You'd think we wouldn't even need to say this. Of course, everything starts with relationship. The most important things in our lives are the people, right? Our families. Our friends. So many people are so dear to us. But as we continue this conversation about the Four (Foolish) Rules for Life Together, it feels oddly necessary to put this one into words. Why is that? In Foolish Church, I said, "The first and best thing we do...is enter into real relationships with real human beings" (p. 27). I spent a whole chapter on this subject (chapter 2). Why? Well, on a good day, we don't need the … [Read more...] about Rule #2: Relationship First
connect
When You Don’t Know Who’s Worshiping
You used to know who was in the worship services you were leading, or attending. You could look around and you'd see familiar, beloved faces. You'd know, in most churches, who the "new" people were. It's the familiar, beloved ones we're (mostly) lamenting right now. They're the ones we pastors picture when we stand before a camera in an empty room. When some of us have posted pictures along our pews to represent the absent worshipers, theirs are the faces we've included. With churches now empty and worship freshly moved online, it would be easy to focus on the ways we're in the … [Read more...] about When You Don’t Know Who’s Worshiping
The Random Strangers Question
Last week in this space I asked you to try this, and send me your reflections: Take note of at least three random strangers. Notice how you react to these people. Do you think, “We could be friends”? Do you feel a negative reaction, of fear, dislike, or something else? Do you find yourself looking down on them, or feeling like they might look down on you? (I’m not talking height, here.) Notice what is different about your reaction to these different persons, and ask yourself what’s behind that. You don’t have to interact with them; just pay attention to your reactions, and send me some … [Read more...] about The Random Strangers Question
Right Next Door connections
In October 2015 we hosted a conference focused on how churches and communities can better connect to people we have overlooked. That includes persons affected by incarceration, mental illness, sexual violence, domestic abuse, addiction, poverty and the like. Participants--and those who connect after that fact--are invited to continue the conversation. We've set up this page where you can comment and share what you're doing, how we can support you, what ideas you have and more. We'll be watching for your comments here! … [Read more...] about Right Next Door connections