Just wanted to share three posts by some of my smart friends that have got me thinking...

Jordan Donald is talking about sharing stories and community:

"One of my favourite things about community and the sharing of stories, is that as we do it and as we allow people to enter our lives and journey with us… the things that weigh us down and make us ugly, are transformed into the very attributes that make us beautiful and provide hope. Community takes deep wounds never spoken of and transforms them into what makes us uniquely beautiful. We need look no further than the scars on Jesus hands that he reveals to his disciples. The scars that had earlier symbolized abandonment, death, betrayal, brokeness and failure... were now the very symbols of hope, grace, love, sacrifice and victory."

Joe Manafo is talking about leadership in the new economy:

"in contrast to our present image of leadership (where the leader is often served, and his/her style is often top down), when the apostle paul spoke of leadership in his writings, the image or idea of a leader always carried the overtone of servanthood - one who’s role was to spend him/herself on behalf of others. (david fitch has a great chapter on leadership in his book, the great giveaway which, incidentally, was my best read of 2005) perhaps this observation is not a new one for you, but maybe a gentle reminder that the essence of leading as a servant is not a technique to grow a church, but rather an opportunity to model a Christlike example; an opportunity to influence and nurture the body of Christ; the opportunity to work as a facilitator, connecting people with biblical purpose and passion; and perhaps even an opportunity to save our own souls…

practically speaking, the root of the question for leadership in this new economy remains: ‘who’? here’s what i think and practice:

• invite people into positions of leadership that ooze the gift.
• pull people in who will probably benefit more from the experience than the other way around. seriously. try it.
• be on the look out and identify potential leaders.
• men and women: equals!
• live in the headspace where you’re constantly reproducing strong leaders (you never know the effect that this may have on the community, on them or where these individuals may eventually end up).

Dan Sheffield is talking about evaluating local theologies:

“BUT, is this local theology, Christian?”

1. Cohesion
Does this theology give importance to the central truths of the Christian faith, rather than peripherals? Does this theology have a logical, cohesive fitting together? Or do people constantly say, “yes, but what about this…?”

2. Worship
Does this theology resonate with the presence of the Lord in word and sacrament? When the community gathers to worship, does the theology fit there? Can we sing the theology and preach the theology?

3. Praxis
Does this theology translate into practical actions that produce change in lives? What happens to those believers who follow through on the implications of this theology? Do they grow and change, become more and more like Jesus?

4. Unity and Relationship
Does this theology separate us, or cut us off from other churches, believers? Do we allow our theology to be critiqued by the wider body of believers and churches?

5. Challenge and Mission
Does our theology challenge us to move out beyond ourselves? What contribution does our theology make to the wider body of believers; to the world in which we live?

Labels: community, friends