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vison - thoughts
I've already sent this out in an e-mail to all the vbcc people so they've seen it. I just wanted to put it up here as well as a record and to share with whomever else may be interested. This is from a journal entry after attending a conference a few years ago - on the vision that still burns at the heart of vbcc.
from December 5, 2001
There is also the matter of the kind of confrontative evangelism that was emphasized - not slow, but quick growth - planting many churches in little time. This I'm not sure at all about. I've been "hearing" the opposite - slow, plodding, relational evangelism. More of a catechetical approach - people joining in the community on pilgrimage. I keep getting confirmation on this as well. So, in some people's criteria, I would not be a good church planter. I'm taking way too damn long. I don't have 15 unchurched people saved yet. Well, obviously, if I believed that, I would quit. But I don't happen to believe that, therefore, I will keep on. I will not quit. And what is produced will be odd. It will be different. But it will be a good, healthy thing.
RELATIONAL (the vehicle of choice)
- God
- People
- Ministry
- Discipleship
- Evangelism
SPIRITUAL
- Deep
- Long-haul
- Transformation
- Integration
- Openness
MISSIONAL
- Multiplication of small and large entities
- Inhabiting culture
- Making friends
- Being patient
| posted by + Alan | 12:25 PM | 2 comments |
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Our mission
I think one of the great things about going through "Liturgy of the Hours" as a community is that I can take off half way across the country for a month and still feel connected. When it comes to rhythm, though, remember: I'm a white guy. This takes practice.
So something jumped out at me last Sunday. And by last Sunday, I mean a week ago last Sunday.
From the Intercessions (that's pg. 202 in your pew lectionaries):
The world was created by the Word of God, re-created by his redemption, and it is continually renewed by his love.
Hmm... creation, re-creation, renewal. This is an awesome God we serve, and an awesome life he calls us to.
Furthermore:
Be with the oppressed, free the captives, console the sorrowing feed the hungry, strengthen the weak, in all people reveal the victory of your cross.
We can volley back and forth the relationship between the "being" and "doing" of our Faith, but in this, I can imagine no more succinct description of what "doing" Faith looks like. This is the work the Father invites us to in this world: to in all people reveal the victory of His cross.
Cool stuff.
See everybody soon.
| posted by Peter | 1:15 AM | 1 comments |