I really have to get to sleep and I don't normally do random, non fully thought out posts. But...
There is a line that I am starting to quote a lot more often. Paraphrased, Erwin McManus said something to the effect of 'the Church has gotten really good at answering questions that no one is asking'. It keeps ringing in my head.
I had a pretty interesting conversation initiated by a friend this week. We were trying to figure out some details for an upcoming project that I'll be collaborating on. The project is in a transition right now, but will continue to be a great thing for the mission of Christ.
My friend was more concerned with the big picture and ramifications of the project in the next few years. (And I am usually right there with him). On this particular occasion, I was concerned about one piece of the project and this was supposed to be the subject of our talk. We butted heads...nothing personal, but it was obvious that we were not on the same page. Then I realized it (not because I am that smart, just process of elimination)...I wanted a real time, right now, in this moment answer. Simply, 'how do we move forward with the project while it is in transition?' For my friend, his assumption was that I didn't know the big picture because I was asking a real time question. We finally got on the same page and came to a great agreement.
Now, just to be fair, later that evening, I got into a very similar conversation with one of our Community artists. However, roles were reversed. Thankfully, we are both used to going around in circles in our conversations. After 40 minutes on G-talk, it ended well with me seeing the 'this week' answer and he seeing the 'this is where it's all going' vision. (I only add this detail to show that I am trying to have a balanced view).
Sorry for the vagueness, it's late and I have not asked for permission to share the actual stories. But my point is, there are possibly conversations that we are in...and we are butting heads. Could it be that we are so focused on the minute details that we are not open to the big picture conversation? Or is it possible that someone is trying to get an answer just for Monday, but they also know that the answer will affect the entire week?
Furthermore, I think many outside of the church could care less about eternity, judgment and other concepts. They do care more about terrorism, global warming and the economy. And since they aren't in the church, they aren't responsible for a deep theological understanding of any of the above topics whether they have micro or macro ramifications.
Therefore, have we, the church, tried speaking on the bigger picture level and simultaneously condemned those who do not know, do not see, and do not care about that perspective? If this is the case, then we have not met people where they are and it is as good as acting as if they hadn't asked any questions at all.
Yes...completely random...just needed to get it out. Hope it made sense, and if not, there's always next blog...
Definitely something to be considered, and it affects all of us, since we have people who are detail and big picture, and short-term/long-term consequences/ramifications. We all need skills to bridge between the two ways of thinking, so that we can all communicate, even though we think in different languages. If we as the church, through the Spirit, can translate and even act as mediators, we may help many people to gain access to the Kingdom.
Good stuff, thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Geri | June 29, 2008 at 11:12 AM