Et Al
Me Thinking Out Loud
I have mentioned this before. My wife and I have begun an
effort to establish a congregation that presents message of restoration
and all that this might include. What is different now is this -- now
is the time. Here we go -- in
other words. I had hoped for help and hav waited for a decision.
That was made and, now it is time.
I believe that God may open an important door of opportunity
in the following:
The local newspaper may give me a 300 word space for free each
week if I can write something that is of interest ----------------
the next few days will be full of effort at writing four such articles
which I submit to the editor. If he likes what he reads -- I may
have such an opportunity. The trick will be to be fresh and "new"
while being "religious' (a
problematic endeavor.) If I cannot write with words of interest --
this will not be an opportunity for the Lord. So I will enlist your
prayers.
ChristianLifeCounselingMinistries
(my personal ministry) will play an important and expanding role in
the life of this church -- and the ministry of reconciliation will be
given practical application in the workings of those who would offer
lay counsel to those who are in need of direction (problem marriages,
troubled teens, etc).
This "mission church" for the Restorative Gospel (if you
will) will begin as a para-church
activity, meeting on Sunday evenings (at least initially).
Participants will be encouraged to remain in their church of choice, if
that is to their liking AND fellowship with the home church. The draw
for them, in this situation would be that found as God works in the
teaching of the message of the truine
God, the consequences and resolutions concerning the problematic fall
of man, the work and ministry of Christ, in demonstration of the fullness of the invisible God, tears
down the barriers that occurred because of or at the time of the fall
of man establishing a reconciliation of all things and ushering in the
divine imperative expressed in "be ye reconciled to God."
A statement of faith will be inclusive of an _expression_ of all
the above.
The fellowship will be based upon a common interest and even
acceptance of the Christ as revealed in the biblical record without
regard to creedal concerns. Agreement to a particular creedal concern
will not be the deciding factor
in continuing fellowship within this body.
Leadership will be based upon an acceptance of the Christ as a
relational presence in his/her
life.
Divisiveness will be defined in terms of harm done to various
relationships within the group and the corporate peace of mind. This
group will take seriously Christ's
concern for unity.
Constructive criticism is invited.
John Smithson
