I'm really excited about this new (to me) way of staying in touch and talking about a variety of things. Most of you will, no doubt, be a lot further down the 'blogging' trail than I am. I've seen a number of blogs; this is only the second time I've ever posted on one.
My plan is to jot out some thoughts each week, usually toward the beginning of the week. Sometimes the blog will be serious, sometimes not; it may range from thoughts about our mission as a church to ramblings about my favorite college football team. Whatever the content, this is a place to connect and 'talk'.
It so happens that my first blog comes at a time when a series of messages I've just finished has created as much feedback as any I can remember. Folks have commented by phone, email and some passing comments about this series called "The Quest." Some have expressed full agreement; others have expressed concern. In every case, without exception, whether in agreement or not, the conversations have been good-spirited and mature.
One of my goals in the sermon series was to put a new 'frame' on what we do together as a church. One way of 'framing' our work together as a church is to think of the church as something like a bus that's on its way to heaven, and the goal of the bus is to add more people. In this 'frame,' most of what the church does is to help people be prepared to go to heaven.
A second 'frame' for our work, one that I tried to describe during this series, is that the church is a community of people who are being renewed in the likeness of Christ, and together we are praying and working to join our lives to God's work of renewal in this world. In this frame, the focus is on this world, and the reason for that is, I believe, God intends to renew this world, and he wants to use you and I as his agents in that renewal project. I believe that was the central content of Jesus' preaching. I believe he called us to pray and work, to join our lives to God's love, so that God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven. In this frame, God's love for the lost is just as vital as it is in the first frame. Part of God's renewal project is to restore lost people to a right relationship with himself, one in which they can trust God for eternal life. But in this frame, our focus is also on all the ways that God wants to renew the world. I believe that includes renewing the world by feeding the hungry, liberating those who are oppressed, renewing the beautiful creation, healing those who are broken, and the list goes on.
Well, you've heard enough from me. I'm really interested to hear now from you. Jot out your ideas, include your name, and be part of the conversation.
--Steve
