Unlearning

Just wanted to let you know how refreshing your point of view is. I shepherd a community of young adults in ??? City. There was such an incredible period of unlearning for me on what ministry, the "gospel", and life looks like. 3 years ago I sincerely believe that I came to end of myself as it related to ministry, work, God etc. It wasn't about right and wrong...bottom line, what I believed to be true about God and how I believed that He saw me wasn't working...period. Christianity works...not in the "theological grace/works sense" but it works. If it wasn't working for me then I had to tap into what it really looked like. I'm 28 and happily married. I've been on this side of the journey for 2 _ years. I'm being mentored and continue to be profoundly influenced by Malcolm Smith, Steve McVey, and people like yourself. Ultimately, I've discovered that the "gospel" really is the greatest news in the entire scope of history. The "gospel" frees me to be real and human. We use the word "internalizing" a lot to describe the "in Christ" journey. I've discovered that not only to be true with me but with so many others in the community. I think more than anything over the next 20 years what people are overtly looking for is real community. We call it realationships. Getting past the fig leaves. The difference, that I experience, between the people that I engage with in the present culture and those of past cultures is that before people would seemingly agree to "play the mask game". "I know I need God in some way so I'll just fake it". I don't experience people today doing that as much. Actually, they are just as apt to say "screw it all" than fake it. Know what I mean. The 1 consistent characteristic of the "healthy church" in the next 20 years, I believe, will be "real" community. No shame. No condemnation. Safe places for people to journey and internalize the incredible truths of who God really is and who He says they really are. Anyway, I share my heart today and am free to journey in large part b/c of your heart and willingness to allow Jesus to live His life through you. Thanks. Continue to pursue and chronicle the journey boldly. I would love any feedback.

Thanks for your note. Reality and relationships – I think you’ve summed it up beautifully!