Called to risk and to trust

Book of Order

G 3.0400  Called to Risk and Trust

The Church is called to undertake its mission even at the risk 

of losing its life, trusting in God alone as the author and giver of 

life, sharing the gospel, and doing those deeds in the world that 

point beyond themselves to the new reality in Christ. 

Today was an orientation day, which meant a lot of information packed into a few conversations throughout the day!  This was both tiring and exciting, as I was beginning to gain a better sense of what this place is all about!

I learned the true extent of the above book of order quote while hearing from the leadership staff about their impressions of broad street.  When an idea emerges to address an immanent need in the community - people jump on it immediately!  There are no sessions that debate an issue into the ground and eventually crumble into fear.  When there is a need to host 100 homeless people overnight during the bitter cold winter and provide warm drinks and soup, they put it together!  I'm not saying there are no discussions or thought put into these decisions, because there definitely is.  However, there is an assertive attitude around this place that says "let's risk and trust as Christ calls us." 

Sure, Broad Street Ministry is not technically a "church." It is a non-profit mission agency.  They don't worship on Sundays, they don't have elders, they don't host potluck suppers.  However, they make you ask yourself "what is a church?" They have a committed group of people (from homeless to wealthy) who come to worship on Sunday evenings, they have a pastoral staff committed to leading the vision of the ministry and providing pastoral care for those who need it, they are dedicated to proclaiming Christ in all that they do and say, and they are continually guided and led by Christ's call for the church to commit to social justice.  It sure looks and feels like a church!  I'm hoping I find a lot to learn from out of this place!

I think there's always a precarious balance between tradition and newness.  A community of faith MUST remain grounded in the reformed tradition which calls us to continually be guided by God-inspired scripture that has led our church fathers (and mothers!) to establish what we have today.  However, a community of faith MUST also be continually committed to the NEW things the Holy Spirit is calling us to each and every day.  

It is these new things that often demand we "risk losing our life" and "point beyond ourselves."  How can the church better live out this calling in the book of order?  I'm sure i'll be exploring BSM's answer to this question as I continue my work.  

What do you think?