So, here I am, sitting in the Jacksonville airport, waiting for my flight to board, getting free internet. Could be worse, but getting home will be great.
I just finished two days with Brian McLaren. One thing that seemed to come up over and over again during these two days is how often Brian is attacked for what he thinks. And this is typically by folk who call themselves Christian. Maybe we need a new name? I find Brian's stuff to be interesting and certainly don't agree with everything he says, but don't think we should attack people who think differently than we do. That said, I have also been attacked because I publically support Brian. Nice company.
One thing Brian McLaren talked about was the idea of being church - being community of faith. Do we fall into the trap of "attending" church or are we actively being the church? We continue to talk about the 3 hour gathering (6-9pm on Saturdays) but do we really want to spend that much time with ROC folk? Here are some things Brian said about what it is to gather as community of faith:
Inconvenience – going to a place I didn’t choose at a time I didn’t choose for a purpose I do choose (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Association – Associating with some people I like and others I don’t like for a purpose I believe in (Rom 15:7) – spiritual malformation is only associating with those you like (James 2)
Speed – Altering my pace to see what I’ve missed and to feel a different rhythm. Speeding up … slowing down (Hebrews 3:15)
Hospitality – Using my presence and our space to help ‘the other’ to feel welcome in my presence, and in the presence of our community (I Corinthians 11:33, 14)
Generosity – Taking greater pleasure in being productive (fruitful) than consumptive (2 Corinthians 8:7) Giving as worship
Modeling – Exposing apprentices to masters in prayer, teaching, artistry, faithfulness, service, hospitality, etc. (gifts) (I Thessalonians 1:6)
What do you think???
D
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1 comment:
Some really great thoughts there. I am feeling pretty discouraged lately that these things could even be a reality. It seems the pull of our society to be selfish consumers is so prevalent that examples to the contrary are pretty rare, even in me. To challenge people to be inconvenienced, uncomfortable, selfless, commited and "others" focused is such a radical calling, it's not surprising that so much of what is done in Christ's name has caved to the easier road. Just get them "in" and they'll be fine. Some days it just seems too big a battle to fight. Yay, i'm a pick me up.
Jackie
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