Our journey

Misunderstood Destiny

2009-12-20T04:45:00.000-08:00

The following excerpt is from Mark Frost's Doorpost newsletter, I found it very enlightening.

"Many times, our desire to fulfill our calling or our destiny, or as some like to phrase it, “to be greatly used of God”, is motivated more out of a desire for personal significance or fulfillment, than out of pure love for God. If you feel trapped by circumstances, unable to fulfill what you feel is your destiny, you can continually long and look for a different station in life, or you can long and look for ways to turn your many daily routines into sweet smelling offerings of love to God, as you do them with a pure motive of love and surrender to the will of God that has you enclosed or shut up in a narrow place... Don’t waste the mundane waiting for significance! Turn the mundane into sweet smelling sacrifice to God. It is that very offering of love to God out of a pure heart that turns the prison into paradise, the desert into a garden, and the shack into a mansion. If you have within you the life of Christ, through a true work of God’s grace, then you already possess all that you need in order to become a well-pleasing sacrifice to Jesus."

I would add- That if you have within you the life of Christ then you already have all you need to find fulfillment/significance in the place you're in.

In my theology I believe this, but my reality does not always line up with my beliefs. I guess what I mean is that some of my daily routines do not smell like "sweet smelling offerings" to me.
What I've done in the past when my place in life left me feeling unsatisfied, was to look for a new place, but after going around that merry-go-round a few times I know the grass is not really greener it just looks that way from a distance.

So how does the mundane start to smell a little less like shit and more like a fragrant offering?

I think it must start with (and come back to) God's ridiculous love for us. If we don't really get This, then everything will come up short, leave us feeling unfulfilled. This Love can't really be explained by anyone. Especially when religion and religious terminology have become the equivelant of white noise, when words like grace, mercy, "the Cross", forgiveness, redemption no longer carry much meaning.

But every once in a while we catch a glimpse of this love, and if our cluttered minds can see it for what it truly is... well there are no words.

I've put a link to a you tube video of Kim Walker singing "How He Loves Us". She's caught a glimpse of His Love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps

talon

Cracked Pots

2009-03-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few excerpts from from an email I received from my Dad (which he gave me permission to share). I was moved and encouraged by his letter, and I hope that by only selecting parts of it, I have not taken away from its content.
Thanks Dad for your openess, honesty, and courage to share.

" As we open up and share with others our less than perfect stories, our troubled lives, our failures, our weaknesses, our true selves – sins and all, maybe that is what brings light into the world. Cracked pots - as Brennan Manning puts it. As we struggle to the top of the hill starting with a full pot of water, we leak all that life-giving water out and stand at the top of the hill wandering how useless the trip was. But as Manning puts it, the water that all leaked out brought life to the wild plants along the road, unknowing to us. As I become more and more open to revealing my cracks, as I stand in the middle of family and friends and show them my feet of clay, as I confess what a true sinner I am, is this not the abundance of my life overflowing (both good and bad). God knows me completely and still loves me. We have this attitude that we must be this perfect example so we won’t make someone stumble. Well, the reality of that is we are more concerned what other people in the church would think of us. We hide our ‘abundant’ lives deep in our soul – especially evangelical Christians. We think giving a testimony about witnessing to someone at work is sharing the abundant life. We are so good at covering the cracks because we think the cracks are bad. Sin and deceit run deep in he hearts of most of us and until we “prosper in the soul” as it says in3 John 2, we are likely to be a time bomb and true prosperity and health will elude us.
You’re either going to get this or think I’m crazy. It’s only then will we become the light to the sinners not saved by grace. Self righteousness is not a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus told the church of Ephesus in Rev. 2 that they were doing good things but they forgot where they had come from, they had lost their first love. We say to non-Christians that God loves you just as you are and sent Jesus to die for you. He rose again for your forgiveness. I’ve faced the fact that I’m probably no better at sinning less 35 years later – and God still loves me. And realizing that has kept me in that “first love” relationship. One of the things I love about Brennan Manning and how he has ministered to me is that his books are written out of personal failure. Through Manning’s failures as a monk, a divorced husband (I think), an alcoholic, failed ministry, etc. he writes from the depths of failure. Yet he realizes the unfathomable love of Jesus to the down trodden – of which he openly admits to be.
As I walk through my life journey, I’ve tried to look inward, trying to pay attention to what God is doing in my soul. I’m beginning to understand that before I can effectively minister to anyone, I must understand at a deep emotional level what that person feels...

I am haunted and sad at my brother’s death as an alcoholic . I miss him! At that time of my Christian walk I tried to hold a standard of conduct up to him – hoping that he would want to have what I had. I was stupid; I was arrogant; I was unloving and I think I was wrong. Because he died alone, drunk, in a shabby, roach filled room with his empty bottles. Maybe if I had gone to the bar with him a few times, drank with him, and really listened to his heart and his pain – maybe I could have reached him. I repent of my Pharisee attitude. I loved him so much...

As I am showing my cracks, my shocking sins, I find my love for Jesus is deeper, as is my love for non-Christians who cuss like sailors, who get drunk, who have been married numerous times and are now living with someone – my love reaches to the mercy and grace that God gives me – a real bonnified sinner."- Mike

As I read this I hear the wisdom and revelation that came to Paul as he said " I am the greatest of sinners". What? Wasn't he just saying that for effect? Why would he say that? Unless his understanding of sin was not what we think. Maybe he understood that by creating a righteousness of his own he was making a mockery of the cross and misrepresenting the Father of grace.- talon

The Canyon

2009-02-18T17:42:00.000-08:00

Lisa and I got away for a few days in January to visit my grandparents in Phoenix. We also did a little overnight jaunt to the Grand Canyon. (I would highly recommend visiting mid-week in January, we almost had the place to ourselves.) I don't think "grand" is a big enough word to describe it. How do you describe something of such vast relief and immense size? It's 10 miles from the south rim to the north rim, and over 5000 feet deep.

Words are wasted and pictures might as well be fuzzy- it can not be described or captured. And I felt like such a tourist/cheater as I looked in from above, not willing to plunge in and experience it up close. Sure, I got off the paved trail a few times to venture out on a rock ledge to try and take it in, but it wasn't enough. I felt as if I couldn't really experience it's fullness without a trek to the river at the bottom- oh how I wanted to swim in that river.

But one thing I'm sure of is that if I had wandered up river and happened to find myself in the bottom of the enormous canyon, I would have felt the same feeling about reaching the top. "How can I ever appreciate its vast expanse from below? I must reach the top!" - I would have said.

Draw your own conclusions.

talon

No agenda?

2009-01-25T13:52:00.000-08:00

The following is an email from my sister Ashley who lives in Colorado:

Just been thinking about some ideas about the church over the past few years and wanted to share some thoughts.
My dad once wrote, “The church of Jesus does not need money to run, a denomination, building, directors, an agenda, or a marketing plan, but rather the spirit of God, power of his word, love of brethren & authority of scripture.” I believe this is the way the church was meant to be. Being a part of an institutional church program, where a man claims to be able to hear the voice of God for your life and tells you that without his vision for the church, or someone’s vision, we would become lost in the wilderness, is not what Jesus called us to do as the church of Christ. I'll admit that I don’t like institutions. I feel that people seem to have always have an agenda. But does God's church need an agenda to run? I once heard a preacher refer to Judges 17:6, “No king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” And the sermon was based on the idea that if you are not in a church you will fall into sin. You will live your life only according to what is right in your own eyes. But Judges 18:5 says, “Ask counsel of God that we may know direction.” 20:28, “And the Lord said, Go up; for tomorrow I will deliver them into thine hand.” Is there hope for freedom in God outside of the institutional church, without the fear that you are all the while falling into sin unbeknownst? Matt. 7:18 says, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” Is your foundation made of rock or sand? Does God only speak to you through other people or does he also use creation and his word? Matt. 23:8,9 says “We are to call no man leader, teacher, or Father.”

I desire to live my life without trying to prove to others that my church attendance is directly related to my relationship with God. I often hear the voice of God most clearly alone on a mountain top, worshipping in my garage, or when going for a long run but it is also in the communion of friends that I am stretched and challenged to see God in a different ways. It is then that God will use others in my life to teach me about him. I believe accountability is important in relationships. Because without trust and openness, how can you expect to grow? Close relationships are sharing your life’s journey together, not as an island. Through sharing your life with others, you find renewal and preservation of spirit.

I believe that as the church we are a colony from heaven, loving one another, living & sharing life, devoted to prayer, filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking the truth in love. What this means to me is, that as a child of God, I choose to open up my heart, listening to others and contributing joy to those relationships.

Ashley

Soul Search

2009-01-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

Comments from Mike:

I appreciated Larry's comments. It's a New Year and new and renewed hope arises. Here's a thought about those of us who remain away from organized church. Is that causing us to grow closer to Jesus? Is our love for one another and for Jesus growing? Are we spending more or less time with studying, meditating, and seeking His truth? Are we less or more aware of His presence and His revealing of who we really are? Are we digging deeper and deeper into His Word and trying to understand His Love for us? These are questions I've asked myself. If being away from the community of church life is disconnecting us with inner work and spiritual growth; if we are becoming cold; if love, joy, peace are illusive and replaced by anger, irritability, conflict, judging and fear; then maybe we might need to reconnect with institutional church or a house church at some level. Dad

A Kindred Soul

2009-01-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Karen and Jorge sent this link to us: http://www.whatischurch.com
Thanks so much guys, I couldn't stop reading Mike Bishop's articles and his blog.
There is one in particular that I found intriguing here's the link: http://www.whatischurch.com/mobile/wayoflife.htm

MY JOURNEY WITH CHURCH

2009-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

I received this email from my father-in-law today, and I'm very thankful for a little different persperctive. I have been hoping for different experiences and viewpoints to be expressed.
I appreciate all of you who have responded through the blog, email, and phone. Let's continue the dialog. Talon

From: Larry Lehman
Yesterday evening I read the postings on this blog site with real interest. Church has been a very important part of my life, all my life. I was taken to church when an infant, became a believer at age 11, was baptized and and eventually served in a number of leadership roles. I am now retired from those roles but still teach Sunday School. I got awake last night and spent an hour or so mulling over the experiences that were shared on the blog and the comments and interpretations.
I understand the experiences to the degree that is possible without walking in another’s shoes. I have taken a few hits over the years. I am also aware of the failing and inadequacies of the institutional church. I recognize that there is a lot of veneer. As Keith said, “That’s not a new idea to me.” I also recognize that church happens when two or more followers of Jesus share their journeys, share in worship, study the Word, etc. (Matthew 18:20)
So why have I hung in there with the organized church? I am not sure I know all the answers to that question. In general I would say that it has been a good experience for my wife and I. I recognize that not all churches are the same. I come from a Mennonite tradition where leaders are expected to be “servant-leaders.” I didn’t aspire to be a leader and was serving only in obedience to a sense of call. We believe that a body of God’s people finds God’s will by sitting down together to study the Word and discern His will. We sometimes say we represent a third way – neither Catholic nor Protestant. We became a brotherhood when a few people defied the state church in Europe, met together to study the Word and even baptized each other. Many of them paid for their boldness with their lives. I mention this to say that I have a sense of being outside of mainline protestantism and my experience may be different than yours. I do hasten to say we are far from perfect and often fail to live up to our ideals.
A number who submitted posts to the blog site emphasized the importance of trusting God and loving our fellowmen. I agree that these have been the most important aspects of my walk of faith. Trusting God has brought me peace and joy, even in times of difficulty. (I do not claim to have always trusted nor to have had perfect peace.) I have tried to put serving God first and have passed up opportunities to seek material gain. I have claimed Matthew 6:33 “Seek first his kingdom…and all these things will be given to you as well.” I have found this to be true. I have also found loving and relating to others to be the most meaningful thing in my life. Last week we spent three days with an elderly couple who are lonely. We disagree about politics and theology. I feel they are partly responsible for the way they are alienated from their family. We still love each other and spent much meaningful time together and prayed together. We had church.
I could give numerous examples of having church in many different settings, but I still find a need for the organized church. Organized may be nothing more than a set time when two or three get together to share, study and pray, or it may mean membership in a large congregation. I need the structure that comes by regular meetings for study, prayer and sharing. I need to know someone is concerned about how I am doing in my spiritual life. I need a defined time and place where this happens. It could be a home, an office or a restaurant, as well as a church building.
I remember a brother who shared how he spent a summer in a fire tower in the Rocky Mountains. He thought he would grow very close to God through this time of being alone. He said it was the time when God seemed the most distant to him of any time in his life. As several people noted, there is a connection between our relationship with God and our relationship with people.
So I guess I have hung in there with the organized church because it provides me with meaningful relationships with followers of Jesus and encouragement in my Christian life. I pray that each of you will also find those meaningful relationships that are necessary for followers of Jesus. I especially pray for “Anonymous” who may be ready to give up.

2009-01-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

C.W. Hopper said...
"So when we meet as strangers, even when friends look like strangers, it is good to remember that we need each other greatly you and I, more than much of the time we dare to imagine, more than most of the time we dare to admit." [Buechner]

The sad thing that happens when you feel you no longer need God is that you also begin to feel that you no longer need people, or worse, that people no longer need you. Like Tom Hanks’ character in the movie, Castaway, a life of survival - merely trying to stay alive - is not living at all. To be alone, dependant only upon yourself, relying only upon your thoughts, believing you have nothing to contribute, is a painful existence. It was only when Hanks’ character constructed a crude raft, and set sail on the high seas with little hope of success, that he began to live again. It was a huge risk, one that almost certainly would end in death, yet it was worth it for he longed for adventure, and more importantly, knew that adventure is so much sweeter when shared with others. Who is God? God is us … and we are God!
However heretical that may sound, I believe it. God created this world to experience all the thoughts, feelings and emotions that were within God. When we choose to reject God, we reject others. God is not some powerful, bearded figure on a throne that offers love and freedom, yet banishes those who reject his offer to a life of eternal torture. God is Talon and Lisa and Mike and Becky and … me. Even the Bible calls us the body of Christ. Yes, we do need each other you and I (Buechner’s words), but we don’t need the traditional institution of church. In most cases, church is not community, for real community is made of different kids of people, with different attitudes, understandings, and even beliefs. Real community includes tolerance, and there is very little of that found in church. As I look forward to 2009, I am still seeking god/spirituality, but not through some organized religion. I believe what I’m looking for is not that far away, and it’s not in some after-life, and it doesn’t include some spiritual “Door # 3” where you can lose the prize you just won and get an eternity in hell instead. God is in every person, in all of nature, in our conscience and sub-conscious mind – God is all around us – we just have to realize it.

The Paradox

2009-01-01T07:16:00.000-08:00

An exerpt from "The Hungering Dark" by Frederick Buechner
The paradox is that part of what binds us closest together as human beings and makes it true that no man is an island is the knowledge that in another way every man is an island.
Because to know this is to know that not only deep in you is there a self that longs above all to be known and accepted, but that there is also such a self in me, in everyone else the world over.
So when we meet as strangers, when even friends look like strangers, it is good to remember that we need each other greatly you and I, more than much of the time we dare to imagine, more than most of the time we dare to admit.

"church" Leadership

2008-12-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

"Ministers today can't see this mysterious or theoretical body of Christ, and therefore do not feel compelled to find their place as a member (body part) of that mysterious living organism that exists without walls, neatly defined parameters, or organizational structure. They do feel compelled to be the head of something, and that something is often called "a ministry" or "a church", and it's usually an organization, rather than an organism. Rather than finding their place in the body, with macroscopic vision, seeking the health and well-being of the whole, they become extremely microscopic in their vision. They can only see, and therefore are supremely concerned with, their ministry, their church, or their organization. They are often too focused on building their ministry to really build the body of Christ. "

"I believe that Jesus can lead His people without a religious hierarchy... I believe the place to start is to begin to look rather warily upon those who love to have the preeminence, and especially upon the system that forces that preeminence upon men who would not choose it for themselves, had they but known that what we've seen as church leadership for centuries is not God's will after all."

from: Mark Frost

2008-12-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

from Keith:
heres my thoughts after reading this....
"but I’m learning that knowing God’s will is not the point- but to Trust Him." thats interesting i was just thinking today, that its seems like God's main desire for his children is to learn to trust him more and more. not nessecarily to have power or understanding.
another thought: i agree with Jacobsen’s crusade against the church "institution" and "the religious veneer". but thats not a new idea to me. i've always been repeled but those things. so i've heard u talking about these concepts and they just aren't revolutionary for me. but i am curious.. what have you found is good for you? in regards to replacing institutional church? just hanging out with Christians?

2008-12-30T19:12:00.000-08:00

Mom said...
Hi, Finally figured out how to type into this thing. I'm techniquely challenged. Anyway, I am thrilled to have a place to pour out my thoughts and receive some wisdom and confirmation from others going through this. ("This" meaning the unsettling lost feeling of not 'going to church' anymore.) After 35 years of involvment in church activities, I'm completely at peace with God, but have a sense of loss concerning the fellowship and sharing aspect of the body. I cried as I read Talon's blog and Claude's response. This is just what I need. Love, Mom

2008-12-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple email responses to my entry "where do we go from here":

From Brad Rasmussen:
I am sitting here on my couch, having been engaged by all of you at one point or another over the last few days, and feeling prone to respond!
Talon, as always, you have a great way of challenging the heart and writing words that cause me to ponder Christ. Thanks for that. I look forward to connecting through your blog.
... I have experienced much loss over the last few years as the Lord has stripped me things a held onto for safety and identity. The organized church held so many things for me that defined my identity. As I became more and more unsatisfied, I also become less and less convinced of my identity. This cause a huge crash in my life. It seems as though some of that might relate to where you are?
Mike, after reading your response, I felt as though I was peeking into a world within a world. So many of us have experienced hurt attached to relationships as we travel through the cutting away of the flesh. I talk with so many that are on this journey to find Christ outside of the confines of organized church and many of us long for healing of wounds. I have started to think of those wounds in the light of the military term "friendly fire." Battle causes wounding to occur that at times comes from our own ranks. It hurts and causes pain just like that of an enemy weapon, but rarely is the intention the same. Even in the heat of battle when one side experiences internal conflict, in the end it becomes easier to see that we are all on the same side. I guess I think of scripture that says our truest battle is not against flesh, but against spiritual forces in dark places. Having talked, laughed, prayed, and sipped wine with you, I know your heart is to see God and His kingdom established. Thanks for pouring out your heart in words.
Also, Mike, you talked about being instructed by the Holy Spirit. Part of why I have responded to all of you is in response to some verses I read this morning. 1 John 2: 18 - 3: 3 speaks to the very idea you mentioned, Mike. It starts off imploring readers to carefully identify the antichrists that come our way. But then, reassures us that we have the voice of the Holy Spirit that teaches us in all truth. The key verses that hit me were 1 John 2: 26 & 27. We do have the Holy Spirit who lives within us and we do not need anyone else to teach us the truth. WOW, this is hope! You can read the verses to get a fuller picture, but I was amazed at the clarity of the passage.
To all of you, I am encouraged to share our journeys together. Much of the process for me has been un-education. The un-learning of man made ideas and the re-learning of spirit led ideas is where I am in this journey. I am not really sure where to go from here, so I will sign off for now. Talon, look for me on your blog from time to time.
Searching and finding (Not always knowing which one is which)...

(From my Dad)
....Reading W. Jacobson's blog that Talon sent was very interesting. I think I understand how some of you feel. Trying to explain to family and friends why I don't go to church anymore is very difficult to put into words. Very few understand what I am talking about. In most situations I don't want to bring dissension or negativity to those who are still part of the institutional church.
We tried for about a year to attend church and I couldn't deal with all the "stuff" that goes on. The names and places may be different, but the same shame/approval game still prevails. And I really don't want to judge it or even talk about it. Until my attitude changes, it's better if I just stay away. Our close friends understand this and we openly talk about our frustrations with the organized church programs. Someone asked us several months ago, "How do I respond to people we know who ask me why you and Becky don't come to church anymore?" At first I said I don't really care, but that wasn't fair, so I said, "Tell them we are on a pilgrimage to try and hear God first hand. We want to hear directly from the Holy Spirit and keep our minds clear from any preconceived ideas coming from man-made values.
That really is what I have been doing these past few years. Allowing the Holy Spirit to teach me in all truth. I see scriptures in shades of light I've never experienced before - a very refreshing wind that has overwhelmed me in His Love. Seeing His Love for me. Knowing He really likes me - just as I am. I've hopefully become less judgemental of people outside the church and more tolerant and accepting in my views of people and politics. (might even say 'liberal') My emphasis has lately been on Truth. Not good or bad, right or wrong, but the truth as Jesus would apply it - and I'm finding His Truth may be different than what I've been taught in church. (Becky's insert: His Truth is Bigger and encompasses so much more than I ever thought it could. He is not nearly as concerned with me being "good" as He is about me just loving. Loving Him, and people in general, regardless of their values or beliefs. Even going so far as to say - He loves
me the same whether I go to church or don't. I hope I'm becoming more of a blank slate, allowing Him to rewrite the script on my heart. I long to be free and freer still. Maybe this is just a season for us, but whatever it is, it's OK. We trust Him to lead us.)
Mike again: The book,"The Shack" has helped my perspective greatly and confirmed many things to me.

(from anonymous)
...Talon mentioned his spiritual journey. Like his family, ours hasn’t attended church since I stepped down from pastoring five years ago. For a long time I searched, as he did, for some kind of spiritual community. I’ve also read dozens of books on this subject, and gone through quite a theological renaissance. But I think I have finally grown tired of what I call “spiritual hide and seek”, and have basically put my search on hold – or maybe even given up. It makes for a very different kind of Xmas, since all the religious symbolism has lost much of its meaning to me. Like Bono,”I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”

where do we go from here?

2008-12-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

As I read Wayne Jacobsen’s blog this morning I came across this interesting exchange between an emailer and Wayne (see below). The emailer’s questions may sound familiar to you as well. Tired of “church” but not sure what to replace it with? If relationship is the key then how can walking away from the “group” be helpful?
I have often wanted to explain why Lisa and I don’t go to church anymore, but felt that it would come off as defensive and/or condemning so I have avoided it. It’s been over 5 years since we have been involved in the institutionalized church, and I believe I can safely say that God has used this time for our own personal deconstruction. Having received years of training to seek and know God’s will for my life, this has not been an easy time, but I’m learning that knowing God’s will is not the point- but to Trust Him. Answers/explanations are not always helpful. But knowing His Love is.
I, like the emailer, would agree that deconstructionism isn’t enough, but is sometimes necessary to begin afresh. Remember Jesus’ reference to destroying the temple and rebuilding it in 3 days, or a kernel of wheat must die and fall to the ground before new life can begin. Everyone’s journey is different, but the same. To quote from our friends the Rasmussen’s Christmas email “Often, our circumstances do not resemble the destination God has planned. Yet, just as Jesus went from a manger to the throne by way of the cross, we find ourselves on our own journey to His throne.” It is a beautiful picture if you know the end of the story, but if you come along somewhere in the middle it would not seem beautiful at all.
Isn’t this all of our stories- “a work in progress”, “under construction”, or is it under deconstruction?
I hope this finds each of you well, and that above all you live each day in the love of our Father.
Talon

From Wayne Jacobsen's Blog:

Is Deconstruction Enough?
I got this question in an email yesterday and felt it important enough to answer for others of you as well.
While I agree with many of the observations you and Mr. Young make with regards to institutional church (and I’m only a first generation Christian) - I am troubled by conclusions I’ve drawn (rightly or wrongly - and this may be where I could use some of your help) with regards to So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore. I think that it is a no-brainer to say, “Let’s stop going to church. Let’s, rather, just be the church.” I’m with you on that - I’m tracking. I guess where I get hung up is that I believe that deconstructionism isn’t enough - it isn’t enough to say, “Sunday morning doesn’t work” - even if I agree with most of your points on this argument. To turn your own phrase, “Who wants to be on that side of the argument?”
Do you really want to be known as one of the guys who convinced people not to go to church on Sunday morning? Forgive me if this sounds cliche or preachy or even judgmental - but is that a conversation you want to have with Jesus - that a central contribution of your life was to deconstruct Sunday mornings?
What would you have us (your brothers and sisters) construct? It seems to me that it is too easy for any one of us to step away from Sunday morning because it isn’t working for all kinds of reasons. The truth is - we need your help to construct a different looking Sunday morning - to continue to ask good questions and critically examine what we are doing as a church - but to also build with us.

Here’s Wayne Jacobsen’s response:
I’m not sure you’ve drawn the right conclusions. My answer is not a simple deconstruction of Sunday congregations. In fact, I’m often in them to share the life of Jesus. I’m for deconstructing the religious veneer that we shroud our gatherings in. For some of us that means getting out altogether. For others it might mean being part of a process that recovers a more grace-filled tone, and a less passive environment in which the life of Jesus gets shared. I’m all for looking for ways to do that with what we already have.
As to those who find that environment no longer works for their journey, I don’t want to construct anything for them to pursue. I do think that’s Jesus’ job. “I will build my church…,” is how he put it. The reason church life grows stale is because we’re looking for institutional solutions, not relational ones. If we equip people to live loved of God and live as lovers of people, the church will spring up all around us. It probably won’t be contained in a specific meeting or building but will grow wild and free and bear fruit in the interconnection, collaboration, cooperation and submission of brothers and sisters who are being changed by Jesus. That can look like a hundred different things. But once I begin to describe some of those things, I know our tendency as humans to prefer replicating a model to following the Head! We love to construct things, not build up people. The New Testament points us to building up people in Christ and seeing what expression that takes. I don’t think it works the other way around.
So the process in or out of those systems may be deconstruction of religion and ritual, equipping the saints to live inside the love of the Father, facilitate connections that stimulate cooperation, collaboration and submission and people follow Jesus together, then see what HE builds out of that.
I am convinced that’s the process we are in. Having another model to shift to will only shift the problem into a new shell. We’ve got 2000 years of church history to say that can’t work. And I’m happy to help on all sides of that process as Jesus gives me grace. But I don’t think anyone who knows me will think the central contribution of my life to deconstruct Sunday mornings. The central passion of my life is to help people live loved of the Father and love on his behalf with increasing freedom. To the degree that our institutions do that, I’m thrilled. To the degree they don’t, change is in order.
What kind of change? That’s up to the Head himself.
I’m only a bit player in this unfolding drama