All my life I’ve made things.
I find it magical when a thing does not exist in the world… and then it does. People who facilitate that magic (aka, Makers) inspire me. They look at the world around them and see a collection of existing matter, a lack of a particular way in which that matter gets arranged, and then they set about arranging said matter in way that previously had never been envisioned.
Voila, a thing is made.
For the month of March, over on my show, The Alter, I’ll be hosting a different Maker each week. Individuals who inspire me with their commitment to making really cool sh*t.
Last week my “Makers in March” series kicked off when I was joined by my buddy Gattison for a lively conversation about worship within progressive Christian spaces. Gattison’s unique background in music, church, and art all contributed to seeing what many others have only perceived: that there is a serious lack of a particular kind of worship experience in and around progressive Christianity.
Quick point of clarification: I’m talking primarily about the post and ex evangelical spaces. There are plenty of worship services and experiences within the more mainline and liturgical world—Episcopal, Lutheran, Disciples of Christ, Methodist, etc—but in the unique flavor of folks accustomed to the kind of worship services in evangelicalism, it gets bleak. Once you escape that world (because, you know, their theology is deadly), it can be hard to find similar kinds of worship experiences.
Which is where Gattison comes in. He’s recently launched ALL IN as way to create events that reframe and reclaim worship in the inclusive and affirming church.
Their first event—a big ol’ night of experiential worship—is happening up in L.A. on Friday, March 25. If you’re in the area, come join us (oh yeah, right, because I’m gonna be there, too!)
To learn more about Gattison, his story (which involves growing up conservative, doing the whole “try and pray the gay away” thing, getting married, having kids, then separating from his wife for the sake of a love that liberates), and to hear our conversation about worship, check out last week’s episode of The Alter.
TODAY ON THE ALTER
Tune in today at 2pm PST to enjoy and participate in my conversation with Maker, the Rev Brandan Robertson.
Brandan makes books and podcasts and digital churches.
And he makes for a good friend.
SOME RECENT MESSAGES OF MINE
It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve sent out a Perspective Shift newsletter.
Sorry about that.
During that time, in case you missed it, here are a few of my recent talks and messages.