Dear Family,
I write this on Fathers day, so happy Father’s Day to all you fathers. And I want to make our Father in heaven happy today as well.
Proverbs 11:1 says, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.” Life Promotions’ late Board Member, Stan Plzak, once told me that a pendulum is at its fastest and has the most power, not when it’s on one side or the other, but right in the center. Many people see the center as compromise. But according to His word, I believe it’s a position of strength. I believe a position of center validates people with important and intelligent things to say on both sides, because I believe we can glean from both.
As far as it depends on me I want to “be at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) But people have told me, “Side, side, pick a side!” No. I cannot do it. I will not allow one side or the other to win and think that their side is the only one that is the Lord’s side. Instead, my heart’s desire is to be a small part of answering Jesus’ prayer, “…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21)
I will not separate myself, because… “He who separates himself indulges his desires and shows contempt for sound advice of any kind. A fool takes no pleasure in trying to understand; he only wants to express his own opinion.” (Proverbs 18:1-2) We must work together, despite differences, to build His kingdom. If I bought into some of the propaganda that is circulating, Lifest would not only have to take a stand against Jim Wallis, but also have to separate from the Willow Creek Association and anyone and any church associated with it. I’d have to speak against Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, author of The Purpose Driven Life, as well as the NAE – the National Association of Evangelicals representing 46,000 evangelical churches in America, as well as the Catholic church.
I was reminded of an old song by Scott Wesley Brown, the same person that brought us I’m Not Religious, I Just Love the Lord (This shows you how long I’ve been working with Christian music.) His song All of Us Together goes, “None of us has got it all together. But all of us together got it all.”
I’ve wanted this discussion about Jim Wallis to go away. It has not. People that I love and respect are on both sides of this conversation. That’s what has made this decision so difficult. It’s also one of the bad things about being in the middle. I’m even a middle child. Being in the middle often results in people being mad at you on both sides. But I know it’s part of my calling. It’s a job that God has given me. I am not here to please everyone; I just want to do what I believe God has called me to do.
There will be consequences no matter what decision I make regarding having Jim Wallis speak at Lifest. But I have made my decision, what I believe I know to be right. I have not made this decision in a vacuum, but I’ve read every e-mail, letter and comment. I‘ve researched and checked facts and sources. I’ve sought wisdom through a multitude of counselors, and prayed. Oh, how I’ve prayed. I stand before Lifest, my family, and most importantly, God, with this decision, no matter the outcome to me.
I know Jim Wallis. Jim Wallis loves Jesus. He tries to live that faith out as a husband of one wife, a father of two boys, a little league coach, and an advocate for the poor. He believes and upholds the Apostles Creed (see our blog on how we select speakers: http://www.lifestblog.com/?p=45). I do not agree with all of his politics, or even some of his non-essential theology. But I cannot cancel him based on the accusations that have been made. I have not found enough facts or truth in them to cancel him.
I assure you that what Jim Wallis is going to share at Lifest on Friday, July 9th, will be the true gospel, his conversion, and a call for us, the church, to take on our responsibility for the poor. I would have no hesitation having my kids, young Christians, and seekers alike hear his message. It’s a message that I feel the church desperately needs to hear.
I believe this just as strongly as I believe the messages by our other speakers need to be heard as well, like…
• Gianna Jessen on Saturday night, a young woman who was aborted at 7 months by her mother and lived to tell her story. It will be a message on the sanctity of all life.
• Luis Palau, world evangelist, on Sunday (Free to everyone – contact us for invitations to hand out to non-churched friends and family to hear an invitation to know Jesus).
• Bo Boshers with Willow Creek Association presenting a workshop for youth leaders.
• Brian Pingel of NorthCentral – an Assembly of God Bible School.
• Tiger McLuen of Bethel University, a Baptist College.
• Father Mike Tess, an Episcopal Priest.
• Dennis Episcopo, pastor of the Missionary Alliance Church in Appleton.
• And more than 50 other speakers of various backgrounds and denominations who all uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It’s in this spirit that I’m asking you to come and be part of what God is doing at Lifest.
For His Kingdom,
Bob Lenz – President, Life Promotions
Dear Supporters, Pastors and Lifest Family,
The reason we’re posting this is to share some thoughts regarding a letter recently sent to churches, ministries and individuals, by a local pastor in Appleton. It included an article speaking against Jim Wallis, one of our scheduled speakers at Lifest. Because of the letter we have received several calls and e-mails from parents and pastors asking about the situation.
First, let me validate the concern to defend truth, stand up for the Bible, and speak out against compromising the Gospel. After the letter was sent, I approached and met with the pastor, as well as a few others who had concerns. If I had only read what the critics had written, I would be concerned as well. Or, if it were first hand accounts, I would be alarmed also.
The intent of this letter is not to defend Jim Wallis or to put Life Promotions reputation on the line based on just one of 58 speakers at Lifest this year, or the over 100 musical artists and performers. I, myself, and Life Promotions, have always been about bringing people to Jesus, to preach the only Gospel: the life, death and resurrection of Christ, calling people to repent of sin and trust in Christ alone as the only way to eternal life.
I believe we have also been consistent in calling Christians to a Biblical world view and calling the church to its responsibility for the poor and the least of these, as well as other social concerns including teen suicide – an issue close to our hearts. We promise to stay the course.
We have also encouraged true Christian unity: to agree on the essentials and celebrate freedom on the non-essentials. We have always encouraged dialogue regarding our differences, not to demonize others that make up the body of Christ.
It is in that spirit, I believe, that Jim Wallis, as a person and brother in Christ, deserves to have his views shared.
I don’t want to fight, and I don’t want to argue. That is not the purpose of this letter. I want to do what’s best for the body of Christ. My concern is that the people who have raised their voices the loudest are drawing attention away from the true purpose of Lifest. We hope you will be a part of putting it back in focus from the moment the gates open Wednesday, July 7, to its conclusion Sunday when Luis Palau presents the Gospel, which we hope to be one of the greatest outreaches ever held in Wisconsin. This is what Lifest is about.
I have contacted our Board of Directors, as well as sought counsel from many pastors and Christian leaders. But mostly, I have lost sleep and many tears, praying for God’s will for Lifest in what seems to be a no-win situation.
We feel we have three options:
Option #1 – To cancel Jim Wallis… Not because of the protests, but so as not to distract from the purpose of Lifest, and from the gospel being proclaimed. This is becoming politically charged and our heart is not to foster controversy. A fear in canceling him is that it may empower those who have slandered Jim Wallis and Lifest, giving a false sense of credibility to their accusations.
Option #2 – To allow him to speak… To listen to the concerns and yet not give in to propaganda and sound bites. I can assure you that Jim Wallis would share his testimony along with a Biblical perspective and mandate for the church to care for the poor. As Christians we agree we need to call people to a relationship with Jesus and to care for the poor. How to do that is and can be debated. That will not be happening at Lifest. My hesitation in having him speak is that the controversy will draw the attention away from the purpose of Lifest, which is reaching people for Christ and glorifying God.
Option #3 – To have Jim Wallis speak on a side stage… So that it’s not on the Grandstand for all to hear, but Lifest goers can choose to go hear him speak in more of a dialogue format.
Some people want quick answers, but we are praying and seeking His face, waiting on the Lord to determine our steps. Please pray with us. Many are praying with us and we are thankful for those who have brought their questions or concerns directly to us. I want to share an email from someone who received the letter speaking out against Jim Wallis, along with their response to some of the statements that have been made.
Bob,
As you know, I have been part of what seems like 50 pastor’s meetings on a weekly basis. Of course, I seem to also be in the middle of this dispute you are dealing with. Below is my latest response to all on an email I was sent…
I am well aware of the community controversy surrounding this speaker and Bob’s choice to have him. We have spent hours watching interview after interview this weekend.
My opinion would be this: Make sure to go to Jim Wallis’ website and watch and read each interview in its entirety. Many of the blogs and facebook posts I have received have taken bits and pieces of interviews, but when I listen to the entire content it is a different message. Other blogs I have seen quote him and then when I find the actual interview I find out it was a sarcastic comment or something he is quoting from someone else and it has been completely reversed. Still others cite what we consider non-credible sources through their citation index such as quoting Trevor Louden of www.keywiki.org, who is a student of Zenith Applied Philosophy, which has a world view of scientology, Eastern Mysticism and the ideas of the John Birch Society. This vein of thought is self-proclaimed anti-government and is quick to label many individuals as socialist or communists. Here is the source trail from first to last of the emails that I have received defaming Jim Wallis as an example:
www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?tag=jim-wallis&zoom_highlight=jim+wallis
http://www.keywiki.org/index.php/KeyWiki:About
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_Loudon
More importantly, I have talked with Bob about Jim’s view on salvation through Jesus Christ and the message he will be sharing and I believe it is relevant and am not threatened about non-believers hearing it. I believe Bob is more in tune to the youth of today than I will ever profess to be and I trust that if he is confident in the clarity and evangelistic content of Wallis then he is a better judge than I.
In saddens me that some in the community have risen to the level of pulling their support from an event that serves the souls of over 30,000 people. I am amazed that Lifest has had trouble getting the churches to talk about and promote Luis Palau who speaks all over the world to millions and is spoken of in circles compared to Billy Graham, and yet when something negative comes up like disagreements with Jim Wallis’ views, churches are willing to boycott the largest evangelical event we have in the state.
I understand that there are concerns, and many like us may not agree with 100% of Jim’s world views, however, I do believe that if allowed to deliver a message at Lifest, God will guide his tongue and with the power of the Spirit lives will be saved and these concerns will become insignificant in comparison.
Warm Regards,
Lyssa King, President 1834 Productions Outeredge Stage
I also wanted to include just a few of the people who have endorsed Jim Wallis:
“Agree or disagree – Jim Wallis touches your heart, stretches your mind, and challenges your values. He thunders like an Old Testament prophet, yet he is gentle and gracious. With a heart for people and a dream for a better tomorrow, Jim Wallis looks tough times in the eye and talks of hope.” – Leith Anderson, President of National Association of Evangelicals
“Progressive and centrist evangelicals are one stirring away from a real awakening. We are interested in the poor, in racial reconciliation, in global poverty and AIDS, in the plight of women in the developing world. What Wallis has been talking about is coming to fruition.” – Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
“Jim Wallis is giving voice and leadership to a segment of the evangelical community long ignored by the mainstream media. His insights resonate with evangelicals who have felt unrepresented by the religious right. His advocacy for the entire gospel at times critiques both left and right. His book is for anyone who wishes to understand what is happening in this politically powerful segment of the population. He is a major voice in the realignment of faith and politics in America.” – Dr. Glenn R. Palmberg, President of Evangelical Covenant Church
“One does not need to agree with Jim Wallis on everything to find his book Rediscovering Values insightful and timely. In our current economic struggles, Wallis sees an opportunity, not just for recovery, but for the renewal of important, neglected ideals. This is a needed voice at a challenging time.” – Mike Gerson, Chief Speechwriter to President George W. Bush and author of Heroic Conservatism
“Is it possible to change the world’s trajectory? Can we create a new moral compass in the aftermath of the recent economic crisis? In Rediscovering Values, Jim Wallis argues that the world can change when people of good faith make different choices and act collectively. Jim calls us, as Jesus did, to challenge the status quo by making ‘kingdom’ choices.” – Rich Stearns, President of World Vision US and author of The Hole in Our Gospel
“Jim Wallis challenges us to focus on important societal issues from the standpoint of his theological faith beliefs. He is a consistent advocate of the idea that if we are to take Christ’s teachings seriously, we must engage in issues of poverty and justice.” – Jonathan T.M. Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International
Again, I share this not to defend or rebut, rather to respectfully offer another side to the story. If you care to review Jim Wallis’s website to see his stance on various issues first hand, you may visit www.sojo.net
Please pray as I seek in the coming days not to please people, but to do what’s best for the Kingdom, the body of Christ, and especially those who do not yet know Him.
In Christ,
Bob Lenz, Founder & President of Life Promotions
John 17:3
My name is Lem “Shadow” Fillyaw and I am a Ninjagrapher for Lifest’s Ninjagraphy team. What is Ninjagraphy? Well the term in the context that we use it in means one who sees without being seen. We are the group that is in charge of capturing photos and video of all of you festival goers as well as the artists, speakers, vendors and volunteers. Generally we don’t mind being seen but there are times when it is necessary to go into ninja mode.
We take what Lifest is about very seriously in a playful way. We want to capture the spirit of the festival while preserving and respecting the time that you are spending with God, your family & friends. This is why occasionally you’ll see photos or video of yourself that you don’t remember being taken. We also want to respect you and the artists during the concerts. That is why we try to blend. It’s not always easy. We have to be very calculating at times. For instance last year when Skillet was playing I needed a shot from a higher angle without being close to the stage. So I climbed onto the barrier that goes down the middle of the Grandstand area. Well, as you may know Skillet isn’t exactly known as a “sit quietly and enjoy” band. The barrier wobbles quite a bit, so I was forced to rely on my ninja acrobatic skills to maintain balance! At the same time I had to minimize how many people couldn’t see the band.
Our video team is made up some of the most ninja members. Lead by Andy “Alpha 1″ Gallun. They, along with the photo organizers, tend to spend a lot of time in the trailer editing video so that al the photos and video we shoot look great for you. They are the unsung heroes of our group. You don’t see them much, but without them, we’d be lost . They are also the ones that get to interact with you the most. The recording crew will see you out in the thick of things and be interviewing you and capturing all the fun.
I showed this blog post to a friend of mine when I was in the middle of writing this and he asked me one question. He said ” Lem, you have a great group of photographers and videographers that are professional in their respective fields. They all put their lives on hold for at least a week. (some of them months) just to shoot this event. Some of you turn down paying gigs to be here. I just have a simple question. Why?”. I thought about it and I think my Ninjagrapher Clan would agree that we do it because it is our ministry. Matthew 25:14-30 is the parable of the talents. Although the talents in the parable are values of money we feel that the imaging talents that God has given us are just as valuable. The artists that perform use their talents at Lifest but so do all the volunteers. The security guys care about your safety, the tech boys make sure we can all communicate,and the Green Team use their construction talents to make sure the fairgrounds are better than when we show up. We feel honored that Life! Promotions would give us the opportunities to serve God in this way. We hope to see you there. Until then you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/ninjagraphers), Fan us on Facebook (Lifest Ninjagraphers) and or check out or blog a (ninjagrapher.posterous.com)
-The Shadow
Lem Fillyaw
Lifest 2010
Director of Photography
We’re gathering snippets and interviews from artists coming to Lifest to help you get to know them better before you see them. Here’s a brief interview with Jonny Diaz…
What is the meaning behind Song More Beautiful You?
More Beautiful You was written simply because there was an undeniable need for it. Every summer I get to spend weeks with students at camps all over the country. It doesn’t matter what the age group, I constantly saw the struggle for these girls to fit into our culture’s definition of beauty. I wanted to share the truth found in scripture that they were perfectly and wonderfully made. The only standard of beauty they need to seek is God’s.
Got any crazy stories from being on the road?
One time my band and I were in Texas with a weekend off. We decided to drive two hours to David Crowders church in Waco. We weren’t even sure he was going to be there, but we were such big fans it was worth the drive. Also, you can never say a drive to the house of God was wasted haha! Not only was the full six piece David Crowder Band there to lead us in worship, but it was a summer Sunday at a college church. We were four of only about 50 people at the service. We had a chance to talk to the band and really get to know them!
See Jonny at Lifest: Friday, July 9th • 4:30PM • Grandstand Stage
Visit Jonny’s website: www.jonnydiaz.com
Hi everyone,
Well, this is my first blog entry for Lifest. My hope is to share some of the thinking that goes behind selecting our speakers for Lifest.
We believe that Lifest is so much more than music and we really want to see it and treat it almost like a conference within a festival – to educate, challenge and promote unity among believers on the core issue of the gospel.
When we bring someone in to speak at Lifest, I promise from the best we know that this person loves Jesus and is pursuing a relationship with Him, and that this person, as far as we know, is also living out the gospel. One basis for selecting speakers is making sure they agree with our statement of faith, which is The Apostles Creed. It is our core belief here at Life Promotions.
There are dozens of denominations, and various views on several subjects relevant to our Christian faith represented among those who attend Lifest, and we acknowledge and appreciate those differences. This is also true of the speakers that may attend Lifest. Bringing a person in to speak may not mean that we agree with 100% of their teachings or writings. Some may be considered more “left,” while others are viewed as more “right.” But I guarantee that our focus at Lifest has, and always will, “center” on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – the gospel.
The process of defending our faith includes being able to say, “I know what I believe, and there are some things I don’t agree with.” It is one of the best ways to challenge our growth and development, and to solidify our faith.
I want you to know that you can trust the speakers we’re bringing in, and the message they will share. Though you may personally disagree with some of the speaker choices, we hope you will continue to allow yourself to be challenged as you seek after truth and the heart of God.
Bob Lenz, Founder & President of Life Promotions
LIFEST 2010 | JULY 7-11 • OSHKOSH, WI
Welcome to Lifest - a party with a purpose! Join 15,000 of your closest friends for one of the most amazing experiences of your life. Lifest is so much more than music; it's a place to reconnect with friends and meet new ones. It's a place where youth can have the time of their lives and not hide it from mom and dad! It's a place where you can abandon your inhibitions and experience life like never before. It's a place for you!
6 Stages • Music • Speakers • Comedy • Camping • Activities • Kidzone • Food • Marketplace