so, what happens?

what happens when you listen to voices from the "outside?"

over the past month we have intentionally listened to outside voices in our evening worship. we listened to the experiences and perspective of a gay man. we listened as 2 people living with disability gave us a unique window into their lives. we were challenged by a social activist who doesn't really like church, but takes Jesus very seriously. and we opened our minds to the voice of an atheist in the form of Richard Dawkins - the author of the book "The God Delusion".

so what happens?

the answer is a lot! if you were able to check the pulse of the St John's community you'd find it strongly beating. You know that a community is alive when there is a vibrant repsonse to a topic. Some people have spoken to me and emailed me with questions and criticism. Some have felt - and have told in no uncertain terms - that we shouldn't be inviting these kinds of voices into our sunday worship. Others have expressed their gratitude for the series of conversations. One guy suggested that the last evening, when we spoke about new developments in science and how they encourage the adventure of spirituality, was one of the best experiences of church that he has ever had! Another person wrote: "You manage to take a huge subject and not simplify it yet give understanding of it. Simultaneously you manage to encourage and challenge people to be open, to let go of fear and even trust a little more. You have amazing ability to get to the crux of the matter and you communicate with great clarity!"

Many conversations have ensued over coffee... some opinions have been reflected to me via conversation or through email. other opinions have been filtered back to me via the grape-vine. but what seems clear is that there are many varied opinions and feelings going around.

I regard that as a healthy sign - that our community is thinking, talking, feeling... and growing!

The other alternative (no controversy, no conversation, no thinking, no growing...) just doesn't seem to be a good option considering...

but what do you think????