the way "we" see it
by: John O'Keefe
Rating: Not yet rated(We know others may see, and define, an emerging community of faith, or emerging ministry, differently then we do, and we accept that. You see believe that each community of faith needs to find, in relationship to God, their place in their community. We believe emerging ministry to be a relevant ministry where people can learn the true nature of Jesus Christ, without being pressured, and form lasting relationships in their given communities.) [side note: "we" is the mouse in my pocket]
A brief definition of the word “church.” According to the Zondervan Bible Dictionary the word “church” comes from the Greek word “kuriakos” meaning “belonging to the Lord,” but is represents another Greek word “ekklesia” meaning “assembly.” Zondervan also mentions that it represents both an “individual assembly and a world wide community.”
Because of who we are, and what we are striving to accomplish, we have chosen to keep away from words like “church.” We do so, not out of fear or disrespect, but because we felt that if we used such words (the secret language of the Christian faith) which have meanings assigned by culture (positive or negative) it would not be where we, as a community, were heading. We like using the term “community of faith,” because it speaks to who we are, what we want to accomplish and where be believe God is moving in the world around us. An emerging community of faith is a place that is relevant to the lives of people – it is today. An emerging community of faith is…
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A place where we are “sold” on Christ and excited about all He offers
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A place of Relevant Life Teachings
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A place where we honestly welcome others, no matter who they are
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A place where we know God will transform people, we don't push
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A place where the music is of today, and relates to current life issues
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A place where we feel connected to God, Others and Self
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A place where we can meet new people and make new friends
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A place where we can question without fear of labels
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A place where we can be friends with people who don’t believe like us
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A place where the people, and Pastoral Staff, are transparent and honest
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A place where we can admit our brokenness, without fear of judgment
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A place where we truly desire to make a difference, not just talk
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A place where what we feel can be openly discussed, without retribution
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A place where people are loved
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A place that is made of friend, not just a "friendly place"
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A Place where we care for the inside, and not judge on the outside
Scripture (Matthew 23:11f, Mark 16:15, James 1:18, Eph. 5:26, 1 Peter 2:2, 5:1f, 2 Cor. 4:19, 5:19, Phil. 2:5f)
An emerging community of faith must confidently, and without fear, live a life that is reflective of our relationship with Jesus Christ. This means that we, as followers of Christ, must demonstrate clearly that our faith is practical to life today. We do this by our daily decisions, relationships and behaviors. To influence others we must truly hold honest and sincere friendships with those who are not in relationship with Jesus Christ - a relationship without a hidden agenda. Our relationship with no-yet-believers should not be based on any alterative motives, but on our truly desiring to know the person for who they are.
An emerging community of faith actively seeks the lost and hurting. Jesus eat, drank and lived among the lost of this world – loving and caring for them with all His heart, and we MUST do the same. A true Community of Faith is open to helping others find a relationship with God and not a religion of man. Too many people are hurting and in need of healing. When we are a Community of Faith open our lives to others we need to be ready for them to open to us, and hear what they have to say. We need to listen to the pain, the tears and the way people are seeking to know and make sense of this cruel world.
An emerging community of faith is relevant. We need to remember if it is not relevant it is not God, God is always relevant. While God is always relevant, the church in history has not always been relevant. Knowing that relevance is a key point on which a Community of Faith is built, we need to keep in our hearts those authentic relationships, authentic emotions and authentic commitment to truly be a Community of Faith.
We need to be what we call, a “withness.” A witness is one who states the facts and moves on, while a “withness” is one who states the facts and walks with the person and help them seek answers to the questions, and is an example of the faith (Romans 12:1-8). When we are a “withness” people become an important dimension to the church – not the religion of man. We need to remember that for a person to truly mature as a Follower of Christ they must be in a mentoring system.
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