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 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 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 George E. Dunn on July 16, 2009 at 10:27pm

Tuesday a number of believers met here together. Ages ranbged from 20 to 62...many were churched others outside of the box...but there was one thing expressed by all...a genuine hunger for "community"...for "family". The Spirit is speaking expressly...and many are becoming hungry for more than mere shadow or form or religion. they are hungry for the living reality of Christ and for true relationshiop with one another. given the times we live in and the darkness that is enveloping the world...
god is calling his people out or the world and to himself. I'm heartened to hear so many are hungry for more.

The IC is not what our Lord is creating. His ekklesia is builot out of living stones. it is not a natural creation but a supertatural/spiritual edifice which man is not building but He is building.

Comment by Nathan Lambshead on July 16, 2009 at 6:27pm

Very well said Ron. I was feeling this inside as I sent my last comment. I believe I can truly say I do not blame them anymore, but it did take almost a year to get it out of my system. Time to move on, and also time to look at them in love, as my Saviour looks at me.
Here here.

Comment by Nathan Lambshead on July 16, 2009 at 6:08pm

I left the guitar that the church bought me, as a worship leader, and I also left one of my own that the person replacing me was going to slowly pay for. I have not seen a cent yet. At one point they took 15 of my books, gave them out to a visiting Youth Team, and were going to pay me $8.00 per book (The agreed upon price which was my own cost plus shipping) which they never followed through with.
It is sad when the business of 'church' operates much like the world, and in fact worse. Other than one exception it has been Christians that did not pay me for projects completed (Graphic Design for CD projects in my case)
I do realize that not all people operate this way, but somehow the church people I know justify it by what they call 'spiritual Priorities'.
My priority is to pay what I owe, and give where I am led. A far cry from what actually happens with so many church-goers.
Let us encourage and enlighten each other, and all the more as the day approaches.

Comment by Gordon Brock on July 16, 2009 at 1:19pm

Nathan,
I have read so many resources on the web concerning the "pastor" role, I can't remember where they all are and what exactly they said. But I believe you can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, come up with a "clean answer" by reading up on these kinds of resources. Here is one. Do a search in Google, then let the Spirit lead you to ones to read that will help you form a 'tool of rebuttal'. I have found that opponents like to say "what abou the Pastoral Epistles? what about Timothy the Pastor?", and by using Frank's explanation of the *apostolic* nature of Timothy and other resources, encourage them to re-read the passages without the bias of the church system that has been put into them.
It's not easy...and I'm not sure there are "quick, clean answers", but I can say, that I believe that only those who the Spirit has prepared for your truths will receive those truths with an open mind. Don't throw pearls to swine, as it were.

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