Thursday, February 21, 2019

What I Long For.


Not sure why this is difficult to post. But it is.


I'm longing for a church/gathering...

Where BOTH men AND women lead and actively contribute together, giving a more balanced and complete view of theology.

Where BOTH the young AND old teach, encourage, and disciple one another.

Where the artist, the engineer, the poet, the teacher, the singer, the musician, the college student, the dancer, the scientist, the middle school trombone player, and all the "regular" folks alike, contribute to worship in word, in song and in generosity and sacrifice.

Where you can't tell who makes minimum wage and who makes 6 figures because BOTH are esteemed, valued, sought after and fought for.

Where families don't necessarily look alike.

Where love and relationship overcome stereotypes, fear and concern for personal safety.

Where corporate discussion and lament of past and present suffering isn't ignored or glossed over, but leads to repentance and to forgiveness and healing and to thanksgiving and praise.

Where Christ is the head (Not schedules. Not a president. Not a business plan. Not a "good idea". Not a random book.) and the Spirit empowers and leads his people to proclaim the gospel in word and deed.

Where difficult questions are welcomed and "I don't know" is an acceptable answer.

Where sound-bites aren't repeated for the sake of a laugh or an "amen", and scripture is read in full and not taken out of context for the sake of making a point.

Where BOTH the Old AND New testament are treasured and taught.

Where all of the world's cultures and customs are appreciated and learned from, and elitism and nationalism is confronted.