The #ReimagineFORUM @ Discipleship.Network
Equipping Your Reimagine Journey
Church. Gather. Differently!
Phil Miglioratti • The ReimagineFORUM
As the nation begins to “reopen,” the right of churches to gather has become highly politicized. For some, the cry for reopening is an act of patriotism based on what they consider their constitutional right. Others claim the precious principle of freedom of religion while some protest in anger. Some congregations have defied the ban to meet together (some also ignoring social distancing) and a few have sued the government for a return to business as usual.
Regardless of your perspective, I ask you to look at the how the church is responding to the reopening issue from the viewpoint of those the Church exists to invite or influence. Whether a congregation gathers in blatant defiance or even quietly resumes their normal schedule, many observers have only reactive/negative images that will invariably lead them to reach wrong conclusions about the heat and soul of the Church.
As I ponder our situation, I find these questions bothersome:
What would happen if, rather than clamoring for our rights, we broke out of our standard operating procedures and designed new ways of proclaiming God and blessing our communities?
What could God do through the Church if we began to view this virus-crisis as an opportunity to reshape cultural stereotypes (judgmental, irrelevant) as we demonstrate the heart of God (love, sacrifice, forgiveness; John 3:16-17)?
What if we express our right to gather in ways unexpected but appreciated, even welcomed.
What if we gathered; not defiantly but joyfully; not in our seats but out in the streets?
What if we promote a gathering to honor and bless and pray for First Responders?
Church, we are right now in a Kairos moment.
Reimagine Church in this unique moment in history to gather - -
in small groups (5-7) outside your building to praise (parade) and pray (circles)
Then, each family or small group walks/drives to a:
Church, you have the right to fight. Fight, differently. Use this unique opportunity to show and tell the Gospel with acts of kindness by serving others in an attitude of love. Reach. Then preach. And teach.
__________________________________________________________________________
Tags:
Posted by Network Creator / Coordinator on July 19, 2020 at 5:30pm — 6 Comments
Posted by Michael Mack on November 24, 2010 at 9:27pm — 7 Comments
Posted by Philip Hilliard on October 15, 2019 at 11:00am
Equip them into the PRAYER-CARE-SHARE LIFE
Disciples of Jesus
Who Make disciples
Who Make Disciples
Who Love God
&
Love Neighbors >>>
© 2021 Created by Network Creator / Coordinator.
Powered by