It’s difficult for me to write about anything else other than the present editing process that I’m going through with my book. I’m finding that giving new language to spiritual concepts, both old and fresh, isn’t as easy as I once thought. I’m a firm believer that in order to change the way we think, we have to change the words we use. The basic purpose of the book is to challenge some of our current thought. In order to do that, I’m trying to find new ways to say things. It’s proving to be difficult.
Take the word “church”. For most people, especially non-believers, this words hold many negative connotations. I’ve been talking lately about redefining what we consider “church” to be. I even put it as the tag-line for the new placeholder on our website. As I talk and write, it seems hard to even use the word without bringing along all the preconceived notions it has. But, how do you speak about the local church and church life without using it. Sure, I can say “community” or “family”, but those words also bring meanings with them. Maybe I’ll make up a new word like Google did. A lot of people have been asking me, “So, what exactly are you guys going to be doing out here/there in San Francisco.” I usually stumble through my words trying to describe planting a church, without using the word. Once the person is thoroughly confused, I just say “we’re planting a church… kind of.” That usually brings at least a bit of satisfaction.
By the way, 28 years ago, at the age of 28, on July 28th, Keith Green was killed in a plane crash, along with two of his children and 9 others. Tonight there is a live Webstream devoted to honoring his life. (4:30 Pacific time) Many of you probably know that Keith has been one of the major inspirations in my life. I encourage you to watch. Also, send some prayers my way. I don’t know Melody Green, (Keith’s wife), but I am considering trying to get her to write the forward for my book. Fingers crossed.
Anyway, I need to get back to the big edit. Love to all my readers. Be inspired.
church.
i too have difficulty trying to explain church to non believers. there are so many different types and denominations, but i don’t believe how services are conducted or the size of the congregation define church. i struggle like you ck trying to formulate the words, then i question if i’m trying to be “seeker sensitive.”
however in the questioning of the non believers and the struggle within us to define what church really is…is the onset of knowing there is more than what we are delving into. and perhaps that is the journey God has us on, to perfect the Bride….
Yes I know exactly what you mean, I do the same thing, “well er..ah…um..they want to…ugh Church plant.” But then I explain why and what will be different. Usually the conversation ends well
Also I will cross my fingers and toes.
Thanks Judith and Amy.
Judith: Don’t worry about the seeker sensitive thing. Paul was seeker sensitive: 1 Corinthians 14
23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus[c] the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.