LIFE: According to Jon

My name is Jon Morton and I am a youth pastor... And, yes that is part of my confession...it's also one of the biggest parts of who I am. It isn't something of which to be ashamed nor is it necessarily something that needs to be applauded when we've finally worked up the courage to admit it. Youth ministry does however come with certain stigmas. To some it is just a weed in the church to be removed, free babysitting, activities coordination to keep teenagers busy and out of trouble, and akin to "church lite". There are still many friends and family members that ask me when I'm going to become a "real pastor" or when we might take our own church. In short, they just don't get it. Partnering with parents and church leaders to disciple teenagers is an incredibly rewarding vocation and our family is blessed to play even a small role in God using students to accomplish great things for His Kingdom. But the funny thing is that I never wanted to ...

So, right from the outset, I should share that I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Hollywood's newest "biblical" epic. No doubt, it has been shrouded in controversy and you may be wondering which opinions can be trusted. Although certainly not infallible, I hope to bring you a balanced perspective that both honors the veracity of Scripture and therefore a biblical worldview but is also fair to the liberties afforded any good storytelling. What first captured my attention to this movie wasn't the marketing hype or a truly star-studded cast but the very subject matter and the questions surrounding it. Earlier this year, television personality Bill Nye "The Science Guy" debated creation apologist and author, Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis. Although the main point being discussed was creation in six literal days as a viable model for the origins of the universe, the idea of Noah's ark and the worldwide flood persisted. In general, Christians be...