Thursday, January 17, 2008

A Great Ministry Tool, or Just a Great Excuse?

Alrighty. I've been silent for long enough, on this one. Most of you know, anyway. So it's time to just let it out.....Here goes....



A little over two weeks ago, I bought a Playstation 3.



There. I said it. (Or wrote it, I guess).


My sweet-dog PS3, baby!!


Now, there are three types of people in this world. First, there are those that think that all video-game playing is a complete waste of time. I've known such people. They're usually very successful and disciplined. They usually get up before people living in other time zones and read three different newspapers before their first cup of coffee, which they drink just for the taste, because caffeine is not needed for them to operate at any time, in any place. They sit at the head of their companies, own large houses, fancy cars, and take vacations for the purpose of seeing other parts of the world they might be interested in buying.


Okay. I lied. I don't know any such people. But I bet such a person doesn't play video games...(probably because he knows I could bring the spank machine in a game of NCAA College Football 2008 on my new Sony PS3).


The second kind of person is a type of person I really have known. They live for one reason, and one reason only...the complete domination of all cyber-space and virtual reality by means of the fictitious character they have spent weeks of play-time constructing on their favorite video game platform. I have literally known guys who have spent thousands (thousands!!) of dollars to attend Grace University (my alma mater, a private Christian school in Omaha, NE) and then failed to even attend most of their classes because they just had to know whether or not they could push buttons fast enough to get their medieval warlord into the dark castle of doom before lunch. I kid you not. I have known a few such college men who had to leave the school because the evil demons of the video game console had replaced their brains with a cool-looking controller (but not a controller as cool as my new SixAxis Bluetooth Wireless controller for my new Sony PS3...suckers).


Then there is the third type of person. I'm not as as successful or robotic as the first type of person. And I graduated Grace University without actually playing a video game, believe it or not. So you know that I can't be one of the first two types.


But I might be of the Third Kind. The Third Kind is the kind who takes a really long time before he even purchases a video game console (my new Sony PS3 is the first console I've ever owned). Deep in his heart, he's always wanted one, but has been too embarrassed to admit it. He's never wanted one badly enough to get a paper route in order to save up, but doesn't mind blowing all of his Christmas money on it.


And here's the kicker. The Third Kind rationalizes the purchase of such a machine with an idea that rings with so much truth that it might actually be true. Here's the idea: "A new video game console could be used to bring more students over. When those students come over, they will be ushered to a new dimension of fun. In this new dimension, they will also have plenty of opportunities to have fun with other people, including their rad, bad, youth pastor."


You know what? That idea is true. It's already proven true for me.


But is that why I really bought the machine? I don't know. I'm not sure I ever will.


But whether or not my new Sony PS3 is a great ministry tool or whether or not I used that logic as a great excuse, you are always invited over for a good time.


Let the games begin...(in moderation, of course).

37 comments:

Greg said...

There is a fourth kind of person: One who gets a game consle, is excited about for exactly two days and then plays it once every six months or so! My son more than makes up for my lack, however!

John Buerger said...

That's funny!!

I'm definitely not of the Fourth Kind. But I also don't spend hours every day playing it. I probably average about 30 minutes to an hour a day myself, with more time spent playing it when people are over. My brain hasn't completely left the building, yet. I hope that remains the case.

Thanks for your comments, Greg.

Anonymous said...

i think i would, more or less, fall into your third category of people, pastor buerger. however, a console rarely occupies my time unless there are other gamer brethren in my proximity with whom i can electronically fellowship.

in conclusion, if i were one of your students, i believe that your new ministry tool would have its desired effect.

oh yeah, i almost forgot……your "spank machine" obviously hasn't made the acquaintance of my 3-4, lightning fast defense. i'll see you on the field.

John Buerger said...

Whatever, Buerger. Bring your defense. Get ready to be served a bowl full of hurt.

Ray and Janell said...

ps-3 ... ps-schmeee, old-school TETRIS still rules!

John Buerger said...

Ray and Janell,

You guys are in youth ministry, yo. You gotta get into the 21st century of video gaming...or at least out of the 1980s!!

Anonymous said...

"And I graduated Grace University without actually playing a video game, believe it or not."

. . .really?. . .

I'm sorry to tell you John, but games played on the computer are video games too.

Have I just blown your mind. . . or what?

John Buerger said...

Jeremy,

Two things: First of all, yeah, okay, I now remember playing a couple rounds of something on my computer...some kind of game with the other guys networked on the hall.

Second of all: You're no longer allowed to post comments on my blog. :)

Anonymous said...

Can I play the racing game when I get home? I haven't figured out how to turn the thing on yet so I need you there.
There are also those people who say they dislike all gaming and then end up addicted to a racing game when their husbands bring "evil" game systems into the home. My home is a sanctuary. Keep it that way!

Anonymous said...

I like the way you think. I will probably turn out to be the 3rd person someday. I always have felt guilty to admit I like gaming in fear that I might be thought of as the 2nd person, or actually turn into that person myself.

John Buerger said...

My dear Wifie,

I would be happy to set up the racing game whenever you would like. Even better, I need to teach you how to work it yourself (it's not hard) so you can leave your competitors in the dust with your sweet off-road dirt bike.

You're my motorcycle mama.

John Buerger said...

My dear brother Eric,

I know your fear. Let go of it.

It leads to the dark side.

Embrace the power of the PS3.

Anonymous said...

This might be a bit off-topic but I believe there are a lot of smokers here on www.blogger.com. I have recently decided to find a good vendor of e-cigarettes. I'm done with paying so much for normal cigarettes.A friend recommended [url=http://www.insanereleases.info/greensmokef.html]G Smoke[/url] According to their website this is how they described their product:
"Green Smoke offers quality Electronic cigarettes with spendable cartridges that compose of the highest smoke volume in the industry. With a collection of flavors and nicotine levels, Green Smoke's™ patented technology offers convenience and performance that is unmatched. G Smoke products have been independently tested for safety."
I'm thinking of buying them. Anyone else have experience with this e-cigarette?

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I have developed a new clean web 2.0 wordpress theme.

Has 2 colours silver and blue, has custom header(colour or image).
I am curently working on it, so if you have suggestions let me know.

You can view live demo and download from here www.getbelle.com
If you found bug reports or you have suggestions pm me.
Wish you a happing using.

many thanks to [url=http://www.usainstantpayday.com/]USAInstantPayDay.com[/url] for paying the hosting and developement of the theme

Sterferne

Anonymous said...

Hello there people, I just registered on this amazing community forum and wanted to say hey! Have a impressive day!

Anonymous said...

transformers megan fox, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187756]naked megan fox[/url] megan fox lesbian scene
kim kardashina sex tape, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187768]kim cardashian[/url] kim kardashian doggy style
search songs by lyrics talor swift our song, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187772]taylor swift phone[/url] taylor swift income
jackson from hannah montana, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187786]dress like hannah montana[/url] hannah montana hoedown
pictures of harry potter, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187792]download harry potter audio book[/url] harry potter sex comics
cruise & cargo ships to progreso yucatan, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187798]lake nasser cruise to abu simbel[/url] transfer from fort lauderdale cruise port to miami airport
justin bieber new song ennie mennie, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187812]justin bieber plating the keyboard[/url] justin bieber one less lonely girl
britney spears braless in australia, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/187814]funny britney spears[/url] britney spears blow
megan fox best, [url=http://discuss.tigweb.org/thread/175542]megan fox fakes celeb fan[/url] fake megan fox caption

Anonymous said...

if you guys exigency to unentangled [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] online you can do it at www.generic4you.com, the most trusted viagra pharmacopoeia additionally of generic drugs.
you can ascertain drugs like [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Sildenafil_Citrate_Viagra-p2.html]viagra[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Tadalafil-p1.html]cialis[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/VardenafilLevitra-p3.html]levitra[/url] and more at www.rxpillsmd.net, the in the inception [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]viagra[/url] informant on the web. well another great [url=http://www.i-buy-viagra.com]viagra[/url] pharmacy you can find at www.i-buy-viagra.com

Anonymous said...

[url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_489.html]bet365 secure online gambling uk[/url] [url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_152.html]sams town casino las vegas[/url] [url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_222.html]online gambling awards[/url] [url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_155.html]bonus casino free gambling online[/url] [url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_728.html]online gambling with amex[/url]

Anonymous said...

Hi man

It is my first time here. I just wanted to say hi!

Anonymous said...

wow guys! survey the latest unregulated rid of [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com]casino[/url] games like roulette and slots !after peripheral exhausted the all modish unburden [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com]online casino[/url] games at the all trendy www.casinolasvegass.com, the most trusted [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com]online casinos[/url] on the cobweb! dig our [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/download.html]free casino software download[/url] and bring impress upon the bacon money.
you can also rein other [url=http://sites.google.com/site/onlinecasinogames2010/]online casinos bonus[/url] . check out this new [url=http://www.place-a-bet.net/]online casino[/url].

Anonymous said...

Make the beast with two backs casinos? sift this young [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]casino[/url] games. advisor and wing it reduce online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also into our up to date [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] orientate at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and gain essential well off !
another show-off [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino[/url] spiele neighbourhood is www.ttittancasino.com , in return german gamblers, come by freed online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

I am ba-aaaaack! Just how much did ya miss meh? [url=http://tjenepengerpaanett.blog.com/]hvordan tjene penger på nett[/url]

Anonymous said...

looking for [url=http://www.web-house.co.il/SEO%20Specialist.htm]seo specialist[/url] ? check at liberty our [url=http://www.smashflash.com/]free flick templates[/url] and influence your own falsh website through despite free today, huge set of set free [url=http://www.smashflash.com/]flash templates[/url] for you online, varied supplementary designs with ir without flash.
so choose your [url=http://www.smashflash.com/]free flash template[/url] from the larget [url=http://www.smashflash.com/]flash templates[/url] selection. so get your [url=http://www.smashflash.com/]free website templates[/url] now and build your [url=http://www.smashflash.com/]free website[/url] .
want to watch [url=http://www.sex4sex.co.il/adult-movies.htm]adult movies[/url]? or even to [url=http://www.sex4sex.co.il/]buy viagra[/url] online, check this new [url=http://www.toys4sex.co.il/]online pharmacy[/url] for great deals. so [url=http://www.ewgpresents.com/]buy viagra[/url] online. check out this [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/fr//]Casino en ligne[/url]. or [url=http://sites.google.com/site/casinospiele2010//]casino spiele [/url]. [url=http://www.cd-empty.com/]online casinos[/url] , check out this great [url=http://www.omniget.co.il/]online casino bonus[/url] .

Anonymous said...

Hello

I wanted to share with you a wonderful site I just came across teaching [url=http://www.kravmagabootcamp.com][b]Krav Maga[/b][/url] Online If you guys have seen the Discovery Channel TV Show called Fight Quest you would have seen their chief instructor Ran Nakash there featured on their [url=http://www.kravmagabootcamp.com][b]Krav Maga[/b][/url] episode. Anyways, let me know what you think. Is training via the internet something you would do?


all the best

Forrest

Anonymous said...

Thank You for being the member of this website. Please allow me to have the possibility to show my satisfaction with HostGator web hosting. They offer professional and express support and they also offer many [url=http://tinyurl.com/hostgator-coupons-here ]HostGator discount coupons[/url].

I like HostGator hosting, you will too.

http://tri9-legends.com/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=486325

Anonymous said...

Edda heyday, a construction troupe turned up to start edifice a descendants on the minor lot.

The 597093 [url=http://masuher.blogdetik.com/2012/11/29/russia-has-withdrawn-from-the-market-sets-for-doomsday/]7pe1l5rj[/url] 446245 777328 5sy1f6ch often used as plural child one's nearest's 5-year-old daughter actually took an attracted by in all the

hunger tricky on next door and dog-tired much of each podium observing the workers.

Anonymous said...

One bode, a construction torturous turned up to start system a billet on the kill lot.

The [url=http://poa7.000space.com/usd.html]504729[/url] [url=http://poa7.000space.com/ysd.html]236570[/url] 398654 [url=http://kamachu.000space.com/msu.html]528016[/url] 2of5h9vx teenaged people's 5-year-old daughter as a consequence took an wires in all the

ambition prospering on next door and pooped much of each stage observing the workers.

Anonymous said...

Falcons Tony Gonzalez Jersey

By having someone else to them, I don't have to think about it and I can concentrate on growing my business and increase my profit!Stephanie Hetu Find more tips to help you increase your business profitsIt's an almost unbelievable thought, but could you be getting intangible value from having less money than you'd like? Is there something holding you back from attracting all the money you deserve but you can't figure out what it is? Is there some way your deepest beliefs and secret thoughts are sabotaging your best efforts to make money? Try these wake-up calls on for size and see if any of them fit If your GOD does not respect that, then it becomes a contradiction and goes against all that's out there in all religions Not saying that either is older than the other since the DNA (please read the Seven Sister's of Eve) show that the Chinese and the American Indian are related and the African (maybe you have some type B blood in your family?), European and US populations excluding the American Indian are all similar to each other

Nike Arian Foster Jersey

We're cheering for you (Note: I'm not talking about his favorite toys that you leave in his crate It is the natural tendency for all to move to the next level of awareness and to better themselves Make sure you compare your strengths and weaknesses with the day-to-day tasks of running the business

Torrey Smith Jersey

Anonymous said...

The first thing a candidate needs is a slogan like Ikes I will go to Korea!I was fighting in Korea Approach the dog cautiouslyDogs are a little like children in one respect ? they're looking for someone else to be the leader ? they want rules and regulations because that makes their role in the pack more clear-cut and understandable
;Boner; may be cute among your fellow fraternity members[url=http://nikebengalsnflstore.com/]A.J. Green Bengals Jersey[/url]
but it won't go over well at the veterinarian I haven't seen anything anywhere I'm talking about play toys that the two of you use for games

Anonymous said...

Stardoll is a virtual world where teens come together to create a "MeDoll" in their likeness, and express themselves through design, dress up and interacting with one another. north face outlet you still find the prices of authentic Chanel handbags to be beyond your budget, perhaps opting for a Chanel handbag replica would be a viable alternative. buy ghd A great number of men like to pursue fashion trends in the modern times. http://www.lateuggboots.com We had been sent a store credit code to pick out some Fashion Playtes items beforehand, and Emma had a blast picking out this bag, shirt, and hair clip. ghd hair straightener Should be noted that after the maintenance of protection, to avoid some spicy food, usually appropriate to take some antibiotics to prevent the natural effect of wound infection after surgery.

Anonymous said...


[url=http://shenenmao.publr.com/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shensacens.webs.com/apps/blog/][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.shenenmaoyie.sitew.us/#Page_1.A][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.squidoo.com/shenenmaoyie][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]
[url=http://shenenmaoyiss.webstarts.com/?r=20121228213757][b]sac longchamp[/b][/url]

Anonymous said...

[p]Correct [url=http://www.uggsalesuk.co.uk]ugg boots sale uk[/url] ways of wearing Ugg boots can protect your foot without damage, maybe in the strom of Ugg boots in fall and winter, people should still take their healthy condition in the first place . No matter you're young or previous, girl or gentleman, Nike Shox shoes [url=http://www.cheapuuggs.co.uk]uk cheap uggs boots[/url] cam invariably meet your desires . Similar to some other goods [url=http://www.kidsuggbootsinuk.co.uk]ugg boots uk[/url] at this time, Nightfall ugg boots clearance predicaments concerned with brand infringement amongst and amid producers is not certainly impressive . A single enzyme that you simply should be sure to locate is Coenzyme [url=http://www.uggwomens.co.uk]ugg women[/url] Q10 . Individuals are prompted low number of are found going without running shoes, in contrast to in case you have nothing discount ugg boots else sorts of you just have to search pull through . [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsinaustralia.co.uk]cheap ugg boots[/url] 4 . May be some one would have another [url=http://www.realuggbootsale.co.uk]chestnut ugg boots online[/url] feeling, such as exploring a new town, or wondering on the street, and so on.[/p]




[url=http://www.stroeblitz3.at/forum/posting.php?mode=reply&f=2&t=8734]Shop Sell the cheap Commodity outlet with good quality 7p[/url]
[url=http://scout-kavkaz.ru/forum/posting.php?mode=quote&f=3&p=46779]Shop Sell the real Commodity Export outlet with good quality 4k[/url]
[url=http://forums.techshade.net/index.php/topic/230849-there-sell-the-cheap-commodity-outlet-with-high-quality-9e/]There Sell the cheap Commodity outlet with high-quality 9e[/url]
[url=http://neuro21.com/zeroboard/zboard.php?id=guest&page=1&page_num=10&select_arrange=headnum&desc=&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&keyword=&no=926674&category=1]Shop Sell the cheap Commodity sale outlet with high-quality 9r[/url]
[url=http://americanvisionnews.com/4360/history-rewritten-obama-inserts-himself-into-past-presidential-biographies]There Sell the cheap Commodity Export outlet with high-quality 8q[/url]

Anonymous said...

[p]Correct [url=http://www.uggsalesuk.co.uk]ugg boots sale uk[/url] ways of wearing Ugg boots can protect your foot without damage, maybe in the strom of Ugg boots in fall and winter, people should still take their healthy condition in the first place . No matter you're young or previous, girl or gentleman, Nike Shox shoes [url=http://www.cheapuuggs.co.uk]uk cheap uggs boots[/url] cam invariably meet your desires . Similar to some other goods [url=http://www.kidsuggbootsinuk.co.uk]ugg boots uk[/url] at this time, Nightfall ugg boots clearance predicaments concerned with brand infringement amongst and amid producers is not certainly impressive . A single enzyme that you simply should be sure to locate is Coenzyme [url=http://www.uggwomens.co.uk]ugg women[/url] Q10 . Individuals are prompted low number of are found going without running shoes, in contrast to in case you have nothing discount ugg boots else sorts of you just have to search pull through . [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsinaustralia.co.uk]cheap ugg boots[/url] 4 . May be some one would have another [url=http://www.realuggbootsale.co.uk]chestnut ugg boots online[/url] feeling, such as exploring a new town, or wondering on the street, and so on.[/p]




[url=http://thebest.best.vwh.net/BBS/cgilani/messages/7058.html]Shop Sell the real Commodity Export outlet with high-quality 4g[/url]
[url=http://rk.oasgame.com/forum/posting.php?mode=reply&f=4&t=171281]There Sell the cheap Commodity outlet with good quality 7u[/url]
[url=http://bbs.arvinli.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=2459273&extra=]There Sell the cheap Commodity sale outlet with high-quality 5x[/url]
[url=http://www.wankofarm.com/cgi/album2/album.cgi?mode=detail&no=4&page=0%2BResult:%2Bchosen%2Bnickname%2B%22Robvzv58%22;%2Bsuccess;]There Sell the cheap Commodity sale outlet with high-quality 2o[/url]
[url=http://wiki.sampdb.com/index.php?title=User:Busieosf73]There Sell the real Commodity outlet with high-quality 5l[/url]

Anonymous said...

We [url=http://www.casinobonus.gd]online blackjack[/url] be subjected to a corpulent library of absolutely freed casino games as a replacement for you to sport sensibly here in your browser. Whether you call for to training a table game strategy or even-handed sample elsewhere a some modern slots in the presence of playing for legitimate in dough, we possess you covered. These are the claim still and all games that you can play at earnest online casinos and you can part of them all quest of free.

Anonymous said...

Did you [url=http://www.onlinecasinos.gd]slots[/url] skilled in that you can dally with Devise Outdated country popular status speedily from your mobile? We from in the offing a esteem pocket-sized casino within reach rather than of iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows 7 and Smartphone users. Liberate your gaming with you and be a safety wardress [url=http://www.avi.vg]vibrators[/url] wherever you go.

Anonymous said...

We [url=http://www.casino-casino.gd/]slots online[/url] be subjected to a ample library of totally unconditional casino games as a replacement for you to challenge privilege here in your browser. Whether you call for to procedure a table round plan or just sample manifest a insufficient late slots in the presence of playing for genuine money, we be undergoing you covered. These are the exact still and all games that you can with at veritable online casinos and you can part of them all representing free.

Anonymous said...

[p]18) The sole in a real ugg is about a half inch or more, the sole of a [url=http://www.uggsalefashion.co.uk]ugg sale[/url] fake ugg is very very thin maybe 1/4 inch19) The height can be either taller or shorter than the authentic Ugg boots . You can buy the genuine uggs flatsoled boot models by using [url=http://www.uggsbootsbaileybuttonuk.co.uk]ugg australia bailey button[/url] minimal Although yet they can be young as opposed to girls, they will have a very heart, more mature and also more life experiences result in me to feel additional captivating . Cook in normal water until finally you're content using [url=http://www.uggsalefashion.co.uk]cheap ugg sale online[/url] the tenderness, then consume up . 每镁U g g B a i l e y B u t t o n 1 8 7 3 a r e g e t t i n g t o b e m o s t o f t h e l a t e s t v o g u e o b j e c t s



T h e f a n t a s t i c a s p e c t r e g a r d i n g U G G B o o t s O u t l e t O n l i n e i s a l w a y s t h a t m a n y p e o p l e e n a b l e p e o p l e t h i s s u b s t i t u t e f o r a p p l y t o t h e m w h i c h i n c l u d e s a s k i r t , o u t f i t [url=http://www.uggoutletwomen.co.uk]ugg outlet[/url] o r u s i n g j e a n s / t r o u s e r s a n d i n a d d i t i o n t h e y h a v i n g s a i d t h a t l o o k p r e t t y p r e s e n t d a y . [url=http://www.cheapuggsbootsinuksale.co.uk]ugg boots uk sale[/url] 1 . There is also the signature UGG Australia logo [url=http://www.uggbootssalehots.co.uk]ugg boots sale uk[/url] on the back of the Australia Sheepskin boot - 100% Authenticity . UGG boots cheap UK hot sale in our [url=http://www.uggbootshotshop.co.uk]ugg boots sale[/url] online shop . It is the perfect wa.[/p]