living good news

BSM and ASPC (the places I'm working) were recently featured in Presbyterians Today.  You can view the article HERE.  I share some reflections:

The root of the word "evangelism" is "good news." The breakdown of this world in our culture is centered around what exactly this "news" is.  For some, this news is an afterlife of paradise upon acceptance of Christ.  For others, this news is more centered on the present life, a hope for "better times." I don't believe Christians will ever come to consensus on what it means to "evangelize."  The word will continue to feed megachurches who use it solely to build numbers.  The word will also continue to scare away many people because of how it has been used coercively.

I believe the breakdown with "evangelism" occurs when we turn it into a mathematical formula, when we view it simply as methods to get people in the doors of church.  If we view the gospel as the good news, we must begin to view evangelism as relational.  By this, I mean good news becomes self-evident once we get to know each other authentically and once we make room for those on the margins of society to be known.  Christ is made evident in our relationships.

This view of evangelism has been the blessing and challenge of working at BSM and ASPC this year.  I have really enjoyed witnessing the opportunities given for people to know God and know one another more deeply.  People from every walk of life are given room to explore faith together creatively and authentically.  All are empowered to love and serve one another as Christ calls us.

However, the nature of this work is the challenge.  The first author in this article says "it isn't that hard." I would take issue to say that if it isn't hard, you aren't trying hard enough.  The work of "making visible the kingdom" requires a lot of sacrifice.  Creating room for relationship building means we must be willing to deal with those who are different from us.  Creating room for relationship calls us to make opportunities for people to have a sense of belonging in the work of God.

Both venues have been exploring this throughout the year.  They recognize the importance of breaking down barriers and drawing people in, yet constantly face the challenge of how to draw people into community.

It's not easy...but who ever said the work of God was?

landmarks

This coming Sunday is the 25th year anniversary of the Philadelphia Area Disc Alliance (i'm playing in their summer league this year).  Given that ultimate frisbee was invented in 1969, this is kind of a big deal (i'm sure only about 2 people reading this blog will even care about this).  However, my point is...

Landmarks are significant.

This past Sunday, the 16th, Broad Street Ministry celebrated its 5th year of existence.  Now this doesn't seem like much.  However, in the nonprofit world, this is a LONG time.  In the "experimental church" world, even longer.

Sunday was a wonderful celebration.  Even though I was loaded down with grunt work of making sure it ran smoothly, I was still able to experience the joyfulness of the day.  The BSM atmosphere was in full effect among the 400 gathered in that place (3x more than usual).  We had a smattering of every type of person possible, many who have been through the doors of BSM at some point in the past.  The worship service had the usual level of unruliness, fun, and joy, yet multiplied by the high energy in the room.  We had one guest, convinced he is Christ incarnite, who was jumping up and down, dancing to every song, making loud comments during service, and trying for another dose of the Communion.  We had more kids than usual, who found a spot near the back of the room to draw.  We had youth groups who have done mission trips at BSM in the past.  We had elders from churches who have given large sums of money in the past.  We had artist friends, homeless friends, dancer friends, social advocacy friends.  If you don't believe in a thing such as the "Holy Spirit," you may have been convinced otherwise on this day.

Oh yeah, and we had cake.

Capturing this event and the nature of BSM was a photobooth project by artist JJ Tiziou.  It was mostly as you imagine - a giant box where you make faces as the camera fires rapidly.  What emerged throughout the night was a HUGE smattering of people, faces.  The faces that showed up on the screen were ALL beautiful.  The magic was seeing everyone in their true light, whether they be a well-dressed businessman, or a worn down homeless person, they all looked beautiful.  This is the landmark we leave as a church: faces of those who the church encounters.  Faces that may not be captured by society.  Faces that Christ sees and loves.

Landmarks are significant.

Well, more like "watermarks," another significant moment this past week was a goal achieved by TheChurchisAlive blog.  We went with a pretty crazy idea: run an online fundraising drive for charity:water that would basically fund the building of a well in an impoverished area of the world.  We had been running this blog site as a home for those wishing to express a new energy and enthusiasm about the church and its ability to change the world around.  With the momentum we've been gaining, why not build a $5,000 well?

We did it.  In about 80 days we raised $5,250, enough to serve 262 families in a community.

It's amazing to me how people dedicated to giving of themselves can come together like this for such an amazing purpose.  Whether or not they did it for the "church" doesn't matter.  Hearts joined to meet a passion for the world in need.  We, as a churchisalive team, believe this to be the work of the gospel, work that doesn't quite translate these days in church.  Work that is often muffled by the bad media and pessimism about "church."

Our campaign started near the beginning of lent, hit a midpoint at East, and concluded right before Pentecost.  Our goal was met and we continue pressing onward.  I think that speaks for itself.

Landmarks are significant.

 

looking back - looking forward

"I'm so sorry," the young girl kept saying after hearing the words "this church just closed down."

This past Friday I took a road trip with our "hospitality enforcer," aka "big Mike," to pick up some chairs for BSM.  I had no idea it would be from such a beautiful old church.  I had also been unaware that this church recently closed, and with the Presbytery's approval, we could basically claim whatever we wanted from there for BSM.

As we we hauling chairs and tables out the back door to the rented Penske truck, a couple of young girls who lived down the road decided to say hello.  They were both between 4-6 years old I'd assume.  They were very curious as to what we were doing.  When I told them the story, she kept saying "i'm so sorry." She also explained that she used to go there to eat meals here and they hosted girl scouts among many other things for this impoverished area.  She kept apologizing to me as if this was my church, as if this closing was affecting me personally.

a prophet...

All year, I've been plugging away with church revitalization.  I've been working in two environments where church had basically "closed down."  I've had the unique opportunity of helping to create a new church environment for the 21st century without having to fight through the existing church cultures that exist in most places.  Being so caught up in this has left me unappreciative of the past, of the great history of churches, of the pain that comes with closing down.

The thought is that the more you look back, the more you'll be held back from charging forward with new ministry.  This is true to some extent.  However, where is the grace in this?  Where do we sympathize with our brothers and sisters whose ministry has failed?  Do we blame them?  Did they get what they deserved for not running an effective ministry?

I should be sorry...

Walking through a place that carried hopes and dreams of many many people is a sobering reality that reminds us how difficult it is to live faithfully as a church community.  Amidst all the work a church does, being in relationship with one another is at the core.  When a church closes, the opportunity for this closes.  We should seek ways to reach out to those who are losing their place of hope, whether it be a church community, a family, friends, etc...

In the meantime, I look forward greatly to the final couple months I have here at BSM, moving forward, hopefully in the direction of new ministry that serves the kingdom of God.  May the knowledge of the saints, the great cloud of witnesses, who have gone before guide us in this direction.  May we continue to be grateful.

BSM celebrates its 5th birthday today which is a HUGE deal.  They have survived this long as a radical new ministry and deserve to celebrate with those who have been there along the way.  Despite all the new things this place has brought, the sanctuary walls continue to peel, the ceiling continues to crumble, the building continues to deteriorate.  However, the walls still stand.  Those who have gone before us continue to support ministry in this place, even though they are long gone now.  May the ministry carry onward as the Spirit leads!

Happy Birthday Broad Street Ministry!

easter between the two worlds

Christ is risen indeed!  Ok...now what?  What does that mean exactly?  During Lent, we acknowledge darkness and absence of hope.  The resurrection promise holds that new life, a better world is possible.  It opens the way for radical hope.  Easter worship at Arch St. Pres and BSM represent this claim in two differing ways.

Arch Street Presbyterian has been in the process of revitalization.  We have been building new ministry there in a congregation that was quite dim.  A congregation should never be defined by numbers, but new life is a valued commodity in a congregation void of such.  Therefore, when we had a 50% increase in people in worship, MOSTLY young adult couples, the vision of the resurrection promise became visible.  A church in the business district of the city can become a unique place for worship and mission.  New life can blow through an old place.

BSM is a church community to many of the city's most desolate people.  Holy Week took on such greater depth as it coincided with the annual closing of the 315 S. Homeless Cafe for the spring/summer/fall.  Basically, 300 people throughout the city were put back on the street after temporary housing for winter months came to an end and homeless shelters remained at capacity.  This Easter Sunday, BSM experienced the OPPOSITE of what usual "churches" experience on Easter Sunday.  There were noticeably LESS people in worship!  Although this may have been in large part to an evening service, you can't help but notice the absence of many of the usual Cafe guests.  During the months they stayed at BSM, they had a sense of ownership and empowerment in the place.  This is gone, for now.

This absence on Sunday, despite a wonderfully energetic, exciting, and moving service, was the reminder that the resurrection promise is not an end into itself.  The very poor and destitute people Christ lived among and promised a better world to are now back on the street.  This is a reminder of the stark world we live in and our calling from Christ to serve it faithfully.  The resurrection promise propels us forth to radically live out how Christ calls us to be.

The story goes on.

good? friday.

Tonight, BSM held its annual "execute art, not people event," a night hosted by Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.  We had a concert and a very powerful testimony by Vicki Scheiber, someone who was moved to fight for life without parole for her daughter's murderer.  We heard a powerful story of redemption amidst a story of pure darkness.

Wait...isn't it Good Friday?  Shouldn't a church be celebrating Christ dying on the cross?  Once again, BSM pushes people to search deeper for meaning: A story of redemption against a story of darkness.

Good Friday is one of those holidays a lot of people grow up celebrating as the precursor to Easter.  It's usually dark and solemn, a recognition of Christ's death and the apparent loss of all hope before the occurrence of resurrection.  It's a pretty significant occurrence, particularly given that the cross is the most sacred symbol of the Christian faith.

Do we ever reflect on the significance of the cross being an instrument of capital punishment?  Christ was murdered by the state.  The way we view Christ in relation to this event should be the way we view our faith in relation to the state.  The event is the story of darkness - of the fallenness of humankind.  The reality of death.

What is this relationship?  My understanding of Christ is redemption and forgiveness that knows no bounds.  It is a Christ who told us to love our enemies.  It is a Christ that in no way insinuated that we are to kill those who are a threat to society.  It is a Christ who teaches us that ALL people are able to be redeemed.  The relation to our story of darkness is one of hope, hope that should compel our every action here on earth.  Hope for humanity.

I know this discussion is a heated one.  I believe it is reflected in the larger discussion of how our faith influences public life.  It is my firm belief that ALL Christians believe that their faith should influence public life, whether they admit it or not.  Both sides just express it in different ways.

Tonight was a witness to the hope for redemption in the midst of darkness.  It was a reminder that forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption ALWAYS win.  However, we are not there yet.  We may never get there.  Yet we know it's out there.  Our salvation is here, yet not yet fully realized. There is so much more we are called to work towards.

As Tony Campolo often says..."Ssssssunday's a comin'!"

helpless

"Know what the sin of the Pharisees was?  They didn't take action."

This was an intial reaction to one of the most difficult situations I've found myself in since being in Philadelphia this year.  It happened on a trolley going towards West Philadelphia.  This week, I've been helping with a college group that has given up their spring break to volunteer at BSM and around the city.  The past few days we've been going to a rough elementary school to volunteer.  Stories to come about that experience later...

So anyway, THIS story takes place before we even get to the school today.  We're heading westward on the trolley when all of a sudden we all smell something that assails our nostrils in the worst way possible.  We soon realize that it's coming from a man who just entered the back door of the trolley, not paying the fare.  A group of 4-5 boys sitting in the back of the bus immediately get up and move towards the front.  The old man mumbles something unintelligible, though it sounds like he says something about "hurt my feelings."

After a couple more stops, the driver stops the trolley, stands up, looks towards the back and says "You gots to go!" Snickers erupt from the trolley.  The man continues to mumble, and is defiant about not getting off the trolley.  Another driver who was riding with us gets off the tram, yelling, "you stink" to the man from outside.  Another man on board gets very upset, saying that if the guy doesn't get off, he's going to make him get off.  Someone hails a nearby policeman, at which point the defiant man finally gets off the bus.  The riders hail insults at him as he gets off.  We continue to be glued to our seats, dead silent.

I check in with the group once we get off the trolley.  We're all a bit rattled after the horrible display of hate we just witnessed.  Despite the man's demeanor and appearance, there was NO reason for him to be treated the way he was.  And we felt crummy for not stepping up. We felt like those who passed by the guy attacked by robbers on the side of the road.  We did not take action, did not care for the least of these in that moment.

Situations like these are extremely complex.  A perfect response is impossible.  Intervening can only agitate already unstable people and make situations worse.  If we weren't in such shock, we could have engaged the defiant man and invited him to get off the trolley WITH us, lying down to suffer with those under ridicule and hate.

We're not perfect.  We do the best we can.  This is an unfortunate reminder of our human condition and our need for a deeper hope and love among one another.  Saying the right thing to do is easy.  But making it happen is so much more difficult.  We've all got a long way to go.

take and eat (part 1)

I'll start this one out with a joke!

A church bus of Presbyterians drove off a cliff one day (greatest opener ever).  When they all walked up to St. Pete in heaven, he welcomed them and brought them inside the gates.  "Heaven is divided into floors based on denomination.  Presbyterians are on the 4th floor, so please file in the elevator and I'll take you up!" The crowd followed St. Pete inside the elevator and it began to move (use your imagination for what the elevator music would have been). "Oh I almost forgot," exclaimed St. Pete, "When we're passing the 3rd floor, DON'T MAKE A NOISE." With confused faces, the Presbyterians followed suit until the doors finally opened on the 4th floor and the filed out.  One of them asked St. Pete what that was all about and he said, "well you see, the Baptists are on the 3rd floor, and they think they're the only ones here!"

Apologies to my Baptist friends!  Know I love you all dearly!  I use this joke not to rip on them, but rather to encourage the notion that ALL Christians tend to think in this manner from time to time.  We tend to think we are the epitome of Christendom.  Those of us who have grown up in the church tend to forget that there are people out there who haven't.  Understandings of salvation aside, there is a distinct church culture among us that acts more like an insider club than radical followers of Christ's message.  We tend to forget those among us that are seeking and wishing for a place to exercise their questions of faith.

Now, I point out these "unchurched" NOT in the sense it is often used: "save them so they don't go to hell," but rather, to encourage my fellow church folk that by NOT acknowledging such people, you are NOT practicing hospitality and more importantly, you are NOT allowing them to come in and transform the church as the spirit leads them.

Enter "Take This Bread" by Sara Miles

Sara Miles, a lesbian left-wing journalist who grew up atheist, wrote this "spiritual memoir of a twenty-first-century Christian" to speak of her experience with God.  Growing up, she speaks of an education based in physical experience and questioning, which led her to distrust dogma (14).  Out of this, it's not hard to understand why someone like her would have grown up with a bad taste in her mouth for "the church" that told her exactly what she should believe instead of encouraging her questions and doubts.

This is the story of so many in our culture: questions and doubts.  By avoiding these questions and doubts, are we not avoiding encouraging a deeper understanding of the gospel?  Have we forgotten the glory of the mysteries of God?

One day, Sara walked into a church in time for Communion, the Eucharist.  It was in this moment she experienced Christianity in a way she couldn't explain.  She writes: "There was the immediacy of communion at St. Gregory's, unmediated by altar rails, the raw physicality of that mystical meal.  There was an invitation to jump in rather than official entrance requirements.  There was the suggestion that God could be located in experienced, sensed through bodies, tasted in food; that my body was connected literally and mysteriously to other bodies and loved without reason" (64).  The physical components and mystical nature of Communion are what drew her into the Christian faith.  There was a recognition that Christianity was about humans, in flesh in blood, on earth to feed one another.  There is also a recognition of mystery in this moment, a desire to pursue and dwell within the great mysteries of God's love.  

The Breaking of bread as a lens to experience God's mysteries is nothing new.  Even in Scripture, the risen Christ was not recognized by his disciples until after the breaking of bread:

"When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’" -Luke 24:30-32

The disciples do not gain an immediate understanding of all things Christianity at this moment.  They simply recognize it is Christ.  This causes them to question their state, "could that have been Christ that caused us to desire more?" We encounter a recognition of physicality and mystery in this moment.  It's a dichotomy that only urges our continued questioning guided by faith, not our dogma and assertions of absolute truth.  Sara explains her state following that first Eucharist: "I went to church, heart pounding, and tried to figure out why"(64).  Deep down, are us "churched" folk not the exact same way?  Every day, a quest to understand the deeper mysteries of faith?

The Eucharist is central to worship at BSM.  When those gathered come to receive the bread and juice, they are told that they ARE welcome to this table and that there IS enough grace (bread) to go around.  They are encouraged to take big chunks of bread.  They do so because they desire this physicality of the body of Christ and wish to seek the deeper mysteries of God.

When we get in "churchy" mode and forget to allow the working of questioning and doubt...when we don't allow the broken bread to work it's mysteries within us and others...when we tell people we have God figured out and forget to allow others in our midst...when we forget that the physical notion of bread is an invitation to feed others in our midst...we do a great disservice to the kingdom of God!

During this season of lent, may we be intentional about the meaning of the Eucharist.

*I will be posting more thoughts on this book later!

Shelter within the SNOWPOCALYPSE

I grew up in Georgia.  When magical white powder appeared from the sky every 2-3 years in a given summer, the city would SHUT DOWN.  We didn't even bother watching the news about school closings because we knew it was a given.  We would gather the next day at whatever hills we could find (In Augusta this usually equated to golf courses), bringing whatever pans and trash lids we had lying around the house (the kneeboard was often the best choice), and careen headfirst down the steepest looking snow covered hill we could find!

During my freshman year of college in South Carolina, we were graced with a very unusual blizzard-turned ice storm that basically froze the entire campus.  Carrying on the good southern tradition of reckless sledding, I joined several guys from my dorm that night for some improv bobsledding.  This equated to a coffee table face down in the middle of the road and a rope tied to a truck.  We would sit 4 deep on the table and get pulled across the road.  All was well until careening towards a road sign threw us off the road and into a ditch, the table busting in half upon impact.

Needless to say, I have always equated snow days with reckless fun, taking advantage of any inclines and slopes around.

Little did I realize that my ONE year spent in the northeast would be the year I would encounter a RECORD snowfall!

Of course, my first instinct is always to go out and make the most of the situation.  Luckily, we had just the slope!

(I didn't make this btw.  Props to whoever did)
Twice I was able to sled down the infamous Rocky Steps.  It wasn't the steepest slope, but it was certainly iconic.  I experienced some wonderful Philadelphians who were partying and sliding down the steps on whatever they could find (sleds, lids, cardboard, air mattresses, skateboards, etc).  I even witnessed a defiant stand against some punks on ATVs who dangerously scaled the steps AS PEOPLE WERE SLEDDING.  Near the top, the drunken masses stood in their way and threw whatever they could at them, forcing them to drive around back towards the bottom in defeat.  Rocky would have been proud.

Here are a few iphone quality pics of our adventure teams:

Several days after the blizzard, the love affair with snow begins to fade.  Having to walk to work over sidewalks that have become solid ice starts to get old.  Being unable to park in many places gets frustrating.  What we get as "days off" in the south are merely "days" in places that expect the snow.

Reality sunk in even deeper when I walked through the midst of the blizzard to get to Broad Street Ministry on Wednesday night.  Although much of the city had shut down, the overnight cafe had remained open for the entirety of that day.  This means that many of the 50-75 homeless guests who stayed over Tuesday night were given a place to stay all day Wednesday and into that following overnight.  The snow I was beginning to see as a nuisance would be a massive issue for those who are stuck out in it all day.  

The cafe system at BSM is part of a larger system all over the city dedicated to providing shelter during the coldest months of the year to the "shelter-resistant" members of society.  This refers to those who are either unable or unwilling to sleep in a homeless shelter (they aren't the safest places and don't always have space for everyone!).  In response to the massive numbers of homeless who were ending up on the streets in the cold weather, a system evolved.  BSM is one of the many hosts of these government funded "cafes" which are set up to basically save lives.

http://www.broadstreetministry.org/programs/shelter315.php

I helped serve dinner and lead Bible study that Wednesday night to people who had for the most part, been in that building all day.  I began to think of the alternative they would be facing if it wasn't for the resolve and creativity of people in the city unwilling to let people suffer.  

We are approaching Lent, the time when many practice "giving something up" for a period of time.  Basically, they are submitting to mild suffering in order to get closer to God.  How about those already suffering?  Is it possible to take on some of their suffering instead of mildly inflicting pain on ourselves? (thanks for the concept DVH)

Where is our resolve and creativity this lenten season?  Are we wasting it all on reckless downhill slopes?

funeral for justice

First off, congrats to the New Orleans Saints for winning the Super Bowl!  I totally called it.  I find tonight's post relevant in honor of NO, a place with deep poverty, injustice, and damage.  I had the opportunity to travel down there a few months after Katrina with some college friends.  It was very disheartening to see a vacated city and to have to gut people's houses.  Even more disheartening is the poverty that led to the hurricane being so much more disastrous.  There are parallels with Haiti, a place that has suffered from poverty and oppression.

In this light, I offer you guys to check out THIS article.

This article speaks of a budget cut to PA's state budget that was only recently realized.  In an effort to balance a state budget, they decided to cut SSI, the income reserved for the poorest of the poor.  People that only make $500-600 a month were made to suffer even more from budget cuts.

I know this has happened in many states across the US in this economy.  Many would argue that in dire circumstances, ALL must face the negative effects of the economy.  This is a difficult situation and often calls to examine everything relatively.  However, the premise of balancing the budget at expense of the poor is simply unacceptable.  Being in relationship with MANY people on SSI this year has made this decision very real to me.

They sell the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals.
They trample on the heads of the poor
as upon the dust of the ground
and deny justice to the oppressed. (Amos 2:6-7)

Despite the complexity of budget issues, we MUST believe in a better way.



We are called to examine these situations theologically, and as a community of faith, BSM came to realize that this injustice against the poor is NOT what God intends for humanity.

In response, BSM and many friends throughout the city showed up for a demonstration.  As Amos spoke up to the ruling authorities of his time, so did BSM speak up for the poor of the city.  I invite you to CHECK out the pictures.

I know there are many that read my blog who would be disgusted that a church would make such a statement to the state, or engage in something so "disorderly" or "unruly." However, OT prophets were known for speaking the truth of God to the state.  Christ made a few political statements himself ; )

I was unfortunately unable to attend this event due to the seminary roadtrip...however, we are talking about taking this demonstration on to the capital of PA to continue to speak the truth about the plight of the poor.  Do we expect something out of this?  We are not politicians.  We do not control policy.  However, we are people of faith who believe that children of God deserve justice and equality.  We are people of faith who believe that the poor and helpless deserve to be honored.  BSM is not afraid to speak these messages to those in power, much like the OT prophets and Christ himself did.

May we continue to be observant to injustice and become voices that speak on behalf of God's children around the world.

blogging, sorting, chatting

I've had several things to write about in the past couple of weeks and will just have to settle for a couple of brief recaps!

First off, THE CHURCH IS ALIVE is going for 2 posts a week, so keep checking it out and WRITE SOMETHING for it!

Jan. 30th, I worked the Youth Weekend at BSM.  I was stationed in the back Sunday School Room to lead a MASSIVE project of sorting and moving clothes donations that have built up over the past couple of weeks.  Over a 6 hour period we finished the task of moving clothes into labeled bags that will be picked up by Salvation Army.  Why don't we use all of them you ask?  Do you ever wonder what kind of things get donated to clothing closet operations?  Let's just say it was a very unfortunate reminder of what people of privilege think of those without.  People give us their TRASH.  Old soccer cleats caked with mud, women's tops with broken straps, tiny shorts/skirts that most parents wouldn't let their kids walk outside the house wearing, USED socks and underwear, unmatched socks, I could go on.  Beyond this, we had clothes that were nice, but unusable to our context (kids clothing), or just WAY too many clothes of a certain type that would merely build up as more donations came in.  

Point of the matter is that the way people look at charity is very upsetting for the most part.  I would speak more to this, but instead I guide you to read the last post I did about "clothing with greater honor." Hey, that metaphor works perfectly!

This week, I visited Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond (my seminary) and Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta to promote the internship I am in the midst of.  Erika and I had a wonderful time meeting with students, professors, and other community folks to talk about Broad Street Ministry.  We spoke from a place of deep excitement about how BSM is such a unique experience of being church.  We talked about how the place came to be, what the community is like now, and how pastoral vocation can be shaped through this internship.  We also had a unique opportunity to give brief plugs to preaching and worship classes at both campuses, speaking to the unique form of worship at BSM.  We spoke of the congregation and the practice of communion in that context.  

There was a little bit of tension with some that we talked to about the identity of BSM as not an actual "parish" of the Presbyterian Church.  Being a nonprofit and mission partner has brought a lot of unique opportunities to BSM.  Many of the people we talked to are looking to go into traditional parishes that for the most part, will not have as many unique opportunities.  However, there is a longing among the students we talk to of wishing to reform many practices of the church, to be open to new and creative ways the Spirit is working through the church.  At Columbia, when I was asked about how this could be navigated, I responded that a lot of it has to do with church culture.  The culture of BSM has always been a very affirming and open one, whereas traditional churches have LONG histories and cultures to contend with at times, which is a precarious and long path that must be dealt with delicately.  To begin this journey, I spoke of the 2-3 young adults I meet with every week who wish to be a part of the BSM community.  BSM wouldn't be ANYWHERE that it is now if it wasn't for the young people who have been asked to come and bring their gifts and passions to SHAPE BSM.  This empowerment has allowed BSM to be a unique expression of church.  

If I had to give one message from the halls of BSM to churches out there it would be to OPEN up, BE authentic, and LET new people come in and be empowered to form the church in new, exciting, and creative ways.

Young seminary students we encounter are a clear example of this, as they are looking to enter parishes as pastors, leaders of the congregation.  

Unfortunately, we didn't get any commits for the upcoming year.  However, we had a few at each campus interested the following year.  If YOU are interested or know a seminary student who would be interested in a full year immersion at BSM, LET US KNOW!  

Clothe with greater honor, treat with greater respect

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.

15 If the foot would say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body.

16 And if the ear would say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body.

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?

18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

19 If all were a single member, where would the body be?

20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."

22 On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

23 and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect;

24 whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member,

25 that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another.

26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But strive for the greater gifts.

This is one of those many segments of Scripture that go SO much deeper than what you would get on a first read.  So read it again!...

done?

I've heard this passage a million times.  I know it precedes the infamous "love" chapter in 1 Corinthians 13.  I know the context of the letter is to churches and early believers who are not getting along and arguing on who has a greater hold on the truth.  I've heard this passage in Bible studies before talking about "spiritual gifts." We ask each other all the time "what are your spiritual gifts?".  We talk about how Christians disagree and need to "get along" better.

Like it has many times this year, BSM Bible study turned this scripture on it's head.  I led the Bible study and encountered the usual variety of homeless guests (around 10-15).  We talked about the nature of the body of Christ and the need to get along and work together.  We talked about the notion of all being equal in the Spirit.  This led into verse 23: "those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect;" I asked everyone what they thought of this and a few of them spoke up to say "the golden rule!" "treat others as you would want to be treated!" If this happened anywhere else, I may have just moved on, noting that they understand.

However, something caught me.  These people are struggling with homelessness and addiction.  They get by with what little change they can find and oftentimes don't get even a smile from people walking by.  This is the world they've become accustomed to.  By saying this passage meant following the golden rule, they were acknowledging their place in this world and not expecting much more than what they've received and are able to do to others.  I thought of my standards of "the golden rule" and realized they are probably much higher based on what I have been blessed with in my life.

This 1 Corinthians passage is MUCH deeper than the golden rule.  This is not telling us to "get along".  This is telling us to RADICALLY SHIFT how we relate to people.

22 On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

We can talk about getting along "in" our church and "with" other churches all we want.  We can talk about how the singers and the accountants are valuable elements to our congregation...but if we fail to acknowledge the WEAKER members of our society - those who go by NOT expecting to receive more than the lot they've been given in life....

we suffer.  we are not the body.

What does this mean for how we treat the poor in our nation and other nations?  Do they deserve fair living situations?  Do they deserve good school systems?  Do they deserve effective and cheap public transportation?  Do they deserve healthcare?

They deserve SO much more than these things.  We should clothe them with honor and respect!  Imagine the world we would face if we took this seriously!

The gifts of the spirit here are mentioned because we FAIL to acknowledge the gifts in ALL people.  This is a great disservice to the body of Christ.  This is not who we are called to be.

After all, we were ALL made to drink of the same Spirit.

up in the air

Up in the air....

our futures, our present, how we interpret our past, our relationships, our jobs, our life callings...

I just came back from seeing this fantastic new movie and want to take a moment to reflect on it.

This movie follows the life of Ryan Bingham, a guy who is paid to fly all over the nation in order to fire people and provide severance packages in place of the boss.  From the very beginning, you see how this role plays out, as disgruntled employees react to the camera after hearing that they have been laid off.  Ryan remains stoic through this because he has seen it all.  He also asserts how this travel has become his home.  He has become accustomed to the grueling hours spent waiting for planes and going through security.  He takes great pleasure in the people he meets along the way, all the while remaining free from attachments to anyone of significance, even family.  Along his travels, he also speaks at conferences about "baggage" we carry around.  Among this baggage, he mentions, is family and friends.  He says that while some species are created to live symbiotically, humans are not.  Ryan has become accustomed to being the loner who flies around to tell them their jobs have been terminated.

Pretty soon, his business picks up a new young female employee who is hired to advance the company into the technology world through video conferencing.  However, she is given the role to travel along with Ryan in order to get a sense for how these conferences with soon to be fired employees plays itself out.  She is very naive to this world he lives in. She soon begins to see him as a mentor in dealing with these conversations.  Before too long, she discovers Ryan's disdain for human connection and becomes disgusted.

Meanwhile, Ryan meets a new woman with a very similar lifestyle who he begins to fall for.  They acknowledge a fleeting relationship built on keeping each other company on the road.  However, as Ryan's sister's wedding approaches, he feels the need to invite her along.  At this wedding, he begins to see how his distance from family and friends has hurt him.  He begins to long for intimacy.

Without spoiling the climactic ending, I will just say that he soon learns that the world he has created is one that he cannot escape.  However, he begins to see this in a new light.  He begins to see that humans are indeed symbiotic creatures, that need to live and love with one another and for one another.  He gains a new perspective on his role on the road and as one who delivers bad news.

The movie ends with moving testimonials of people who have been "laid off."  Once again, speaking to the camera, these people give moving affirmations of the need for family and friends to love and support through such life transitions.

These situations and messages are very timely to us here and now.  I think of my life here at BSM - constantly in conversation with people who have been laid-off, or without jobs for a long period of time. I have no doubt that all would affirm the need for friends and family to live with them during their struggles.  This is what has drawn many into the fold of BSM - the need for community, for love and support.

This is also why I find myself writing on this blog - knowing that YOU out there reading are family and friends who are supporting me.  So, thanks!

We all need places we call "home" that truly are so.  Of course you may consider your current location home.  You may consider hanging out with friends home.  You may consider the town you grew up in as home...

However, is your home a place that you are willing to carry on your back, knowing that it is also carrying you at the same time?

Scripture as Dialogue

Isaiah 35
1The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of theLord, the majesty of our God. 3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”
5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. 9No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.10And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Scripture is meant for dialogue. When we engage a text, we should have a conversation with it, letting it seep over us, within us, and speak through us.

At Bible Study tonight, we read our week's worth of prayer cards aloud as usual. However, we interspersed the readings this week with segments of this scripture from Isaiah 35. The result was a dialogue that embodied the hopes and fears of the BSM community. Many of those present this evening were themselves homeless, in a wilderness. They were easily able to place themselves within this text as the prayers were read. They noticed the struggles AND the hope within this text.

Scripture should speak to us in every time and place. We can never relegate a text to being out of touch, out of date, or irrelevant. Isaiah was speaking to the Israelites in exile to give them promise and hope for better. Within this is the call to be attentive to prophecy, to seek the glory of the Lord and the good for all people. Thus, this text speaks to us with similar messages of hope and promise. It reminds us that God carries us through the times of difficulty, when we find ourselves in the wilderness, and sets us back on our feet. We should be joyful as we seek this out and help others seek this out.

As one of our friends said tonight:

There's a way back.

making space in advent

My good seminary friend Mark visited me in Philly a couple of Sundays ago.  He came to worship at BSM Sunday evening.  When I told him that we are now setting up dinner tables in the sanctuary immediately following worship, he responded with a look of realization "Of COURSE you do!  Of course you eat in the same place that you worship." 

Mark helped me realize that I had been taking these amazing moments for granted.  Over the past few weeks, we've been able to move all our meals upstairs to the sanctuary (thanks to removing of pews and re-finishing of a gorgeous floor).  The mood of the meals and the hospitality of the place has been AMAZING.  Beyond this is the deep theological significance my friend Mark helped me realize.  Table fellowship with people who are hungry and tired from being seen as less than human is a powerful experience.  Sharing food and conversation with people in need of both is truly a worshipful moment, and rightfully belongs in a SPACE such as a sanctuary.

Space is a funny thing.  We often dismiss its importance, placing emphasis on people instead.  Whereas the latter should always have priority, perhaps we should not always be so dismissive of the importance of space.  The environment we create gives a message.  What is our message?

We've been using our newly designed space a LOT over the past week.  Here's a recap:

TUESDAY, we hosted World AIDS Day at BSM.  The space was used for a meal, performances, and speakers, all recognizing the travesty of AIDS in our communities and the importance in taking action to promote awareness and support.  

WEDNESDAY, we worked all morning to set up an interactive timeline throughout the sanctuary for the Congregational Action Partnership meeting.  We took groups of supporting church members through our timeline, giving a full vision of where BSM has been and where it hopes to go.  

WEDNESDAY EVENING, we rushed to clear out the displays in order to set up our usual Wednesday evening meal.

THURSDAY, we took away the displays in order to prepare the space for our weekly Breaking Bread lunch and service provisions.

THURSDAY EVENING, we set up the space for a very moving memorial service for the son of a wonderful couple at one of our church communities.  

(Are you wondering why I didn't get around to posting last week?  Whew!)

So what is the message we draw from this space this week?  I've never experienced one place serve so many purposes over such a short period of time.  They were all very unique, yet seemed to still say the same thing: When we gather as community, we worship.  The week began in a solemn reminder of the plagues of this world, along with a great feeling of solidarity and comfort for the afflicted.  We moved into a celebration of God's movement through our time.  The meals we have together remind us of the physical nature of being in relationship, and the ability to provide for those in need.  At the end of the day, however, we are once again reminded of our own mortality, and the need for solidarity and comfort for the afflicted.  

Finding the message out of a hectic week can be difficult, yet it is what the advent season calls us to do: seek out the message of hope in the midst of despair and clutter.  

Because at the end of a hectic week, we can always remember (as Tony Campolo likes to remind us...): Sssssssunday's coming!  At the end of such a wild week, we always know that we will soon gather in worship to lead us on through another week.

Recognize the space you are in and find the message it is telling you!

What's the point of church anyway?

I apologize for taking forever to do a new post!  Quick update: things have been in fairly high gear over here as both campuses prepare for the end of the year sprint!  At BSM, the Breaking Bread program has been going full force!  This has been an incredible opportunity to witness what it means for 100 poor, often homeless, people to come in, get food, and be treated as humans for a couple hours out of their day.  We offer lunch and social services such as haircuts, a clothing closet, benefits bank, and hygiene kits to name a few.  I've enjoyed these meals as it gives me a chance to really develop my relationship with the regulars that come in our doors.  They have incredible stories to share.  At Arch Street Pres, we have been gearing up for the Advent season!  We are looking at starting some mid-week afternoon services for the working population in downtown Philly.  The congregation has been gaining momentum and life thanks to 2 great sundays where we had meal fellowship following the service!  As far as my personal self is concerned, call or visit to see how I'm doing!

I've also been lacking inspiration for posts, which may be a case of some fatigue - it can be hard to keep up with all the posting!  I hope you all have enjoyed my post-bible study reflections on Wed., I'll try to keep those up!

For tonight, I am posing a VERY SIMPLE question and I would like COMMENTS!  Pretend that you have not grown up in the church.  For those that haven't, this may be easy and I encourage your comments as well!  Try to take all your pre-conceived notions of the church away for this...

WHY would you choose to start going to a church?

Both BSM and Arch Street are at a point where they are examining what Christian fellowship means and how it can be enacted.  There is some hesitancy to this because both are founded on the deep theological assertion that the faith community is not built for church members in themselves, but for purposes of living out the radical gospel in the world to serve others.  How do these two relate?  I'm not going to say any more because I am curious to here thoughts from those of you who read this blog.  We are created for conversation, not lectures!

So think of that question and answer in the comment section...NOW!

Also, as I have mentioned earlier, I encourage you to join an online conversation at The Church Is Alive.  This week, Carol Howard Merritt wrote an excellent post on this very subject I bring up this evening.  I encourage you to check it out!  That is, after you answer my question!

peace,
mike

waiting

6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. 7And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. 8Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
9It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. 10For the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain.
-Isaiah 25:6-10

"I'm waiting for dinner," one of our guests said at Bible study tonight when prompted with the question "what are we waiting for." There is both humor and deep truth in this answer.  The question meant to be answered on a deeper level, yet dinner was happening in about 30 minutes.  This reflects a deep truth about waiting...it's hard!

The upcoming lectionary text for this Sunday contains a passage from Isaiah that speaks of a feast that is to be waited on (Incidentally enough, I preached a sermon on this for class last spring). This feast is greater than what we can possibly imagine. It is a celebration of the final victory of the Lord after a long period of anxious waiting.

Andrew Bird, one of the greatest and most creative singer/songwriter/whistler/violinists of our time, has a song about a celebratory feast at the end of times called "tables and chairs."



Hope is the operative word here. Hope for a bountiful feast. Hope for your first meal of the day. Hope for peace. Hope for equality. Hope for truth and justice to prevail for those who are oppressed.  The results of this wait for hope is a celebratory feast for all to enjoy.

Our meals at Broad Street Ministry (particularly the No Barriers Dinner) are seen to many as a bountiful feast.  The makeup of race and socio-economic class in the room give a taste of what a feast in the kingdom of God looks like.  However, peace, equality, truth, and justice have not prevailed yet.  There is always a level of anxiousness in our meals at BSM.  We all recognize how rough our world is.  Are we simply to just sit back and wait for things to get better before we can celebrate?

No.  This wait is one of action.  The hebrew origin of the word for "wait" here is "qava," which in its verb form here stands as an intensive, repeated action.  Thus, a more accurate translation is "to look eagerly for." This hardly sounds like sitting and waiting to me!  It's a reminder that we are in the "Kingdom Between the Times." The kingdom is here, yet not completely.  Christ has come to liberate us from sin, yet problems still exist in our world.  We have responsibility in this world to work towards peace, equality, truth, and justice.  Then, when we just can't wait any more, the kingdom of God we have hoped for all our lives comes to free us from oppression and sin for good.

What does this kingdom look like?  Who knows!  That's where hope comes into play.  Yet a bountiful feast is a wonderful way to imagine the joy found in this time.  May we continue to work for the kingdom!

I know we're gonna meet someday in the crumbled financial institutions of this land
There will be tables and chairs
Pony rides and dancing bears
There'll even be a band
'cause listen after the fall there'll be no more countries
No currencies at all
We're gonna live on our wits
Throw away survival kits
Trade butterfly knives for adderal
And that's not all
Woah!
There will be snacks, there will
There will be snacks, there will
There will be snacks!
-Andrew Bird

blind

46They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” 50So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Mark 10:46-52

Who are we not seeing?

I had a lot of exposure to this text over the past week.  First, I led our staff devotions by doing a lectio divina with the text, to explore what we hear this text call us to be and do.  Next, I was in the weekly Bible Study where we studied the text.  Finally, this was the text used for the sermons today.

The Bible studies are what always tend to stick out the most to me out of all others.  This fact is quite a clear interpretation of this particular text!  The interpretations you hear during the "no holds barred" Bible studies come from Bartimaeuses in our community.  These are the people that are told to be silent, not to sleep in parks, not to ask people for money or help.  Sometimes they are told, directly or indirectly, not to come to church (coats and ties are hard to come by!).

Have you seen a Bartimaeus?  Possibly.  Have you told him or her to be quiet?  Probably.  We all have at some point.  Little do we know that this only means we are the actual blind ones.  In this text, it is the one silenced by others that is praised for his faith.

A dear member of the BSM community (who will go by "Joe" to protect his identity) spoke up during our Bible study to point out the situation of this beggar.  The beggar was on the side of the street, in the middle of everything.  Joe mentioned how even though the beggar couldn't see, he could still hear the commotion going on all around him.  Joe told us that he has hearing problems and would struggle with even that.  Joe had been silenced his entire life and was having trouble relating to a beggar who had enough faith to petition Jesus for healing.  This was a sad re-affirmation of what our culture has done to the Bartimaeuses among us.

This scripture reminds us that there is deep faith and an example to be learned in the Bartimaeuses in our communities.  Perhaps it is time we stop silencing them and give them a chance to speak up!

Are we the real blind ones in this story?

Breaking bread, loving baseball

In case you missed it, the Phillies just won the National League and on Wednesday, will play either the Yankees or Angels in the World Series.  I've never been in the midst of a city where a sports team has had a major win.  I had the exciting opportunity to watch the game last night at BSM, right in center city.  Upon their win, the city came alive as everyone rushed center city and preceded to cause mass chaos.  Although the World Series win is still around the corner and last year's playoff drought busting win was much greater, the experience was still pretty exciting!

Now don't get me wrong, I'm a born and bred Braves fan, which means I will cheer for them till the day I die.  However, I think any true national league fan would agree that come playoff season, whichever team can beat the Yankees is the team to cheer for (save perhaps the mets or marlins)!  Beyond this, there's just something about baseball to cheer for the home team (when they're not playing your team of course).

Now why have I been talking about Baseball for 2 paragraphs?  Because I have witnessed the effects of sports on the homeless community.  Not only is it a source of common conversation, it is also a source of hope for many.  There has been a lot of joy in Philadelphia lately due to the run of the Phillies.  Many of our homeless friends can't stop talking about it.  I had wondered where they have been able to experience these games, only to learn it is by crowding around a stereo or looking into store windows from the street!  This is dedication!

Breaking Bread is a weekly service provided at BSM.  Lunch is served, along with several services not often provided elsewhere.  Today, I assisted guests in our clothing closet, picking out donated items.  Then, I assisted in the therapeutic arts program for the day - decorating pumpkins.  Positive energy carried the day, as our guests helped each other pick out outfits and resort to the days of childhood arts class during the pumpkin decorating (picture below not from the actual event).

So many food and service social programs seem to not give much attention to the mood of their guests.  Today, I witnessed what it means to do so.  People living on the margins carry a LOT with them, literally and figuratively.  Giving the opportunity for conversation and creative expression can go a LONG way to help them feel more human once again and give the positive energy needed to carry the day.  Let us never forget that Jesus was homeless and called us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  Cliche, yes, yet so vital and significant each time we hear it.  People deserve more that just a meal.  They deserve a chance to be human for a few hours.

Talking baseball with some homeless guys is very human indeed.  We can all unite around the joy of America's greatest pastime and the pride for a city that has loved its team (at least recently!).  I know this joy of sports is not always a given thing.  It's rare to be in a city that can celebrate sports.  Beyond this, we should always be wary of a theology of competition.  However, for our purposes at Broad Street, the ability to unite around a subject that gives us unity is a chance to be human together, as God created us.

Never thought I'd say this...but Go Phillies!  For this year at least...

Psalms of the Street

ATTENTION: BLOG NAME HAS CHANGED TO "www.communitytrailblazer.blogspot.com"
IT IS NO LONGER: "www.psalmsofthestreet..."
I know this may be confusing, so PLEASE spread the word.  I will explain the reasoning in this post.

What does Psalms of the Street mean anyway?

I had a GREAT visit to Richmond this weekend, visiting my friends at Union Presbyterian Seminary (formerly Union-PSCE).  I was very excited to share of my experience thus far, perhaps because I knew my peers could relate to and find some hope in my experience of such a vibrant urban church community.

As I explained my internship over and over again, I began to notice threads in the way I described it.  The most common thread was my description of a church full of people from ALL walks of life.  The more I described the demographic makeup of the Broad Street Ministry community the more I realized the significance of having rich, poor, young, and old in one building worshipping and fellowshipping together.  As has been often mentioned, this demographic makeup is truly a glimpse of the kingdom of God.

I have been writing about Broad Street Ministry in my blog for over a month now, and only today did I realize I had been doing a great disservice by calling my blog "psalms of the street."  See, I originally took the name from the bulletin on my first day of worshipping at Broad Street.  I realized later that "psalms of the street" is the prayer card ministry that seeks to represent the voice of the community.  These cards, written by people from every walk of life, are collected, prayed over, and put into a blog in order to express the voices of those who are voiceless.  This blog is called Scribblings in the Sand.  I invite you to view this blog, with the understanding that these prayers come DIRECTLY from the community at worship, represent people from every walk of life, and are meant to be treated with great discretion (personal information has been removed) and utmost respect.  Christ came to give a voice to the voiceless, love to the unloved.  Broad Street Ministry hopes to carry this desire out as the body of Christ, and prayer cards serve as an opportunity for those without a voice to be represented.

My role at Broad Street Ministry is NOT to represent the community  myself.  The community must be able to speak for themselves, since most of them NEVER have this opportunity.  Therefore, my blog name is changing to:

communitytrailblazer.blogspot.com

My role at Broad Street Ministry is to be the pastoral welcoming presence to those who wish to become a part of the community.  I meet with people who contact us wishing to volunteer or at least get to know the community better.  I learn their stories, discern their gifts, and help plug them into the community.  My role is the pastoral associate for community trailblazing.

When you read my blog, I hope you realize that I am only a piece of a larger community that greatly desires to be heard.  So I urge you to also read Scribblings in the Sand, and be shaped by the prayers of this community!

By the way, this picture game up in google when I image searched "community trailblazing." This lady is pretty awesome:

Measuring Success

"The church is a business" people say.  This is often said with some hesitancy.  Why is this?  Perhaps because they know this is not the way it is meant to be.

What does a business do?  They are built upon economic models: Money comes in - services are offered.  This is built on supply and demand.  The more the people demand services, the more the price of supply increases, forming economic equilibrium.

Putting the church into this model:  The people demand a faith community that can give them what they want.  In return they pay money for these "services." These services must be good quality so people can get what they think they paid for.  In order to increase income, a business-model church must grow its base.  Thus the number of members becomes important.  For better quality service to be provided, more members must be brought in to increase income, and thus, production.  Pastors are placed in the epicenter of this model.  They are paid by the congregation to provide services (preaching, worship leadership, pastoral care, etc.).  If these services are inadequate, the pastor can be fired.

It's disturbing and probably not completely accurate to describe the church in this way, but when you get down to the core of it, it's not that far from the truth.  American churches are an American economic business model.

Is this faithful?  Is this right?  Can it ever be different?

Our American culture is defined by numbers.  When I was youth director at Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, I couldn't tell you how many times someone would say "how many youth do you have?" This question frustrates me to no end.  Firstly, how do you "have" youth?  It's not like we capture them and put them in a box so we can show off to people.  Secondly, what does it matter?  So what if I have 5 or 50 youth in my program.  Since when did bringing in a lot of youth for your program prove that you are effectively influencing the lives of young people and empowering them to do God's work?

Eugene Peterson in Under the Unpredictable Plant speaks of how we often measure success in churches by growth.  Growth, he says, "is biological, not an arithmetical metaphor.  Growth in biology has something to do with timing, passivity, waiting, proportion, maturity.  There is a proper size to each thing." Peterson reminds us that there must be an understanding that more is not always better.  Success, growth, in churches can never be judged by size.

I have been learning a lot from a church context that has no "members." Sure there are problems.  It's hard to keep up with people, hard to track giving, hard to appoint leadership.  However, the payoff is a system that is no longer focused on being successful.  They can look instead, to be more faithful to the gospel.  It's not a perfect system at Broad Street, there are some definite benefits to having "members," particularly for reasons of leadership and pastoral care.  However, it's refreshing to realize that, as my boss and pastor here, Bill, said, "We don't get to keep people.  We just get to hold them for a while." The church is not meant to be a country club.  The church is community.

Bill has also picked up on this notion of numbers-success in an article he wrote for Insights from the Underside." Not to be confused with The Bible from the Underside, a popular Frances Taylor Gench class.  Bill refers to this notion of success as the "Cultural Success Index." He reminds us that we must always be cautious of falling into this worldly model as a way of running churches.  If this can happen, Bill visions a church where, "Preoccupation with membership roles may be replaced with a passionate pursuit of understanding about why certain demographics are mission from the communion's gathering...imagination would trump implementation.  Depth would trounce growth.  Disciplined discernment would be valued over efficiency and 'effectiveness'." (46)

A church needs to operate as a business in some sense.  Money.  We can't ignore that HUGE elephant in the room.  A church needs to be able to have some lights to turn on and some heat to run in the winter.  This issue is what makes things difficult.  Money always makes things difficult.  Yet, since when did we let money guide our decisions?  Didn't Christ tell us to give it all to the poor anyway?

It's a messy situation that no one has figured out yet.  However, it's a situation that calls us to be faithful to the gospel.  We MUST constantly be aware of how we view ourselves as the community of God and avoid defining ourselves according to our American economic consumerist model.

How can we break down this horrible myth that a church is a business?  How can we look at success differently?

Is our church only about supply and demand?

I leave you with a song from Amos Lee, a Philly native: