If friendship is going to be part of the ecology of the church, then we'd better learn how to create a safe environment where these friendships can flourish. This is part 2 of a series of posts that reflect on what's needed for us to create an environment of friendship.
I think a safe environment begins with an unwavering commitment to remain friends no matter what. Leaving is not an option. Abandoning one another is not an option. Suddenly becoming "missing in action" is not an option. Switching groups is not an option...that would be as absurd as leaving your family to join someone else's family!
Acts 2:42 describes the early church as being devoted to several things, one of which is the fellowship. I do not believe that this necessarily refers to their commitment to a congregation. Rather, I believe this meant that the early church had an unwavering commitment to each other; to the group they were a part of which met in homes every day.
This is going to be a huge challenge here in Ottawa. Ottawans are used to transient relationships. With Armed Forces families moving every four years or so, the social climate in Ottawa has become cold and uncaring. People are courteous and polite towards one another but very superficial.
As church here in Ottawa, I think it would be awesome to model relationships that are unconditional and unwavering. It doesn't matter what kind of jerk someone else may have been during a gathering, we should show that we are still devoted to one another. As someone who has been that jerk before, I would appreciate not having to walk on eggshells when I'm in a group as a recovering jerk. :-)
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