A Word of Encouragement

While this blog has been silent for some time, I am not unaware that those who called themselves “concerned” have continued to hit out against their enemies. I call them their enemies, not necessarily because they are seeking to cause problems for the “concerned,” but instead because they are daring to imagine new ways for the church seeks to proclaim the good news to the lost and hurting.

I was explaining missional theology to a friend who is a generation older than I am. After explaining as best I understood that folks are seeking to find ways to reach out to their communities and search for ways to find community in a fractured world, he said something to the affect of “Isn’t that what the Church has always been about? I remember that we did those kinds of things in the Church.”

All I can say is that somewhere, the way the church had functioned (for my friends generation) was lost. I’ve no idea what happened, but I still struggle to understand how some of those practices didn’t retain their prominence in the church. I’m worried that I don’t do enough and that I don’t give or live like my friend. I think sometimes I’m too absorbed in the consumer culture of the United States to live out the Gospel with the simplicity early Nazarenes did.

To those voices who clamor for the recovery of who we are: don’t stop. Don’t give up. There are many of us who occupy the pews who struggle with the demands of the Gospel. We struggle at times to understand the concrete ways we should respond to God’s love. Your imagination and creativity are reminders that the Spirit has not left the Church.

To those who are cautious about all this new language of “missional” and “emergent.” Keep in mind that we are your theological children who are trying to unlearn the ways of the world as we learn anew what it means to walk in the Spirit. We need your prayers and help. Who, when a child is learning some new skill yells at them when they don’t perform perfectly on their first attempt? Moreover, is it possible for us all to conduct ourselves with enough humility that we might remember our own weaknesses?

To those who are “concerned:” I hope you remember that there are real people attached to the names you denigrate. They are real people whose families love them and care about them. They are people who, though you may disagree with them, are your brothers and sisters in Christ. They are people of the Church. They are sons and daughters who prophesy, young men who see visions, old men who dream dreams. Perhaps you would be well advised to hear the words of Gamaliel: “So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it of God there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!” Acts 5.38-39 (The Message)

Prayer:
Almighty God, you know that we your people seem to grope around for our way. Sometimes we struggle while some days we run effortlessly. Will you send your Spirit to encourage each of us as we attempt to walk humbly before you? Will you put to an end the rumors that destroy your people? Will you give us careful ears which are quick to listen and feet which are quick to do the good work you give us to do? Bless those who are under attack and pressed down on all sides. May they find your presence in the darkness and draw strength from your love. Prompt us to provoke each other to acts of love and charity.
Amen.