The Real Chris Tiner

2008-10-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time being real at church. It has been a problem most of my life, and I think it is something that alot of us, if not most of us, struggle with. I act differently when I get there, the same way I acted differently when I got to High School. Not necessarily completely fake, I think we just have this thing where we want people at church to see "the best us." We dress in our nicest or trendiest clothes, we do our hair to perfection, and we behave in ways we probably wouldn't on an every day basis. This isn't sinful or anything, I just think once we start putting on the church act, we are less likely to be completely honest, less likely to be ourselves......less likely to be real. Maybe I shouldn't speak for everyone, so I'll just assume it's only me who has these issues.

It started for me when I was young. My dad was a Pastor, and as a Pastor's kid you learn real fast that people are looking at you all the time. Stories are told about you from the pulpit, everyone knows your name, and while sometimes the attention is nice - it is constant.

I was always outgoing and fun loving; always looked upon as the class clown. But it is a role that I felt almost an obligation to play after awhile. Everyone expected me to be goofy, funny, and maybe even a little immature. I was the one that made other people feel at ease by making a goof of myself so that they didn't have to. But, again, it became a habit, even a responsibility. Thus began my career as Chris the goof who everyone could count on for a laugh. But let me let you in on a little secret....I am not always like that. I am mad sometimes. I am sad sometimes. I am serious a lot of times. And sometimes I even try to be a little mature.........that is, until I go back to church. Then it's back to the same old goofy Chris. I am not sure why it has become such a habit, but I was the same way in school.

That's not to say that I am nothing like goofy Chris. I think my personality has a lot of him in it. But I don't think many people at my church have seen anything but goofy Chris. And that bothers me. I am much more complex, mature, and genuine than just goofy Chris. And I'm pretty smart too, but when I'm goofy Chris, I let on like I'm not. And I honestly don't know why.

Anyways, all of that to say, I am not as real as I possibly could be at church. I play a role. And I have a hunch that I am not the only one.

So what do we do about it?

Well, it has been a couple of years since I have started struggling with this, and my goal has been to be as honest and real as possible at church. It doesn't always happen and it isn't always easy. 27 years of habit are hard to break. But I began my mission by doing something that is the easiest and hardest thing on the planet to do. I told the truth. I got in front of my entire church and told them my deepest darkest secret and my worst sin. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think everybody needs to do that, but I sure did. It was the first step towards being completely real.

And since then I have been on a mission of truth. To be completely honest and real even when it is brutal and difficult. Because I think that is what God's Body needs. Truth. I think being honest about our sins (both past and present), our struggles, and also our victories would revolutionize the church into what it was intended to be. I don't think we can expect others to be honest, however, until we are first honest with them.

So I dare you to be as open and honest with people as you have ever been. And I guarantee people will be more honest and real back. I seriously couldn't believe how many people wanted to share their stories with me after I had shared mine with them. It really is amazing.

So, if you are carrying around some sort of baggage, or you feel like you play a role that's not really you....I promise, you are not alone. And if you don't feel comfortable yet in sharing that with just anyone, you now know that I am possibly the biggest dork on this planet so feel free to talk to me, I am always willing to listen and share and I guarantee I will be honest with you.

Please pray for me and my ability to be more like the man God has called me to be and not just to play the role that is so easy. And if you see me being just goofy Chris, tell me you expect more out of me.

Thanks.

I Believe

2008-09-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

I believe in the soul, true love, Titans football, loyalty, and good Mexican food with cholula all over it. I believe that in the end our opinion doesn't really matter because there is such thing as absolute truth. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter and that there should be a salary cap. I believe in stay at home dads, full-time youth ministry, and legitimately loving your children more than yourself. I believe that Marionberry Pie Tillamook ice cream is the best ice cream you will ever eat. I believe in supporting the President no matter who it is. I believe in Texas football. I believe in Vince Young. I believe in comfort food. I believe in absolute forgiveness. I believe I need it. I believe sports are good for the heart. I believe in life after death, unconditional grace, and a love that neither you nor I can understand. I believe in religious freedom, anti-racism, and seeing the best in people. I believe that Batman could really exist. I believe that believing in something bigger than yourself makes you a stronger person. I believe in my Pastor. I believe in family, marriages that last a lifetime-no matter what-, and opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve. I believe my autistic son will one day be smarter than me. I believe Los Betos makes the best authentic Mexican food in Nampa. I believe in my wife as the best wife, mother, singer, school teacher, kisser, friend, and eater I have ever known. I believe I am the most blessed person on this planet.

I am Tiner Woods

The Real Chris Tiner

I Believe