Rethinking Church

Here are some condensed thoughts from what I shared on Sunday night. This is the boiled down version of some stuff I've been thinking about in terms of an ecclesiology for where we live.


Conceptually Deep
The church is understood as larger than one localized organizational expression. It takes no pride in one particular expression, and remains open to taking on or letting go of forms as necessary for the particular calling of that particular group in a particular time. Thus all forms of church are understood as functional for mission, and not elements or tools for social distinction.

Functionally Cooperative
Action undertaken in cooperation with other disciples of Jesus with intention for mission is more important than ‘success’ of a particular brand. Wherever people work together under the direction of the Spirit, the church is doing its work. Cooperative Partnership is on a relational level (not necessarily on an institutional level). Loyalty is to the kingdom rather than a particular organizational brand.

Structurally Open
Invitation without coercion. Opportunity and invitation to deeper commitments to spiritual development and missional activity, but with safeguards against social bullying, arrogance about one’s own development, and social hierarchy.

Structurally Complex
Being a part of multiple communities among people who identify with other particular “congregations” or no congregation at all. The church for such people is multi-locational, multi-relational, and determined by intentionality and cooperative activity in multiple societal contexts.

The Conversion of Religious

A pastor friend of mine from the Twin cities wrote the following this morning. I think it's worth a few minutes of consideration.

[quote]
Religious people are big into conversions. I know, I am part of the religious system. I really don't like thinking of myself that way, but it is true. (When I am forced to tell people I am pastor I feel like apologizing, like a great-grandchild from the John Wilkes Booth family.) [end qoute]

I sometimes wonder if we are really serious about helping people become followers of Jesus or if we are looking for lip service with a small commitment that won't incovenience? If we are serious about helping people follow Jesus and the ways of Jesus, it seems that we would be willing to invest the lenght of our lives into their lives. Instead, we stay for three or five of ten years before moving onward.

In other words, we still view ourselves more like missionaries who are converting and moving toward other fields rather than life long friends who walk alongside... and we wonder why people often change the subject when we tell them we are pastors.

Thus, projects such as water's edge. We're hoping and trying to re-imagine church and pastoral roles. We believe the ways of Jesus are exciting for all people if only we could better live into those ways. Let's together live into this journey of following Jesus.

JULY 9: At the Space

Water's Edge will meet at 'the space' today.

We are starting a short set of reflections on the church called "Making Sense of Things."

i'll be sharing some of my thoughts on the Church and some initial reflections on where we're headed.

See you tonight at 5pm.

Peace,
Joel