5 November, 2024

A Better Story

by | 22 June, 2016 | 0 comments

By Jim Tune

In just a few weeks Claudia and I will be on our way to Anaheim, California, for the 2016 North American Christian Convention. President Dave Stone has put together a great program, and the theme, “A Better Story,” is especially appropriate considering the convention is happening in Walt Disney”s backyard.

Walt Disney loved a good story and devoted his life to helping people imagine a better world and a magical future. He was tireless in his optimistic vision of a better tomorrow. The creation of Tomorrowland at Disneyland (and later at Walt Disney World) was the realized culmination of his views and vision. Still, the Disney people have had to work relentlessly on changes and updates in their efforts to keep Tomorrowland from becoming “Yesterdayland.” Some have speculated as to whether Tomorrowland has a future.

June22_JT_JNI”ve heard similar alarm regarding the future of the church. Some churches are stuck in Yesterdayland””clinging to a vision of another era even as attendance dwindles. On the other hand, even our most innovative and imaginative churches are becoming increasingly perplexed with the challenges presented by a constantly changing tomorrow.

Even Walt Disney would have been astonished by the sheer speed of disruptive change in our world today. I think Walt”s generation had a more optimistic outlook of the future than current generations.

One of Tomorrowland”s early attractions was the Carousel of Progress (created for the New York World”s Fair in 1964 and moved to Disneyland in 1967, and then to Walt Disney World in the 1970s). It exemplifies Walt”s optimistic conviction that innovation will continue to propel mankind toward “a peaceful and united world.” The ride follows a typical American family from 1880 through the amazing technological advances of the 20th century. The ride moves through a presentation of a utopian future characterized by the carousel”s theme song, “There”s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.”

For many people today, the future now awakens anxious worries and fears. Economic uncertainty, global warming, wars, terrorism, and moral ambiguity””the future isn”t what it used to be. It”s easy to give way to pessimism.

Innovation has solved many problems. Advances in medicine have improved the lives of millions. But like the many-headed hydra in Greek mythology, for every problem solved, many others are created.

Jesus reminds us of the vanity in worrying too much about the shape of Tomorrowland. Not only that, through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers the world a better story. And when I ground myself in that story, I can approach life with an optimism that surpasses even that of Disney.

Make sure you go to Anaheim this July. We all need a fresh injection of hope now and then. Some great practitioners and speakers will share useful tools for navigating today”s churning cultural seas. I”m going because I want to reimagine the greatest story ever””a better story than that conceived by any theme park.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

November 10 Study | I Pledge Allegiance

God’s people should be crystal clear about their allegiance. They play to an audience of one. So they must be very careful of other allegiances. For the believers in the seven churches, that meant coming out from the pagan influences of the culture.

November 10 | Discovery Questions

These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Battle is the Lord’s” (Revelation 17:1-2, 6, 18; 18:1-10), by Mark Scott.

Rescued

Each of us is an individual Titanic. We may, in our pride and self-sufficiency, think that we are uniquely grand and unsinkable. But each of us has already struck the iceberg of sin. It’s only a matter of time. But wait. God has provided a lifeboat for anyone who wants to be rescued.

Reasons to Be Grateful

Let’s honor God in this season as we give thanks for our blessings, as we celebrate our salvation, and as we take the gospel to the world.

Follow Us