where are we going? who are we becoming?
Last night my wife and I were discussing what kind of community of faith we see ourselves becoming a part of. This question was prompted by my 6 year old asking the question "when are we going back to church?" I told her that we were learning what it means to be the church where ever we are and where ever we go which means to love one another, share our stuff, and be kind to those who are in need. She said she missed learning about Jesus. I thought to myself, heck, I am still trying to learn about the real and difficult things about Jesus. Our conversation ended as we arrived at the store. My wife said maybe we aren't doing a good enough job in relating that learning about Jesus is not about knowing the stories, but living a way of life according to the truths behind the stories. But for all of her (my daughter's) life, all she knows is the church as we know today.
This morning I recieved a newsletter from theOoze by Frank Viola entitled AN INTERVIEW: with a Modern-Day, Sunday-Morning, Church-Going Christian. Wow! What a great narrative that really captures the desire in my heart about what a community of faith can look like. My hope is that one day the people of the realZoo can grow into a group of people who are living life together encouraging one another though the chaos.
6 comments:
Michael, this interview points out a number of things that I've had a "beef" with the church about even since I was young and faithfully attending.
It really doesn't make sense to me to have church meetings with all seats facing forward to listen to a chosen few speak/sing whatever.
And I say this as a person who often feels uncomfortable in group situations that are loosely organized (shyness?). Yet it seems healthier and Biblical.
Another thing that bugs me is that communion has been minimalized to maybe once a month in many churches. It seems the NT church gathered around that aspect of worship. (Maybe it's just my Roman Catholic background).
Does Frank Viola's description of meetings sound similar to the ones you guys have?
I don't mind listening to the pastor if he lets people ask questions and the whole "sermon" thing can become more like a "bible study/discussion/faq" thing.
Communion is a big deal for me too. I've been thinking about stopping at Catholic Mass every once in a while just to take the "eucharist."
Viola's description of those meetings sound like 99% of all the protestant churches I've visited.
But there's this cool one I went to like 3 times where they don't do the "give us money thing." They just have some boxes and if you want you can go on your own and give some money there. Awsome attitude.
Have you thought what would happen to a church that simply DOES NOT TAKE ANY MONEY from anyone? I think it would work. I don't know how, but it would.
Here are the things that really strike a cord with me...
“we have no worship leader… people in the church have written many of our own songs.
when we meet, we don’t have a designated person who gives a sermon each week-encouraging.
Tithing is not required (that was an Old Testament practice). But we do give. We give to the needs among us and to anything else the church decides to give to. We meet in homes so we don’t have the obscene overhead of a church building. And we have no clergy to support. Sometimes we bless the poor and needy.”
Does Frank Viola's description of meetings sound similar to the ones you guys have? I think that we are so early in our formation that we are still exploring what it looks like when we get together, but these comments are a hint in the direction that seems most natural and authentic.
Gaston... I long for the place where the people can ask questions from whoever the storyteller is. I am still working through the "communion issue" because for so long it has been lifeless, and mechanical in many of the gatherings. I want it to be a beautiful expression of my faith and surrender, but I need space for that kind of expression to grow. Maybe it can come from my family first...
Absolutely. Your family is the community you belong first and foremost. Your are in a sense a small church. Which belongs to a bigger church. Which belongs to God.
Communion is something we all have a lot to think about. I wish in most churches they would take The Lord's Supper daily. It's very important. But in protestant traditions, like David said it has been "minimalized to maybe once a month."
I think that you guys are all headed in a great direction. "Seek and you'll find." So based on that, you will find.
i didn't get a chance to read the article, yet, but i did talk with my mom last night...and THE question came up...i'm not looking too forward to answering that question five more times as i visit with my church-going family this week...pray for me to have grace, patience and wisdom.
Praying, Chris. I'm surrounded constantly by extended family I've attended church with most of my life...so I can relate to how you're feeling. Peace.
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