Archive for March, 2012
Posted on March 15, 2012 - by melinda
Where is my church headed?
Ever find yourself looking around at American Christians and asking, “Where are we headed for Pete’s sake?” Or maybe “for God’s sake” would be more accurate? What does He have for us
to be
to do
to think
to show Himself…to our 21st century church? And what do I even wish for the church today?
I’m not worried that the non-negotiables of our faith will be lost (Hebrews 12:28). His Story has survived for thousands of years, but, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (Mark 3:24) That’s what concerns me. Are Christians their own worst enemies? The Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Herodians, Scribes and Zealots all espoused their own pious Kingdom do’s and don’t's, until Jesus shook them up with His Gospel of grace and love and redeeming power. His Gospel endured and theirs did not, but I wonder if we are repeating history. Might we be dividing ourselves over those Biblical gray areas we strive to call black or white?
I’d like to see the church argue less about what is negotiable in our faith, and redirect that energy to creating more effective ways to be Christ to marginalized men and women globally. More energy spent on discovering together what Jesus meant when He said, “Father, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”
What is your hope for the church?
Posted on March 9, 2012 - by melinda
The Glen Eyrie Conference Center, Colorado Springs March 9-11, 2012
I’ll be speaking and leading creative exercises, along with Anita Lustrea of Midday Connection, at the Waterstone Community Church’s women’s retreat. I’m excited that it’s being held at the Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. I hear it’s set in over-the-top natural surroundings and has a rich history.
Anita and I are excited to present our Creative Faith weekend retreat to the women of Waterstone. We’re going to have fun and dig deep! We’ve had such a good time preparing/planning with them for this weekend.
If you’re interested in having Anita and me engage with the women of your church, email me for details on our Crative Faith weekend Retreat. We’ll send you an outline of our talks and creative exercises.
