I haven't dipped into the emerging church conversation lately, but a few thoughts have been bubbling round lately, as my new post draws closer:
My dream is to simply live out authentic Christian community that nurtures the body of Christ and welcomes others in. Is this church or mission? I dream of a community that no longer makes that distinction, but simply lives authentically and open-heartedly before the world in a way which is both attractive to anyone at any stage of faith, and prophetic, in that lives out and proclaims the Good News.
Similarly, my dream is simply to be the body of Christ. Is this "inherited" or "emerging"? I dream of a community that no longer makes that distinction. We will no longer stop to decide which label fits, or which camp we belong to, but we'll simply get on with living out our callings, while blessing the diversity in the body.
My own primary passion is to get in amongst the existing church and see it renewed in every way, to see it stirred up and roused, renewed and cleansed, re-discovering its calling. I spoke to Ben at New Wine, who told me he'd spoken to a number of people who also felt this call. I sense the call to work within the walls to be a "stirrer-upperer", rather than a pioneer on fresh ground. Neither do I feel called to be a "parish plodder", simply cranking the handle and keeping church ticking over.
What's your dream? What's your passion?
One body gathered round Christ ... one Lord, one faith, one hope ... break dividing walls.
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"Is this church or mission? I dream of a community that no longer makes that distinction, but simply lives authentically and open-heartedly before the world in a way which is both attractive to anyone at any stage of faith, and prophetic, in that lives out and proclaims the Good News."
Great comment Richard - thanks for this.
Any chance of coffee sometime before your move?!
Posted by: Malcolm | August 03, 2006 at 05:22 AM
Sweet.
B~
Posted by: Bruce | August 03, 2006 at 09:42 AM
You have put so well the call on my heart. The existing church is precious and so worth the passion and patience to love it while we reimagine and renew.
Posted by: Chris | August 03, 2006 at 06:59 PM
Your new church is certainly blessed to have you.
Posted by: wilsonian | August 03, 2006 at 10:20 PM
Man, I can't escape this passion stuff right now. It seems to be everywhere I look.
I have to say I like your dream a lot. May God give you strength and grace as you go for it!
Posted by: Ben | August 05, 2006 at 01:22 PM
Love what you have to say about no longer making those distinctions and just getting on with it all. Thank you. Keep stirring.
Posted by: hopefulamphibian | August 12, 2006 at 07:03 PM
great blog - awesome photos and fab thinking. keep writing. nae
Posted by: nae lippett | August 16, 2006 at 09:58 AM
Love the blog!
http://www.mojo-place.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Mojo | August 16, 2006 at 11:10 AM
What's my passion?
to be amongst a community of learners
who don't mind
getting things wrong
but yearn
to improve each day
and long to be amongst
others who long to improve
I long to fulfil
the great commission:
"go out and make
learners from
all nations"
I want my every act
to make it easier
for others to learn:
Words of welcome,
an invitational life,
a love that shouts out maybe
and a space to wander
and wonder at our God
Posted by: Caroline | August 18, 2006 at 07:39 AM