Our guest blogger this week is Steve Hensley! Steve is a talented Comedian who was the former House Manager at Laugh Out Loud Theater in Schaumburg, just outside of the Chicago area. Steve is incredible at finding ways to make life become humorous. His impressions of George W. Bush, Denzel Washington, and Matthew McConaughey are amazing and can be found on his Youtube channel. Steve also hosts BedroomNews which is a political satire show exposing the humor in today's political arena. You can find his video posts on facebook or on Youtube. A big thanks for Steve sharing his thoughts with us this week. I am a Christian Comedian? “Are there any other catholic survivors here tonight?” This is an opening line I’ve heard on several occasions. Often times I feel like the earth is splitting under me and I have to choose to jump to the comedy side or the Christian side. This post is about finding similarities between the two. All Are Welcomed on Stage and in the Church “You’re welcome to join us on stage tonight as long as you don’t do something sexist, racist, or homophobic.” This is something you’ll hear at almost any performance opportunity in Chicago. In the Community of Christ I’ve heard on several occasions, “Come as you are.” We’re all a bunch of freaks. Yeah, especially you! Freaks are welcomed to both the stage and to the chapel. All are welcomed. Allowing Ourselves to be Vulnerable Comedy allows us to be vulnerable, which makes us relatable. We try so hard to be normal, so when we hear a comic say something off the wall that’s relatable, it’s a relief. “Yes, I’m not the only one!” You just can’t help but laugh, because you can relate. In the Community of Christ Mission Prayer it says, “Grant me courage to risk something new”. The best preachers and performers I’ve met are vulnerable, which makes them relatable. This is how we become more comfortable with ourselves and other people. This allows for us to build a closer more accepting community. Justice is Served! When thinking of justice, I like to think of the time when Jesus comes in to the temple and starts flipping tables and calling out a bunch of thieves. “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers.” I’m currently working with a group of comics on a show I host called Bedroom News. We are a political satire group that often times like to poke fun at things that are unjust. Like most sketch groups, our general rule is to punch up and not down. For example, we won’t make fun of someone with a disability, but we will make fun of someone in office doing something unjust. It’s our attempt to say, “Hey, that’s really messed up, and people need to understand that.” We are a Joyous People! I feel like Kevin Bacon over here trying to relate art to religion. God, wants us to feel full of joy. As the Community of Christ has said for years, “We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.” The comedy community is a safe place for a lot of us. It’s our time to escape, play, and laugh with each other. I like to think back to teaching improv at some Community of Christ camps. It was a recipe for happiness. The kids were loved, physically active, and spiritually focused. Then they came to my class and we got to play and laugh. I’ve never been happier. Good comedians want the audience to have a good time, even if they’re poking fun at an audience member. When people don’t like our set, we say we bombed. We feel awful, because you (the audience) didn’t enjoy yourself. However, when we “kill it” we feel full of joy because we made you laugh. Just like a minister, we want to help people. Bringing the Two Communities Together I think a lot of comics feel judged in some church settings. A high number of comics drink, swear, write edgy material, and etc. Many Christians may not agree with these actions, but it’s not a good enough reason to close the doors on them. Most of the people I’ve met at comedy clubs are kind and loving people. And I believe love is the root of our belief. Comedy community, you’re not off the hook. If we’re sensitive to things that are racist, sexist, and homophobic, then maybe we can work towards being more inviting to religion. Both communities will thrive in common ground. I’m done hiding part of myself, because like many, I belong in both communities. In the words of Kevin Bacon I say, “Let’s Dance!”... And laugh! A big thank you to Steve for helping us tie comedy to faith! Sometimes laughter is the best way for us to sense and find God in our lives.
This week incorporate humor into your daily life with a joke, smile, or just laughing with someone. Also please follow Bedroom News on Facebook!
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Many years go I started a church plant in Cleveland, Tennessee just up the road from Chattanooga where I was living at the time. I was doing some home visits when I noticed a lady walking down the street. I drove past her on my way to a families home. Later that night, I came back down the same street and again I saw this lady, but this time she was sitting outside her home. For some reason I had the feeling she was lonely and in need of something. So I rolled down my window and said, “Hey do you need anything?” She responded, “Yeah, some cigarettes.” Immediately this internal conflict went through my head on whether I should buy cigarettes for this woman. I'm not a smoker and I know how smoking impacts individuals and our overall public health. A few seconds go by and I yell, “Hop in.” She jumps in the car to head to the nearest convenient store. She says, "I’m not used to people being this nice." I responded saying, "Well I’m a minister." The woman said, “Oh, at first I thought you were a drug dealer because where I’m from that’s what they would ask.” I laughed thinking about the similarities of the two. She tells me her name is Donna and she just moved to Cleveland from Michigan to be closer to her kids. She has seven kids, who all have been placed with her sister in town. Donna said none of her kids respected her as a mother. She just ended a bad relationship and was feeling lost and confused. By this time we were at the gas station so we went in and bought a pack of cigarettes. On our way back Donna shared how she just doesn’t know who she is or what she wants. "I’m forty years old and I don’t know what the heck I’m doing or who I am." After a moment of silence, she said, "I came down here to be closer to my kids and I know that is something I want though." This openness by Donna started a deep conversation about the dark times in our lives when we feel lost and how God works in the midst of the chaos. I prayed for her and Donna got out and returned to her home. I asked her if I could stop by and visit her sometime which she agreed to. Who would have ever thought that buying a pack of cigarettes for somebody would have opened the door to providing ministry to a woman in need? Sometimes we get caught up on thinking about what the right thing to do is based on the morals and values we have been raised with. But we need to be open to understand how those morals and values can sometimes be hindrances to providing valued ministry to those in need. I'm not saying we should throw them away but we need to see past the surface and really identify peoples needs in the moment. There are people starving to know the divine in their life and we have to put down our own judgments and meet people where they are at. Subjects of Judgment Being the subject of judgement is painful. It often produces shame and guilt. Church folks historically have been known for being some of the most judgmental people there are. We have to understand in life judgments are going to happen. The problem is when we are judged in church it is compounded because those are people who we experience God with and through. The meaning can be projected to the thought God rejects who I am. Some people believe calling others out will set them straight. However from what I have seen many times this pushes people into hiding. It creates a division in relationships and moves people further away from experiencing the divine in their life. If you have been the subject of judgment from a church I cannot fathom the deepness of your pain. I believe God is there with you and seeks to commune with you whenever you are ready. I also believe your story matters! I believe being vulnerable and telling our story creates healing. Others need to know how you have felt and how you have been impacted. Interpersonal change comes through listening to personal stories. Again I do not know how deep that pain is but when you are ready I encourage you to share that story with someone. If you don't know who, I would love to get to know you and hear your story. Click here to contact us. Please leave your story in the comment section or a way for me to get in touch with you. Moving Beyond Judgment The video above was produced by Gabrielle Bernstein. I loved her quote, "We use judgement to protect ourselves from the pain and fear of being alone." Much of what we do are protective factors for our own insecurities. When we lead with compassion judgment is put to rest. There is also a great article by Jill Weber, Ph.D titled "4 Ways to Stop Fearing Other People's Judgment" which gives great tips on what we can do to move beyond our fear of judgment. God calls us into holistic relationships with others. We need not leave our pain at the door, or hide who we are. But compassionately share who we are in the moment the best that we can. Yes we are going to fall short, and most likely we will probably have some judgments along the way. But hopefully the compassion of Christ leads us to overcome those times and eliminate any fear, guilt, shame, or rejection that might come or be experienced. It is to this compassionate love that we are called. Doctrine and Covenants 165 3d&e d. Be not consumed with concern about variety in human types and characteristics as you see them. Be passionately concerned about forming inclusive communities of love, oneness, and equality that reveal divine nature. e. Oneness and equality in Christ do not mean uniformity. They mean Unity in Diversity and relating in Christ-like love to the circumstances of others as if they were one’s own. They also mean full opportunity for people to experience human worth and related rights, including expressing God-given giftedness in the church and society. Thank You! 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This week assess your thoughts becoming aware of the judgments you have about yourself, others, and the environments in which you live. Meet Justin Delong our guest blogger this week! Justin is a Seventy serving as the Mission Center Invitational Support Minister in the Bountiful Mission Center. Justin attended Graceland University which led to a summer internship in Chattanooga where he lived for 5 years. After returning to Ohio, he responded to a need in the community by starting a new church plant that was active in reaching the LGBTQ+ community. We are excited to have Justin share his thoughts and experiences with us! Following the mission of Jesus can often be difficult and uncomfortable. We live in a world that is divisive, hurtful and oppressing to millions of people. In the community surrounding the Portsmouth Welcoming Community, we see a community that is often disowned by family, condemned by churches and oppressed by society. Those who identify as LGBTQ+ often grow up hearing how worthless they are and how they are an abomination. Their dignity and self-worth are often questioned and damaged; leading to a lifetime of fear, poor self-esteem and pain. As the church, we are called to recognize the worth, dignity and sacredness of all of God’s children. We are called to pray, study and seek understanding. We are called to dive into the scriptures to understand the context of what we are reading. So many people are hurt and condemned by misuse of scripture; especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Live the Mission We Preach The Portsmouth Welcoming Community formed to help bring hope and new understanding to those who have lost trust in Christianity but are seeking a spiritual home. As I meet with people who have been kicked out of their church, disowned by their family; those who have contemplated or attempted suicide; people who are living with the pain of hating themselves and do not see their value, I am reminded of the church’s call to live the mission that we preach. If we truly follow Jesus, we will seek ways to bring healing and to restore wholeness to the lives of others. We do our best to not get caught up in Sunday morning rituals of what we typically see in church, but seek ways to build relationships with others despite where they are at in their journey. We are often called to step outside of the box that makes us comfortable to reach those who are seeking a community of hope, love and support. We are called to reach those who fail to see the value of their lives and those who are living through hell in this life. A Diverse Community The Portsmouth Welcoming Community isn’t a congregation just for the LGBTQ+ community; its a welcoming congregation to everyone who seeks to live in community with others and celebrate the diversity among us. We try to stand against injustice and walk hand in hand with those fighting for their self-worth and dignity. This mission that we represent calls us into all arenas of life that seek to bring justice and wholeness to society. Creating Safe Space Our call in our community is to create a safe space for those who are seeking to build relationships. We adapt to meet people where they are at in their journey by hosting Coffee and Conversation about topics that are important to bringing justice in the community. We offer LGBTQ+ support groups for those who need love and support in their life. For those seeking a spiritual home, we offer Welcoming Church specifically designed to nurture the spiritual path of those yearning for a spiritual home while at the same time celebrating diversity. We offer educational workshops and book studies that bring awareness to LGBTQ+ issues, racism, addiction, homelessness and religious diversity that helps to educate and bring awareness to the community. Bringing Wholeness to Creation We live in a world that needs more Jesus. We need the real Jesus that calls us to live radically by reaching those on the margins of society. Jesus lived his life challenging systems of oppression that marginalized God’s children. If we follow Jesus, we must live the mission that Jesus lived. That mission will be uncomfortable and unpopular. It will challenge your faith and will require sacrifice. As you extend your hand to reach those needing your love and support, you will catch a glimpse of God’s vision for creation. You will gain understanding to what really matters in life. As you build relationships, you will recognize God’s love for his children. As we risk to try something new, a real difference can be made in the lives of those who need to hear the redeeming message of Jesus that seeks to restore their worth and bring wholeness to the whole creation. A big thank you to Justin Delong for sharing about the Portsmouth Welcoming Community and the welcoming mission of Jesus.
This week sit down with someone different than you and listen to their story! Also please pray for the Methodist Church Family and the hurt taking place over their recent decisions. |
Please Note The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Community of Christ. We believe individuals should be allowed to have their own opinions and be at different places in their faith journey.
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June 2021
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