I have been asked a lot about the Colson Center over the past seven days since it was announced that I will be the Senior Fellow for Worldview and Culture and the National Director of the Colson Fellows Program. I am humbled to fill this role. Many of you were not aware of the great work of the Colson Center and so asked me to tell you about it and why we want to serve with them.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I am humbled by the honor to follow in the steps of Chuck Colson in the incredible vision of the Colson Center.
And yes, I will continue to help lead WorldAPP and travel to Boston and overseas periodically. They are a wonderful group of people and we have made significant progress with the company. It is very exciting.
When John Stonestreet pitched to me the idea of joining the Center as the Senior Fellow of Worldview and Culture and to Direct the Colson Fellows program, my first response was, “Thanks a lot, John! (satirically).” Why? Because Lynne and I would have to seriously think about this. We have been very busy helping to lead WorldAPP and keeping a full speaking schedule. When offers came our way, we had “Thank you but no thank you” as a macro in our e-mail. We were happy and busy.
Then John sent his e-mail.
I have been tangentially involved with the Colson Center for several years. The mission to inform, equip and unite Christians to engage the culture with the heart and mind of Christ is so important now that I could not shake the opportunity out of my head.
As many of you know, John Stonestreet was one of my students at Bryan College. Way back then, I developed a program called “The Worldview Team” that went to schools and churches to help high school students and adults understand the culture around us from a worldview perspective. Bryan students went with me on these trips to perform clever skits, present current songs, movies and tv shows as examples of worldview influence and serve as role models for the younger students.
John Stonestreet was on one of those teams. Even then he was articulate and passionate.
At the time, these presentations were radically different from typical youth group programs. The students and youth leaders loved the Worldview Team presentation.
Some of the church leadership despised them.
What else is new?
Jesus and Paul taught us to see the world through the eyes of Christ. They showed us that the message of the Gospel is not merely a presentation but a conversation, a redemptive relationship. To love those whom He does and how He loves is the most important work we do.
In today’s world, most people think serious Christians are condescending, judgmental hate-mongers; waving signs and condemning anyone who disagrees with them.
Some do. And they get all the press.
But the reality is there are millions of Christians all over the world living lives of quiet inspiration. Following in the steps of Jesus as he asked us.
Lynne and I want to continue to be a voice for Christ-centered, pro-active cultural engagement. We always ask God, “Where are you working and how can we help?” We are blessed to join The Colson Center in its unique mission. And the opportunity to work with John Stonestreet is too good to pass up.
Thanks for your encouragement in our lives. Since we left the university, our lives have exploded in so many directions. It has been amazing what God has been doing. Now, we are going to re-calibrate a bit and focus on this important work.
And by the way, why don’t you study with us for nine months or so? Business people, teachers, students, full-time moms (and dads!) from all over the world will get involved in the next Fellows Class that doesn’t start until Fall 2016. Think about it. I would be thrilled to study together. Check out the Colson Fellows Program. My photo is not there yet, so don’t be alarmed (at least not as much as people will be when my photo is there).
Keep dreaming big!
The world is changed by our example, not our opinions.
~Paul Coelho
