Church divisions, particularly those that mirror the divisions in society, make the gospel a lie. If we vilify our fellow Christians and create a community based on a mutual dislike of the other, then what do we have to offer the world as an alternative way of being.
Everywhere You Look, Ch.6: The Same Team, pt.1 Read More »
We are called to become intentionally rooted in our community and to be woven into the life of this community. This means physically going out in the parish, not simply to be of service but to be with others.
Everywhere You Look, Ch.5: The Parish is the Unit of Change, pt.2 Read More »
At this level, we have the power to change the systems based on our local situations, local needs, and local resources. Limiting ourselves at the parish is a strength because limitations take us out of the theoretical and into the practical.
Everywhere You Look, Ch.5: The Parish is the Unit of Change, pt.1 Read More »
The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world.
A Reflection on Hildegard of Bingen Read More »
As a particular congregation, with a particular story, in a particular place, we necessarily have our limitations. However, those limitations help establish our particular charisms. Most importantly, these limitations give us the ability to see what portion of the Invisible Church we are to go out into.
Everywhere You Look, Ch.4: The Megachurch Next Door, pt.2 Read More »
The question is whether the church is about a performance or about a community.
Everywhere You Look, Ch.4: The Megachurch Next Door, pt.1 Read More »
We must listen before we become active. He names this active listening before being programmatically active as “sacred curiosity.” Too often, he writes, we are helpful without being curious. We seek to provide answers without first actually figuring out the questions.
Everywhere You Look, Chapter 3: The Magic of Paying Attention, pt.2 Read More »
The middle concentric circle is concerned with How the church carries out the Why. The answer to the How is to “listen intently and pay attention to the Holy Spirit, who is already at work” and simply join in.
Everywhere You Look, Chapter 3: The Magic of Paying Attention, pt.1 Read More »
Our Why is “God’s Dream.” For Soren, God’s Dream is that of a reconciliation and renewal of all things for, as Paul writes, “Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:18
Everywhere You Look, Chapter 2: The Big Why, pt.3 Read More »
People do not buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Those who start with “Why” have the ability to inspire (literally, to fill with the spirit) those around them.
Everywhere You Look, Chapter 2: The Big Why, pt.2 Read More »
