One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. “Which road do I take?” she asked. “Where do you want to go?” was his response. “I don’t know,” Alice answered. “Then,” said the cat, “it doesn’t matter.”
-Lewis Carrol, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Oh but it does matter! The cat’s question has been ever present as this thought of a church plant has been unfolding in my heart and mind. I know I don’t want my recent experience to distort it’s formation. I also don’t want a postmodern deconstruction bashing of the church to be the force behind the this new faith community. To be honest, I love the picture of the church that is revealed in the New Testament and the thought of that type of community and life is compelling. But, I do agree with the younger generation’s assessment that there is a huge disconnect between the church of the New Testament and the church they see in America. However, while it’s important to know what you don’t want to become, I also don’t want to further the stereotypical perspective of the church as being primarily known for what it is opposed to. Welcome to my swamp.
I know that there are many wonderful churches and amazing faith communities that are impacting their worlds and communicating the Gospel in word and life. Sue and I could just go and link arms with them and at our age that would be easy. But, that’s not what I feel where we’re supposed to go. I know that all believers are called to GO and create outbreaks of the Kingdom all over the world. But, (this is weird) I think our going is to stay. To be quite honest going would be easier, more comfortable, more secure, and maybe even more successful from a certain perspective. There are lots of obstacles in planting a church, especially here.
God has placed in all our hearts the need for communion with Him, the community of His family, and His rule to be manifested in our world. So some of what I’m feeling is not just a frustration with the institutional church, it’s the tension between my heart and my life. It’s easy for me, in my head, to focus on what is wrong with everyone else and ignore what God has called me to. I’m realizing that it’s not what He’s called me to build (I’m good at this) as much as it is what He has called me to be (not so good at this).
I’m praying that God will use this blog and you to help me grow into what he has called me to. I found at seminary that writing can be a spiritual discipline for me (perhaps worth the cost). It helps me process and connect faith to life. I am hoping that you will (actually, I’m depending on you to) join in this conversation with us.
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