Over the past few months, I have been designing a website for my team in Youth with a Mission Scotland. I work in Stirling with YWAM Stirling. We are a small team, getting smaller actually!
Feel free to take a look at the site and tell me what you think. This is my first attempt at anything like this so please be gentle!
In particular I would like to bring your attention to the School of the Heart conference we are running in February. A fantastic week of teaching and ideal if you need a bit of retreat time.
If you are in ministry this is a good place to recharge after a hectic Christmas. (One of the questions you are not allowed to ask is what do you do for a living? - So yo can just come and be.)
Anyway, please take a look
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Monday classes at ICC
Just a quick post for those in my neck of the woods. International Christian College has publicised their latest batch of Monday classes that are open to folks.
There is a cost £8 per class or £40 for the six weeks per class. Registration required. I am taking in a class, so might see you there!
Six Mondays from 26th October - 30th November
Monday mornings
10.15 – 11.15 a.m. Alastair Noble
“The Design Controversy – current issues in faith, science and apologetics”
12.00 – 1.00pm Speaker to be confirmed
Using the Bible in groups
Monday evenings
7.30 – 9.00 p.m. David Smith
“Seeking a city with foundations – exploring urban theology”
Tuesday 1 September 2009
A fine balance
If you have read any of my other posts, you will know that one of my passions is demonstrating
a biblical worldview. As a secular trained community worker, I realise that my university opted out from spiritual development aspects, sitting very firmly on the fence for fear of been accused of any bias or discrimination.
I can see however, how we can use community work skills in mission. For years churches and other Christian organisations have perhaps been lacking in practice. Within increasing legislation that has been less of the case within recent years.
It is however always a fine balance being Christian community work/mission/outreach. If we are not careful you can easily let the Kingdom values slip down in priority....and before you know it you are a slightly better off secular project.
As Christians we should not only be reflective practitioners but we should always be seeking.
When we started our community team 4 years ago we served for 6- 12 months. We built up relationship and the community. When we had done that for a few months, we sought God. We had loads of potential plans and ideas...We took 3 days intensively just to map things out and seek God on what routes we were to take.
We must always remember to Seek God's heart and Will on things.
No matter how Good the plan is....if its not God's plan....then we miss the mark.
The detailed person in me likes to see the plan... I like the detail, I like structure (although some of my friends may contest that) I have a passion for developing good Christian practice...
We must never forget the "cross factor" and never let our human good ideas get in the way of God's plan and Kingdom values.
a biblical worldview. As a secular trained community worker, I realise that my university opted out from spiritual development aspects, sitting very firmly on the fence for fear of been accused of any bias or discrimination.
I can see however, how we can use community work skills in mission. For years churches and other Christian organisations have perhaps been lacking in practice. Within increasing legislation that has been less of the case within recent years.
It is however always a fine balance being Christian community work/mission/outreach. If we are not careful you can easily let the Kingdom values slip down in priority....and before you know it you are a slightly better off secular project.
As Christians we should not only be reflective practitioners but we should always be seeking.
When we started our community team 4 years ago we served for 6- 12 months. We built up relationship and the community. When we had done that for a few months, we sought God. We had loads of potential plans and ideas...We took 3 days intensively just to map things out and seek God on what routes we were to take.
We must always remember to Seek God's heart and Will on things.
No matter how Good the plan is....if its not God's plan....then we miss the mark.
The detailed person in me likes to see the plan... I like the detail, I like structure (although some of my friends may contest that) I have a passion for developing good Christian practice...
We must never forget the "cross factor" and never let our human good ideas get in the way of God's plan and Kingdom values.
Sunday 26 July 2009
Clan
Christian festival time. I am just back from C.L.A.N. - Christians linked across the Nation. A new wine scotland event. In one sense it was a true Holiday or "Holy" day as we took time off as a family to reflect on our Saviour.
A week of great teaching, great stuff for kids and time to unwind with friends.
Tired but refreshed is one way to describe it.
We have taken a bit of time to be polished and honed.
My eldest has soaked in more about God and loved the holiday at the same time.
It's great to see so many people from different denominations just worshiping in Spirit and Truth.
A week of great teaching, great stuff for kids and time to unwind with friends.
Tired but refreshed is one way to describe it.
We have taken a bit of time to be polished and honed.
My eldest has soaked in more about God and loved the holiday at the same time.
It's great to see so many people from different denominations just worshiping in Spirit and Truth.
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Spiritual practices
How can we have a better grasp of a Biblical worldview?
We humans like to compartmentalize things. We like our boxes and security.
Having a Biblical worldview however, for me crosses over in both personal and professional practice.
Why?
Personally, it is only by taking time with God that we can deepen or understanding of God and that naturally out flows in how we live (or it should)
Professionally, there are many concepts of what community is. Many people believe that community and community spirit is dead. In my experience that is largely from people who consider community to be geographic in its nature.
I believe that community is indeed alive and well, since there are many forms of community. (See a detailed explanation on infed website.)
We like to have a firm grasp on things and so often we put God in a box. I can learn so much from my daughter. She has grown up with or grace before dinner and its natural to her. Inviting a friend to an Christian event, or for a picnic makes no difference.
Sometimes we adults just get caught up in wondering what will people think that we actually don't get round to asking anyone to a Christian event.
We know the truth but we get so easily tied in knots.
We need to develop practices that stop us from battering ourselves down. God wants us to bloom and flourish.
The fact is that we all have a different piece of the jigsaw. We need to grasp how God sees us. He loves to create and he invites us to join Him co-work with him. He wants us to bloom.
I wanted to say this is work, this is family but actually its all me. I want to be salt and light where ever I am. I want people to see God's heart for them.
Of course we all have to have boundaries of some kind, otherwise we would never get rest and would quickly burn out.
We have to get a balance. In order to do that we have to make sure we are fed spiritually and that we are attentive to the Holy Spirit's guiding.
We humans like to compartmentalize things. We like our boxes and security.
Having a Biblical worldview however, for me crosses over in both personal and professional practice.
Why?
Personally, it is only by taking time with God that we can deepen or understanding of God and that naturally out flows in how we live (or it should)
Professionally, there are many concepts of what community is. Many people believe that community and community spirit is dead. In my experience that is largely from people who consider community to be geographic in its nature.
I believe that community is indeed alive and well, since there are many forms of community. (See a detailed explanation on infed website.)
We like to have a firm grasp on things and so often we put God in a box. I can learn so much from my daughter. She has grown up with or grace before dinner and its natural to her. Inviting a friend to an Christian event, or for a picnic makes no difference.
Sometimes we adults just get caught up in wondering what will people think that we actually don't get round to asking anyone to a Christian event.
We know the truth but we get so easily tied in knots.
We need to develop practices that stop us from battering ourselves down. God wants us to bloom and flourish.
The fact is that we all have a different piece of the jigsaw. We need to grasp how God sees us. He loves to create and he invites us to join Him co-work with him. He wants us to bloom.
I wanted to say this is work, this is family but actually its all me. I want to be salt and light where ever I am. I want people to see God's heart for them.
Of course we all have to have boundaries of some kind, otherwise we would never get rest and would quickly burn out.
We have to get a balance. In order to do that we have to make sure we are fed spiritually and that we are attentive to the Holy Spirit's guiding.
Saturday 23 May 2009
Be with Me, talk with me - ask questions
Psalm 23The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters.
3 He renews my soul. He guides me along the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission.
I have been thinking recently about what I believe. There are some things I quite simply have formed an opinion and I believe what I believe. Sometimes unquestioningly.
I like simple language, so I am not really a into theological arguments.
There are also other times when I know that I have said that we need to raise our expectancy and expectations and ask questions.
We have all heard of having a child like faith. Sometimes that people think that means having a simple faith.
I am not so sure of that....I have a 5 year old that can have some very profound questions.
We have a relational God that wants us to be co-workers. Surely it makes sense that He wants us to ask questions and build a deeper intimacy with Him.
At the same time, God is God. I don't need to know everything. In fact quite often I am glad I don't - as it would probably blow my mind.
I am relieved He tells me things on a need to know basis at times. I am also quite sure that if He told me His plan for me 5 or 10 years in advance, it may freak me out completely and I may well become a modern day Jonah that turns on my heels.
Sometimes He gives us time....Like my recent trip to Germany. He told me about that 1 year in advance....but He knew that going "alone" and leaving my family for 3 weeks was something I had to ponder, prepare for and wrestle with....so He knew I would need that time.
Sometimes structure can make us feel safe. We like that. The world likes that. Sometimes churches like that....it can make things clear, more professional or business like....
Whose rules are they though? More often or not we put God in a box when we do that...
The problem is my God is not confined to a box. He doesn't do it my way very often (sometimes He might indulge me) ...It's more often or not His plan and His way.
Faith can be complex and it can be simple...There are no fixed rules.
Friday 15 May 2009
Being obedient
The LORD will continually guide youand satisfy you even in sun-baked places.
He will strengthen your bones.
You will become like a watered garden
and like a spring whose water does not stop flowing.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission.
As some of you know, I have just spent 3 weeks in Germany. A lot of Germany, infact all of it was about being obedient. I first heard about the conference last year. Straight away the thought of going to it was burning within me.
I knew I had to go. That feeling remained, as I prayed about it. I shared my thoughts with my husband who also prayed and confirmed it. As a mum with young children however, it was a BIG ask from God.... Three weeks is a long time for wee ones.
As I shared with people what I intended to do, I got a mixed response. Come to think of it, I had mixed emotions - right up to the night before I left, I was having "frank" conversations with God about why He was asking me to go without the family... but I had to be obedient.
In terms of other missionaries, I have not had to uproot my family or gone to an unchurched tribal village where I have had to learn a new language, but the principle of being obedient is the same whether we are at home, overseas, in missions or in the office.
As one of our speakers said at the conference
For me part of me going away was simply about being obedient.
We humans like things neat and tidy - organised and structured. The problem is God does things His way, not our way.
I know that some people raised an eyebrow about my 3 week trip. The fact is though I felt I had to do it that way.
It really all boils down to relationship - Our relationship with God and others.
In order to be obedient, I have to be able to be open to God and learn to listen to His voice.
If I had gone with the family or had gone for a week instead of three - I probably would have been at risk of missing part of what God had to teach me.
By valuing my relationship with God we and being obedient to what He asks of me, I do indeed feel that I have been strengthened and well watered.
I knew I had to go. That feeling remained, as I prayed about it. I shared my thoughts with my husband who also prayed and confirmed it. As a mum with young children however, it was a BIG ask from God.... Three weeks is a long time for wee ones.
As I shared with people what I intended to do, I got a mixed response. Come to think of it, I had mixed emotions - right up to the night before I left, I was having "frank" conversations with God about why He was asking me to go without the family... but I had to be obedient.
In terms of other missionaries, I have not had to uproot my family or gone to an unchurched tribal village where I have had to learn a new language, but the principle of being obedient is the same whether we are at home, overseas, in missions or in the office.
As one of our speakers said at the conference
"even if you are not successful, you must be obedient."
For me part of me going away was simply about being obedient.
We humans like things neat and tidy - organised and structured. The problem is God does things His way, not our way.
I know that some people raised an eyebrow about my 3 week trip. The fact is though I felt I had to do it that way.
It really all boils down to relationship - Our relationship with God and others.
In order to be obedient, I have to be able to be open to God and learn to listen to His voice.
If I had gone with the family or had gone for a week instead of three - I probably would have been at risk of missing part of what God had to teach me.
By valuing my relationship with God we and being obedient to what He asks of me, I do indeed feel that I have been strengthened and well watered.
Sunday 10 May 2009
Information overload...
For the past 3 weeks, I have been away in Germany. I have been in Herrnhut at a conference, called DNA Infusion.
As a part of that, we were taught about Leonhard Dober and the Moravian community.
Leonhard Dober was trained as a Potter. When he was 19 years old he joined the Moravian community in Herrnhut. He later became the first missionary to be sent out in 1732.
In order to do that he sold himself into slavery. When people at the dock heard what he and his colleague were doing, they asked them why...Their response was
"May the Lamb was slain is worthy to receive the reward of His suffering."
In other words....because Jesus is worth it.
I have had so much teaching in the last few weeks, it is hard to know where to even begin, however I would say that to remember our heritage is a good way to start.
These young men gave up their freedom to answer the call of God on their life.
Two questions I have are
1)What new or fresh thing is God calling me to get involved with?
2)What old/foundational thing is God wanting to renew in me?
These are big questions for me......What does that mean for you?
As a part of that, we were taught about Leonhard Dober and the Moravian community.
Leonhard Dober was trained as a Potter. When he was 19 years old he joined the Moravian community in Herrnhut. He later became the first missionary to be sent out in 1732.
In order to do that he sold himself into slavery. When people at the dock heard what he and his colleague were doing, they asked them why...Their response was
"May the Lamb was slain is worthy to receive the reward of His suffering."
In other words....because Jesus is worth it.
I have had so much teaching in the last few weeks, it is hard to know where to even begin, however I would say that to remember our heritage is a good way to start.
These young men gave up their freedom to answer the call of God on their life.
Two questions I have are
1)What new or fresh thing is God calling me to get involved with?
2)What old/foundational thing is God wanting to renew in me?
These are big questions for me......What does that mean for you?
Wednesday 8 April 2009
Approaches in mission
I have recently been in a bit of a dialogue with people that follow Sunday papers with regard mission. The question was posed "Why are we rubbish at it?" I have made some comments about being in it for the long haul and sometimes its our mindset to mission that is a barrier.
Our mission is to share God's love and ultimately see people experience and have a life changing encounter with God.
There were those in the discussion that seemed to favour direct evangelism, after all there should be a question of urgency in our Gospel message.
I see the value in any approach. I have been aware however that timing is vital. We do have to ask God what to do. There have been times where a team has asked to come and when we prayed about it we felt it was a "No". I have also seen teams sweep in and out of a village or town claiming x number of conversions, with little or no thought about follow up and discipleship....and sadly few people have managed to link in with a local church and stick with it.
Of course God can use that again later.
And of course I have also seen that kind of thing done well....In fact I am testimony to that...22 + years on.
This dialogue has prompted me to ponder my church mission statement
My church developed a mission statement a few years ago:
"to be a people radically devoted to Christ, unconditionally committed to each other and relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside God's family with the Gospel of Christ".
This has been challenging me lately as this is a BIG statement. It sounds good and is even a high expectation. The statement is fully loaded however.
If I break it down we have
1. A people radically devoted to Christ.
2. Unconditionally committed to each other.
3. Relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside God's family with the Gospel of Christ.
1. A people radically devoted to Christ
If we look at the first section, in particular "radically devoted".
What does that mean exactly?
Radically according to Dictionary.com is
"2. in a complete or basic manner; thoroughly; fundamentally.
and devoted is
zealous or ardent in attachment, loyalty, or affection: a devoted friend.
Without delving too deep into this statement we come into words like fundamental, zealous and ardent, all of which are very strong deep rooted words.
To fulfill this aspect of the statement alone would require commitment to our the Word and our own journey and discipleship.
I would also point out that these words are not always welcomed in our society today as we have a tendency to lean towards "each to their own" and a melting pot of beliefs and religious tolerance. People don't like fundamental anything.
2. Unconditionally committed to each other.
This again is a tall ask. Of course I am committed to my church. Having been there since my commitment 22 years (give or take time away, although it has always been my home church)
I have seen it grow and develop (there have also been times of pain, where I could easily have walked away) I would like to think I could say YES LORD emphatically to that part of the statement.... but the truth is that in a church that size there are people that I don't or vaguely know. So I can't say Yes entirely. I know that I could empathise with someone and pray for them.... so in that way I could commit to them.
There is a part of me though that knows that as humans we naturally have deep and shallow relationships, therefore I am limited in what I can commit to....and who I would share with. Some only what to know the superficial stuff, few get the depth of who I am. That is however natural in relationships. However, in principle I am committed to people and even those I don't know well, I can pray for in their time of need. BUT it is still HUGE.
3. Relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside God's family with the Gospel of Christ.
It is the relentless bit of this that challenges me here...
Dictionary.com says "that does not relent; unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh; unrelenting."
I have a passion for my city, I would like to see it and God's people thrive, so yes I can say that this statement I can relate with. There are limits to what I can do and if I am unyielding all the time, I will burn out, no question. This is where the cogs of the church family and organisation comes into play.
As an organic organisation we need to be united and committed to our vision. Mission for me is local, God has given me a heart for my city - it is no more or less important to Oversees mission.
Having said that however being a missionary in my home city has its pros and cons.....I am pushed back to point 2. Unconditionally committed to each other.
It's a BIG statement whether you break it up or not.....a work in progress. Organic, evolving and an unfinished task.
Our mission is to share God's love and ultimately see people experience and have a life changing encounter with God.
There were those in the discussion that seemed to favour direct evangelism, after all there should be a question of urgency in our Gospel message.
I see the value in any approach. I have been aware however that timing is vital. We do have to ask God what to do. There have been times where a team has asked to come and when we prayed about it we felt it was a "No". I have also seen teams sweep in and out of a village or town claiming x number of conversions, with little or no thought about follow up and discipleship....and sadly few people have managed to link in with a local church and stick with it.
Of course God can use that again later.
And of course I have also seen that kind of thing done well....In fact I am testimony to that...22 + years on.
This dialogue has prompted me to ponder my church mission statement
My church developed a mission statement a few years ago:
"to be a people radically devoted to Christ, unconditionally committed to each other and relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside God's family with the Gospel of Christ".
This has been challenging me lately as this is a BIG statement. It sounds good and is even a high expectation. The statement is fully loaded however.
If I break it down we have
1. A people radically devoted to Christ.
2. Unconditionally committed to each other.
3. Relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside God's family with the Gospel of Christ.
1. A people radically devoted to Christ
If we look at the first section, in particular "radically devoted".
What does that mean exactly?
Radically according to Dictionary.com is
"2. in a complete or basic manner; thoroughly; fundamentally.
and devoted is
zealous or ardent in attachment, loyalty, or affection: a devoted friend.
Without delving too deep into this statement we come into words like fundamental, zealous and ardent, all of which are very strong deep rooted words.
To fulfill this aspect of the statement alone would require commitment to our the Word and our own journey and discipleship.
I would also point out that these words are not always welcomed in our society today as we have a tendency to lean towards "each to their own" and a melting pot of beliefs and religious tolerance. People don't like fundamental anything.
2. Unconditionally committed to each other.
This again is a tall ask. Of course I am committed to my church. Having been there since my commitment 22 years (give or take time away, although it has always been my home church)
I have seen it grow and develop (there have also been times of pain, where I could easily have walked away) I would like to think I could say YES LORD emphatically to that part of the statement.... but the truth is that in a church that size there are people that I don't or vaguely know. So I can't say Yes entirely. I know that I could empathise with someone and pray for them.... so in that way I could commit to them.
There is a part of me though that knows that as humans we naturally have deep and shallow relationships, therefore I am limited in what I can commit to....and who I would share with. Some only what to know the superficial stuff, few get the depth of who I am. That is however natural in relationships. However, in principle I am committed to people and even those I don't know well, I can pray for in their time of need. BUT it is still HUGE.
3. Relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside God's family with the Gospel of Christ.
It is the relentless bit of this that challenges me here...
Dictionary.com says "that does not relent; unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh; unrelenting."
I have a passion for my city, I would like to see it and God's people thrive, so yes I can say that this statement I can relate with. There are limits to what I can do and if I am unyielding all the time, I will burn out, no question. This is where the cogs of the church family and organisation comes into play.
As an organic organisation we need to be united and committed to our vision. Mission for me is local, God has given me a heart for my city - it is no more or less important to Oversees mission.
Having said that however being a missionary in my home city has its pros and cons.....I am pushed back to point 2. Unconditionally committed to each other.
It's a BIG statement whether you break it up or not.....a work in progress. Organic, evolving and an unfinished task.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Why Honestly Living It?
I thought since people may read this blog, I should say a bit about me.
Why honestly living it?
Simply put, I am sharing my journey with you.
So who am I?
I am a mum with 2 young children, who is professionally trained in youth and community work. I am currently working in mission. I try to balance being a mum with practically demonstrating God's love to those around me....what most Christians endeavour to do - it just so happens that I am currently with Youth With A Mission Scotland.
I like things in simple language. I value truth and honesty. I don't claim to be one who has it all sown up. My heart and vision to be transformed into the people God wants them to be.
As a community worker, I have a passion for good practice. I believe that when we develop a new project, people should be able to see that it is run well with good policy and practice because God wants the best for us - we should do our best for Him.
We should be an example to others of how to do things well.
This is a blog of my journey in balancing all these aspects of me, so that I can hopefully be the salt and light in my community. Seeking an ever deeper relationship and intimacy with my God.
Why honestly living it?
Simply put, I am sharing my journey with you.
So who am I?
I am a mum with 2 young children, who is professionally trained in youth and community work. I am currently working in mission. I try to balance being a mum with practically demonstrating God's love to those around me....what most Christians endeavour to do - it just so happens that I am currently with Youth With A Mission Scotland.
I like things in simple language. I value truth and honesty. I don't claim to be one who has it all sown up. My heart and vision to be transformed into the people God wants them to be.
As a community worker, I have a passion for good practice. I believe that when we develop a new project, people should be able to see that it is run well with good policy and practice because God wants the best for us - we should do our best for Him.
We should be an example to others of how to do things well.
This is a blog of my journey in balancing all these aspects of me, so that I can hopefully be the salt and light in my community. Seeking an ever deeper relationship and intimacy with my God.
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Biblical Worldview continued
One of our YWAM Stirling statements is that we want to engage with individuals and communities with a biblical world view. I am currently trying to unpack that a little. What does it mean to have a biblical worldview?
People who know me, know that I am not one to use theology terminology, so its focuses in community and church - seeing it from where I am at - now. So I don't claim to have arrived. (I am not sure I ever will!)
I have looked at Mark d Roberts blog series on Biblical worldview the matter and he explains things in a way I understand...
Two things that Mark has written stick out at the mom
"1. There is one transcendent, sovereign, all-powerful God who created all things.
People who know me, know that I am not one to use theology terminology, so its focuses in community and church - seeing it from where I am at - now. So I don't claim to have arrived. (I am not sure I ever will!)
I have looked at Mark d Roberts blog series on Biblical worldview the matter and he explains things in a way I understand...
Two things that Mark has written stick out at the mom
"1. There is one transcendent, sovereign, all-powerful God who created all things.
2. Matter matters, because God created heaven and earth and saw that all things he created are very good."
What God created was good. Sin has got in the way.
God created us to be relational- with Him and others. The earth He created was good and is His.
Yes it is important to be in a Christian community to be built up, equipped and discipled but it is equally important that we show and share God's love practically to those who don't know God.
That should start where you are - local. If God calls you globally, then go.
My passion and vision is my city - at least at the moment. I want to see God move in Stirling, I want to see church partnerships and people earnestly seeking God....and finding Him.Monday 9 March 2009
Biblical Worldview.
Whether we know it or not , we all have a world view. A world view is developed by our beliefs, values and framework of how we interpret and understand our world. It also relates to how we relate or interact in it.
Jesus lived in this world. He interacted with the people. He did not set himself apart in order to look down on people. He did not follow the rituals of the Pharisees.
He spoke directly to the people.
He connected with people where they were at in their daily life.
We all have things that have influenced our thoughts and values.
I am coming from the context of a Christian community worker, who is currently working in a mission organisation.
As a community worker, I know people within my field that would say that I can not be anti - discriminatory and Christian as I have set values. However we all have a worldview, regardless of whether it is religious or not. In my eyes that argument can not hold up. In professional practice I can see I respect the right to seld determination as I believe God gave us freewill.
I believe in accepting people where they are at. As a Christian of over 20 years, I do not claim to be "sorted". (Far from it.)
Some people think that because I work for a mission we are going to Bible bash left, right and centre. Many funders will not fund religious organisations, since they do not want to be seen promoting one particular religion over another - so they just avoid it with a Barge pole.
The truth is no matter how you wrap it up, human beings have a spiritual dimension, I believe God created us that way to have relationship. If that aspect is not filled, people have a void and a lack of purpose. (In my humble opinion.)
People often have this misconception that Christianity is a set of restrictive rules and exclusive. The reality is that God is not judgemental. (We are far more likely to be judgemental.) God is open and inclusive to all.
Engaging in your community as a Christian /missionary is about practically showing God's love to the community, allowing people an opportunity to experience God in their every day life.
We may have a habit of building walls in the church, defining our boundary and territory. If we do that we are being exclusive. Jesus was inclusive. He spent his time with people who were socially unacceptable in that time. There are countless passages where Jesus socialised in the "wrong" circles. (The lepers, tax collectors, shepherds, women, prostitutes... and I could go on)
I have not got it right and I have so much more to learn. I am not versed up and know about apologetics and theology....but I know what God has done for me. All I can do is try to share what I know of God.....and I am always going to have "L" plates on.
Jesus lived in this world. He interacted with the people. He did not set himself apart in order to look down on people. He did not follow the rituals of the Pharisees.
He spoke directly to the people.
He connected with people where they were at in their daily life.
We all have things that have influenced our thoughts and values.
I am coming from the context of a Christian community worker, who is currently working in a mission organisation.
As a community worker, I know people within my field that would say that I can not be anti - discriminatory and Christian as I have set values. However we all have a worldview, regardless of whether it is religious or not. In my eyes that argument can not hold up. In professional practice I can see I respect the right to seld determination as I believe God gave us freewill.
I believe in accepting people where they are at. As a Christian of over 20 years, I do not claim to be "sorted". (Far from it.)
Some people think that because I work for a mission we are going to Bible bash left, right and centre. Many funders will not fund religious organisations, since they do not want to be seen promoting one particular religion over another - so they just avoid it with a Barge pole.
The truth is no matter how you wrap it up, human beings have a spiritual dimension, I believe God created us that way to have relationship. If that aspect is not filled, people have a void and a lack of purpose. (In my humble opinion.)
People often have this misconception that Christianity is a set of restrictive rules and exclusive. The reality is that God is not judgemental. (We are far more likely to be judgemental.) God is open and inclusive to all.
Engaging in your community as a Christian /missionary is about practically showing God's love to the community, allowing people an opportunity to experience God in their every day life.
We may have a habit of building walls in the church, defining our boundary and territory. If we do that we are being exclusive. Jesus was inclusive. He spent his time with people who were socially unacceptable in that time. There are countless passages where Jesus socialised in the "wrong" circles. (The lepers, tax collectors, shepherds, women, prostitutes... and I could go on)
I have not got it right and I have so much more to learn. I am not versed up and know about apologetics and theology....but I know what God has done for me. All I can do is try to share what I know of God.....and I am always going to have "L" plates on.
Friday 6 March 2009
Where and What is your community?
Most of us at one time or another have engaged in a conversation at some point where the notion of community has come up. We have all heard statements like "It was not like that in our day", "We have lost our community spirit". The notion of neighbours talking over the fence and watching out for each other is regarded as nostalgia, since our lifestyles are more fast paced and individualistic.
Perhaps my first question then is "What does the term community mean to you?"
I am not going to go into a long detailed explanation of the varying concepts of community in this blog. Further reading on this can be done here
http://www.infed.org/community/community.htm
In short the term community can relate to a geographic place or neighbourhood , a community of interest e.g . a church community or sport or hobby group. The third notion of community comes from communion. Communion can have deep profound attachments such as an encounter with God or it can equally have looser attachments.
Of course now there is also the notion of online communities and social networks, which can either be linked to a community of interestor a loose communion concept.
For me, probably the strongest links I have to community is my church and to the city of my birth, Stirling. Of course there are other areas and communities to which I belong, however in terms of where I get a sense of identity those are certainly the strongest for me.
What does that mean for my mission field?
It means that one type of community is where I have my support and nurture i.e. the church and communion in terms in my relationship with God. However other notions of community are my mission field i.e. a place and other community of interests.
When we look at community in these wider senses, in my opinion community is not dead, as God created us to be relational. Human beings will always form relationships and have fellowship with others and God.
Perhaps my first question then is "What does the term community mean to you?"
I am not going to go into a long detailed explanation of the varying concepts of community in this blog. Further reading on this can be done here
http://www.infed.org/community/community.htm
In short the term community can relate to a geographic place or neighbourhood , a community of interest e.g . a church community or sport or hobby group. The third notion of community comes from communion. Communion can have deep profound attachments such as an encounter with God or it can equally have looser attachments.
Of course now there is also the notion of online communities and social networks, which can either be linked to a community of interestor a loose communion concept.
For me, probably the strongest links I have to community is my church and to the city of my birth, Stirling. Of course there are other areas and communities to which I belong, however in terms of where I get a sense of identity those are certainly the strongest for me.
What does that mean for my mission field?
It means that one type of community is where I have my support and nurture i.e. the church and communion in terms in my relationship with God. However other notions of community are my mission field i.e. a place and other community of interests.
When we look at community in these wider senses, in my opinion community is not dead, as God created us to be relational. Human beings will always form relationships and have fellowship with others and God.
Wednesday 25 February 2009
In this blog I will attempt to share my thinking on community work, church and mission. As a community worker and a Christian, there are times when people in my field of work can not see how I could promote self determination yet also have a clear faith.
Increasingly I have noticed that as human beings we are innately territorial....and we love our jargon. So much so that we create it almost to make sure that those in our group know and it becomes like a safety blanket or an exclusive elite club.
It happens wherever we go. Infact I know that there is some jargon in the community work realm that my mission colleagues may not know and look blankly at me. Likewise joining a mission organisation has meant that I have had to "Learn a new Lingo".
This blog will hopefully attempt to merge my knowledge and thinking from these different realms and hopefully formulate some of my thinking, in such a way that people from different spheres can grasp where I am coming from.....Hopefully.
Increasingly I have noticed that as human beings we are innately territorial....and we love our jargon. So much so that we create it almost to make sure that those in our group know and it becomes like a safety blanket or an exclusive elite club.
It happens wherever we go. Infact I know that there is some jargon in the community work realm that my mission colleagues may not know and look blankly at me. Likewise joining a mission organisation has meant that I have had to "Learn a new Lingo".
This blog will hopefully attempt to merge my knowledge and thinking from these different realms and hopefully formulate some of my thinking, in such a way that people from different spheres can grasp where I am coming from.....Hopefully.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)