This post is part of a series of essays examining how the #Four Foolish Rules we’ve considered over the last several weeks would apply to specific situations. You may want to go back and read this series, including the introduction, and especially Part 1 of this essay, before you read on. Continuing where we left off last week in applying the #FourFoolishRules to the Scenario that began in last week's post, we'll consider Rules #3 and 4 with this post. Rule #3: Good Boundaries. Remember that there are two aspects to the boundaries question. We'll take them in turn. First, we ask … [Read more...] about Working the Rules: The Beggar Who’s One of Us, Part 2
Foolish Church
Rule #2: Relationship First
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
Rule #1: Everything Belongs
The first rule for our life together is: Everything. Belongs. Say it. Out loud, I mean. Now say it to another human being. Even one that you've just exchanged harsh words with, or you don't like very much right now. Tell them, "Everything belongs." Why? Because even that person does. Belong. Even their opinion that you disagree with. Even the emotion that arises in you and in them as you think about what just happened between you. There's a place for all of it. It belongs, in a very deep and true way. This doesn't mean that it's all good. "Everything belongs" doesn't mean … [Read more...] about Rule #1: Everything Belongs
#FourFoolishRules
I can give you lots of angles that illustrate what I mean by #FoolishChurch. If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know a lot of them. (Scroll, baby!) Many of you have read my book, Foolish Church where I make the case for a church that's more messy, raw, and real than we have generally known. Over time, though, I've sensed that we need some specific, simple rules that'll help us implement this foolishness. Guidelines that will help us navigate specific, living situations, to guide our thinking and help us decide what to do next. I'm getting ready to share these rules in the … [Read more...] about #FourFoolishRules
Looking After Our Young
Whatever they thought they'd be doing right now, they're probably not. So many plans of our children and youth have been upended by this global pandemic. All of their activities, travels, competitions, and diversions have been interrupted. Normal things like play-dates, parties, dances, and "going out" look different. Their school year ended weirdly last spring, and even though some sports started up again in June, we've seen many instances of this team dropping out of the competition because of a member with Coronavirus, or that league suspending its season for the same reason. I don't … [Read more...] about Looking After Our Young
The Lure of “Back to Normal”
After months of physical distancing and extreme surface-cleansing, it's no wonder we'd like to go back to the way things were. Some of us have jumped in with both feet upon cancelled executive orders that are "reopening the economy." Snapshots of people in restaurants, at rallies, and in grocery stores could almost make you think we're done with the Coronavirus. Cue our collective sigh of relief. Finally. As a pastor, I'm watching a range of conversations about when and how we return to our church buildings. I hear the cries of church folk who long to be back in worship, "back to normal," … [Read more...] about The Lure of “Back to Normal”