I really don’t need to give you a definition of oxymoron. All I really need to do is give an example or two:
“white chocolate”
“jumbo shrimp”
“military intelligence”
“lazy work’
“Cubs baseball” (Okay so that may have crossed the line) 🙂
Someone once gave me a book called “Oxymoronica.” Some of them are quite humorous.
Another oxymoron is one that might hit a bit closer to home: Church Community. We talk a lot about a “personal relationship to Jesus Christ” and I’m not sure that is all that bad. When I do I know what I mean. More than a religion. More than a ritual.
But some have also taken it a little farther…to the point of isolation almost. It is almost taken as “I don’t need anyone else.” One of the points Matt brings out in this chapter is the importance for believers to be connected to other believers as followers of Christ. We often use the statement “No man is an island” but it is another thing to practice it.
There is a need for independence…we do need to do some thinking on our own and not be puppets. But we also cannot be isolated.
There is also a need for dependence…the right kind.
But there is also a big need for interdependence…where we don’t stand or try to stand alone. That is community. Where we are there for each other. Where we don’t expect or want someone to go it alone. Where the church becomes a “safe place” for people.
There are so many avenues this can flow. But rather than give the answers, I’d like to ask you to take part.
What are some ways the church can be or become a community?
Maybe I don’t understand the question but I don’t think a Church can or should be a community. When a church or a group of believers are the community they are a commune. A community, in my definition, includes believers(of all sorts of beliefs), non-believers, and people that are not defined by what they believe but by what they do.(Good and Bad) – The Church may be a safe place for some but for others (like myself) it is nonsensical at least and fraudulent at worst. It has nothing to offer me.
On the other hand it can (and should) be a part of a broader community.
Some churches play a role in the good of the community and others just pretend they do and some are a detriment to the community.
The idea of church as a community is not is not for it to be seen as a self-contained unit. Then it would be a commune. By community I mean people interact with each other, meet needs, reach out, etc. That is the interdependence idea I mention. Even within the community called the church there are still diversity of beliefs on some things. Not all people are cookie-cutters of the others sitting next to them. Some are Republicans; some Democrats. Some pro-gun; some anti-gun. Etc. You know it (and expect me to say) I am saddened the church is seen as nonsensical in your eyes. Thanks, as always, for your honest comment Jeff.
If we, all of us, shared to make the rest all live decent lives. Food. Shelter. Clothing.
The point of our existence to some extent.
Churches are places to hear God’s Word, and to receive Baptism and His Supper.
And there, we sinners, are in community with one another.
And we are there to encourage and comfort those in that community who need us.
And we are free to go out into the wider community and do what we will there.
We will not (or should not) let those who do care about the church, attempt to define what the church should be. It’s really none of their business.
“who do NOT care about the church”…it should have read.
I agree. Assuming the church is not harming the greater community.
Almost every university and hospital in this country was originally founded by Christians. And a great many of nursing homes.
Churches that “harm” the community are about as prevalent as Muslim women who are free to live as they wish.
Maybe you are not aware of the 2000 year old child sex ring known as the Church of Rome. And there are many other examples if you care to open the mind a bit.
I hate it jeff that you have an example to use. 🙁
I wish there weren’t any examples. There are obviously many. Many churches perpetrate financial fraud on their members… some more blatantly than others. Old people beware.
Hezbollah is a very respected organization because of building schools and all of the charity work they do. I am not sure why your contributor thinks keeping up with Hezbollah somehow gives the churches a pass. The child sex ring I mentioned also does a fair bit of charity and school building. Maybe it was just an attempt to cover up the dirt.
I’m with you on that Jeff. It is ugly blotch on the canvas. Same with churches that perpetrate fraud. Goes to show we need to keep our eyes and ears open.
Bill,
You and I are on the same page.
Yes, the Roman Church has many problems.
Anyone who hurts kids ought to go to jail.
These things are, of course, outside the norm of what Christians do, and have done for societies around the world.
i will agree Stephen. Those outside do have a hard time understanding our reason for existing.
My pastor has said time and again that so often the church is known for what they are against as opposed to what they are for. If churches can be associated with reason, with compassion, with respect, then maybe, just maybe, outsiders may want to know a bit more about what is inside.
That is an excellent point Daniel! Rob speaks wisely (but don’t tell him I said that). 🙂 And you speak truth in your last sentence.
judge not lest ye be judged
honestly forgive and don’t begrudge
accept my human frailty
for our Savior accepted yours
love the others as you love yourself
forgive the others as you would your own
are you without sin then grab that stone
but before you throw it
remember Who’s on the Throne
it’s not you, it’s not me
but One who hung on a tree
One who loved and died for you
and embraced our human frailty …
Wise words David. Song? Your words?
My words, a poem that came to mind after I read your post.
It is sad that “Church community” can rightly be considered an oxymoron both within the context of the “church” itself and out in the greater community at large …
I like the words btw. But you are also right about it being sad it is an oxymoron.
Well, that was “pretty awful” or “awful pretty” depending on how you look at it 😉 Seriously tho’…I think Ephesians describes community very well. Bless ya bro’!
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:2-6
You and your oxymorons Jay. 🙂 And yes that passage does say it well.
That balance of independence and interdependence is key and it only comes through Him–His Spirit and His grace. The point God keeps driving home to me recently is that community is not the goal or end, it’s the starting place. Nothing lasting can be built or sustained apart from standing as covenant people in His definition of community. To do that, there has to be openness to one another, forgiveness, time and effort expended, serving together and one another… There’s so much! Good and stirring thoughts, Bill. Thank you!
I like the way you put that Jason. Not just the balance idea but also community is not the end. Thanks.
We have been involved in so many communities through the years, christian and non christian but the one thing that stands out the most is some know how to exercise grace, some only exercised judgement. One thing for sure there is no perfect communities. When we lived in Papua New Guinea we had friends, not Christians who work for World Funds. Their goal was to help the tribal people use what grew around them for the betterment of their villagers. We often met with these great folks and it was common understanding they were there to help with the physical needs and we were there to help with the spiritual needs of the people. We found we could be a part of a community that simple was helping others in a different way. And that common goal caused us to be thoughtful of each other, give thanks for each other. Would I rather be in my Christian community, of course, we are of the same mind but I can talk and enjoy learning about anyone beliefs, thoughts on just world things and not be judgmental. Would I desire for all to know Jesus and spend eternity in heaven with me, yes, yes, yes but I can still be kind and caring if they never accept Jesus. I know I go back to this scriptural statement a lot but it’s a foundation truth that direct my life. Jesus came to seek that which was lost so He walked among the lost, ate with the lost, loved on the lost. Since I am confident I am His I can take Him to any community and with His help be His hands and feet and mouth piece. Great question brother.
I think it is great (but also somewhat sad) that you were able to cooperate better with those not in your circle of faith in getting something accomplished. That is a great story Betty. Thanks for sharing it.
By loving and by serving out of gratitude for God’s grace and mercy.
Not much to add to that. 🙂
Community with other believers is so important. It can be created when the leadership team is intentional about having community, both while in church meetings and outside.
It is a leadership issue for sure Dan. If leadership is not for it or practicing it, chances are good it isn’t going to happen.