Community

The group of believers that meets at our house on Wednesday nights is experiencing community. Not because everyone agrees on the same thing, or has a similar perspective, but because there is a strong love and appreciation for the other. This is a stretch for us because in the past we have mostly agreed on spiritual things. Consensus would be reached and unity of thought would prevail. However, last night, in our discussion about prayer, there were several tightly held opposing views and consensus was not reached. Yet, it was beautiful. Diversity not division. The love and acceptance was real. Jesus is still our leader.

I wonder if this is the type of setting the early church was in when heresy began to creep in? Or maybe less severe, when they experienced splits and riffs, and the resulting separation into denominations.

Could opposing views (provided they are biblical) remain together in a thriving loving community?

I'm starting to think they can.

Soccer Dad...

Well, maybe more than soccer dad, I'm the coach. We had our first practice last night, and everyone showed up. It was fun. I think we are going to have a great season. And all of the parents seem managable. However, time will tell.

I'm in a leadership mode again. Its challenging and exciting, and I'm putting to use old rusty skills. Fun.

However, it makes me wonder about leadership in the church more profoundly. I still believe that a "new kind of leadership" is emerging, but shouldn't Jesus be the leader? Even in our utterly human condition, can't we try to let Jesus lead? Why do leader-types have to step in and tell people what to do, regarding their spiritual lives.

Just wondering.