of Serious
Creatures, an online store offering whimsical, unique artwork (by
Brady) prints, cards, and stationery (seriouscreatures.net).

An Evening
with Tapestry
C E L E BRATIN G 10 YE A RS OF MIN ISTRY
TO FOSTE R A N D A D OP TIV E FA MIL IE S!

with special guest Carissa Woodwyk, author and speaker

Saturday, September 19

STA RTS 6 :3 0 P.M. D IN N E R SE RV E D AT 7 P.M.

HILTO N D FW L A KE S
1 8 00 HIG HWAY 26 E GRA P E V IN E , TX 76 05 1

Beirut has been destroyed

and rebuilt 9 times.

IBC Movie Night

The Martian

A night out for IBCers and their friends.

FILM IS ONE OF OUR CULTURES MOST POWERFUL MEDIA. How can
we as Christ-followers engage it in a redemptive way? As part of the ongoing
Conversations series, IBC has planned a screening of The Martian (director: Ridley Scott, starring Matt Damon) for anyone interested in having a fun,
thoughtful evening out. (This new release will be out only a week when the
IBC event takes place!)

Following the film, there will be a panel discussion with voices from both the
church and film worlds. This event is also a great opportunity to give IBCers
a non-threatening venue to introduce their unbelieving friends to Christian
people and ideas.
Want to know more? We did, too. Chatter asked pastor Ryan Sanders to give us
the skinny.
CHATTER R
 yan in your opinion, whats the biggest mistake Christians make

when approaching a film?

RYAN SANDERS I think the Christian subculture could get better at asking
about what a film says, rather than how it says it. For instance, is it about the
transcendence of science and the promise of a humanistic savior (Interstellar)? Then it may be Rated PG-13, but its message is misaligned with the
message of the gospel. Is the film about rebirth, counter-cultural selflessness,
and the battle between good and evil (The Matrix)? Then it may be Rated R
and soaked in violence and vulgarity, but it delivers gospel-shaped themes just
as well as many sermons.

The point is not to get distracted by the packaging. Some of the most Luciferian movies Ive ever
seen were beautiful, emotional, Rated PG lies. On
the other hand, redemption can be found in some
of the most gritty, hard-to-watch stories. In fact,
isnt that exactly the lesson the Bible teaches us?
Imagine trying to make a Rated G film about the
life of David or Esther or Abraham or Jesus. You
might tell most of the story, but you couldnt tell
the whole story.
IBC NextGen Pastor David Grant once told me,
I can find the gospel in any movie. I think thats
a healthy and helpful approach. The filmmakers
intent may be entirely antithetical to Christian
thought, but he lives in a world created by God
with glimpses of shalom embedded in it. All truth
is Gods truth. And wouldnt it be cool if we had
the chance to point out those accidental Godshaped messages to our neighbors who, though
seeing, dont perceive?
I should say one more thing about this, though:
obviously, there is a point for all of us at which
on-screen depravity distracts from even the best
message. Quentin Tarantino might make a movie
with redemptive, gospel-shaped themes, but if he
did, we may not be any better off for watching it
because of the amount of violence we would have
to endure to get to his message. That line is differ-

Chatter | 6

Matt Damon dropped out

of Harvard 12 credits short
of graduating to pursue his
acting career.

ent for each of us, and we have to walk it with Jesus. Incidentally,
The Martian is not yet rated, but we expect it to be PG-13. This is probably
an event youll want to get a babysitter for.
CHAT W
 hy is IBC holding this event?
RS P
 rimarily, this is an outreach event. Its an opportunity to invite our friends,
neighbors, coworkers and classmates to a non-threatening environment to be
introduced to Christian people and ideas. Its the next in our series of cultural
conversations.

But its also an opportunity to discuss that first question. The fastest way for
the church to turn off the people shes called to reach is to dismiss their culture.
If we are to be effective missionaries godly, good neighbors, as our summer
sermon series suggested then we have to live in the culture to which we are
sent. We dont have to adopt secular cultures humanist assumptions, but we
have to know them and respect them. This is what Paul did at Mars Hill.
CHAT R
 yan, tell us about the panelists. Specifically, tell us you got Matt Damon.
RS F
 unny you say that. My wife teases me about having a man-crush on Matt
Damon. Unfortunately, Matt has yet to confirm his plans to attend. However,
we do have a very exciting addition to the panel. Craig Detweiler is an author,
filmmaker, and Director of the Center for Entertainment, Media, and Culture
at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He has agreed to anchor our
panel discussion. Other panelists havent been decided but will likely include a
local film critic, and at least one voice from the church/seminary space.

As soon as Matt returns my calls, Ill let Chatter know. In the meantime, if any
IBCers would like to reinforce my invitation, Matts publicist Jennifer Allen at
Viewpoint, 8820 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 220, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Just sayin.
CHAT W
 hat kinds of topics will the panel members address?
RS T
 he panel will be much more equipped than
I have been here to talk about film, both as an art
form and as a cultural pedagogue. The series of
conversations weve been having at IBC have
all been about forces and beliefs that shape our
culture. Im excited about focusing such a conversation on film because it is such a powerful part of
our culture.

Plus, well have a terrific and specific example of

filmmaking to discuss. I read The Martian on
vacation this summer and its a great story with
lots of good things to discuss related to isolation
and community, guilt and redemption, helplessness and rescue, and the value of human life.

DETAILS
WHERE Movie House & Eatery in Flower
Mound. Its one of those new movie-tavern
kind of places.
WHEN Saturday, October 10 (time TBA)
WHO Anyone! But space is limited to the
134 seats in the theater. As of this publication, The Martian is not yet rated. Please
be mindful as you invite friends and family.
COST $10 plus any food/drinks. No child
care available. Tickets will be made available
at the Town Square kiosk.

Next Steps:

PUTTING ON CHRIST
Chatter asked IBC pastors to weigh in on their next steps for
the year personally, spiritually, or ministry-wise. Heres Jason.

IN

Matthew 28:19, Jesus charged his disciples with

this: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations. This word make in the Great Commission
has always perplexed me, and still does. I grew up
in a church that was highly evangelistic, in that we
put a lot of teaching and time into getting people
to cross the line of faith but we werent the greatest at making disciples. To
make something connotes process, that whatever is being made takes time
and effort. My girls, 9 and 6, love the show How its Made on the Science
Channel. It doesnt matter if its paperclips or wind turbines; we stay glued to
the TV, fascinated by the process of how things are made. When I was asked to
write about my next steps with Jesus, my mind immediately went to this idea
of how disciples are made, and where I am in that process.

A disciple is best defined as one who adheres to the teachings of Jesus. The
Lord has been revealing to me that theres a difference between someone who
hears the teaching and
someone who adheres to
the teaching. The goal of
our faith isnt getting our
theology straight so we can
make it into heaven. The
goal is becoming more like
Jesus.
We took a tour of a Greek
Orthodox Church here in
the Dallas area recently,
and one of the icons on the
wall was of the crucifixion
scene. Our tour guide asked
us if we noticed anything
different about the thief
who was crucified next to
Jesus the one who asked

The modern paperclip design has

never been patented, and nobody
knows for sure who invented it.

Jesus to remember him when he entered his kingdom, essentially confessing

his belief in Jesus as Savior of the world. There were two things we noticed
about the icon: one was that he had a halo around his head, unlike the other
thief. The other thing was subtler, but deeply convicting to me: the thief was
drawn to look just like Jesus. Each week when worshippers enter that place
to sing their songs and pray their prayers, they do so with this image of what
discipleship should be right in front of them: a sinner saved by grace, looking
more and more like his savior.
God is also teaching me in these days that disciple-making takes practice; its
the practice of putting on Christ. Paul writes in Colossians 3:12 about the
clothes we must wear: tender-heartedness, kindness, humility, meekness,
forgiveness, patience, and, above all, love. We practice putting on these characteristics of Christ each week when we gather for worship. In our songs, in
our prayers, in our preaching, and in Communion, we are reminding our hearts
that Jesus is the object of our affections. We practice putting on Christ when
we spend time in his presence, allowing the Spirit to purge us of our sinfulness and remind us of our belovedness. And finally, we practice putting on
Christ when we embody his love out in this broken world that he has called us
to redeem.
Brennon Manning says this of Jesus: Hes the Great Rabbi because His being
and His doing, like His humanity and His divinity, were one. The next step for
this worship pastor is to continue to clothe myself in Christ so it is no longer
I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Its not quick or easy. Its a journey a
long obedience in the same direction.

Jason Elwells philosophy is simple: Theyre not skinny jeans if youre skinny.
Theyre just jeans that fit.
Jason is IBCs worship pastor.

In ancient Rome, free citizens

were required to wear togas.
Et tu, Brute?

Chatter | 7

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know IBC has a church planting residency program? This
year, IBC is pleased to officially launch two pastors into ministry at
strategic new congregations in the DFW metroplex: Trey Grant at
The Well Church in Keller, a multi-ethnic congregation; and Ephraim
Figueroa at RED Tu Iglesia en Espanol, a Hispanic congregation that
meets on the IBC campus on Sunday afternoons.

THE WELL
CHURCH,
KELLER
Meets at Moviehouse & Eatery in Keller, TX at 9 a.m. every Sunday,
beginning September 13.

CHURCH PLANT PROFILE

About the community: The Well Church is a multi-ethnic community. Research shows that of the

300,000+ churches in America, only 15% of them are multi-ethnic. This means that 85% of churches
in America are homogeneous. Sociologists have defined a multi-ethnic church as a community
where at least 20% of leadership, staff and members are of a different ethnicity. (In the DFW area,
these statistics are closer to 8-10%.) The Well leadership team chose the city of Keller because the
Keller area has grown by 50% over the last 10 years and is estimated to grow by another 20-30% over
the next 10 years. Studies show that cities like Keller become even more diverse in that second wave
of growth. (Not to mention Keller is geographically located with 2-5 miles of 15 surrounding cities.)
Trey and his team believe Keller is a perfect landing place for a Christ-Centered, Disciple-Making,
Multi-Ethnic Church.

About the pastor: Trey served on the pastoral staff at Irving Bible Church, first as a Student Pastor and then as Church Plant Resident before being called to found and plant The Well Church Of
Keller. Treys duties as Lead Pastor/Elder include giving overall vision and direction for The Well
Church, as well as raising up, training and equipping leaders, and preaching and teaching the lifetransforming Gospel of Jesus Christ. Alice and Trey have been married for seven years. They have
two beautiful children, Mason and Hannah.
About the vision: The Well Church Keller desires to be A Place of Common Ground A church

where no matter your ethnicity, no matter your background, no matter your status, one can put all of
those things aside for the sake of the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ. The hope is that The Well
Church, Keller is a place where people of all ethnicities and backgrounds are walking, working and
worshiping God together as one.

Connect: thewellchurchkeller.org

Chatter | 8

Woodingdean well, hand-dug in East

Sussex, England, between 1858 and
1862, claims to be the worlds deepest
hand-dug well at 1,285 feet.

PASTOR TREY WITH ALICE, MASON AND HANNAH

RED
TU
IGLESIA
PASTOR EPHRAIM PREACHES FROM THE COMMONS STAGE AT IBC

Meets at IBC on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

(RED stands for Renovation, Education, Discipleship)
About the community: RED Tu Iglesia en Espaol is a Hispanic community with a desire to reach

About the pastor: Ephraim comes from Presbyterian Revival Church in Puerto Rico. For several
years, he served as a Youth Director, Worship leader, and was also involved in different short-term
missions to Spain and Cuba. He has been in Dallas the past three years, and has just completed his
Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural ministries in Dallas Theological Seminary. Ephraim is planting
RED Tu Iglesia en Espaol as Senior Pastor, providing the vision and leadership to equip other leaders, preach and teach the Word of God, and promote renovation through the education of the word
of God and making disciples that disciple others. Ephraim and Melissa have been married for 11
years. They have two beautiful children, Daniel and Abigail.
About the vision: RED is another word for network in Spanish. Jesus said, I am the vine; you are

the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do
nothing (John 15:5). The desire at RED Tu Iglesia en Espaol is to develop a network of people in
the Hispanic community that are connected to one another in the love of Jesus Christ.

CHURCH PLANT PROFILE

the greater Hispanic community in the city of Irving. RED began three years ago as a Bible study
for Spanish-speakers in the North Dallas area a place where they could share the Word of God
together in their first language. The Bible study continued growing, and more and more people began
trusting their lives to Jesus. People started coming from different cities in the Dallas area, the majority from the city of Irving. It became apparent to Ephraim and his team that this was the time to take
a next step to pray for the city of Irving and plant a church. Irving has a total population of 216,290,
and the Hispanic community is 41% of that approximately 89,000 of the total population. To the
RED leadership, there was an obvious need for more Gospel-Centered churches in the Spanishspeaking community within the city of Irving.

Connect: facebook.com/iglesia.red.tx

In the book of Genesis, Ephraim

was the second son of Joseph
and his Egyptian wife, Asenath.

Chatter | 9

Losing
your
grip?
If you or someone you
know is in crisis, now is
the time for rescue. At
Recovery at IBC, were
real people learning to
apply the 12 steps in our
lives to alleviate emotional pain, stress, and
control. Whether your
issue is alcohol, anger,
or anything in between,
Recovery is here to help.
More info:
irvingbible.org/recovery

Chatter | 10

A persons hand grip is strongest when

the arm is held at a 90-degree angle in
front of the body as opposed to resting
at the side or voguing like Madonna.

The Time Is Now.

THESE LONGTIME IBCERS HAD NO IDEA WHAT THEY WERE MISSING IN PROPEL.

Facilitating a table at a recent Propel

Class was a true refresher course for me of

IBCs vision of Growing in Christ, Connecting inCommunity and Joining the
Mission.Hearing various staff memberspassionatelyexpand thewhyandpurposebehind this vision left me thinking
how everyone could benefit greatly by
attending this class, whether new to IBC,
looking for their place to serve, or someone
like myself who has been involved at IBC
for many years.
- Sharon Arrington

My husband, Gary, and I have been

members of IBC since 2004. We were

asked to be table leaders at a Propel class
a few months ago. I have always wanted
to attend this class even though I was
already plugged into several ministries.
It was amazing! I feel every person who
walks through the doors of IBC should
attend Propel. You get plugged in, make
new friends, feel connected, and learn
some things about IBC you may not even
know!I most definitely recommend Propel
to everyone not just newbies.
-Diana Dunn

I took Propel after attending IBC for

some time in order to follow in the steps

IBC has designed to give a member the
best overview of the church, its ministries,
and how to best find your place to serve.
Learning the history of the church, the
structure of the church, and highlights of
IBCs reasons for operating as it does are
extremely important to understand. I felt
I was given the entire manual to be the
best informed as I could be. We also got to
hear personal stories from our table leader,
meet IBC staff, pastors, and volunteer lay
people of IBC; all of which helped develop a feeling of connection. It made IBC
more personable to me.

We had been wanting to do this for

some time, but our schedules hadnt allowed us the opportunity until recently.
What a huge inspiration this class was.
Even though we have been members for 17
years, it was so wonderful to hear from our
leaders about their heartbeat and passion
for IBC. Its not just for newcomers; its a
wonderful class for everyone to be a part
of another great way of connecting in
community. We walked away feeling very
blessed to have been a part of that experience. We made some new friends, too!
- Dana and Rod Myers

- Cheryl Small

New to IBC?
Looking to find your place at IBC?
Been here forever but cant seem
to figure out what it's all about and
how you fit into the larger picture?

Propel is designed to help you gure out how to best plug into
IBC's culture and calling. We'll talk about what it means to grow
in Christ, connect in community, and join the mission. . . and what
that might look like for you.
September 13 October 4 | West A | 10:45 a.m. 12 p.m.
Questions? Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org
Register at irvingbible.org/propel

Newtons third law of motion is

responsible for propelling of any kind.
And for low grades in AP Physics.

Chatter | 11

What Matters Most

IF

youve been attending IBC

the past decade or so, youve
probably experienced the Newcomer
Gathering. This event was one of the
formative experiences that led my
wife, Tiffany and I, to join IBC. The
Newcomer Gathering is a place where
people can learn more about IBC, its
story, hear from Pastor Andy, and
learn what matters most at IBC. Tiffany and I first attended a Newcomer
Gathering around six-and-a-half
years ago, and we were struck by a
few things.

Chatter | 12

First, the authenticity and openness

of Andy and the other staff members. That level of transparency and
honesty was a breath of fresh air for
us. Second, during the Q &A when
people asked about IBCs beliefs or
doctrines, Andy or the elders would
always respond with we believe
Scripture teaches. Everything was
grounded in and guided by Scripture.
After the event, we were taken on a
tour of IBC, and I couldnt help but
notice the intentionality and emphasis IBC placed on creativity and art.
The creativity was an expression

of worship to God and depicted the

beauty of God. The large murals depicting the biblical story especially
caught my eye as a young seminary
student and still do to this day. We
left that evening having enjoyed our
experience, but also remarking how
unique the building, culture, and
people of IBC were.

matters most to you. You see, our

core values are connected to our
hearts and the very fabric of who we
are. This is true for every individual
or organization, whether stated or
unstated. Values guide actions and
reveal identity. Values dont just
mark an organization, they mark the
people and are lived out by people.

The things that stood out to Tiffany

and me that evening were a few of
IBCs core values. And values are
not a statement of what you are
against, but what you are for what

Here at IBC, our desire is for everything we do to be grounded in and

guided by the wisdom of Scripture.
We want everyone to hear the gospel
of Gods extravagant grace. We

Passion is one great force that unleashes

creativity, because if youre passionate
about something, then you're more willing
to take risks. Yo-Yo Ma

believe in the power of prayer and

long for it to pervade all we do. And
we desire to be a people marked
by generosity, and we want to be a
Staffers weigh in on the IBC values that made an impression.
church and people who are known
for authenticity. And creativity and
art can be a way to draw closer to
Originally I was drawn to IBC because of (former chilGod and to respond to the
drens pastor) Jan Fanning. But what really drew me in
beauty and goodness of
was the culture of authenticity. There is an invitation to
God. These are the things
that matter most to us as
come as you are and meet a God who loves every part of
VALUES GUIDE
a church. This is the DNA
you the good, bad and ugly.
ACTIONS AND
and identity God has given
ADRIENNE SIEFERS, Elementary Pastor
to and entrusted IBC with.
REVEAL IDENTITY.
Just as these six values
VALUES DONT JUST
have guided IBC over the
I was not brought up in a church that taught or talked
past decades, they will
much about grace. I am a perfectionist, so you can imagMARK AN ORGANIZAcontinue to shape us into
ine how it might have been for me to first understand what
the future.
TION, THEY MARK THE

What Drew You To I BC?

PEOPLE AND ARE LIVED

So over the next six weeks

beginning September 13,
the IBC teaching team will
begin a new series called
IBCs Values, exploring
what matters most to us as a church
IBCs values of Scripture, grace,

OUT BY PEOPLE.

Gods grace was and what it really meant in my life! It took

me a long time to fully accept it and learn how to extend it
to others. This has been transformational in my life over
the years!

- SHERRI SHARP, Connections Director

Authenticity comes to mind for me. Our first or second

Sunday at IBC, we heard Pastor Andy talk about something he was struggling with not someone elses struggle
and not something he used to struggle with. Id spent a lot
of my life in church up to that point, but Id never heard a
senior pastor be that authentic before.
- SCOTT MCCLELLAN, Communications Pastor

prayer, generosity, authenticity, and

creativity. Not only do we want to be
a place that holds these values dear,
it is IBCs prayer that these shared
convictions will be an outflow of
who we are and how we live, just like
Tiffany and I experienced years ago
at the Newcomer Gathering.
For radiant red hair, Jason recommends LOreal hair color #512.
Jason is a part of Pastoral Staff at IBC and works
closely with our IBC Teaching Team on sermon
and series development. He also works with
Men at IBC. Tiffany is Ministry Coordinator for
Women at IBC

What drew us initially was the consistent biblical teaching

that challenges listeners to grow in their walk practically,
not just theoretically. We also loved how others-focused
IBC was. It was evident how IBC mobilizes its members to
be the church IN the world. We also loved how creativity is
welcome. IBC is a safe place to do things outside of the box.
- SEANA SCOTT, Womens Ministry Intern

Grace. Twenty-two years ago, in a state of grief, I walked

into IBC on Finley Road where I knew no one. My mother
was seriously ill, and I wanted to find a church closer to her
home, and to heal from hurts in my life. I arrived early and
quietly sat down on one of the wooden pews. Mary Bodein
was on stage rehearsing the morning music with the small
choir. Slowly, Gods people gathered inside the church. And
then the music began. Voices sang out to worship our Lord
and Savior, and afterwards Pastor Andy spoke with
grace and kindness and humility. I knew I was home!
Im still here!
- MARSHA TRIBBETT, Single Parents at IBC

Every human being shares 99% of his or

her DNA with every other human being.

Chatter | 13

UPC O M I N G

September
SEPTEMBER 7

In His Image Connect Night

6:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 20

A weekly Bible Study for adults with special needs.

NAMI Begins 6:30 p.m.

Every second Sunday will be a night of fellowship

Mission Lunch 12:30 p.m.

For families and caregivers of those with mental

featuring music, games, and service projects. All

See ad, pg. 16.

illness. Contact Joey at joy@netbreezeinc.com or

welcome! Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

myrabuzz@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 9

SEPTEMBER 14

SEPTEMBER 23

Living Grace Group 6:30 p.m.

Special Education Parent Training

6:30 p.m.

Elementary Midweek Kickoff

For those with mental illness. Contact Heath at

A workshop to help parents understand and advo-

Kids connect with friends and explore Gods word

heathmurry@yahoo.com

cate within the special education system in public

schools. Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org

through small groups and more! More info: irvingbible.org/children.

2435 Kinwest Kickoff 5:308:30 p.m.

Family Grace Group 6:30 p.m.

For families/caregivers of those with mental illness.

Baby Dedications Registration Opens

Contact Buzz at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

The next Baby Dedication service will be October 11.

Register your child at irvingbible.org/babydedication.

Join us for a free meal and kick-off party!

2435 Kinwest is open to the community and includes
activities, classes and support groups for all ages.
More info: irvingbible.org/2435kinwest.

SEPTEMBER 11

SEPTEMBER 15
Womens Fall Bible Study Begins
9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. The Commons
Join us as we study Proverbs. More info: irvingbible.

SEPTEMBER 24
Square One 10:30 a.m.
See ad, pg. 16.

org/women.

Mens First Watch Kickoff Breakfast

Animate: An IBC Worship Experience

Join Men at IBC for a massive breakfast, and a great

See ad, pg. 17.

conversation with Norm Hitzges. More info: irvingbible.org/men.

SEPTEMBER 16
FPU Begins

SEPTEMBER 12

get out of debt, spend and save wisely, and more.

Middle School Lock-In

irvingbible.org/fpu

See ad, pg. 17.

Writers Workshop 10 a.m.

Commons Annex
Join a community of people honing their writing
skills. Contact Donna at doreilly@irvingbible.org.

SEPTEMBER 17
GriefShare 6:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 13

SEPTEMBER 25

Financial Peace University provides practical ways to

October
OCTOBER 4

A caring group of people who will walk alongside

you through one of lifes most difficult experiences.
Contact shararrington@verizon.net.

Explore God 10:45 a.m.

Drawing Near to God Through Prayer

12:30 p.m.
See ad, pg. 16.

Explore God is a unique look at questions about God,

faith, and purpose. Contact jstein@irvingbible.org.

Propel Begins 10:45 a.m.

See article, pg. 11.

SEPTEMBER 19

Perfectly Blended 6:30 p.m.

Learn practical tips, and gain insight for raising your
stepfamily with wisdom. Register at irvingbible.org/

Tapestry 10th Anniversary Celebration

hopeandhealing.

See ad, pg. 4.

Marriage at IBC 9 a.m.

The Commons
A 10-week class providing practical ideas for improv-

OCTOBER 16

ing common points of conflict in marriage. More

info: irvingbible.org/marriage.

Father/Daughter Campout
See ad, pg. 17.

Chatter | 14

ON G OI N G

BIBLE COMMUNITIES

Groups on Sunday

Synergy
9 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome
The Tree
9 a.m. West D
20s & 30s, married & young families
Crossroads
10:45 a.m. West C
Couples & Families late 20s to 40s
Journey
10:45 a.m. The Alcove
All Welcome
On Track
10:45 a.m. Conference Room
Single Parents
Thrive
10:45 a.m. West D
Singles in their 30s & 40s
Renew
10:45 a.m. Training Center
All Welcome
Legacy Builders
6:45 p.m. West A All Welcome

CHILDREN

Infants Through 5th Grade

Childrens Sunday Services

9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.
Elementary Midweek
Begins September 9, 6:308:30 p.m.
Kids connect with friends and
explore Gods word through small
groups, food, fun! Visit irvingbible.
org/elementarymidweek.

HOPE & HEALING

Community Care

Abortion Recovery Counseling

Contact Kym at (972) 560-4632 or
kyeichner@irvingbible.org.
GriefShare
6:30 p.m. West C
Contact shararrington@verizon.net.
Recovery at IBC
Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
West Wing Youth Lounge
A group for hurts, habits, and
hangups. irvingbible.org/recovery.
The Living Grace Group
For those with mental illness. Contact
Heath at heathmurry@yahoo.com.

MEALS

Stephen Ministry at IBC

One-on-one ministry for hurting
people. Contact stephenministry@
irvingbible.org or call (972) 560-4636.
Spousal Abuse Recovery
Contact kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

Small Group for Parents

Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.
SonShine Pals and Room
Care during Sunday ministry.

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org.

MARRIAGE

STUDENTS

Marriage at IBC
Contact bmassey@irvingbible.org.

Middle School Sundays

Sundays 10:30 a.m.12:20 p.m.
Student Ministries area

Growing Together

Pre-Marriage Mentoring
Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

Middle/High School and College

High School Sundays

Sundays, 6:458 p.m.
Student Ministries area

MEN

IBC College Ministry

Sundays, 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Annex
Contact college@irvingbible.org.

First Watch
Fridays, 6:22 a.m. The Commons
Contact Nat at npugh@irvingbible.org.

High School Midweek

Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m.
Join us for worship and community.

First Watch Replay

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Training Center
Contact brianarrington1@yahoo.com.

Middle School The W

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a time of friendships
and teaching.

First Watch Xtra

Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.
Training Center
Contact bcope@huntoil.com.

Visit irvingbible.org/students.

Community and Resources

Visit irvingbible.org/men.

SUNDAY
COMMUNITY MEALS
6 p.m. Town Square

Meals are $3 per person or $10

max./family.
9/6

No Meal! Happy Labor Day!

9/13

Fajita Madness, salad bar

9/20

Burgers and brats, salad bar

9/27

Giant baked potatoes with

all the fixins, salad bar

If youd like to serve on a Sunday

night meal team, contact Pat
OReilly at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

WEDNESDAY
MIDWEEK MEALS
56:20 P.M.
Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./
family. PB&J sandwiches are
also available.
9/2

Pizza, salad, desert

9/9

Pulled pork sandwiches,

baked beans, chips, salad,
dessert. FREE meal, hosted
by Pat Downeys team.

Womens Fall Bible Study

Beginning September 15
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
The Commons
Join us as we study Proverbs.

9/16

Enchiladas, tacos, refried

beans, chips and salsa,
home-baked cookies.
Hosted by Barbara Wittes
team.

Visit irvingbible.org/women.

9/23

Baked chicken quarters,

baked beans, potato salad,
dessert. Hosted by Bob
Downeys team.

2435 KINWEST

9/30

Baked potatoes with chili

and all the fixins, salad.
Hosted by Lavern Howells
team.

WOMEN

Community and Resources

MISSION

Local and Global

Prayer Meeting
2nd and 4th Wednesdays
6:45-8 p.m. The Chapel
Laundry Love
First Saturday of the month
9 a.m.12 p.m.
Contact laundrylove@irvingbible.org.
New Friends New Life
Serve dinner to women healing
from sexual exploitation every third
Wednesday. Contact Christine at
newfriendsnewlife@irvingbible.org.

SINGLE PARENT

Community and Resources

Sit with us on Sunday!

9 a.m. service, lowest right-hand
section, Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage.
Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents.

Family Grace Group

For families/caregivers of those with
mental illness. Contact Buzz Moody
at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS

NAMI Family-to-Family Class

Contact Joey at joey@netbreezeinc.com
or Debra at eumoore@yahoo.com.

Small Group for Moms

Sundays, 910:15 a.m.

Community & Care

In His Image Bible Study

Sundays, 6:307:45 p.m

Wednesday Nights at IBC

IBC Choir Kicks Off 9/9

Wednesdays, 78:30 p.m.
IBC Worship Center
Contact Crystal at
celwell@irvingbible.org.
ESL: English as a Second Language
Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
Haven B, C, D
Citizenship Class
Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
IBC Conference Room
IBC Career Transition Ministry
Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
Microsoft Computer Skills
Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.
The Training Center

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

Changes to the menu may be made

depending on food cost, availability,
and Bob Downeys whim.
If youd like to serve on a Wednesday night meal team, please email
bdowney@irvingbible.org.

CUPPA HOURS
MonFri

9 a.m.8 p.m.

Saturday

11 a.m.5 p.m.

Sunday

7 a.m.7 p.m.

ill ever sleep again?

What if I'm not doing his rght?

If you are a first-time mom, you have questions.
Lots of them. And you need support. Lots of it.
Thats why Square One exists to connect new moms
in community as they embark on the mothering journey.

When
Thursdays, Sept. 24 Oct. 29

10 a.m.12 p.m.
Where Comfort Zone 4 at IBC
Who
First-time moms with a baby

6 months old or younger
Cost Free
Register visit irvingbible.org/women
Questions? Contact Angie
at SquareOne@irvingbible.org.

E
B
T

F
E
L

N
DO

THE IBC MIDDLE

SCHOOL LOCK IN
September 25
8 p.m. 8 a.m.

AT Group Dynamix | 1215 Trend Drive, Carrollton

FOR Students currently in 6th 8th grades
COST $25/Person
QUESTIONS Contact Michelle at mrobinson@irvingbible.org
INFO Join IBC Middle School Crew group on Facebook

Drawing Near to God

Through Prayer
Prayer is one of the central catalysts of our transformation as we
learn to entrust God with all we are and all we have. If you desire
to deepen your prayer life, remove obstacles to prayer, or learn
new ways to pray, then consider participating in this free event.
When: October 4, 12:303:30 p.m.
Where: The Training Center
More info: jstein@irvingbible.org

.
T
U
O
T

hat if they don't stop crying?

E SCHO
L
D
O
ID

LIFELONG MEMORIES
FATHER/DAUGHTER CAMPOUT OCTOBER 1618
Hiking, Smores, Campfires Lake Murray, Oklahoma
The sixth annual Father/Daughter Campout is just a short drive over
the border to Oklahoma. Enjoy time away from everything electronic and find space for meaningful conversations. The weekend
highlight: a special time of affirmation around the campfire with
other dads and daughters.

COST: $50 FOR DADS AND $25 FOR DAUGHTERS

Registration: irvingbible.org/men
Questions? Contact Kym at kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

A Summer Abroad
SEPT. 20 12:302 P.M. IN THE ALCOVE

Art
Music
Expression

An IBC Worship Experience

Thursday September 24
7 p.m. in the Worship Center
As image-bearers of God, we are called to live out His life
in the world. Animate is a night of focused, participative
worship in which we welcome Gods Spirit to continue
his transformative work in our lives. As we connect to
God through worship, we are brought to life animated
and bear His image well.
More info: jelwell@irvingbible.org

Have you wanted to go on a mission trip but didnt

know where to start? Have you gone on trips in the
past but want to hear updates about our partners
and their work? No matter who you are, you are
invited to come to the September Mission Lunch and
hear from individuals who went on IBC trips over
the summer. It will be an encouraging afternoon of
hearing how God is moving through IBCers lives and
global partnerships.
RSVP: lmoussa@irvingbible.org

HOW DO I GIVE?
My Time, Talents & Skills

HOW DO I GET
CONNECTED AT IBC?

Family Promise Day Center Volunteers

The FP Day Center is where the adults go to develop a plan for housing and jobs while their kids are
in school. If you could give a few hours a week or a
month to spend helping at the Day Center, contact
Merlyn at (469) 586-5374, or ma-n-me@msn.com.

Were glad you asked. Here are the steps to take for
having your questions answered, guring out the
IBC story, and, if youre feeling ready, plugging in.

Kroger and Tom Thumb Rewards

Through the Tom Thumb Good Neighbor and
Kroger Neighbor-to-Neighbor Programs, every time
you make a purchase, a portion of your total will be
donated to IBC. Visit irvingbible.org/donate and follow the instructions. NOTE: Even if you have linked
your Kroger reward card to IBC before, you must
re-link your card for the new collection period. The
Tom Thumb program is ongoing. Contact lwoo@
irvingbible.org.

Start

JOIN IN WORSHIP
So you found the address, a place to park, and a breath
mint on the way in. Good work! If youre reading this,
youve probably already taken the rst step attending a
worship service. This is the rst and most important place
to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to
ll out a Newcomer Card. Tell us a little about yourself and
let us know how we can engage with you. Somebody will
reach out to you this week. Visit irvingbible.org/connect.

Laptops Needed
2435 Kinwest is adding a new Microsoft Computer
Skills class. In order to best serve the community,
they need 510 laptops. Donated laptops must
have Microsoft Ofce installed. Contact Shannon
at2435kinwest@irvingbible.org.
Meal Team Volunteers
IBC makes meals available both Sunday and
Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use
some additional volunteers to serve together. For
Sundays, contact sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.
For Wednesdays, contact bdowney@irvingbible.org.

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERING

So youre kicking the IBC tires? Good! Were so glad youre
here. The Newcomer Gathering is a great opportunity to
meet church leadership, learn what IBC is all about, and
connect with other newbies in a fun, relaxed environment.
Next Newcomer Gathering: January 21, 2016

Medical Professionals Needed

Our weekly medical clinic needs professional health
care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment
for our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating
basis and do not need to serve every week. Contact
Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org.
Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families
Men and women are needed for gender-specic
mentoring of children from single-parent families.
Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.
SeniorCare Volunteers Needed
SeniorCare, a ministry of IBC, needs the following
volunteers to help at assisted living and nursing homes: a mens group leader for Saturday or
Sunday evenings, and leaders for Sunday morning
services & communion twice a month at the Villages; leaders for Sunday services twice a month at
Ashford Hall; and volunteers to help with outings,
personal visits and devotionals at MacAurther Hills.
Please contact Mike at seniorcare@irvingbible.org.
Visitor Follow-Up Team
(Rex Greenstreet Ministry)
We are looking for a volunteer to make calls or
send welcome emails (or both) to new visitors from
IBC. Training and coaching will be provided.
Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org.

My Resources
Online Giving Option
If you would nd it more convenient to donate to
the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit
irvingbible.org/give.

SIGN UP FOR PROPEL

All right! Youre feeling the IBC vibe and want to see
where you might get involved. Propel is a 4-week class that
explores the IBC calling and culture, and how your unique
personality and passions t in. Meet many of our pastors and
directors of ministries at IBC. Next Propel: September 13

JOIN A COMMUNITY
Youre ring on all cylinders but something is missing. And
that something is a someone, or a group of someones.
Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Womens Bible Study,
First Watch, and more. We encourage you to nd a group
and connect authentically with others.
Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

FIND A PLACE TO SERVE

Youve come a long way since that rst breath mint. Youve
been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing.
And its at this point that you might start looking around
at all the people who help create those events ushers,
greeters, meal team members, table hosts, small group
leaders, and the like. Your next step now is to join them!
Consider your passions, talents and spiritual gifts and then
ask about a place to serve. Visit irvingbible.org/serve.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK

FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter | 18

The fastest recorded tennis serve in history

was hit by Australian Sam Groth during the
2012 Busan Open Challenger Tennis Event.
The speed was 163.7 mph.

ALL
APOLOGIES

his summer, in between battling my accursed lawn (it won), driving hither and yon with the family, and being employed, I spent time
studying. With an actual book. In an attempt to gain useful knowledge that I can apply to my daily existence. In other words, wholly
unlike anything that happened in college. The book in question is I Dont
Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek. As
you may have guessed, it is not an epic narrative poem lamenting the authors
collective inability to believe in the overwhelming power of Nothing (inappropriate capitalization being de rigueur in advanced poetry, as are hoity-toity
phrases like de rigueur). It is, rather, a book that falls into the genre of Christian apologetics.

As is required by the often-overlooked Canterbury Creed of the Associated

Apostolic Quill Sharpeners of 1533, I must tell you that the term apologetics
has nothing to do with apologizing. Wait. So sorry, it actually does come from
the same Greek word apologia. But in the case of apologetics, the term means
to give a formal defense of a position. Christian apologetics, therefore, is giving
a reasoned defense of the faith in direct accordance with 1 Peter 3:15, and is in
no way (well, maybe 10%) akin to telling your neighbor youre sorry hes going
down below because he once quoted you an NPR story about carbon dioxide
emissions. If youve ever read C.S. Lewis, youve read apologetic literature. And
if youve only watched Liam Neeson portray a CGI lion in the major motion
picture adaptation of Lewiss The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, then
you have not. Although you did at least learn that Aslan has a very particular
set of skills and that one should never kidnap his fauns. Not even in the sequels.

upon the questioner (There is no truth, man. Then how is your assertion
true?). I can whip up a delicious meme about God existing because science!
I can illustrate to the truly open-minded that faith in Christ is anything but
blind, that it does not require turning off your brain, and that extra-biblical
evidence from many fields corroborates the validity of the Bibles claims more
so than any other historical book.
I cannot do any of these off the top of my head just yet. But give me time. I
may never be the second coming of Ravi Zacharias mainly because hes still
alive but I will hopefully be able to hold my own against the followers of
Nothing. Or at least those who answer nothing when asked what they did at
school all day. God help me. Seriously.
Jason Fox will never apologize for eating the last brownie.
Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, where he barely endures the lack of In-N-Out Burgers.

I became interested in apologetics right around the time my because the Bible
says so, duh defense stopped working. Although that implies it had once started working, which I dont recall ever being the case. Nonetheless, while I have
never been a certified apologetics nut, I have managed to get mildly enthused
about the subject over the years. Recently, however, I decided more in-depth
study was required. Not to ward off internet trolls (thats merely a side benefit),
but because I have three young inquisitors who will undoubtedly start questioning me someday probably next Tuesday as to why all the things their
mother and I have told them are true, actually are. Because if I cant give (or
at least know how to find) answers as to why they should continue believing,
there are plenty of people out there with reasons why they should stop.
Well, not on my watch, Chachi. Or Joanie. Whichever.
So, after hearing Frank Turek speak at our church one Sunday last spring, I
ordered the complete IDHEFtBaA: Troll Hunter edition consisting of the book,
a study guide and a non-HD DVD. I first read the book, and learned much. And
then forgot most. Which is why I am now in the midst of working through
the study guide. Because nothing will help me remember things better than
scrawling illegible answers in smeared ballpoint (side note: all pen companies
hate lefties the handed, not the political). I wish theyd included flash cards.
Or a flash drive I could plug into my noggin like in The Matrix, as long as it
didnt come with any whoa-inducing side effects.
While my transformation into an impregnable wall of faith-affirming facts and
logic is not yet complete, I do feel more comfortable about thoughtfully engaging with seekers and wanderers and lollygaggers and lawn loiterers
about matters of eternal consequence. I can turn self-defeating questions back
Ravi Zacharias is an Indian-born,
Canadian-American Christian apologist.

During the summer in Texas,

it can take over 90 gallons of
water a day to keep a homes
lawn green.

Chatter | 19

Longing to avoid the face-melting heat of August in

Texas, Chatter jumped at the chance to visit Telluride,
Colorado with Sara and Sam Brzozowski. There were
probably adults with them, too. And maybe Nessie.

Chatteryou CAN take it with you. Send us

your Chatter photos on location, and you may
see yourself in an upcoming issue. Email us
at chatter@irvingbible.org.