I'm in a ranting season. Regarding the church I'm in deconstruct mode. I'm provoked regarding the discrepancy I see between the biblical bride of Christ and the image I see on Sunday mornings. I realize that blood was shed for this beauty but I have a very tough time with her current digs: building campaigns, CEO style leadership and program-based ecclesiology. Sometimes I think that if it all came crashing down we would be better off. What if, for instance, we stopped the Sunday morning show of 2 fast ones, 2 slow ones, and an entertaining message? Would we survive? Are we slaves of our own agendas and vision statements? I'm zealous for the bride of Christ. I have an image I can't get out of my mind. I picture her spotless, refined, classy, elegant, resourceful and radiant. I hear the "unforced rythyms of grace" leading our leaders. I guess I'm looking for a city who's Builder and Maker is God.
Paul Loeffler (above) is a good friend. Last night after worship practice he took me out to Starbucks and burped me. I needed to unload. All this stuff gets pent up inside till I feel like I'll explode. We talked for about an hour and I vented big time. This season would be much lonelier without bros like Paul.
I hope you find what you are looking for and get to be a part of its creation. It has been a sad truth over the years that I have beheld many "prophets" who have the ability to see what is coming, but lack the power/grace to share in its fulfillment. May you be one of those who can do both.
Posted by: Doug | April 15, 2006 at 07:47 PM
Moses only got to play peek-a-boo with Canaan after wandering with the children of Israel for 40 YEARS. Maybe he learned during that time what the "real" promise land was. Maybe the "real estate" depreciated in his eyes.
Posted by: James | April 15, 2006 at 09:09 PM