In my last post I made a case for our need to appreciate the traditions and heritage of other Christian groups. Again, I'll emphasize that appreciation does not connotate endorsement. I stated that in growing in our understanding of things not us, we position ourselves for a more useful and realistic self-understanding. What I didn't say is that this is a two-way street.
When I first became involved with the Scioto County Ministerial Association, I felt a little like a fish out of water. They were not used to seeing a CofC guy around. Although all the members were very polite and accepting of me personally, I could sense a little wariness regarding my background. For the most part, their perception of the CofC is more like what you might get from the Wheelersburg CofC than Sunshine.
However, I think, in a small way, something marvelous happened last Friday night. Judi Allison, in preparing for the Christmas Program, borrowed some costumes from Second Presbyterian (downtown). In return, they were to borrow some of ours and Judi performed in their program the following day. Their minister, Stan Webster, and his wife accepted an invitation to come and see our program. Of course, the program went well, and they enjoyed experiencing it. I talked with them afterwards and they both were very complementary of our fellowship. They marvelled at the attendance, the diversity of participation, and made notice of the warm fellowship that followed the show.
I don't want to take too much liberty in speculating exacting what Stan's perception of us was proir to coming. However, I think its safe to say that he and his wife left with an expanded and enhanced perception of what the CofC is all about. Now, that doesn't solve the problem of world hunger or usher in gobal peace but it was significant nonetheless.
There are many things about our heritage and approach to worship that are wonderful. Our focus on simplicity, adhering closely to the model of the first Christians, and especially our devout appreciation of the authority of Scripture above all things are great strengths of our heritage. May we all continue to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and may God continue to use us to advance his kingdom.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Liturgy! Part Two
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6 comments:
Great post, Jason!
Ok, I hope this fits, Other Christains,that don't attend a Church of Christ,don't understand some of the things we do . That's Ok because we don't understand some of the things they do. The Lords Army Skit group went and did skits at a ,Well lets say a Church of Christ not like ours,The Elders there said we could come. After it was over they had a fellowship diner for us. One of the Elders that wanted us to come told me that they were a little concerned, that they didn't know what we would do (not being like them).By the way , they were very pleased . I don' want to change anything that we do . But I don't like it when People try to claim we have it .God has it and we are still trying .He gave us everything and as much as we want to think we know everything, we change our minds about things in the Bible alot as we study more and more .There are some things that I know are black and white, but others I think satan just uses to have us fight over so we are not busy at what God wants us to be busy doing. I hope this makes sence.This is not meant to offend anyone.
I don't think there is a major danger in knowing what somebody else believes if you are truly committed to your own beliefs. Knowing where the other person is coming from can help in dealing with their issues.
This brings to mind something that happened way back when I was a teenager. That was a lonnnnnnnnnng time ago for some of you whippersnappers, just go with me here, okay?
I wasn't in the CofC at the time, it was a particularly hard line pentacostal group whom I won't name here. I was "president" of their youth group and as such, was responsible for leading their weekly devotional. They had these printed manuals that we were supposed to follow that laid out each week's devo and what was supposed to be done.
As a "radical" teenager of the late 60's, I decided that I didn't want to go by the book and wanted to chart a new course for our group. My decision was to examine all of the major world religions and make a presentation of their key beliefs.
You can imagine the horror of the group's adult advisor when I got up before the group and started into a discussion of one of...I think it was Budhism, but I don't exactly recall. What I do recall is that it was my last presentation before the youth group. The next week we were back on track in the official manual with an adult leading the class.
Al,
I laughed out loud thinking about you teaching Budhism to the Pentecostal youth group.
I wonder if we would unite with a group that believed the same as we do, but had choosen another appropriate name other than Church of Christ? How do we know what others believe without looking and listening a little bit?
I think this falls into the "can't judge a book by it's cover" category. I will start by saying that somethings are non-negotiable when discussing your salvation. But there are many things we do because that is what we have always done. And because someone does it different does not mean it is wrong or couldn't be considered in a worship service. I think this is when one should examine what is different, go to the bible, study, and pray.
I think it is OK to look at someones heart, you can learn a lot about yourself. Plus if you feel funny about something that is going on and it causes you to go to the bible and learn, no matter what your conclusion, you are growing.
I mean I still remember when Jamie reversed the bread and the wine. Grant it, I had nothing to wash the bread down, but it didn't kill me. Sorry Jamie, I know it was an accident but it seemed relevant.
I'm not suggesting we switch communion, just picking on Jamie.
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