This is the section where a lot of folks wax eloquent about their accomplishments and education. I’ll try to be a little more definitive about who I really am, rather than trying to impress you all. I was raised in rural Georgia, in a town so small that it isn’t even a town. There’s a road near me called the “Nowhere Road”, and some folks think you’re really from out in the sticks if you’re able to say, “I grew up on the Nowhere Road.” As for me, I can say “I grew up just off of the Nowhere Road”, which makes me ultra-rural. Being from the South makes me sentimental and scarred; a living mass of religion, memories that aren’t even my own, Bulldog football, cicadas, and story. That verse written by the great theologian, George Jones, “The dirt was clay, and was the color of the blood in me…”, rings true for me.
I could list some ministry accomplishments here, but it never seems to sound sincere when I see others describing themselves in those terms. I suppose, though, that I should say a bit about my background, so you all know what you’re getting into as you read. I am a pastor, ordained in the Baptist church, walked the Canterbury Trail, and was ordained again as a deacon in the Anglican church. I have used the word “ethos” in a sentence without actually knowing what it meant, and watched as others nodded in approval, even though I’m pretty sure they didn’t know what it meant, either. I was raised in the United Methodist Church, and actually come from a heritage of Methodist pastors on both sides of my family. After many years in ministry, I’ve found myself back in the UMC again. I lean more toward Whitefield than Wesley theologically, although hearing my baby girl’s laughter and seeing her smile makes me more than a little soft on the idea of total depravity.
I’ve been a youth and college pastor, developed and implemented programs for young couples, counseled and taught all types of groups and individuals. I’ve done mission projects locally here in Athens, Georgia; in Atlanta homeless shelters; Choctaw reservations; and in Eastern Europe (Macedonia and Bulgaria). I actually fell in love with my wife, Brittony, on a project in Bulgaria. I swear to this day that she thought we were going to Bolivia until the moment we boarded the plane.
I’ve worshiped in immense, ancient cathedrals, little country churches, and post-modern steel structures that resembled gyms more than houses of worship. I’ve written for online versions of magazines like Relevant, and Wrecked for the Ordinary. I’ve experienced great success in ministry, and terrible pain. I’ve built ministries from the ground up in impossible settings, and failed at some endeavors that seemed “most likely to succeed”. My formal education is in social work, but I’m not a lover of people because I entered a liberal field. I entered a liberal field because I love people. I have secondary dirt road degrees in theology and the study of ancient Christian practices. I hold fast to the belief that the best things in life are Jesus, family, The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and chili dogs from The Varsity.
I’m a husband, and sometimes I’m good at it. Sometimes I’m not. At age 44, I became at first-time dad. At age 45, I’m a few months away from welcoming my second little girl to this world. Sometimes the diapers I change pass the test. Sometimes they do not. It is in those moments that I typically am not considered to be a good husband. I love Braves’ baseball, but get extremely frustrated when professional athletes don’t have the ability to hit behind a runner or lay down a successful sacrifice bunt. I am passionate for the church, yet dismayed by the direction she takes at times. I am a pastor, but honestly, haven’t met many pastors in my life that I like or believe in. I want to go to heaven, but I don’t want to die. I have Facebook friends that I’ve never met. I love the comfort and familiarity of home, but given the opportunity, will take any mode of transport available in order to visit some place I’ve never been. I will then talk obsessively about that place, as though it is my actual home, instead the place I was reared, just off of the Nowhere Road. I am a bundle of contradictions. In the words of Brennan Manning, “Aristotle says that I am a rational animal. I say that I am an angel, with an incredible capacity for beer.”
I am a pilgrim, finding my way. I once thought I could reform the church, or at least a church, to make her healthier and more focused on Christ. Now, though, I more often find myself expressing the thoughts of another of my favorite theologians, “Lord, I can’t make any changes…All I can do is write’em in a song” (Lynrd Skynrd, AD 1976). So, this little collection of essays, prayers, quotes, and sermons is the song I write. Hope y’all enjoy listening.
In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Addie Lee chowing down at The Varsity in Athens, GA...
September 16, 2011 at 4:52 pm
I’ve enjoyed reading your comments on Imonk immensely over the past year or so and am looking forward to reading more of your thoughts. This “about Lee” section is very effective for informing readers on the background/perspective that they are going to get here. You journey down the Canterbury Trail is a significant reason for my interest in your ideas. We also have similiar theological/cultural backgrounds. Short version: I come from a long line of SBC deacons and pastors, my family ended up in a PCA congregation after moving to Nashville from North Dallas (8th grade). I went to Baylor and rebelled. I reentered the Church about 3 years post graduation and ended up in a Bible Church whose statement of faith comes directly from DTS. Over the past few years I’ve started to investigate the Ancient (and liturgical) Church and am becoming increasingly uncomfortable with many of the doctrinal stances of my current Church. I am surprised by how uncomfortable I have become with the Zwingli view of Communion.
Thank for putting yourself out here on the internet and sharing your thoughts and experiences.
-Josh
September 16, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Thanks, Josh! Imonk is an interesting community, isn’t it? I love the rapport, and hope we can build a similar family here. I’m currently only able to post 1-2 times each week, due to the demands of career and family, but I really appreciate you subscribing!
I spent some time in a PCA church, just visiting, on my journey along the trail. I actually received some great counsel from a pastor there. I gravitated more toward the ACNA because I felt it was a more historically orthodox expression of the faith…you know, I dig liturgical colors! What a nerd!
Unfortunately, there’s not an ACNA body local to us here in Athens; on the other hand, Brittony and I have found ourselves in a UMC with excellent community (Will I become a “Whitefield Methodist”? Time will tell…). We have a new baby, and just find we can’t participate fully in the life of an ACNA church that’s over an hour away. I attempted a plant locally, without a lot of success. The ACNA is doing a lot of good things, though. It will be interesting to see where the future takes the Anglican Communion. Rowan Williams is retiring early, and much hinges on his replacement.
Yes, the communion table…Oh, the post-modern days of goldfish crackers and last minute runs to the grocery store for grape juice…I honestly feel that if more churches held a sacramental view of the table, then Sunday worship would make a greater impact in their lives..
Aaaah, Zwingli…I just know that sucker burned a rood screen that I certainly would have enjoyed seeing on my trips to Europe. Icons are still around, Zwingli is dead. Point taken.
September 16, 2011 at 8:49 pm
Quality over quanity. 1 -2 times a week is plenty. You definitely need to spend some time with that new little girl of yours. I have 2 boys (31 mo & 15 mo). Being a father both deepened my understanding of and the increased the mystery in God chosing to reveal himself as our heavenly father. Enjoy the ride.
September 29, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Now I understand why you have a bit of mystical christian in you and a focus on sacraments. Have fun with you new one old man… I have seven ranging from 20 down to 5 and at 48 I am enjoying life because of it (I changed diapers for almost 16 years without a break).
Regards -
Radagast
September 29, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Radagast! Thanks for stopping by!
Man, my Addie Lee amazes me more and more every day. Brittony and I are going to shoot for 3-4 more before I hit age 50 (yikes!), so pray for me!
Drop in anytime. I always enjoy your comments on iMonk…
September 29, 2011 at 4:24 pm
It’s a great community, isn’t it? My day would be complete without iMonk…
September 29, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Radagast,
You too are among the group of commenters I’ve learned from on imonk.
January 5, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Lee, today I’ve taken some time to look at your blog and will keep right on checking it. You and I have many areas of agreement and always enjoy reading your comments. Blessings on you, your work, and your family.
January 5, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Thanks, David. You’re one of many iMonk folk that I would love to sit down and have a cup of coffee with, for sure. I haven’t been as faithful to posting here lately, but hopefully can resume soon.
Peace…
January 11, 2012 at 7:04 pm
[...] Adams on the Future of the American Church (1) 11 Jan by Chaplain Mike Lee Adams is a regular reader and commenter here on Internet Monk. He blogs at Homilies, Prayers, and Bread [...]
January 23, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Loved the article on your background. As usual your perspective is enlightening. Not too sure about 4 kids before 50…………..
January 23, 2012 at 5:26 pm
We’ll see! Four or five, I think….:o)