|
by root [ posted: 30.Oct.2007 08:18 AM ] [dura-link][I]
Language Describing LGBC
It was a struggle to develop a language that accurately describes who we are as a community. Many people find the traditional language used to describe Christian communities as problematic for various reasons.
Traditional Language:
Derived from the Biblical language describing the Church as a whole, the body of Christ Employs very concrete images of contrast (e.g. alive vs. dead, righteous vs. sinner, engrafted vs. cut off; saved vs. lost, member of the body vs. not a member)
So what is lacking in this language? Surely if God calls us by the name of children, members of His body, servants of His Son, citizens of His Kingdom then such a language should suffice. The problem that we run into is that as humans we often don't see as clearly as God and the distinctions of the spiritual are not as evident to us. To use the language of His church to organize a community is to set sure boundaries around unsure, shy, proud, confused, and hypocritical human beings. This can often lead to some people presenting false faces for acceptance while others turn away with a feeling of rejection. God knows perfectly the breadth of His creation and the hearts of all people. It is His clear seeing that sets true boundaries and His mercy that provides the bridges across them.
So what are we trying to accomplish with our language if not to delineate the boundaries of the kingdom of God? What are the values that this community wishes to espouse when describing who we are? We are first and foremost a Jesus-centered community. While having a relationship with Jesus the Son of God is not a requirement for belonging the community was founded because of what He has done/is doing and is based around a constant discussion of who Jesus is and how we relate to God. We highly value Relationship Diversity of ages and experience, more community and less interest group A spirit of acceptance and openness that constantly looks to the outside, inviting in those who are homeless, abandoned, and rejected. Offering life, giving of what God has given unto us.
The image of a wandering tribe, journeying and pitching our tents together around the fire seems to fit our community very well. As we quest through this life on our way to our Father's country many a sojourner may happen upon us and, finding us traveling in the same direction, we pitch our tents together in community. There are many reasons that one might fancy to travel with us awhile and many things that might spark a person's interest. The camp wishes to accept others in with love, listen to them with understanding, and share the toils of the journey as far as they will travel with the group.
Not all who join the group as we travel want to participate in the community to the same degree, and not all profess themselves to be followers of Christ, journeying to reach His kingdom. There are three different types of travelers we have come across. Some are citizens of Christ's country and have pitched their tent with us in the journey, committing themselves to our tribe. Other citizens have hailed our group and rejoiced in our journey but travel with others to Christ's country. And there are also travelers who have not purposed to seek God's country, disagreeing on who rules the land to which we go or not having met the King who rules it. However, falling in with our band they have committed themselves to the tribe and set their tents among us.
There are many tasks faced by the camp as we travel and many opportunities that we can pursue. Any fellow traveler may step forward where they see a need or a task to fulfill.
Then at the end of the day let us sit around the fire and let the song and stories flow, of the country to which we are headed and the loving Father who waits there. And to the curious pilgrim with whom we share a cup of coffee as the stars appear at night we will point out the strange and shabby figure that sits among us. He offered a hand when trouble we faced that long day, he whispered comfort in our ears when the hardships of the journey filled us with despair, and he now wraps his tattered cloak around one of our shivering fellows. And rumors will be whispered that the Son of the King travels among us, disguised in travel-worn garb, and mud-stained boots, to protect us in this hostile land, and see us safely to His Kingdom where He will be crowned with all glory!
|