Just finished reading Brian McLaren’s A New Kind of Christian. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed because I agree with most of the stuff he says but how to work it out? Where do I fit ? What to do next? These are all questions I need to think about and talk over. So for now I’m back to re-reading parts of this book.
There is a whole big world out there – loved by God – but mostly avoided by those of us who call ourselves Christians. In fact we are so awkwardly out of our element that when we find ourselves in contact with the “world” – it’s needy people and their culture- we find that we can’t present Christ to them because we don’t even speak the same language. If we isolate ourselves from the world and the culture around us, we will be failing to carry out Gods mission for us on this earth. If we immerse ourselves into the culture around us then we have to be careful that it dosen’t overtake us. I guess we have to learn to walk a tightrope with God himself as our balancing pole.
We have to have ways of enriching our faith so that it grows into something strong – a light shining in the darkness – a beacon. Yet beacons are never put on the safe shores – just in the dangerous spots. Maybe there is a lesson for us there. If we are going to be any use as a beacon we have to be in a spot where there is danger and that is not likely inside a church or Christian community. On the other hand the community of faith needs to be there for us to support us in our faith and help us to keep those beacons glowing.
I find myself being more and more drawn to participate in the world around me – to be a fellow human being to my family and friends – to separate myself less rather than more. If I don’t I will lose significant contact with some people who are very dear to me, as well as friends, staff and more casual acquaintances. I need at the same time to remain true to my faith. And more than ever I know I want to pass on the importance of my faith to those I love the most – my kids. They will need God’s presence and a solid faith base as they head out into their culture using the gifts God has given them to make an impact on the world.
LineaLanoie's Weblog 
Linea; I absolutely agree about the need to be out there. Jordon had an interesting article linked through his site, where a nonnie spent a week immersed in ‘the ark’ as he put it. The psuedo Christian culture that springs up when all the things of the world are filtered through christian respectability.
For me the best way to be out there was simply by meeting people with common interests. That’s at least partly where the mountain biking came in – I get to spend time with other guys from outside the church, with whom I can bond and build relationships. They know I’m a Christian, and have at least an outline idea of what I stand for. *Unfortunately* they’re all sufficiently together for me not to have to provide support or help – actually I wish all of them well.
Interestingly, we’ve also had a kid coming round (he’s a friend of my son) from a seriously disfunctional family. Hewanted to play guitar, so I’ve given him some tips. It all gets a little tricky when he wants to proudly show me the Marylin Manson, Slayer or Black Sabbath riffs he’s just learned though. Grace. Grace.
A bit of advice I had years ago was to develop an interest or hobby that would connect you with people. Provided it’s something you actually DO enjoy to, it can provide a really good way in.
Toni
I think I have plenty of opportunities to be out there – work, kids activities, hobbies. But you know how you can maintain a sort of aloofness as a Christian that sort of turns other people away? Well I think I’ve been guilty of that. I’m changing for sure. I do want my kids to see that they don’t have to be afraid to live out their lives as a Christian in the middle of the world – they don’t have to hide in some sheltered Christian place.
Hi, Linea! I’m glad you now have a comment section so I can communicate with you now and then. I read New Kind of Christian last year, and I agree, there was much to digest. When you also work in a church, and your best friends are there, etc etc, it can begin to get too closed. Having read about all your daily adventures I know you get to circulate, and that is good. I need to be more purposeful about that. Am now reading Seizing Your Divine Moment by Erwin McManus, and am being inspired.