In Part 1 and Part 2, I fleshed out the first two reasons I would go to the Truly Human Gathering even if I didn't have to. Here's the third and final reason:
3. I want to be part of the future that is coming.
In some ways people may look at those who speak/gather around Missio Alliance and it’s hard to “peg” exactly who this is becoming. There are Wesleyans, Arminians, Reformed, Charismatic, Baptist, Anglican, Anabaptist, Catholic, and many other kinds of leaders here. There are large churches and small churches and high churches and low churches. There are women and men (it may be surprising to say that – but some conferences are decidedly male-oriented) and there are a growing representation from different parts of the “people of God," be they African-American, Asian, Anglo, Latino, etc.
Some describe Missio Alliance as a “3rd way” or “center space” or “alternative to the new left and right dichotomies”. Those are good descriptors in some ways, but insufficient in others. Instead, I think something deeper is happening that is certainly aware of the conservative – progressive spectrum, yet in some ways trying to reach beyond it, but with a long-standing rootedness in the historic beliefs of the church.
I believe this “fusion of horizons” represents a sign of what the Holy Spirit is doing theologically and missiologically in our time. There is an important collapse of our long-standing Christendom birthed categories and a melding or fusion of something new (and previously impossible on a practical level) possible. For instance, I’ve heard one leader part of the Missio “tribe” describe themselves as Catholic-Anabaptist. They also happen to lean Wesleyan in terms of sanctification and are open to the work of the Spirit, but in more private than public exercise. Another speaker told me, “I am a Free Church Anglican.” They are also both reformed in some ways and mystics in others.
What are we to make of all this?
I believe that while this may not look like our historical categories, communities like Missio Alliance are cultivating, usually unintentionally, but by the work of the Spirit, a way forward in a new era. It is a collective future being built upon, but not limited to, our distinct pasts. It’s not a reprise of the past or a bowing of the knee to cultural norms – it’s something different – a new(er) grid for the mission of God in a new time.
If this story resonates with your story, or as Wesley said so well, “if your heart is my heart," then let us join hands and hearts and minds and meet together in Alexandria in May.
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.