Christmas.
The birth of Christ.
God come down to earth.
As we talk about this whole concept of the Middle Road – isn’t Jesus’ birth just the entire representation of what the Middle Road is all about? God saw that we were struggling in our sins and death and chains. He saw that we all alone trying to figure out how to walk on this road by ourselves. And He came.
He came.
He became a human to hang out with us on the road. He met us. He came to us. He even goes beyond the Middle Road because he did WAY more than just meet us halfway. God came all the way down to earth to become one of us. God came.
He came.
He came to help us walk on this road of life. He came to interact with us. He sacrificed his lofty position to associate with us in our lowly states. God provides us with the perfect example of how to live a life of the Middle Road. We should all show the same love and attitude in our relationships that God showed by coming to earth.
He came.
He came.
I still can’t believe it. He came.
And He walks upon the Middle Road with us.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Emmanuel: God With Us...God Still Coming
Emmanuel.
God with us.
My favorite Christmas song of all-time is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". I absolutely love the song. Even more than the rhythym of the song and the E-minor chords - I love the words. There is a beautiful message behind the words that paints a deeper picture of God as Emmanuel.
"O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel...
...
Rejoice, rejoice,Emmanuel
will come for thee,O, Israel..."
Emmanuel means 'God with us', but this song talks about Emmanuel still coming, as well. It highlights the intracacies of a God who is with us and still coming to be with us. It portrays a Savior who is both already with us and who is still coming for us. A God who is with us yet still coming - Emmanuel.
But why would this be a good thing? How does this even make sense?There is a certain hope that resides with God, a hope that causes rejoicing. Even right now in 2008, God is with us. Yet He is still coming, as well. We rejoice in His constant presence in our lives now, and we rejoice that He is still coming one day to take us with Him. There is a constant comfort in His daily presence and a perpetual hope for His eventual return.
When Christ came to us on that blessed Christmas morning, things did not end there. God was with us, but God was still coming, too. Thus, we can sing just like the Israelites "O come, O come, Emmanuel...". We can ask God to come even though He is the God who is 'with us'. He is always on the move, and He is always where He needs to be.
I know it might not all make sense. But I know that we serve a wonderfully beautiful and mysterious God - a God who is both creative and practical. A God who hears our prayers. A God who comes. A God who is here. A God who is still coming.
Emmanuel - God with us. Emmanuel - God still coming.
Rejoice.
God with us.
My favorite Christmas song of all-time is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". I absolutely love the song. Even more than the rhythym of the song and the E-minor chords - I love the words. There is a beautiful message behind the words that paints a deeper picture of God as Emmanuel.
"O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel...
...
Rejoice, rejoice,Emmanuel
will come for thee,O, Israel..."
Emmanuel means 'God with us', but this song talks about Emmanuel still coming, as well. It highlights the intracacies of a God who is with us and still coming to be with us. It portrays a Savior who is both already with us and who is still coming for us. A God who is with us yet still coming - Emmanuel.
But why would this be a good thing? How does this even make sense?There is a certain hope that resides with God, a hope that causes rejoicing. Even right now in 2008, God is with us. Yet He is still coming, as well. We rejoice in His constant presence in our lives now, and we rejoice that He is still coming one day to take us with Him. There is a constant comfort in His daily presence and a perpetual hope for His eventual return.
When Christ came to us on that blessed Christmas morning, things did not end there. God was with us, but God was still coming, too. Thus, we can sing just like the Israelites "O come, O come, Emmanuel...". We can ask God to come even though He is the God who is 'with us'. He is always on the move, and He is always where He needs to be.
I know it might not all make sense. But I know that we serve a wonderfully beautiful and mysterious God - a God who is both creative and practical. A God who hears our prayers. A God who comes. A God who is here. A God who is still coming.
Emmanuel - God with us. Emmanuel - God still coming.
Rejoice.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Response to Treasure Valley Christian Newspaper
Recently, I had an email conversation with the editor of the Treasure Valley Christian Newspaper. The editor put a response to some of the things that I wrote in the newspaper last time. I just became aware of this, and I wanted to post a response. So I am going to post this response on the blog and send it to the editor as well (wow, that was way too much background info). Anyways, I think that this is a great example of The Middle Road.
"Hello,
The final statement that you made in your response was really disappointing, to be honest. You stated that 'the Emergent Church is too 'new agey' for me, I'll stick with the basica good old Bible believing church with wonderful hymns, altar calls, and all'.
This final statement, your whole response, and the majority of the response from church leaders insinuates that the Emergent Church is not Bible believing. This is an extremely unfair statement and deduction. You cannot blanket a movement that is not fully formed underneath one banner. On top of that you really cannot blanket a movement with something that is not true. I still cannot believe that you would disrespect another segment of the church so much as to not even give it the chance to reach its potential. Your response is similar to the response of an unfortunate amount of the Church in general, and it is unfair to the Emergent Church for you to slander its reputation by misleading people into thinking that they don't believe in the Bible.
But really, the worst part for me is that you do not value the Church in general enough to give the Emergent Church even a fair shot. It is not like a "porcupine" (ridiculous analogy that really doesn't make reasoned sense, by the way). The Emergent Church is like a teenager. It might not be the most perfect thing right now, but you don't just give up on it. You nurture it. You help it along. You aid it until it achieves its potential. The Emergent Church is not a porcupine that should be avoided, but it is like a teenager that has potential but needs people to help it along.
And it disappoints me (and many others) that you and other Church leaders are giving up on the Emergent Church. Why can't we find the Middle Road that we can all walk on together? Why do we have to be against each other? The Emergent Church is something that can help this next generation to connect with Christ. It already is helping younger people find Christ.
The Emergent Church is not perfect, but it is a tool that can be used to connect a generation with God. How effective of a tool can it be? This depends on the encouragement that it receives from leaders like yourself. And that is why I am really disappointed with your response to me and to the Emergent Church.
And I hope that you will view the Emergent Church as more of a teenager that needs your guidance rather than a 'porcupine' that needs your avoidance.
Thanks."
"Hello,
The final statement that you made in your response was really disappointing, to be honest. You stated that 'the Emergent Church is too 'new agey' for me, I'll stick with the basica good old Bible believing church with wonderful hymns, altar calls, and all'.
This final statement, your whole response, and the majority of the response from church leaders insinuates that the Emergent Church is not Bible believing. This is an extremely unfair statement and deduction. You cannot blanket a movement that is not fully formed underneath one banner. On top of that you really cannot blanket a movement with something that is not true. I still cannot believe that you would disrespect another segment of the church so much as to not even give it the chance to reach its potential. Your response is similar to the response of an unfortunate amount of the Church in general, and it is unfair to the Emergent Church for you to slander its reputation by misleading people into thinking that they don't believe in the Bible.
But really, the worst part for me is that you do not value the Church in general enough to give the Emergent Church even a fair shot. It is not like a "porcupine" (ridiculous analogy that really doesn't make reasoned sense, by the way). The Emergent Church is like a teenager. It might not be the most perfect thing right now, but you don't just give up on it. You nurture it. You help it along. You aid it until it achieves its potential. The Emergent Church is not a porcupine that should be avoided, but it is like a teenager that has potential but needs people to help it along.
And it disappoints me (and many others) that you and other Church leaders are giving up on the Emergent Church. Why can't we find the Middle Road that we can all walk on together? Why do we have to be against each other? The Emergent Church is something that can help this next generation to connect with Christ. It already is helping younger people find Christ.
The Emergent Church is not perfect, but it is a tool that can be used to connect a generation with God. How effective of a tool can it be? This depends on the encouragement that it receives from leaders like yourself. And that is why I am really disappointed with your response to me and to the Emergent Church.
And I hope that you will view the Emergent Church as more of a teenager that needs your guidance rather than a 'porcupine' that needs your avoidance.
Thanks."
Friday, October 3, 2008
Liberals vs. Conservatives: The Middle Road
With all of the political things that are going on right now in America, the differences between liberals and conservatives have been highlighted throughout these election processes. But even amidst all of our differences, there is still a Middle Road that we can walk on together in order to bring about the greatest success for Christianity and for people's well-being.
Liberals and conservatives have fundamental differences in their concepts, but they also have commonalities in their ideology. They both care deeply about the middle class. They both want those living in poverty to have opportunity, prosperity, and success. They both are passionate about this country and its future success and sustainability. Granted, liberals and conservatives go about doing these things in different ways, but we can definitely capitalize on any of the things that we would have in common with each other.
Liberals and conservatives need to find the Middle Road with these things. They need to connect on the things that they have in common in order for us to be able to get things done and help people. They need to walk together on the things that they can walk together on. They need to connect on the things that they can connect with.
There is a Middle Road for liberals and conservatives - and we have to learn how to walk on it together if we are going to help the people around us.
Liberals and conservatives have fundamental differences in their concepts, but they also have commonalities in their ideology. They both care deeply about the middle class. They both want those living in poverty to have opportunity, prosperity, and success. They both are passionate about this country and its future success and sustainability. Granted, liberals and conservatives go about doing these things in different ways, but we can definitely capitalize on any of the things that we would have in common with each other.
Liberals and conservatives need to find the Middle Road with these things. They need to connect on the things that they have in common in order for us to be able to get things done and help people. They need to walk together on the things that they can walk together on. They need to connect on the things that they can connect with.
There is a Middle Road for liberals and conservatives - and we have to learn how to walk on it together if we are going to help the people around us.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
AirOne Situation: Perfect Description of How We Do NOT Want To Do Christianity
AirOne is a Christian radio station out of California. I was driving around recently when I heard this commercial/promotion that they had. Here is basically what it was. A lady had called in to AirOne and told a little story. She said that she works at an office with a bunch of unruly co-workers. These co-workers are not Christians, and sometimes their conversations can get pretty rough. She said that whenever her co-workers were doing this, she found AirOne online to be a great blessing and escape from these people. She would sit at her desk while they were talking all around her and put on her headphones and just listen to the Christian music of AirOne on her computer. After relating this story to the people at AirOne, the head announcer stated "This is exactly what we want AirOne to be for people".
Are you serious? Ridiculous. That is not what Christianity should be all about. I mean, it might be what it is all about right now - but that is not what it should be about.
The image that this story provides is something that Christ never intended for his people. Can you just see it? The woman is sitting at her cubicle with her headphones on with a look of perfect contentedness and oblivion on her face - like she has just saved herself from this horrible situation of conversing with her co-workers. While the entire time, her co-workers just are looking for a friend to talk to and some help and hope for their lives. That picture of Christianity is a picture that we see all too often. Too many times we escape into our own little Christian worlds filled with Christian music, Christian t-shirts, Christian friends, Christian churches, and Christian everything else. Too many times we live our lifes with our Christian 'headphones' on so that we can distance ourselves from the world.
But these headphones make us into solitary and un-relevant people. There is a world out there that needs us. There are people out there who are seeking help, hope, and friends. There are co-workers, classmates, and family members who - even though their speech and actions might be rough - need to find connections and need to find Christ. We cannot go through life with headphones on. It is a selfish move to live your life with headphones on - oblivious to the needs and lives of people around you.
And it is even worse that Christian leaders are encouraging these behaviors! I am so disappointed that AirOne believes their radio station exists so that Christians can escape the world to live solitary, Christian-specific lives. I mean, for real? Your radio station exists so that Christians can listen to your music instead of getting out there and interacting with real people's lives? You are missing the point. Mr. Leader and Ms. Leader over at AirOne - you are incredibly missing the point of what Christianity should be and needs to be. You are discouraging Christian love and connection for a lost world rather than encouraging it.
Christianity should not be lived in a box. It should not be lived with headphones on. It should not be our goal to constantly escape and hide from the world around us. True Christianity is full of love, connection, interaction, help, and hope. Granted, we should not be a part of the world: sin, greed, selfishness, lust, hate, etc. But we have to be a part of the lives of the people in this world. We have to put down our headphones and get out of our Christian worlds and bubbles in order to get our hands dirty with the lives of those around us. Christianity should be all about love.
And love doesn't hide. It doesn't escape.
Nope.
It helps. It connects.
Are you serious? Ridiculous. That is not what Christianity should be all about. I mean, it might be what it is all about right now - but that is not what it should be about.
The image that this story provides is something that Christ never intended for his people. Can you just see it? The woman is sitting at her cubicle with her headphones on with a look of perfect contentedness and oblivion on her face - like she has just saved herself from this horrible situation of conversing with her co-workers. While the entire time, her co-workers just are looking for a friend to talk to and some help and hope for their lives. That picture of Christianity is a picture that we see all too often. Too many times we escape into our own little Christian worlds filled with Christian music, Christian t-shirts, Christian friends, Christian churches, and Christian everything else. Too many times we live our lifes with our Christian 'headphones' on so that we can distance ourselves from the world.
But these headphones make us into solitary and un-relevant people. There is a world out there that needs us. There are people out there who are seeking help, hope, and friends. There are co-workers, classmates, and family members who - even though their speech and actions might be rough - need to find connections and need to find Christ. We cannot go through life with headphones on. It is a selfish move to live your life with headphones on - oblivious to the needs and lives of people around you.
And it is even worse that Christian leaders are encouraging these behaviors! I am so disappointed that AirOne believes their radio station exists so that Christians can escape the world to live solitary, Christian-specific lives. I mean, for real? Your radio station exists so that Christians can listen to your music instead of getting out there and interacting with real people's lives? You are missing the point. Mr. Leader and Ms. Leader over at AirOne - you are incredibly missing the point of what Christianity should be and needs to be. You are discouraging Christian love and connection for a lost world rather than encouraging it.
Christianity should not be lived in a box. It should not be lived with headphones on. It should not be our goal to constantly escape and hide from the world around us. True Christianity is full of love, connection, interaction, help, and hope. Granted, we should not be a part of the world: sin, greed, selfishness, lust, hate, etc. But we have to be a part of the lives of the people in this world. We have to put down our headphones and get out of our Christian worlds and bubbles in order to get our hands dirty with the lives of those around us. Christianity should be all about love.
And love doesn't hide. It doesn't escape.
Nope.
It helps. It connects.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Middle Road: Concept and Heart
I thought it was important just to highlight what the concept and heart for the Middle Road is again. It just seems that so many things have two sides. And these two sides are so far apart from each other. Yet for the most part these two sides always have things in common, as well.
This is where we need to start. This is where we need to focus.
But we shouldn't compromise. The Middle Road is not meant to be a compromise of the things that we believe in. It is not meant to be an idealistic image that is never going to be possible. It is not meant to be a utopia of innocence and naivety. It is not and should not be those things.
But the Middle Road is a concept and a heart.
The concept is that there are things that combine us. There are goals that we all share. There are missions and visions that bring us together rather than tear us apart. Therefore, we need to shift our focus from the things that divide us to the things that combine us - combine our efforts, our strategies, our strengths.
The heart is that we need to walk on the Middle Road together because for the sake of the people that we serve. We need to have a heart for others; therefore, we need to all come together on the Middle Road. We need to build each other up so that we can work better together - so that we can be more effective in our causes. It is all about effectiveness, development, and success. The whole heart of the Middle Road is focused on coming together so that we can serve others better. The heart is for them.
So this is The Middle Road.
And it is here for you to tread.
It is here for all of us to walk.
Together.
This is where we need to start. This is where we need to focus.
But we shouldn't compromise. The Middle Road is not meant to be a compromise of the things that we believe in. It is not meant to be an idealistic image that is never going to be possible. It is not meant to be a utopia of innocence and naivety. It is not and should not be those things.
But the Middle Road is a concept and a heart.
The concept is that there are things that combine us. There are goals that we all share. There are missions and visions that bring us together rather than tear us apart. Therefore, we need to shift our focus from the things that divide us to the things that combine us - combine our efforts, our strategies, our strengths.
The heart is that we need to walk on the Middle Road together because for the sake of the people that we serve. We need to have a heart for others; therefore, we need to all come together on the Middle Road. We need to build each other up so that we can work better together - so that we can be more effective in our causes. It is all about effectiveness, development, and success. The whole heart of the Middle Road is focused on coming together so that we can serve others better. The heart is for them.
So this is The Middle Road.
And it is here for you to tread.
It is here for all of us to walk.
Together.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
"The Shack" - Good or Bad? We Should Not Be The Judge...
Has anyone ever read the book called "The Shack"? It is a very popular book that presents a different - very different for some people - view of God and His relationship with people. I will not give a summary of the book or spoil the ending or anything, but if you have read it then you know what I am talking about. And if you have not read it, then I hope that you do. At the very least, it is an interesting read.
But here is the problem that we run into when things like this come out. These are the things that are on the edge - the things that are slightly controversial but extremely helpful. There are two groups that people fall into when these books or videos or music comes out: the group that immediately denounces these things because they do not agree with strict Christian theology and the group that gets something out of these books that helps their lives. But we do not need to form these two opposing groups. We do not need to have controversies and arguments and meaningless debates with two sides who will never change their positions. We don't need to have rebels, and we don't need to have theological dictators.
What we need to have is a Middle Road - a place where we can all walk together.
Recently, I have been researching what the Christian media has been saying about The Shack because of a discussion that I have been having with the editor of Treasure Valley Christian News. But this discussion and mild research has brought to light a disturbing phenomenon. It is something that we need to stop doing because it is getting us nowhere.
These controversial books and resources are something that certain Christian leaders and media members like to prey upon. It seems like anything - anything - that is inconsistent with theology and Scriptures is immediately deemed heresy and red stamped with a "DO NOT READ" sticker. It almost seems like these leaders use a metal detector to find things that could potentially somehow cause people to go astray - while completely ignoring any benefits that the books can have, as well. In the case of The Shack, the book is a fiction book. It is not meant to be a systematic theology or a Bible study. It is simply a fiction book that wants to try to tell a story that can help people connect better with the Lord.
And that is exactly what it does. Despite any of its alleged or real faults, the book does a great job of helping people get closer to Christ. Maybe proponents of the book are too defensive and are furthering the argument - but that is beside the point. It is undeniable that The Shack has helped people get one step (or many steps) closer to God. Basically, The Shack is an interesting fiction book that has uniquely helped people get closer to God.
We have to quit arguing. We have to quit putting things down because they are minutely off-base - so minutely that no one would ever notice if leaders and media members had not negatively identified them. While theology and Scripture are definitely important to our faith, its defense needs to be tempered with reason and experience. The Shack is a good book that can help people get closer to the Lord - plus it does not hurt to be reminded of our Scriptural and theological foundation.
Our in-house fights and controversies are getting us nowhere. But if we figure out how to walk on the Middle Road together - well, that will take us somewhere.
But here is the problem that we run into when things like this come out. These are the things that are on the edge - the things that are slightly controversial but extremely helpful. There are two groups that people fall into when these books or videos or music comes out: the group that immediately denounces these things because they do not agree with strict Christian theology and the group that gets something out of these books that helps their lives. But we do not need to form these two opposing groups. We do not need to have controversies and arguments and meaningless debates with two sides who will never change their positions. We don't need to have rebels, and we don't need to have theological dictators.
What we need to have is a Middle Road - a place where we can all walk together.
Recently, I have been researching what the Christian media has been saying about The Shack because of a discussion that I have been having with the editor of Treasure Valley Christian News. But this discussion and mild research has brought to light a disturbing phenomenon. It is something that we need to stop doing because it is getting us nowhere.
These controversial books and resources are something that certain Christian leaders and media members like to prey upon. It seems like anything - anything - that is inconsistent with theology and Scriptures is immediately deemed heresy and red stamped with a "DO NOT READ" sticker. It almost seems like these leaders use a metal detector to find things that could potentially somehow cause people to go astray - while completely ignoring any benefits that the books can have, as well. In the case of The Shack, the book is a fiction book. It is not meant to be a systematic theology or a Bible study. It is simply a fiction book that wants to try to tell a story that can help people connect better with the Lord.
And that is exactly what it does. Despite any of its alleged or real faults, the book does a great job of helping people get closer to Christ. Maybe proponents of the book are too defensive and are furthering the argument - but that is beside the point. It is undeniable that The Shack has helped people get one step (or many steps) closer to God. Basically, The Shack is an interesting fiction book that has uniquely helped people get closer to God.
We have to quit arguing. We have to quit putting things down because they are minutely off-base - so minutely that no one would ever notice if leaders and media members had not negatively identified them. While theology and Scripture are definitely important to our faith, its defense needs to be tempered with reason and experience. The Shack is a good book that can help people get closer to the Lord - plus it does not hurt to be reminded of our Scriptural and theological foundation.
Our in-house fights and controversies are getting us nowhere. But if we figure out how to walk on the Middle Road together - well, that will take us somewhere.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Two Commercials About The Middle Road
Sometimes in life we can be doing something completely unrelated to anything - and yet we will see a clear picture of God and what God is doing in this world. I had a recent experience where I saw two really clear pictures of The Middle Road lived out in a commercial. It was unexpected, but it was great.
The first commercial was that VISA Commercial that shows everything running smoothly with something - a cafeteria or a greenhouse. The reason why everything is running so smoothly is because the people are all using debit cards. But then when one person pulls out a check to pay for their puchases, everything stops. After the person is done paying for their stuff, then everything starts flowing again as normal. It is a great commercial that shows how things flow and run and go smooth with the use of certain things, but then something old can disrupt that. But even though there is something that disrupts it, it still works.
The second commercial is that Heineken commercial where everyone shares their drinks with people. This commercial has an excellent message and a really beautiful concept. The commercial starts out with one person sharing his drink with another. Then that person takes the drink and gives it to somebody else. This continues on through about eight different people. But the beauty of it lies in the actual people. The commercial shows people of all different backgrounds and types sharing with each other. There is a ballerina, a Hispanic cowboy, a huge hair logger, an Indian woman, and many others. All of these people connect with each other despite their many differences. The commercial shows how this one thing connects these people that probably do not have anything else in common. These diverse individuals 'share the good' with each other and connect despite their differences.
These commercials truly show the Middle Road lived out in daily life. The Middle Road is all about putting aside differences. It is about learning how to do things in a new way. The Middle Road focuses on how we can all come together. Just like the Heinekin commercial, the Middle Road seeks to focus on the things that we have in common, not the things that make us different. The Middle Road is all about finding new ways to do things that will connect us to people - community, care, and love to a world that needs it.
These two commercials are good representations of what The Middle Road looks like.
The first commercial was that VISA Commercial that shows everything running smoothly with something - a cafeteria or a greenhouse. The reason why everything is running so smoothly is because the people are all using debit cards. But then when one person pulls out a check to pay for their puchases, everything stops. After the person is done paying for their stuff, then everything starts flowing again as normal. It is a great commercial that shows how things flow and run and go smooth with the use of certain things, but then something old can disrupt that. But even though there is something that disrupts it, it still works.
The second commercial is that Heineken commercial where everyone shares their drinks with people. This commercial has an excellent message and a really beautiful concept. The commercial starts out with one person sharing his drink with another. Then that person takes the drink and gives it to somebody else. This continues on through about eight different people. But the beauty of it lies in the actual people. The commercial shows people of all different backgrounds and types sharing with each other. There is a ballerina, a Hispanic cowboy, a huge hair logger, an Indian woman, and many others. All of these people connect with each other despite their many differences. The commercial shows how this one thing connects these people that probably do not have anything else in common. These diverse individuals 'share the good' with each other and connect despite their differences.
These commercials truly show the Middle Road lived out in daily life. The Middle Road is all about putting aside differences. It is about learning how to do things in a new way. The Middle Road focuses on how we can all come together. Just like the Heinekin commercial, the Middle Road seeks to focus on the things that we have in common, not the things that make us different. The Middle Road is all about finding new ways to do things that will connect us to people - community, care, and love to a world that needs it.
These two commercials are good representations of what The Middle Road looks like.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Eye Doctor and the Emergent Church
Have you ever been to the eye doctor when they do that one test where you have to say which one of the things looks better? Like they bring that machine over to your eyes and the eye doctor is like "Okay, which one is clearer - one or two?" and then he shows you two different things that are really similar but there is just a little bit of a difference? Do you know what I am talking about? I think for me it was usually like a row of letters, and he would show me one and then the other and they both would be pretty good, but then he would say "Which one is better - one or two?"
Have you ever experienced that?
It is actually a really interesting situation. It is interesting because both of the things usually work. It's not like one is completely blurry where you can't read it at all and the other is just crystal clear. But one is simply slightly better than the other. They both could totally work. But in your view, one is just better.
I think that this is one of the concepts of the Emergent Church. Many people are confused and probably a little scared about this controversial new topic of the Emergent Church. But the Emergent Church is not saying that we need to just completely get rid of the church like it is now or the church like it has been in the past. Not at all.
The Emergent Church is trying to focus on ways that we can better reach out to This Generation - a younger generation of people that have grown up in a different world full of technology, internet, communication, and many other things. Life for people in the younger generation is much different than life for Baby Boomers or even Generation X. The Emergent Church is trying to find relevant ways to minister the same message through different means to this generation and others alike.
So it is kind of like the eye doctor thing. The Emergent Church is not saying that traditional churches are wrong or blurry. Again, not at all. Just like the eye doctor - they both totally work. But one is just a little bit better in the person's view.
The Emergent Church is trying to reach out to a generation that sees life and church a little differently. They are trying to change the means of our ministry just a little bit so that it is clearer to This Generation. Their concept is to provide a church and a community that is just a little bit better, a little bit clearer.
Hopefully, if we diversify our style of church a little bit, then we can find a middle road that will allow us to minister to people by asking the same question as the eye doctor:
"Which one is better - one or two?"
That's the concept of the Emergent Church.
Have you ever experienced that?
It is actually a really interesting situation. It is interesting because both of the things usually work. It's not like one is completely blurry where you can't read it at all and the other is just crystal clear. But one is simply slightly better than the other. They both could totally work. But in your view, one is just better.
I think that this is one of the concepts of the Emergent Church. Many people are confused and probably a little scared about this controversial new topic of the Emergent Church. But the Emergent Church is not saying that we need to just completely get rid of the church like it is now or the church like it has been in the past. Not at all.
The Emergent Church is trying to focus on ways that we can better reach out to This Generation - a younger generation of people that have grown up in a different world full of technology, internet, communication, and many other things. Life for people in the younger generation is much different than life for Baby Boomers or even Generation X. The Emergent Church is trying to find relevant ways to minister the same message through different means to this generation and others alike.
So it is kind of like the eye doctor thing. The Emergent Church is not saying that traditional churches are wrong or blurry. Again, not at all. Just like the eye doctor - they both totally work. But one is just a little bit better in the person's view.
The Emergent Church is trying to reach out to a generation that sees life and church a little differently. They are trying to change the means of our ministry just a little bit so that it is clearer to This Generation. Their concept is to provide a church and a community that is just a little bit better, a little bit clearer.
Hopefully, if we diversify our style of church a little bit, then we can find a middle road that will allow us to minister to people by asking the same question as the eye doctor:
"Which one is better - one or two?"
That's the concept of the Emergent Church.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Witnessing: Means to an End?
Witnessing is one of the pillars of Christianity. The ability to share the Gospel with others is key for furthering the Church. We all have a responsibility and privilege to share our faith with others through word and deed. But what should our attitude with this witnessing actually be?
But this has becoming a point of contention for many people recently. One camp would argue that we need to witness so that people can go to heaven. Another camp would argue that we need to share our faith out of simple love for others. One thought would be attributed to the traditional church of years past, and the other thought would be attributed to the emergent church of today. Yet there is a middle road where both of these thoughts can come together to form a great foundation for witnessing.
The emergent church views witnessing not as a means to an end - but as an end unto its own. Witnessing should be done out of love, and it should done with no strings attached. We should share our faith with others because it is an extension of ourselves - not because it is an obligation to get someone else into heaven. Also, our basis for friendships should not be to get someone out of hell. We should befriend people because we love them and we want to experience community with them. Our witnessing and sharing of our faith should be done with no strings attached, out of an extension of who we are, with the sole purpose of love and nothing else.
Yet the traditional approach to witnessing takes a different approach. Older generations focus their witnessing upon the certainties of life after death. People share their faith with others because they want them to gain salvation and find a relationship with the Lord. They have such a heart for others that they do not want them to go to hell. People share their faith with others because the Bible encouarges us to do that in the Great Commission and in other places. Witnessing is a means to an end: hoping that those who hear the Word can accept the Lord and go to heaven. These witnessing actions are done out of love and because of the gravity of the situation of life after death.
These two thoughts seem to be far apart, but there is a Middle Road that can put these thoughts onto the same page. There are pro's and con's to basically everything, but combining these thoughts can reveal a better way.
Witnessing is a vital part of a Christian's life. And it is something that is eternally important. We should take seriously our responsibility to share our faith in order for others to find Jesus and ultimately heaven. We should be intentional and disciplined with this because of its eternal importance. And yet, we should be careful not to intentionally witness without love - a love that has no strings attached. When people share their faith, it needs to be an extension of themselves and not a begrudged chore. Essentially, witnessing is both a means to an end and an end: it is a means and an end.
Instead of arguing about ways to witness and how to witness and things like that, we should simply learn from each other in order to witness to the best of our collective ability. We need to find this Middle Road where we can all walk and learn from each other in order that we can share our faith to bring others in relationship with Christ and into the joy of heaven. Witnessing is so important that we need to intentionally be dedicated to it; but we need to be dedicated to it in love, as an extension of ourselves, and in relation with others.
We need to walk on this Middle Road together.
But this has becoming a point of contention for many people recently. One camp would argue that we need to witness so that people can go to heaven. Another camp would argue that we need to share our faith out of simple love for others. One thought would be attributed to the traditional church of years past, and the other thought would be attributed to the emergent church of today. Yet there is a middle road where both of these thoughts can come together to form a great foundation for witnessing.
The emergent church views witnessing not as a means to an end - but as an end unto its own. Witnessing should be done out of love, and it should done with no strings attached. We should share our faith with others because it is an extension of ourselves - not because it is an obligation to get someone else into heaven. Also, our basis for friendships should not be to get someone out of hell. We should befriend people because we love them and we want to experience community with them. Our witnessing and sharing of our faith should be done with no strings attached, out of an extension of who we are, with the sole purpose of love and nothing else.
Yet the traditional approach to witnessing takes a different approach. Older generations focus their witnessing upon the certainties of life after death. People share their faith with others because they want them to gain salvation and find a relationship with the Lord. They have such a heart for others that they do not want them to go to hell. People share their faith with others because the Bible encouarges us to do that in the Great Commission and in other places. Witnessing is a means to an end: hoping that those who hear the Word can accept the Lord and go to heaven. These witnessing actions are done out of love and because of the gravity of the situation of life after death.
These two thoughts seem to be far apart, but there is a Middle Road that can put these thoughts onto the same page. There are pro's and con's to basically everything, but combining these thoughts can reveal a better way.
Witnessing is a vital part of a Christian's life. And it is something that is eternally important. We should take seriously our responsibility to share our faith in order for others to find Jesus and ultimately heaven. We should be intentional and disciplined with this because of its eternal importance. And yet, we should be careful not to intentionally witness without love - a love that has no strings attached. When people share their faith, it needs to be an extension of themselves and not a begrudged chore. Essentially, witnessing is both a means to an end and an end: it is a means and an end.
Instead of arguing about ways to witness and how to witness and things like that, we should simply learn from each other in order to witness to the best of our collective ability. We need to find this Middle Road where we can all walk and learn from each other in order that we can share our faith to bring others in relationship with Christ and into the joy of heaven. Witnessing is so important that we need to intentionally be dedicated to it; but we need to be dedicated to it in love, as an extension of ourselves, and in relation with others.
We need to walk on this Middle Road together.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Middle Road Even When Opinions Differ
Recently there was a unique situation that is unfortunately not as unique and rare as it should be. This situation dealt with the people from a local conference called “Shake the Nation” and protesters from local human rights groups. These two groups were arguing about some political and Christian issues. Local press covered the protests and spoke with people from both sides. In all, it was a regular protest scene in a place that is definitely not used to having protests. But it should have been a situation where we can all walk on a Middle Road.
The Christians from the conference held fast to their position and did not relent one bit. They believed that homosexuals are evil, gay marriage is evil, schools should have prayer, and many other stances on Christian-political topics. They were resolute and stubborn on their positions – stubborn to the point that they seemed arrogant and prideful. They were going to do whatever they had to – including upset every person in America – in order to get their way…and subsequently help the people that they just upset. They want to have specific Christian beliefs in politics and policy so that they can unite the very people that they are currently separating!
There needs to be a Middle Road in these types of situations. Sometimes Christians need to set aside their agendas in order to love people and have community with people. It seemed like the Christians at this conference were enjoying the contention and the dissension. That is a horrible attitude, and it had a terrible impact on the reputation of Christians in Idaho.
We have to focus on finding a Middle Road in ways to share our opinions and beliefs.
We have done a pretty poor job so far, and we need to do better.
We need to do better because we can do better.
There is a Middle Road.
The Christians from the conference held fast to their position and did not relent one bit. They believed that homosexuals are evil, gay marriage is evil, schools should have prayer, and many other stances on Christian-political topics. They were resolute and stubborn on their positions – stubborn to the point that they seemed arrogant and prideful. They were going to do whatever they had to – including upset every person in America – in order to get their way…and subsequently help the people that they just upset. They want to have specific Christian beliefs in politics and policy so that they can unite the very people that they are currently separating!
There needs to be a Middle Road in these types of situations. Sometimes Christians need to set aside their agendas in order to love people and have community with people. It seemed like the Christians at this conference were enjoying the contention and the dissension. That is a horrible attitude, and it had a terrible impact on the reputation of Christians in Idaho.
We have to focus on finding a Middle Road in ways to share our opinions and beliefs.
We have done a pretty poor job so far, and we need to do better.
We need to do better because we can do better.
There is a Middle Road.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Questions about Jesus
Here are just two questions to think about. They are some things that we always say, and we all know what they mean. But how do they work? That is what we should look at. And, please, save your heresy comments until the end.
What does it mean when people say "Jesus loves you".
- He does not physically touch you to give you a hug or a kiss.
- He does not sit next to you to give you comfort.
- He does not audibly talk to you.
- He does not write you notes, emails, texts or anything.
So what does it actually mean? How does Jesus actually love people? How can people feel loved by Jesus? Again, it might sound like heresy or something, but it is important to think about. It is important to know. This generation wants a tangible and relevant God who impacts their life - not a well-worn one liner.
What does it mean when people say "Jesus will be with you".
- He does not physically be there with you.
- He does not audibly talk to you.
- He does not make Himself visible.
So what does it actually mean? Since we cannot see Him or hear Him - how can Jesus be there with people? This generation does not want another copout statement. We want to connect with a real and genuine Jesus.
Again, it is important for us to think about these questions.
But it is equally important for us to allow the questions. We cannot be afraid of these questions. We cannot be uncomfortable with these questions. We need to find the middle ground on these questions and how we do that is this: we find our middle ground through the answers. Questions always lead to answers.
What does it mean when people say "Jesus loves you".
- He does not physically touch you to give you a hug or a kiss.
- He does not sit next to you to give you comfort.
- He does not audibly talk to you.
- He does not write you notes, emails, texts or anything.
So what does it actually mean? How does Jesus actually love people? How can people feel loved by Jesus? Again, it might sound like heresy or something, but it is important to think about. It is important to know. This generation wants a tangible and relevant God who impacts their life - not a well-worn one liner.
What does it mean when people say "Jesus will be with you".
- He does not physically be there with you.
- He does not audibly talk to you.
- He does not make Himself visible.
So what does it actually mean? Since we cannot see Him or hear Him - how can Jesus be there with people? This generation does not want another copout statement. We want to connect with a real and genuine Jesus.
Again, it is important for us to think about these questions.
But it is equally important for us to allow the questions. We cannot be afraid of these questions. We cannot be uncomfortable with these questions. We need to find the middle ground on these questions and how we do that is this: we find our middle ground through the answers. Questions always lead to answers.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Misunderstandings and the Middle Road
Lately, there seems to be some contention between two different camps: the emergent church and the traditional church. (Note, I just use these terms for lack of a better name. I think we know what I am referring to when I use these terms even if they are not exactly correct.) This contention is not necessarily veiled, but it has been openly voiced by many different people and groups. Yet I believe that this contention is not due to inconsistencies with Scripture, open heresy, or unwise interpretations. Many of the arguments between the traditional church and the emergent church are simply because of misunderstandings.
And if we make an effort to better understand each other – I know we can find a middle road to walk on together.
Here is one example.
Rob Bell presents a different view of the story of Jesus walking on water than most traditional teachers and pastors. It is a more personal view that looks more in depth at what Jesus was trying to say specifically to Peter. Bell tries to make this story very applicable to real life and to issues that we struggle with spiritually, emotionally, and mentally everyday.
But David Brickner the Executive Director for Jews for Jesus discourages Rob Bell’s interpretation of this Scripture passage. He believes that Bell’s teaching is harmful and off-centered. He lumps Rob Bell’s teachings in with other harmful teachings that he believes are bringing down the church (Here is the link to the article - http://jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/2008_04/01).
So is there a real problem here? Do these two men have different goals for the Church and for people? Honestly, I don’t think so. It’s only a misunderstanding.
Brickner is worried about the role of Jesus being watered down. Anything that may take away from the importance of the Lord is what makes this man upset. He views Bell’s message as a replacement. He believes that Bell is replacing a belief in Jesus with a belief in self. But that is not what Bell is talking about at all. Bell wasn’t trying to make the point that we should replace our belief in Jesus with a belief in self. He is simply saying that sometimes we limit our belief in Jesus by having a disbelief in ourselves and our ability to follow Jesus. Brickner was assuming that the question posed was “Who should we believe in?” which has an obvious answer of Jesus. Since Bell’s teaching was about having a belief in ourselves, Brickner obviously had a problem with that. But that was not the question! Bell was not trying to answer that question. He was just stating that one small part of this faith journey is that sometimes our poor self-image and self-esteem can limit our ability to believe in Jesus. These two men were talking about two different things.
If we try to understand each other better, we will be able to find a middle road. We don’t have to be quick to argue or assume the worst even if something is different from what we are used to. We simply need to amend these misunderstandings so that we can connect with each and move on together.
Move on through the Middle Road.
And if we make an effort to better understand each other – I know we can find a middle road to walk on together.
Here is one example.
Rob Bell presents a different view of the story of Jesus walking on water than most traditional teachers and pastors. It is a more personal view that looks more in depth at what Jesus was trying to say specifically to Peter. Bell tries to make this story very applicable to real life and to issues that we struggle with spiritually, emotionally, and mentally everyday.
But David Brickner the Executive Director for Jews for Jesus discourages Rob Bell’s interpretation of this Scripture passage. He believes that Bell’s teaching is harmful and off-centered. He lumps Rob Bell’s teachings in with other harmful teachings that he believes are bringing down the church (Here is the link to the article - http://jewsforjesus.org/publications/newsletter/2008_04/01).
So is there a real problem here? Do these two men have different goals for the Church and for people? Honestly, I don’t think so. It’s only a misunderstanding.
Brickner is worried about the role of Jesus being watered down. Anything that may take away from the importance of the Lord is what makes this man upset. He views Bell’s message as a replacement. He believes that Bell is replacing a belief in Jesus with a belief in self. But that is not what Bell is talking about at all. Bell wasn’t trying to make the point that we should replace our belief in Jesus with a belief in self. He is simply saying that sometimes we limit our belief in Jesus by having a disbelief in ourselves and our ability to follow Jesus. Brickner was assuming that the question posed was “Who should we believe in?” which has an obvious answer of Jesus. Since Bell’s teaching was about having a belief in ourselves, Brickner obviously had a problem with that. But that was not the question! Bell was not trying to answer that question. He was just stating that one small part of this faith journey is that sometimes our poor self-image and self-esteem can limit our ability to believe in Jesus. These two men were talking about two different things.
If we try to understand each other better, we will be able to find a middle road. We don’t have to be quick to argue or assume the worst even if something is different from what we are used to. We simply need to amend these misunderstandings so that we can connect with each and move on together.
Move on through the Middle Road.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
This Is Not The Church...Part One
There are certain things that the church is doing today that are not representative of what the church is all about. People in the church are furthering the poor reputation of the church through selfish and prideful actions. These actions and instances give the church such a bad name and put us in such a horrible light to the watching world that it makes dedicated Christians want to point at these things and scream "THIS IS NOT THE CHURCH!"
Well, I am going to try to do that now.
Granted, I am the chief of sinners. I understand my own faults, and I will not judge another person any more harshly than I would judge myself. I am not saying that nobody ever makes mistakes. But I am definitely saying this: there are highly visible representations of the church that are damaging to its reputation. These are usually solitary incidents or situations in relation to the thousands of good things that the Church attempts and accomplishes. But for some reason the only images of the church that are available are these damaging ones. So I write these posts to show that these things really are not the church.
I want to try to portray a true representation of the Church to the world. I want to show that these other things are NOT THE CHURCH, and the true church is built upon love, charity, freedom, and faith.
Our reputation has suffered enough from these damaging accounts, and it is time that we tried to show people who we really are.
I believe that one way to do this is to show how these damaging accounts are not the church.
THIS IS NOT THE CHURCH!
Well, I am going to try to do that now.
Granted, I am the chief of sinners. I understand my own faults, and I will not judge another person any more harshly than I would judge myself. I am not saying that nobody ever makes mistakes. But I am definitely saying this: there are highly visible representations of the church that are damaging to its reputation. These are usually solitary incidents or situations in relation to the thousands of good things that the Church attempts and accomplishes. But for some reason the only images of the church that are available are these damaging ones. So I write these posts to show that these things really are not the church.
I want to try to portray a true representation of the Church to the world. I want to show that these other things are NOT THE CHURCH, and the true church is built upon love, charity, freedom, and faith.
Our reputation has suffered enough from these damaging accounts, and it is time that we tried to show people who we really are.
I believe that one way to do this is to show how these damaging accounts are not the church.
THIS IS NOT THE CHURCH!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Heaven, Hell, and the Kingdom of God
Heaven. Hell. The kingdom of God on earth. What do these three things have in common? They are at the heart of a controversial shift of thought in today’s church. But even in this controversy, there is a middle road for us all to tread that will help us to all work together.
One side indicates that that heaven and hell are the only two things to think about. This thought is mainly attributed to the older generation. Heaven is the only motivation for people on earth. We should live our lives here on earth simply looking forward to the day when we can go to heaven. Also, hell is the other side of our motivation. We come to Jesus because He saves us from hell. We witness to others for the sole reason that they will not go to hell. Everything in our lives revolves around the motivations of heaven and hell.
The other side – the side attributed to the postmodern and emergent church – downplays the role of heaven and hell in a Christian’s. Instead, they focus everything upon living out the kingdom of God on earth. They want to live their lives fully here on earth – not simply waiting for heaven, but working hard to make this world better. Also, they witness to people because they want them to experience the kingdom of God on earth, as well. Everything revolves around living and furthering the kingdom of God on earth.
So why are these two thoughts so opposed? One side can’t believe that a Christian wouldn’t care about heaven or hell. The other side wonders why everything Christians do is only concerning heaven or hell. One side just doesn’t want people to go to hell. The other side wants people to know there is so much more than just heaven and hell. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? What should we be preaching, teaching, living, and believing?
Well, not to be anti-climactic, but we should be doing both. Why does it have to be one or the other? It doesn’t. I will argue that point with anyone. We do not have to choose between these two things. We can preach and teach and live both of these principles – and we need to, as well. It is becoming a divisive issue. The older generation is worried about a weak Christianity that is not focused on what is most important: the eternal state of the soul. The younger generation is frustrated with how the church has forced heaven onto people and scared them with hell over the years. It is beginning to look like lines are being drawn over this issue.
But it does not need to be so. There is a middle road that we can tread. This issue does not have to be either/or, but it can be both/and. Heaven and hell are important factors to the Christian story, but it can be portrayed in a much more relevant way. The kingdom of God is a wonderful motivation, but the eternal state of the soul needs to be of vital importance, as well. We can combine our thoughts. We can mold our beliefs about this issue. Both sides have good hearts; we simply need to find the middle road on this issue: a middle road called “both/and”.
We must find the middle road on this issue.
One side indicates that that heaven and hell are the only two things to think about. This thought is mainly attributed to the older generation. Heaven is the only motivation for people on earth. We should live our lives here on earth simply looking forward to the day when we can go to heaven. Also, hell is the other side of our motivation. We come to Jesus because He saves us from hell. We witness to others for the sole reason that they will not go to hell. Everything in our lives revolves around the motivations of heaven and hell.
The other side – the side attributed to the postmodern and emergent church – downplays the role of heaven and hell in a Christian’s. Instead, they focus everything upon living out the kingdom of God on earth. They want to live their lives fully here on earth – not simply waiting for heaven, but working hard to make this world better. Also, they witness to people because they want them to experience the kingdom of God on earth, as well. Everything revolves around living and furthering the kingdom of God on earth.
So why are these two thoughts so opposed? One side can’t believe that a Christian wouldn’t care about heaven or hell. The other side wonders why everything Christians do is only concerning heaven or hell. One side just doesn’t want people to go to hell. The other side wants people to know there is so much more than just heaven and hell. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? What should we be preaching, teaching, living, and believing?
Well, not to be anti-climactic, but we should be doing both. Why does it have to be one or the other? It doesn’t. I will argue that point with anyone. We do not have to choose between these two things. We can preach and teach and live both of these principles – and we need to, as well. It is becoming a divisive issue. The older generation is worried about a weak Christianity that is not focused on what is most important: the eternal state of the soul. The younger generation is frustrated with how the church has forced heaven onto people and scared them with hell over the years. It is beginning to look like lines are being drawn over this issue.
But it does not need to be so. There is a middle road that we can tread. This issue does not have to be either/or, but it can be both/and. Heaven and hell are important factors to the Christian story, but it can be portrayed in a much more relevant way. The kingdom of God is a wonderful motivation, but the eternal state of the soul needs to be of vital importance, as well. We can combine our thoughts. We can mold our beliefs about this issue. Both sides have good hearts; we simply need to find the middle road on this issue: a middle road called “both/and”.
We must find the middle road on this issue.
Monday, May 26, 2008
A Path for Us All
Why do we argue – when we can understand.
Why do we assume – when we can simply ask.
Why do we attack – when we can join.
The next series of posts will be examples of the things that we do to divide us. I will try to show that there is a middle road in the midst of some of the disagreements that we have with each other. Sometimes the older generation is fearful of what the younger generation is trying to say. Sometimes the younger generation does not know what they are trying to say exactly. But if our hearts are in the right place, then we can find our middle road and continue walking together.
There is a middle road to the arguments and disagreements (whether petty or viable) that we have inside of the Church. There is a path that we can all tread together. A rope that we can all pull together. A conversation that we can all have together. We need to find these ‘middle roads’ so that we can understand each other. Then we can get to a point where we can adapt and subsequently join. And it is essential that we join. We need each other. And those without Hope and help need us, too.
Why do we assume – when we can simply ask.
Why do we attack – when we can join.
The next series of posts will be examples of the things that we do to divide us. I will try to show that there is a middle road in the midst of some of the disagreements that we have with each other. Sometimes the older generation is fearful of what the younger generation is trying to say. Sometimes the younger generation does not know what they are trying to say exactly. But if our hearts are in the right place, then we can find our middle road and continue walking together.
There is a middle road to the arguments and disagreements (whether petty or viable) that we have inside of the Church. There is a path that we can all tread together. A rope that we can all pull together. A conversation that we can all have together. We need to find these ‘middle roads’ so that we can understand each other. Then we can get to a point where we can adapt and subsequently join. And it is essential that we join. We need each other. And those without Hope and help need us, too.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Emergent Church
What is the emergent church? What does that mean? Does it actually mean anything? Does it have a real definition yet? Is it good? Is it worse than Scientology? What in the world is the Emergent Church???
Well, to begin, let’s talk about some of the things that we do know for sure. First, the Emergent Church is still so young that it doesn’t really have a definition yet. It is still in the beginning stages. It still needs to be fleshed out and solidified. One person’s definition and understanding of the Emergent Church might be completely different from anothers. How can we propose or deny things that we do not truly know yet? Honestly, the Emergent Church does not have a universal and common meaning or definition. Give it some time. Let it simmer. Then we can see if it tastes good.
Second, the Emergent Church is not evil. It’s not. We know that. Even the people who might not like it, they cannot honestly call it evil. It is not like the Emergent Church is trying to COMPLETELY change the church and roll around in blasphemy and frolick in heresy. They don't. And it's not evil. We all need to find some common ground there. We know for sure that this is not a purely evil conspiracy.
Third, we know that this new breakthrough has not played itself out yet. It is still relatively new. There have been some great books about the emergent thought. There have been excellent church examples of this emergent philosophy. It is starting to gain ground and gain structure and framework, but it is not to the point where it is decisive yet. It is too new. We have not seen the scope of its proven successes. We have not seen its pro's and con's. We have not seen what this house will look like. So how can we say if it is successful or not? Just as we know for sure that it is not evil, we know for sure that it's not a proven success yet, either. It's still new. It's still early. It's still developing. Before we crown it the most wonderful thing since sliced beads (yes, sliced beads) - we need to see if it is even successful and good for the church. We really do not know yet.
The final thing that we know for sure is this: we are all on the same team. Emergent church. Old church. Young church. New church. No matter what it is, where you are from, how old you are, or what you believe - we are all on the same team. We all want Christ to further. We all want the Message to spread. We want the Church to grow. We are all on the same team. We know that for sure. And we need to remember that. For sure.
So what is the Emergent Church? Here’s what it is. It’s frustration about the Church’s failures. It’s a cry for relevancy toward a new generation. It’s a desire for community. It’s a passion for the lost and the lonely. It's a hope for a better Church...out of a love for the Church...and an obedience to be the best we can be.
And I think we can all agree that those are good things. Let’s start there.
Well, to begin, let’s talk about some of the things that we do know for sure. First, the Emergent Church is still so young that it doesn’t really have a definition yet. It is still in the beginning stages. It still needs to be fleshed out and solidified. One person’s definition and understanding of the Emergent Church might be completely different from anothers. How can we propose or deny things that we do not truly know yet? Honestly, the Emergent Church does not have a universal and common meaning or definition. Give it some time. Let it simmer. Then we can see if it tastes good.
Second, the Emergent Church is not evil. It’s not. We know that. Even the people who might not like it, they cannot honestly call it evil. It is not like the Emergent Church is trying to COMPLETELY change the church and roll around in blasphemy and frolick in heresy. They don't. And it's not evil. We all need to find some common ground there. We know for sure that this is not a purely evil conspiracy.
Third, we know that this new breakthrough has not played itself out yet. It is still relatively new. There have been some great books about the emergent thought. There have been excellent church examples of this emergent philosophy. It is starting to gain ground and gain structure and framework, but it is not to the point where it is decisive yet. It is too new. We have not seen the scope of its proven successes. We have not seen its pro's and con's. We have not seen what this house will look like. So how can we say if it is successful or not? Just as we know for sure that it is not evil, we know for sure that it's not a proven success yet, either. It's still new. It's still early. It's still developing. Before we crown it the most wonderful thing since sliced beads (yes, sliced beads) - we need to see if it is even successful and good for the church. We really do not know yet.
The final thing that we know for sure is this: we are all on the same team. Emergent church. Old church. Young church. New church. No matter what it is, where you are from, how old you are, or what you believe - we are all on the same team. We all want Christ to further. We all want the Message to spread. We want the Church to grow. We are all on the same team. We know that for sure. And we need to remember that. For sure.
So what is the Emergent Church? Here’s what it is. It’s frustration about the Church’s failures. It’s a cry for relevancy toward a new generation. It’s a desire for community. It’s a passion for the lost and the lonely. It's a hope for a better Church...out of a love for the Church...and an obedience to be the best we can be.
And I think we can all agree that those are good things. Let’s start there.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Middle Road
We are in a battle. We are in a contest. We are in a war. This is serious. This is for real. There are things that we need to do. There are people that need help. There are things that must be done. There are people that must be reached. There is no time to relax, no time to sit still, no time to waste. There are things to do and people to help in this fight against the devil and fight for the truth of God’s love. We cannot waste time. We must all work together, believe together, love together, and be together in this fight and in this cause. Therefore, in order for us to have the success that we need – we must find our Middle Road.
The Middle Road. What is that? It is the path that we can all tread on together. In the midst of changes of thought, in the midst of the old ways vs. the new ways, in the midst of innovative spiritual development and emerging means of grace – the Middle Road is a place where we can all come together. Because we need each other. We need to help each other. We need to work with each other if we are going to have the success that we all desire. Also, we are too smart to box ourselves into a corner with our faith and beliefs. We are too wise to completely shut each other out based on technicalities. We are too loving not to give each other a chance and give each other a break. We are too smart for all of that, and we need each other. Where can we meet? We can meet on the Middle Road.
The Middle Road. The place where we can all come together. The path where all of our different opinions can meet together. The road where we can all join together in this fight and for this faith cause. Beliefs, thoughts, denominations, generations – no matter what it is, we have to combine on this Middle Road…because there is a lot that needs to be done…and it is going to take all of us.
The Middle Road. What is that? It is the path that we can all tread on together. In the midst of changes of thought, in the midst of the old ways vs. the new ways, in the midst of innovative spiritual development and emerging means of grace – the Middle Road is a place where we can all come together. Because we need each other. We need to help each other. We need to work with each other if we are going to have the success that we all desire. Also, we are too smart to box ourselves into a corner with our faith and beliefs. We are too wise to completely shut each other out based on technicalities. We are too loving not to give each other a chance and give each other a break. We are too smart for all of that, and we need each other. Where can we meet? We can meet on the Middle Road.
The Middle Road. The place where we can all come together. The path where all of our different opinions can meet together. The road where we can all join together in this fight and for this faith cause. Beliefs, thoughts, denominations, generations – no matter what it is, we have to combine on this Middle Road…because there is a lot that needs to be done…and it is going to take all of us.
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