Friday, December 19, 2003
One of the frustrating things I've had to work through in my exploration of a new way of being Christian over the past couple of years is the polarization that I've watched. Some "emerging church" types are hostile to the traditional, institutional church, and most people in the traditional church don't understand the emerging church, and fear what they don't understand. This frustrates me because I hold a high view of the Church, and definitely think there's too much backbiting going on.
But every once in awhile, a moment of convergence happens before my eyes, and I think that maybe things will be o.k. Here's an excerpt from an e-mail I got from a member of a traditional church home group that Michelle and I have continued to participate in since we left our staff position with the church. It's from a group member who will be moving out of our area soon . . .
I am finding that my relationships with the Home Group members are important to me. There have been times in the past year and a half that I have dreaded Home Group meetings, primarily because interacting with anyone raises the stress level = muscle tightening = strain on arthritic joints = PAIN! Thank you for putting up with me during the many times when I was cranky and obnoxious. Being a part of a Home Group is similar to being a part of a family unit. Thank you for allowing me to be the bratty child at times, the angry teenager at other times, and the bossy mom most of the time. I love you and you will always be in a large space in my heart. As we leave this area I will take with me your friendship and love. Please know that I am leaving mine with you.
Michelle and I have had some of the deepest, richest experience of the Church in those group meetings. It doesn't matter in the least to us that the group is a part of a traditional/instutional church.
As we celebrate the coming of the Christ child, let's keep in mind that one of the promises of the Messiah was that He would bring unity among His people.
