Random Thoughts
October 23, 2006
Here's what I'm thinking about today:
- Looking forward to attending the inaugural conference on The Call to an Ancient Evangelical Future. Despite Robert Webber's battle with cancer (please pray for him), it promises to be an important event.
- At a gathering of area Free Methodist Pastors two weeks ago, bishop emeritus Kevin Mannoia, told us that he has begun a dialog with Orthodox Church leaders, pondering how they might increase their evangelical efforts and how we might benefit from the richness of their tradition -- a fascinating exchange in the works, no doubt. I'll keep you posted.
- Even after 3+ years of using Celtic Daily Prayer: Prayers and Readings from the Northumbria Community, I am more amazed than ever at how this daily prayer guide is so frequently aligned with exactly what I happen to be going through, and how the Holy Spirit uses this to speak so clearly to me. I had tried a number of other resources in attempting to faithfully pray the offices on a daily basis, but nothing was as successful at helping me to develop the rhythm of prayer as this resource from the Northumbria Community.
- iPod is celebrating their 5th birthday today. I sure am enjoying mine, as well as the weekly video podcast I download feathuring Erwin McManus at Mosaic.
- Regrettably, I haven't been blogging nearly as much over the past few weeks as I normally would. This is mostly due to a rise in pastoral demands within my congregation, and subsequently, a rise in my level of fatigue (no comments on how old I am, k?).
- I'm still praying, searching, and believing for an associate pastor to move to the high desert of Southern California and partner with me in the exciting things God is doing in this corner of the world (and I'd still very much appreciate your prayers in this).
- I haven't forgotten my commitment to share my thoughts on how radical egalitarianism continues to mess with our faith and how we live it out. It's coming along. Stay tuned.
Hoping that your week has been blessed thus far,
- Chris
.
image credit: © Nicola Vernizzi, iStockphoto.com
Re: #6... what type of associate are you looking for? Any info you can share?
peace,
dan h.
Posted by: dan h. | October 23, 2006 at 05:22 PM
Ooooh, some exciting tasty things coming to your plate.
Peace and strength from the God of life as you pastor those in your care.
Dana
Posted by: Dana Ames | October 24, 2006 at 12:08 PM
Chris...I am reading a book, Praying With the Church, and there was a Chris Monroe quoted about the very book of prayer you mention--one in the same? The Lord is moving me in that direction,looking and praying the prayers of others to help me draw closer to Him. Never thought I would go in that direction but I'm tired of hearing myself blabber on to God--just need a bit of refreshment from another's voice.
Posted by: St.Trixie | October 25, 2006 at 08:14 AM
Chris - would love your thoughts on these articles re: "Ancient Future"
http://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=19-09-022-o
Posted by: Karl Thienes | October 26, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Karl,
Thanks for the Touchstone link. I enjoyed reading each of the critiques, although I found myself appreciating the first two (McClay and Moore)much more than the others. In part, I think is was due to what I perceived as preexisting anti-Evangelical bias.
"The Call" certainly can benefit from thoughtful critique, and I felt as though McClay and Moore were very even-handed about how they did so.
Personally, I don't see "fadishness" as having much to do with The Call. Most Evangelical leaders I speak with don't have the foggiest idea of what the ancient-future paradigm is even about.
Sometimes I get the feeling that my Orthodox brethren will never be happy unless Evangelicalism closes it doors and yeilds to God's obvious will: joining the Orthodox Church. One might think they'd be supportive of proposed reforms such as outlined in The Call. But when they're met with sharp criticism (like those of Hutchens, Hart, and Mills), it makes one wonder.
Well, there's my overall impression. The final chapters concerning The Call are long from being written, so I'm hoping that constructive criticism will continue (along with constructive encouragement), as things continue to be thought and hammered out.
Blessings,
Chris
Posted by: Chris Monroe | November 01, 2006 at 01:27 PM
"Sometimes I get the feeling that my Orthodox brethren...Hutchens, Hart, and Mills..."
Keep in mind none of these men are Orthodox and the criticisms of "The Call" are done by mostly non-Orthodox. I agreed with many of the critiques but didn't see them as being quite so uncharitable....But it is true that the Orthodox as well as the Catholic will find anything less than full sacramental communion to be less than ideal. If we didn't, we wouldn't be what we are!
Personally, I felt the questions being asked in these articles, especially McClay (re: authority,) Hart (re: the end round), and Mills (re: practicality) are really important and I hope will not be dismissed easily. Perhaps future statements, documents, or actual specific action points issues by "The Call" will help clear up the questions these articles raise.
Posted by: Karl Thienes | November 01, 2006 at 04:15 PM
Karl, I'll be attending this first conference which is connected to The Call (Dec.7-9). My early impressions are that revisions, clarifications, etc. are being anticipated. In a sense, I feel that something is unfolding -- or better yet -- growing here. I'm anxious to be present and ask lots of questions. I really appreciate your pointing me in the direction of some thoughtful critics. There's so much to ponder!
By the way, I'll be blogging live from the conference (hopefully to include some video clips from the various presentations).
Again, Karl --thanks!
- Chris
Posted by: Chris Monroe | November 01, 2006 at 04:33 PM
As many of the Touchstone critics noted, there is a lot to commend regarding "The Call"....I know I'll be looking forward to those posts of yours on the conference.
Posted by: Karl Thienes | November 01, 2006 at 10:08 PM