Reimagining Church Discussion

Comment

Comment by John Prater on October 28, 2009 at 12:02pm

Going on from there and looking forward, I am a student of psychology and our (my) personal makeup via personality. I am journeying into how, with my own distinct personality, I can influence those in my sphere of activity and influence. I am conscious of mistakes in the use of the tongue, responses to various situations that present themselves and having to reset things after I have said things that I regret. The consciousness of being who I am, but at the same time, a representative of Jesus & the father to kids who I work with.
I am seeking that place of allowing Jesus to help me be at rest yet in the mix of things that are sometimes very touchy or maybe even tense. It's then that I tend to get into that 'old nature' and need to rely more of Him to get me through. In the kingdom, even as I am in the world but not of the world, sometimes the lines get blurry, and I struggle to reset myself into His trust. The kingdom, for me I want to try to extend to these kids who have great needs and struggle to process on a daily level, and I am there to help in as many ways as I can. I have mentioned to some there, that they are my "church" and a "connection" that may hopefully lead some to God.

Comment by Nathan Lambshead on October 26, 2009 at 4:47pm

I am with you John P.

Comment by Ron Kellington on October 26, 2009 at 2:47pm

God put that "true connection" that we seek into our DNA.. it's a part of who we are and who we were created to be. A part of God's eternal purpose has to do with His desire for a large Family.. who loves one another.. and cares for one another...
who is free from religious duty and 'law'. The "koinonia".. the fellowship.. that was happening in the Godhead before they created is likely part of the motivation for creation.. to extend that fellowship that Paul tells the Corinthians that we are called to. ( God is faithful who has called us into the fellowship of His Son ). Like Viola points out in Reimaging Church... there is nothing so glorious as 'organic church life', but it won't happen, it can't happen, it will never happen without the cross.

Jesus Christ is the Head of His Body, the Church. He is our Life. We, as a Church, need to learn to live by His Life together. When that happens there will be more than a "sense of community"... Jesus Himself supplies all we need to live as the "new creation".. as a part of "the one new man"... If it's not from Him; through Him; and to Him... then whatever it is we're doing, is likely not Him... no matter how good it looks. He is the Foundation of the ekklesia... we are built on Him.. and built into Him. The Godhead is community and is the model for the ekklesia. I think we need to get a revelation of that.

Glad to hear you're determined not to return to "that old system", John. When you see Him that system doesn't look so good anymore.

Comment by John Prater on October 26, 2009 at 2:03pm

I once lived in what we called an "intentional community" of believers, and there was an unbelievable sense of "community." But, it was seemingly built upon the leaders building their own kingdom, for it's own sake. Yet, 10 + years after that experience, we still seek that true connection. We have ejected ourselves from that place and seek another family. Strangely enough it seems that will look like whatever believers we come into contact with at work, or believing family & friends within our sphere of activity. we are not all on the same page religiously, but my wife and I are determined not to return to that old system.

Comment by Ron Kellington on October 26, 2009 at 1:53pm

One of Viola's premises is that no house church / organic church should even exist if it's mission isn't God's Eternal Purpose. Being that Reimagining Church is a sequal to Pagan Christianity, it "re-imagines" what Church ( who is Christ's Body ) should look like and what Body Life really is. Just like our human body contains our life and expresses our life, Christ's Body, which is not separated from the Head, contains His Life and expresses His Life. Individually we are not the Church. We are individually members ( or parts ) of His Body. When we assemble together, the Body is seen and should express Him. Viola expands on that in this book and reveals an ekklesa much different in appearance and function from what we see on most street corners.

Comment by John Prater on October 26, 2009 at 12:19pm

I started to read Reimagining some time ago, but then "The Shack" and then "So You Don't Want to Go To Church Anymore" came along which totally captured me in the messages I received from them. So now, I want to re-read the latter but too, maybe get back to Re-imagining to continue it. There is so much to be said for the center of "Church," which is our relationship with HIm and with each other, and having that freedom in Christ to love.

Comment by George E. Dunn on August 11, 2009 at 8:55am

There is no need for you to "defend" against those whose minds are closed to the teaching of scripture. I suggest you pray for them and ask them to study the bible with an open mind. Look up the references to 'pastor" and see how many there are and study them )IT). Perhaps the holy spirit just might lead them to the trith concerning shepherds.

it's worth a try.

Comment by Nathan Lambshead on August 11, 2009 at 4:39am

Read them in that order too Seth, PC, then RC. I can promise you they are well worth it.

Comment by Seth Moore on August 10, 2009 at 10:06pm

I haven't read PC or RC yet. It seems like something that I'll have to pick up soon.

Comment by Ron Kellington on July 16, 2009 at 11:46pm

That's wonderful, George. You all can "re-imagine" church together. The hunger that's in everyone's heart has been put there by the Lord. At some recent meetings Frank Viola said, "There's nothing more glorious than 'organic church life', but it won't happen.. it can't happen.. it will never happen unless we embrace the cross."
Selling all.. losing all.. dying to all.. to gain Him. Thank God for the cross

Someone once said, " If you look for the church, you'll find the cross. If you look for the cross, you will find the church."

The Father's hope of glory is Christ in y'all. May your tribe increase!

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