What does scripture have to say about men & women?
Homosexuality? War? Justice?
These questions have managed to divide the Church and have
been the seed of contention and animosity between believers, denominations and
traditions. So why bother to have a conference where these questions are
stirred up? What is the point? Is it to settle debates? To point fingers at all
who disagree? To come up with some sort of binding agreement and then ask local
congregations to form a coalition? Or is there something more?
Unfortunately, Scripture has been debated and debatable in
many evangelical conversations. When these issues are “debated”, the
conversation becomes oppositional. The stance taken is one of “us” vs. “them.”
The point of the debate is to find flaws and weakness in the other side’s
argument with the goal of affirming one’s point of view and simplifying a clear
position on particular issues. In essence, the goal is to “win” the argument, affirming
current view points while pointing out the fundamental “sin” or “wrongness” of
the other side of the issue.
I will be attending ENG#14 because, at Ecclesia National
Gatherings, I have never experienced an atmosphere of debate. Instead, there is
an attitude of collaboration, of openness. Multiple viewpoints are encouraged
and judgment is suspended. Ambiguity is tolerated. But rather than creating an
individualistic or relativistic environment, this openness actually allows us
to collectively seek deeper understanding of complex issues together as we
listen to the Holy Spirit and to one another.
Listening to one another actually
has a way of enlarging our point of view and even possibly changing the way we
think. Rather than simplifying issues, we better understand the complexity of
issues and acknowledge our inability to control or neatly package God’s story
into moralistic mandates. Instead, we humbly submit to God’s Spirit and to one
another, seeking to be faithful participants in His unfolding Story and
proclaiming His good news, even as we receive it afresh.
While at Ecclesia gatherings, I am often brought into a
place of wonder at what God is doing in His Church throughout North America. I
hear stories of pastors and leaders from local communities who are depending on
God’s leading. We wonder and celebrate together at His work, while admitting
that we don’t fully understand and certainly can’t take credit. When I leave
Ecclesia gatherings, I go home with a renewed sense of belonging to a tribe of
humble servants who are grateful to be written into God’s Story and are
watching with wonder at what unfolds.
It seems right that this gathering will be taking place in
the season of Epiphany. At this time of year, we welcome “aha” moments, where
Christ, the Word made flesh, is revealed to us in all His glory. I know there
will be moments of revealed glory as we seek to receive the Word in all His fullness
together at ENG#14.
Won’t you join us?
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