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collective listening….
Growing up in the south I was enamored with quaint catch phrases. Most actually have roots in simple human wisdom. I am particularly fond of observations like “two heads are better than one, even if one is a pumpkin head” (of course I was always the “punkin’ head”). Scripture supports this “two heads” observation with statements like “truth is found in the abundance of counselors” or “The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter” (Acts 15). It is this exercise of collaboration that sparks this article.
collective listening….
Growing up in the south I was enamored with quaint catch phrases. Most actually have roots in simple human wisdom. I am particularly fond of observations like “two heads are better than one, even if one is a pumpkin head” (of course I was always the “punkin’ head”). Scripture supports this “two heads” observation with statements like “truth is found in the abundance of counselors” or “The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter” (Acts 15). It is this exercise of collaboration that sparks this article.
Suzy & I have enjoyed numerous travels over the past few years. We have met (and continue to communicate with) many new friends within the simple church genre. We have noticed certain consistent themes and messages that seem to emerge from the various conversations. It is no surprise that the Holy Spirit speaks consistently, more so that we are actually able to hear well enough to affirm one another. To this end, I would like to report a number of issues that seem to invade conversations regularly during our travels. I will simply list the issues with a brief explanation. Each may be explored in more detail in future articles. I would enjoy your feedback on any of these topics IF the Lord has been speaking to you on them.
Simplification of life
Believers are being led to get out of debt, evaluate non-essentials, and learn contentment.
Quest for community
Believers are no longer content with a weekly meeting. There is a deep desire for relationships that extend beyond casual contact and into the realm of shared life.
Leading from the shadows
Leaders are giving up self promotion and embracing John the Baptists realization that “I must decrease, He must increase”. True leaders are resisting building their own kingdom and are focused on building His Kingdom no matter who gets credit. They also promote the following:
Priesthood of all believers
The doors have swung open for all believers to be full participants in ministry. Gatherings are no longer dominated by one voice but by a symphony of voices, each expressing their valuable interaction with their God. Men and women (emphasis on women) are being released into the full stream of their created bents.
Design
How are we made? What makes us tick? For too long your God breathed design has been suppressed in favor of churchian clones. Ministry was narrowly defined and most found themselves excluded unless they gave up who/what God designed them to be. Without giving way to “fallen desire” you might consider “Desire points to Design; Design points to Destiny” (Ex. 31:1-11)
Voice of the Lord
For years many segments of the church have believed the lie that God no longer speaks (except thru written scripture). This is a season of recapture of the Gift of His Voice. There is increased effort at intentional listening and discernment. The Holy Spirits’ role as communicator is once again bringing directive to the believer.
Initiative
Jesus repeatedly said He did nothing from His own initiative (John 5:30, 8:28, 8:42, 12:49, 14:10,). We are emerging from a era where well intentioned leaders initiating program after program and project after project without having been instructed to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is a increasing desire to only expend energy and resource if there is a strong sense of Gods specific directive.
If you made it this far, I thank you for your patience. Again, this list is just a sampling of repetitive issues we encounter. If He has been speaking to you on these or other related issues feel free to drop me a line.
Looking forward!
mickey mooney
Simplification of life
Believers are being led to get out of debt, evaluate non-essentials, and learn contentment.
Quest for community
Believers are no longer content with a weekly meeting. There is a deep desire for relationships that extend beyond casual contact and into the realm of shared life.
Leading from the shadows
Leaders are giving up self promotion and embracing John the Baptists realization that “I must decrease, He must increase”. True leaders are resisting building their own kingdom and are focused on building His Kingdom no matter who gets credit. They also promote the following:
Priesthood of all believers
The doors have swung open for all believers to be full participants in ministry. Gatherings are no longer dominated by one voice but by a symphony of voices, each expressing their valuable interaction with their God. Men and women (emphasis on women) are being released into the full stream of their created bents.
Design
How are we made? What makes us tick? For too long your God breathed design has been suppressed in favor of churchian clones. Ministry was narrowly defined and most found themselves excluded unless they gave up who/what God designed them to be. Without giving way to “fallen desire” you might consider “Desire points to Design; Design points to Destiny” (Ex. 31:1-11)
Voice of the Lord
For years many segments of the church have believed the lie that God no longer speaks (except thru written scripture). This is a season of recapture of the Gift of His Voice. There is increased effort at intentional listening and discernment. The Holy Spirits’ role as communicator is once again bringing directive to the believer.
Initiative
Jesus repeatedly said He did nothing from His own initiative (John 5:30, 8:28, 8:42, 12:49, 14:10,). We are emerging from a era where well intentioned leaders initiating program after program and project after project without having been instructed to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is a increasing desire to only expend energy and resource if there is a strong sense of Gods specific directive.
If you made it this far, I thank you for your patience. Again, this list is just a sampling of repetitive issues we encounter. If He has been speaking to you on these or other related issues feel free to drop me a line.
Looking forward!
mickey mooney
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1 comment:
It's most interesting Mickey;
What you have here in your list or the elements of it are the things which have been rolling around in my head lately especially when I go to other religious blogs and comment after seeing the amazing (disgusting?) mush which most people seem to believe. Over the years my wife and I visited churches from many traditions from anabaptists, to disciples of Christ, to Anglican, each tradition (and there were many more than just those three I mentioned) has it’s own set of abuses and pet set of un-biblical beliefs (I call them hobby horses).
We have been treated funny for not having children (my wife in particular was targeted for this), snubbed for not wearing the right clothing (once again mostly my wife, really long dresses, not skirts, were the uniform of the day if I recall), and upbraided for not being involved in the projects and programs (we usually couldn’t stomach what they insisted was worthwhile). Being techie types we helped out with media, arts and video without thanks (not that we were seeking recognition, but it’s always nice to be thanked) and sometimes with downright insults.
Finally three years ago my wife came across a reference to a teaching called “How to Hear God’s Voice” by Mark Virkler (we are not plugging Mr. Virkler’s organization we just really enjoyed and benefited from this teaching). This teaching involves an orderly and consistent method to calm yourself, sit in God’s presence and hear Him, combined with journaling (please understand, this is not automatic writing). From the time we started to listen to Him and for Him, we no longer hoped for a good church, our hope was in Him. Our church currently consists of we two and the Lord Himself of course, (He tells me that He will add to our number soon), although He sends us places, it is not usually to find fellowship. We are surrounded by people who play at church, seek entertainment and insist on lip service to their hobby horses. So there is little chance for serious fellowship with that bunch and boy oh boy how we tried.
So there you have it, we are listening to Him, doing what He tells us and watching as He works on the people and institutions around us. And I find that I am naturally thinking of the things you mention in your list as He guides us.
Also I might add that my conviction through all of this is that what He is bringing about are small groups of believers who are truly gathered in His name and specifically for His purposes. With these groups He is beginning to draw people out of the institutions and into deeper relationship with Him.
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