"Who says that the best place for a congregation is at the focal point of a community?
Perhaps is should be hidden in a corner somewhere, at the heartbeat of where its members live and work and socialize."
Larson, Osborne, The Emerging Church (1970), p51
Technorati Tags: emerging church
Agree... but if you are part of the community... you can't be hidden.
Posted by: Thomas | Feb 23, 2006 at 09:25
Thomas, i disagree. I have been a part of communities where i have hidden myself. One can be physically present yet shut people out.
Posted by: Existential Punk | Feb 23, 2006 at 15:26
i like this one.
i'm tired of churches "playing church"
and i think the idea of "hidden" does not mean she is hiding...
Posted by: jim.k | Feb 23, 2006 at 15:51
EP... totally agree that you can be present yet shut off... I went to Starbucks last night and only engaged with the Barista and my friend Tone...
I just don't see how the church as a movement of love can remain hidden at the heartbeat.
Individually we can hide but collectively? Just not sure... Thanks Jim re the hiding part - I don't think the church can truly hide itself and remain focussed on those it loves...
but then maybe thats what we've been doing - hiding in our places of worship - waiting for folk to come to us...
Maybe disguised is a better word... but then are we still being the salt and the light?
I dunno... Its hidden that I'm hung up about here... everything else is spot on!
Anyway, hope you are well EP?
Posted by: thomas | Feb 23, 2006 at 19:19
Thomas, thanks for the conversation! I a m doing ok. And you? Looking forward to meeting you this summer!
Posted by: Existential Punk | Feb 24, 2006 at 05:33
EP... You are always welcome... Can't wait to meet you in the summer (in italy in July tho')
Meeting weebeautifulpict today - taking a half day to meet up with him and then take a friend for sushi then to the boogaloo bothy. Can't wait.
BTW, you are welcome to stay with my wife and I for a few days when you come over.
Peace, T
PS Andrew - thanks for the blog - its growing bigger - its hooking saints up!
Posted by: Thomas | Feb 24, 2006 at 09:44