Every Sunday, we’ll be posting articles and links that are saying something important about church, culture, and mission. Here’s what resonated with us this week on the web:
Church & Theology
David Fitch writes on going "in here" to "out there" without splitting churches:
I was reminded about the transition churches find themselves in (the subject of the doctoral thesis) and how most churches on the missional journey have yet to connect what happens “in here” (worship gathering, discipleship programs etc.) to what happens “out there” (presence in the neighborhood, mission engagements with hurting places etc.). To me, it is essential the two not only come together, but that they are seamless, connected and represent a whole of way of life. In essence there is no “in here” or “out there.” There is only a people who live their lives “among.” The worship gathering and other programs of the church become part of a larger rhythm in the whole of life lived in the neighborhood and other places where we dwell. This requires an ecclesiology of mission.
Efrem Smith writes about starting racially reconciling conversations:
As a product of the Black Church I know that race conversations have been going on for a long time internally and in many cases reconciling conversations have been taking place externally. Over time this can cause some to grow weary and lose patience on the road towards reconciliation and righteousness. No matter how long the journey we must not give up until we reach the destination, even if that destination isn’t reached in our lifetime. I am where I am today because of those who came and fought lovingly for change before me. In this spirit, I must fight nonviolently and lovingly for those who will come after me.
Tara Owens writes at Sarah Bessey's blog about embracing the body:
I’ve blessed people with oil before, marking them gently with the sign of the cross. I’ve rested hands on bowed heads, pressed my palm over a heart. I’ve supported cupped hands as they asked for God to fill them with His love. Until this particular day, I’d never kissed others in blessing, only in greeting, and then only with the anxious fumble of one who grew up in a culture devoid of these ritual greetings. Do I kiss once? Twice? Three times? I never know.
News & Views
Jonathan Merritt continues his engagement with Denny Burk over the idenitty of "the least of these":
Burk believes that the “least of these” refers to Christians who are preaching the Christian Gospel, but such is not the case in the instances he mentions. None of the bakers, photographers, or florists in question were penalized for preaching the Gospel. They were penalized for refusing to serve certain classes of people even though the law states that those who operate public businesses are required to serve the whole public. Since Burk has clearly given this much thought, I asked him what I may be missing.
Brant Hanson writes at Relevant with 5 ways to rise above Internet outrage:
So how is it possible to be on social media, wading through a sea of insults and, you know, just general wrongness, without getting worked up into a self-righteous lather?
Here are five things I keep in mind to help me deal with it:
Christianity Today reports on Matt Chandler's apology for elders mishandling church discipline:
In an email sent to the Village Church’s more than 6,000 members, the church’s elders said they were releasing Hinkley from her membership and had reached out to apologize for their actions.
"We did not lead Karen and the church to a place conducive to peace, repentance and healing," they wrote in a letter posted online by blogger Matthew Paul Turner. "Please know that we are reaching out to Karen and giving her this apology, and we have also made the decision to move forward in releasing her from membership. We will continue to support her financially through August as we committed, and our hope and prayer for her is that God would guide her to another gospel-believing church, where she can find healing and restoration."
Favorite Podcasts
Jason Clark interviewed on the Sermonsmith podcast.
David Fitch and Geoff Holsclaw launch the Theology on Mission podcast.
NT Wright interviewed on the Seminary Dropout podcast!
Partners & Resources
Traditional and New Forms of Church Have to Get Over Their Fears, at Fresh Expressions US.
Is Babel Reversed at Pentecost? by Geoff Holsclaw at Northern Seminary.
On The Missio Blog
On the blog this week, we began a series of reflections on the Truly Human Gathering:
Pentecost Reimagined For The 21st Century, by Dr. Charlie Self.
A #TrulyHuman Story Of Race And Restoration, by Mark Moore.
My Take On #TrulyHuman: A Storm Is Raging, by Tara Beth Leach.
Dry Bones Live: #TrulyHuman, Ezekiel 37, And The Missional Mainline, by Alan Bentrup.
The Spirit Of #TrulyHuman: Jesus Was No Jesus Without Help, by Ty Grigg.
Missio Alliance Comment Policy
The Missio Alliance Writing Collectives exist as a ministry of writing to resource theological practitioners for mission. From our Leading Voices to our regular Writing Team and those invited to publish with us as Community Voices, we are creating a space for thoughtful engagement of critical issues and questions facing the North American Church in God’s mission. This sort of thoughtful engagement is something that we seek to engender not only in our publishing, but in conversations that unfold as a result in the comment section of our articles.
Unfortunately, because of the relational distance introduced by online communication, “thoughtful engagement” and “comment sections” seldom go hand in hand. At the same time, censorship of comments by those who disagree with points made by authors, whose anger or limited perspective taints their words, or who simply feel the need to express their own opinion on a topic without any meaningful engagement with the article or comment in question can mask an important window into the true state of Christian discourse. As such, Missio Alliance sets forth the following suggestions for those who wish to engage in conversation around our writing:
1. Seek to understand the author’s intent.
If you disagree with something the an author said, consider framing your response as, “I hear you as saying _________. Am I understanding you correctly? If so, here’s why I disagree. _____________.
2. Seek to make your own voice heard.
We deeply desire and value the voice and perspective of our readers. However you may react to an article we publish or a fellow commenter, we encourage you to set forth that reaction is the most constructive way possible. Use your voice and perspective to move conversation forward rather than shut it down.
3. Share your story.
One of our favorite tenants is that “an enemy is someone whose story we haven’t heard.” Very often disagreements and rants are the result of people talking past rather than to one another. Everyone’s perspective is intimately bound up with their own stories – their contexts and experiences. We encourage you to couch your comments in whatever aspect of your own story might help others understand where you are coming from.
In view of those suggestions for shaping conversation on our site and in an effort to curate a hospitable space of open conversation, Missio Alliance may delete comments and/or ban users who show no regard for constructive engagement, especially those whose comments are easily construed as trolling, threatening, or abusive.