It is so interesting to see the similar detoxing process of those who find themselves outside the system. She called it a purging. It can honestly be very healthy to remove yourself from traditional church culture at least for a season.
As I quoted Andrew Hamilton in my post from yesterday, "Where you stand determines what you see."
Len at Next Reformation said something similar in his article called Missional Spirituality:
"Not until you step outside your normal world or practices into a new world and new practices do you learn new questions, new truths and see things you never saw before. All your senses become engaged, and then even your self-understanding will change."
She said to me, "You know what? I think the Hokey Pokey is what it's all about."
Translation: Maybe we didn't need all the advanced teaching and hype. Maybe we could just love Jesus and love others.
I agree. If that's the Hokey Pokey, than that is what it's all about.
You do the Hokey-Pokey,And you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about!
For the complete Hokey-Pokey experience with music follow this link. Be sure to turn on your speakers. :)
7 comments:
Thanks for the quote. It really is so true and it was very much true for me.
Sometimes it takes stepping back and pondering upon what has taken place gives you a much better view. You can be so blinded when you are so engaged in the system, and see nothing else besides the system. That is how cults thrive and it is sad to see a lot of our churches become so cultish.
James,
The network we were involved with established a hierarchial system where the ranking apostles were basically the gatekeepers to accessing apostolic grace.
My opinion now is that the 5-fold giftings are more fluid than that and are not always embodied in the traveling or resident "expert."
I tend to be skeptical of self-titled ministries and prefer to look at the evidence of the minister's gifting based on the results of his ministry and service.
The things I would be looking for in apostolic ministry would be a willingness to serve, a heart to raise up others, and keeping the focus on Jesus building His church rather than on the person's ministry.
I believe in the 5-fold giftings, but think that possibly we've tried to define them too narrowly.
I haven't heard of the ministry you mentioned in Australia.
Nice to meet you!
Hi Pam. It's always nice to hear from you.
I think that complexity should be an automatic red flag when it comes to things of the kingdom.
Bless you to!
Hi David.
Remembering my own blindness while I was engaged in the system helps me to understand why those still involved can't see or understand.
I hope your projects are progressing nicely.
I have talked with some friends who are still in the church. Every point I bring up is countered by a very well scripted answer which I know is not from them, but from the church. That is how you know that brainwashing has taken place when they can't think on their own feet.
Your point is right on the mark, Grace. But I also wanted to say that my six year old and I really enjoyed the dancing penguins!
Cindy,
My kids rolled their eyes, especially when I started showing them the movements. :)
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