A strange thing happened this past weekend and one that I believe should teach the church something about relationships. I went to my high school reunion -- 30 years. All the common things -- wonderful to see people you haven't seen in years, discussion over the changes -- and then there was this -- an instant connection because of a shared experience.
In the room where strong Christians (a pastor - me; and a doctor who actually tried to disciple me in High School), atheists, far right and far left, married, single, shacking and gay people, pro health care and anti health care, tea-totalers and drinkers - etc, etc -- much diversity for 23 people.... and it was community.
Our shared experience overwhelmed the differences and we had great joy, friendship, and fun. We GOT ALONG and regreted when the time ended - hung around and spoke -- etc
Why is it that Christians who have the shared experience of Jesus Christ and salvation cannot have that kind of relationships -- we let so much divide us and seperate us -
we sing about the great reunion day in heaven - can't we experience a hint of it here.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
well, now I get it...
For years I have been wondering why so many churches in the United States are struggling with a lack of decisions for Christ... and now I get it.
(before I go further, I am blessed with a local congregation who is open to new things -- our issues are different and being approached ... slowly so as not to scare the fish)
Recently I discovered names for the cultural group in which I belong - it is apparent all over this blog. Global Nomads, Third Culture Kids, Military Brats, etc.... all of these names identify a sub-culture in the United States and the world. We are about 7 % of the population and statistic show that this group is well educated, socially adept, and culturally skilled - in other words - great potential for effective evangelical work....
So, to the point of this rambling blog - in the last several weeks I have commented on this group to about 10 pastors -- and found two that were interested - the others dismissed it entirely....
which explains why their churches do not see many professions of faith - ALL CHRISTIANITY is cross-cultural -- Christians belong to the Kingdom of God and the world is under the sway of the evil one.....
when leadership in a church is disinterested in reaching a subset of the culture which is desperate to belong - it says something about their understanding of what it takes to reach those outside of the church culture...
oh well....
(before I go further, I am blessed with a local congregation who is open to new things -- our issues are different and being approached ... slowly so as not to scare the fish)
Recently I discovered names for the cultural group in which I belong - it is apparent all over this blog. Global Nomads, Third Culture Kids, Military Brats, etc.... all of these names identify a sub-culture in the United States and the world. We are about 7 % of the population and statistic show that this group is well educated, socially adept, and culturally skilled - in other words - great potential for effective evangelical work....
So, to the point of this rambling blog - in the last several weeks I have commented on this group to about 10 pastors -- and found two that were interested - the others dismissed it entirely....
which explains why their churches do not see many professions of faith - ALL CHRISTIANITY is cross-cultural -- Christians belong to the Kingdom of God and the world is under the sway of the evil one.....
when leadership in a church is disinterested in reaching a subset of the culture which is desperate to belong - it says something about their understanding of what it takes to reach those outside of the church culture...
oh well....
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