Uncategorized Resources

Of the seven dwarfs - Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Doc, Bashful, Happy and Grumpy, I am most fascinated with Grumpy.

What is it that makes us grumpy? Is grumpiness a condition that is forced upon us or does is come naturally? It’s the nature verses environment discussion.

It is my observation that grumpiness often leads to anger which quickly turns into bitterness.

In the last couple of weeks, I have been involved in a number of discussions with folks who have become bitter about ministry.

The conversation usually goes something like this:

“I have given my heart and soul to this ministry (church or denomination) and now…” Here are the options:

· “I am being left out to hang.”

· “No one appreciates what I have done.”

The blog didn’t just begin here. You’ll appreciate previous posts. We’ve been blogging on our website www.doornetwork.org and on http://seethefaceofgodinthecity.blogspot.com/

DOOR is a faith-based network of six cities that provides opportunities for service, learning and leadership development within the urban context. We highlight the strengths of our cities; believing this is best accomplished through collaboration, mutuality and partnership. We host volunteers from a weekend to a year and include opportunities for individuals and groups. We serve in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio.

“Implicit in the ecstatic visions of Web 2.0 is the hegemony of the amateur. I for one can’t imagine anything more frightening.”

I, too, could never buy into the hype of “wikinomics.” Free has its benefits, but it can’t replace quality. I will miss the newspapers when they go.

But the widespread misrepresentation of the AmeriCorps expansion among Christians and conservatives is one of them. Here’s an excellent FAQ that sets the record straight.

No, public service is not mandatory. No, it is not re-education. No, it does not mean people are being paid to “volunteer.” Unpaid volunteers could never accomplish what AmeriCorps interns do - national service is a full time job. And, finally, AmeriCorps interns aren’t restricted from attending church. In fact, as my organization proves, you can serve your country at a faith-based program, as long as you don’t participate in sectarian activity on the government’s dime.