“The only way to engage a world that is becoming increasingly contentious towards Christianity is to change our scorecard. The scorecard we keep determines the game that we are playing. The church has been playing with the wrong scorecard, and as a result we are losing our influence in a world that desperately needs the Good News of God’s love." - Pastor Monty

Author Hugh Halter will contribute to SVA's Be the Change dialogue by expanding upon his recent book Flesh: Bringing the Incarnation Down to Earth.

Christ’s Body, Human Flesh

If we’re honest, no one really cares about theology unless it reveals a gut-level view of God’s presence. According to pastor and ministry leader Hugh Halter, only the incarnational power of Jesus satisfies what we truly crave, and once we taste it, we’re never the same. God understands how hard it is to be human, and the incarnation—God with us—enables us to be fully alive. With refreshing, raw candor, Fleshreveals the faith we all long to experience—one based on the power of Christ in the daily grind of work, home, school, and life. For anyone burned out, disenchanted, or seeking a fresh honest-to-God encounter, Flesh will invigorate your faith.

Hugh Halter lives in Denver with his wife Cheryl, a realtor, on a small ranch, with two horses, two chickens, two yellow labs, one cat, and one bunny. 

Hugh has three children, two daughters Alli and McKenna who both attend college in Iowa. After 25 years of living at home, their son Ryan who has struggled with epilepsy since birth, now lives in Beverly Farms, an assisted living center in Illinois for adults with disabilities. Ryan now enjoys making key chains, taking college courses, riding horses and according to Hugh, checking out the ladies.

Hugh is an author, the founder of Missio. He speaks extensively across the country encouraging and equipping pastors in incarnational ministry and missional leadership.

"I believe that when we actively practice 'Being the Change' we not only transform ourselves and the world, but we have the opportunity to transform the skeptics perception of us as well." - Pastor Monty

“We can change the world, by starting at home. When we honor and elevate
women to their true biblical-equal-status in our culture, we will have the
credibility to empower women in other cultures and other faiths where the
gender-line of inequality remains so thickly drawn that death, devastation and
poverty follow her cries.” - Pastor Monty

Dr. Ron Ruthruff is an associate professor of Theology & Culture at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He joined SVA's Be the Change conversation to speak about his recent book, The Least of These: Lessons Learned from Kids on the Street.

Dr. Ron Ruthruff has served homeless and street involved youth and their families for the past thirty years. He has provided case management services; designed programs; and educated the community on the issues that impact this vulnerable population. Ron's career goal is to empower persons to live lives of significance; to equip the church to love and serve their neighbors; and to engage communities in cross cultural and global conversations.

Ron's education is an eclectic blend of social work, counseling, and theological studies. Ron holds a B.A. from Western Washington University, an M.S. from Pepperdine University, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Complex Urban Settings from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston. His dissertation title, Welcoming Kids to the Table of Community: New Horizons Ministries as a Model of Service to Homeless Runaway Adolescents, addresses the psycho-social and spiritual issues surrounding homeless adolescents and describes a relationally based and theologically supported service delivery strategy to serve these marginalized young people.

Ron is an associate with The Center for Transforming Mission providing training and support for grassroots urban leaders serving youth and families in hard places around the world. Closer to home, Ron is on a regular preaching schedule at several local churches. Ron lives in the Rainier Valley, a multicultural neighborhood in the south end of Seattle with his wife, Linda; whom he has served with for the last 26 years. His two adult sons Ben and Clayton live close by.

 “Life isn’t like a book. Life isn’t logical to sensible or orderly. Life is a mess most of the time. And theology must be lived in the midst of that mess.” -Chuck Colson, Loving God

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 

Most people spend the majority of their time running from event to event while trying to keep all the plates of life spinning. Deep inside, though, there is a longing to “Let your life speak,” as the old Quaker adage says. Another way to say that is “Be the change.” Instead of just talking about making a difference, followers of Jesus are empowered to make personal changes and be a part of God’s work in the world.

Join Pastor Monty for this new series where we will learn to live our lives in such a way that we make a positive impact for God everywhere we go.

God is the ultimate artist. Easter celebrates His craftsmanship as the final brushstroke of the redemption narrative. Jesus was crucified, but today He is risen. In God’s grand masterpiece we are free—free to experience beauty and free to experience life fully.

This Easter, you're invited to participate in the celebration of God’s artistry. Come discover how your life is part of His creative design.

This has been an amazing journey through the Revelation. John's vision is epistle, poetic, prophetic, and apocalyptic, revealing Jesus as the epicenter of all things and the conquering King who is coming back soon! - Pastor Monty