I am not sure I want to do this anymore. I think I have said everything I need to say. I don't think it is making any difference except irritating some people, of which I seem to have done much. I
I don't trust anymore in the church-institution as it now stands but I believe in the followers of Jesus who are seriously following the way, truth, and life of Christ as written about in the Holy Scriptures as well as by the counsel given to them by the spirit of God. I don't believe that is the best we can do. I think it has become ineffective and full of itself. It is not attractive anymore because it doesn't believe and contain the power, mystery, and wonder of the living God who redeems lives and offers hope. It seems more interested in knowing academically more that experiencing more. Entertaining than releasing, consuming than feeding, judging than releasing. I don't trust the academic institutions which know what happened last century but isn't equipping for the next century.
I am aware of a new work that is beginning to reach out, set free, use their building for ministry 7 days a week instead of just Sunday and a few nights out of the week. I am excited to see old building saved from the wrecking ball downtown and retrofitted to meet other churches needs than just the one who paid for it. Churches who are leaving the denominations because they are tired of arguments of redefining the gospel instead living it out. People who are meeting in house churches and are taking their faith seriously and giving to individuals in mission, or beginning missions themselves in the neighborhood around their homes. Some are leaving their medical jobs to be parish nurses through a neighborhood church or clinic. People leaving older ministries and churches to start new missions that reach out to the kids that the churches have kept out of their buildings.
Ministries are beginning that deal with everyday issues that people have, such as tutoring reading and math, instead of just an "evangelistic message" of how they will be after they die. One friend is creating microloans for people who are trying to start a family owned business from their home or trucks. Some have started small bakeries which begin to employ a few others in the neighborhood.
I believe in that church, not the former...
(ok, boys it is your turn)
8 comments:
if this is indeed it...this will be missed by me. At least the door to your office is 16 feet from my desk (I just measured.)
I like you, Tony. You are a good friend and a wise man. Thank you for sharing your heart and taking the risk of being vulnerable. Maybe it's time for some salmon.
I will take you up on your offer...
Sigh. Hope you don't leave but totally understand if you need to. Your words are important to me, Tony!
Lara
Tony, I understand your feelings. I have pretty much left the institutional church myself. That does not mean I have lost faith just the understanding of how the church is working. The question is now how can you stay at Calvin Crest if the church is what is supporting it?
FarmerforNow
TB,
If this is the end of your blog, then I am definitely resigning my job.
How else will I be able to pass 8 hours a day?
You have always written with conviction and passion--you know I'll supportwhatever decision you make...
Tony,
I remember when I first returned home after my first summer of camp. I had seen your heart for "kingdom work" and was just getting to know you. I remember staying home from church on a few Sundays and reading entire months of your entries as a way of meditation on what God has done at this camp, in our hearts. I felt God in those words and in your voice. Thank you,
Also, I wish I could partake in some of that salmon
Eric W.
There are many like you who are frustrated with the way things are. But we are here to make a difference in lives and I believe you do that well. Keep listening for that voice that guides, be it camp or whatever..
Missing you but love that I can read your thoughts here. You are an inspiration for our faith
lee
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