A Bible Story
Shhh...I had a Bible study last night.
Don't tell any of the emerging church police because they might un-link me from Planet Emergent. And don't tell anyone from the Vineyard because they might think I've gone "conventional" or something. I realize I'm placing myself in a precarious position by engaging in such controversial activities...but I don't care.
I called a friend last night who I love and care for deeply. I've seen this guy go from barely functioning as a human being to making some incredible strides in his relationship with God and others around him. One "sticking" point for him, though, has been the Bible, plain and simple. There are whole sections that freak him out. So on the phone last night, we started talking about a particularly difficult passage for him, the parable of the talents.
So we had about an hour long conversation about the meaning of the parable of the talents, particularly about the context in which Jesus tells this story. I won't go into what we talked about, because that's really not the point of this post. Actually, not talking about it is exactly the point. The result of our conversation last night was that my friend is one step closer to hearing the voice of Jesus in the scriptures instead of the angry and condemning voices he has heard in the past. It had nothing to do with getting the "right answer" or the even most complete interpretation. Our conversation was context-specific, the context being myself, my friend, and our Teacher.
One of the areas I hope to bring out in this new blog is talking a little more explicitly about what we've been learning over the past few years. For example, I'd like to tell more stories about what a renewed leadership might look like in communities of faith or what "mission" looks like on the ground in 21st century suburban south Florida. Obviously there is a certain amount of confidentiality in these stories, a line I won't cross if you will. But I think some of these stories need to be told.
I don't in any way mean to come off sounding like I have all the answers. I hope that is clear. All of this, like my phone call with my friend last night, is deeply context-specific and was not told so it could be emulated. My hope is that in telling these stories, I can craft a portrait - albeit an ever-changing and never-complete portrait - of the kinds of interactions between people that are where this kingdom we talk about so much is spreading. For some, my stories will be quite boring. (Go read Hanson's latest story if you want a little excitement with your coffee this morning). But, I think telling our stories is the way to really engage each other at the point of heart and action, not just idea or theory.
Don't tell any of the emerging church police because they might un-link me from Planet Emergent. And don't tell anyone from the Vineyard because they might think I've gone "conventional" or something. I realize I'm placing myself in a precarious position by engaging in such controversial activities...but I don't care.
I called a friend last night who I love and care for deeply. I've seen this guy go from barely functioning as a human being to making some incredible strides in his relationship with God and others around him. One "sticking" point for him, though, has been the Bible, plain and simple. There are whole sections that freak him out. So on the phone last night, we started talking about a particularly difficult passage for him, the parable of the talents.
So we had about an hour long conversation about the meaning of the parable of the talents, particularly about the context in which Jesus tells this story. I won't go into what we talked about, because that's really not the point of this post. Actually, not talking about it is exactly the point. The result of our conversation last night was that my friend is one step closer to hearing the voice of Jesus in the scriptures instead of the angry and condemning voices he has heard in the past. It had nothing to do with getting the "right answer" or the even most complete interpretation. Our conversation was context-specific, the context being myself, my friend, and our Teacher.
One of the areas I hope to bring out in this new blog is talking a little more explicitly about what we've been learning over the past few years. For example, I'd like to tell more stories about what a renewed leadership might look like in communities of faith or what "mission" looks like on the ground in 21st century suburban south Florida. Obviously there is a certain amount of confidentiality in these stories, a line I won't cross if you will. But I think some of these stories need to be told.
I don't in any way mean to come off sounding like I have all the answers. I hope that is clear. All of this, like my phone call with my friend last night, is deeply context-specific and was not told so it could be emulated. My hope is that in telling these stories, I can craft a portrait - albeit an ever-changing and never-complete portrait - of the kinds of interactions between people that are where this kingdom we talk about so much is spreading. For some, my stories will be quite boring. (Go read Hanson's latest story if you want a little excitement with your coffee this morning). But, I think telling our stories is the way to really engage each other at the point of heart and action, not just idea or theory.
posted by Mike Bishop at 6:51 AM
4 Comments:
One of the things I like about you Mike, is that your excited about God. Thats contagious.
Are you trying to pick a fight with that first line? I think you are.
Thanks Mark.
Bill...come on. Me? Pick a fight?
Actually, I wish someone would come on here once and a while and give me a good once over. All you peoples are too nice:)
Mike,
Great provocative opening. :)
I will be watching for and reading those stories. I am thankful for guys like you who have walked a little more of this path than I have, and I always value your stories and insight. I know it will be worthwhile. Peace to you.
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