vision

the greenroom's vision:
To be a growing and compelling movement that positively impacts the artistic community of Ann Arbor and beyond by serving, loving and experiencing God in new and imaginative ways, while at the same time challenging one another to “walk as Jesus walked”.
(1 John 6:2)

mission

the greenroom's mission:
To be a creative force for the Creator God.

12

I know it’s been a while since I’ve blogged, but let’s just say it’s been busy few months.
As you may know, the greenroom doesn’t officially launch until the fall of 2010, but God has been supernaturally shaping and directing this movement in ways that, honestly, sometimes makes it hard to keep up. So in honor of the “12 days of Christmas” I wanted to fill you in on 12 exciting things that have been happening behind the scenes regarding the greenroom.

1. We’ve already had two strategic “greenroom gatherings” consisting of a small group of leaders dedicated to using there abilities and influence for this new kind of Jesus movement.
2. We’ve established a gathering place; “Studio 4” which is a night club located in downtown Ann Arbor (more about this unconventional gathering place in the days to come).
3. We’ve been in high level meetings regarding partnership and sponsorship with churches, companies and individuals.
4. We’ve had highly productive conversations with church and civic leaders from in and around Ann Arbor on how we can work together to find ways of combining our gifts and resources for a greater impact.
5. We are currently in the process of putting together a recording for a “prayer walk” scheduled for the Easter season.
6. We are in the process of designing a website that will be creative, easy to navigate and communicates God’s mission and vision for the greenroom.
7. The Greenroom has already put into motion some creative ways to attract and utilize some of the most gifted artists in the country.
8. We’re developing the creation of 5 video teasers illustrating and promoting the greenroom's vision and mission.
9. We’ve had many generous individuals donating their time and resources, including computers, graphic designs, meeting spaces, etc.
10. We’ve started the process of obtaining a 501c3 (non profit status).
11. In the very near future, those who feel led to give monetarily to the greenroom and its mission will have the opportunity through the River Community Church website. (therivercc.net)
12. We’ve been invited to be a guest on an internet radio program on January 15th highlighting the unique and revolutionary way that God is choosing to reach the artist community in Ann Arbor. Check out this site for more information. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alexmcmanus/2010/01/15/imn-central--scott-denise-crownovers--church-plant

Have a wonderful Christmas, and an incredible New Year!

announcement

On May 3rd Denise and I announced to the River Community Church that we will soon be embarking on a brand-new adventure; to create a vibrant, unconventional church geared at reaching the artistic community in and around Ann Arbor. It will be called The Greenroom.
This fresh, imaginative, and compelling new movement will be a place where all those seeking to grow closer to the Creator will have the freedom to use all forms of artistic expression to encourage, challenge, and inspire one another to become everything that God has created us to be.
Though many details have yet to be determined, (our launch date is scheduled for the fall of 2010) we envision a growing and compelling movement that positively impacts the city of Ann Arbor and beyond by serving the world, loving one another and experiencing God in new and imaginative ways, while also challenging each other to “walk as Jesus walked.”
(1 John 2:6)

Stay tuned for more Greenroom updates.

love

Just recently came across this really cool group. Their name is the Micheal Gungor Band. This is their first music video. It's simple and to the point - and I'm pretty sure that's why I like it. (being simple minded and all...)

Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love, does not know God -

for GOD IS LOVE.

1 John 4:7-8

worst

A few of my friends put together this video. Very Funny.

dynamite

"You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down, and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of good literature."

-Gandhi

sign

Came across this letter the other day. I think most of us have some kind of an opinion on this. Let me know what you think. After reading it, ask yourself, "How did Jesus communicate his message to people? What method(s) did he use?" Would love to hear from both Christians and non-Christians on this.



An Open Letter to all Church Sign Maintainers... by Drew Moser

To all the maintainers of church signs--

Stop it...please. I'm pleading with you. Stop the silly, ridiculous 'bad theology in a nutshell' sayings on your church signs. I can't tell you how often I drive by your churches and cringe. As a pastor, I'm embarrassed that my colleagues would spew such trash on the one thing that you want everyone to see. "The messages make you think," you'll no doubt say in defense. My reply: "Yeah, they make you think...they make you think about why people don't go to church."

It's not that communicating via sign is wrong. Just do it the right way. Don't put cheesy sayings on them. Stop replacing phrases that including or talk about the 'sun' with 'son'. It's lame and played out. Stop replacing 'sold' with 'souled'. Our being is not a transaction. Stop condemning people to hell via sign message. It's cowardly and spiteful. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Stop telling me that "God is my copilot." I don't have a plane, and I don't know how to fly one. All you're doing is fueling the fire for antagonists to mock us, and you're building a wall instead of a bridge of thoughtful reflection and dialogue. Instead of the word junk, put something on there that truly makes people think. You could use a difficult passage of Scripture, a quote from great theologian, a thought from a member of your congregation. Mother Teresa alone has enough quotes worth posting to cover your sign for months. Or maybe you could use a quote from a recent movie, or a pithy sentence fro m a classic fiction novel, or a lyric from a song. Don't pander down to the same book that you all own that gives you second rate stuff. Seek excellence in all you do, including your signage.

Maybe if we spent more time exploring the deep mystery and wonder of humanity, created by God, in His image, we'd have a better idea of how to reach one another with love and truth. Maybe, just maybe we'd have a better idea of how to use our signs to probe deeper into the human soul.

Unfortunately, our signs are a reflection of the state of theological formulation in way too many church congregations: simplistic, watered-down, and oozing with cheese. If the church is truly a mission outpost to the world, let's stop reducing the mysteries and wonder of God to painful puns and poor plays on words. Let our signs communicate something deeper; something more. Let's allow our signs to represent Christ and His church as he has called it to be. Hold the cheese and people might not want to vomit all over your sign when they drive by it.

So, my challenge to you, Mr. or Mrs. Church Sign Maintenance Person...take more time and consideration into what you communicate. People read those signs and respond. They just might not respond in the way we hoped.

Poster2

Happy inauguration everyone!
No matter your political leanings, we can all agree that today is an historic day for our nation. A day that many believed would never come; the first African-American to be sworn in as President of the United States. No doubt our new president faces incredible challenges. May God bless him with courage and humility as he makes decisions that effect the lives of people not only in this country, but around the globe.

Last August I posted a painting that was used on a poster by a group called Heavenly Sanctuary. It soon became the most commented blog on the greenroom. It has been brought to my attention that Heavenly Sanctuary has now put out a new, updated poster. Check it out at www.heavenlysanctuary.com and let me know what you think.

point

During my travels a couple months ago I had a conversation with a non-Christian friend of mine. At one point in our conversation he said "You know Scott, it just seems like so many times Christians miss the point." I politely smiled, but admittedly thought to myself "Oh, great, here we go." He continued by saying, "When I read about Jesus, it seems to me that he wasn't about 'you shouldn't do this' or 'you shouldn't do that,' but it's all about how he lived his life, you know? It's about love, respect, and service. Isn't that what it's supposed to be about? Isn't that what Christians are supposed to be like? Because honestly, I just don’t see that in many Chistians."
For the next couple weeks I started reading the gospel accounts with my friend’s comments in mind. And to be honest, I was struck by the lack of moral superiority Jesus showed when dealing with other people. As the only sinless person in history, and therefore the only one who truly had the right to judge, you would think Jesus would find every opportunity to correct or control the personal behavior or lifestyle of others.

But, incredibly, he hardly ever did.

As far as I can tell, the only time Jesus truly condemned the behavior of others, was when the religious leaders limited the love of God to a certain group of people (namely themselves). In other words, Jesus seemed to save his righteous judgment for those who arrogantly judged others in the name of God. While Jesus did not condone the behavior of the world, he never tried to control the behavior of those outside the faith.

I'm simply amazed at this.

Somehow, Jesus was convinced that serving others unconditionally (and with no concern for his own reputation) was, by far, the most compelling way of bringing people closer to his Father.

He simply saw a need, and he met it.

As I contemplated this, I wondered how Christians as a whole (including myself) were doing in living up to the example that Jesus showed.
Now, I want to make it clear that I know countless Christian men and women that have dedicated their lives to bringing hope, peace, and love to a hurting world. But according to research conducted by the Barna Group (http://www.barna.org/) something has gone terribly wrong. When researchers asked non-Christians to rank people groups in terms of their respectability "evangelical Christians" were ranked almost dead last - just above prostitutes.
If you are a non-Christian reading this, your probably not surprised at this, and may even agree with it (If you feel this way, I sincerely apologize on behalf of those Christians that may have came across to you as hurtful and judgmental (recognizing that the person may well have been me), and hope that in spite of the misguided fervor of a few, you will someday come to experience the unconditional love of Jesus).
However, if you claim to be follower of Christ, this should make your heart break.

How is this possible?

How can a movement that is supposed to be known for serving and loving others, be seen by the world as "judgmental, condemning, and hurtful?"
A response I often hear from Christians is, "We are loving, it's just that the world doesn't see it that way." But if that's true, than why did the tax collectors and prostitutes flock to Jesus? Why did the forgotten and victimized clamor just to be near him? How is it that they saw Jesus as loving, but they see us as judgmental? We may say that we’re loving, but it’s obviously not coming across that way to the very ones Christ called us to reach. As imitators of Jesus shouldn't Christians be seen by the world today in the same light as Jesus was seen by the world back then?

May this year be a year where we commit our lives to the example of Jesus.
May we take bold steps to repair the damage that has been done and to heal the reputation of our faith.
And may one day the world recognize us by our love. (John 13:35)

So, to answer my friend; "You may have a point. Please be patient. We're working on it."

Road

All I have to say is...I had mine first!