Where Do We Go From Here?

Ok, most of us have left the structure of the IC. We have all likely experienced some of the same doubts, hurts, fears, and frustrations on this journey with various jumping off spots, but where do we go from here?

The word exile from the book we are discussing, resonates with where we are on this journey.....not a part of the culture we left behind, and not sure where we are headed. At times, I actually think I know where I am going, today I am not sure at all. My good friend Jim suggested a book to me "Pagan Christianity? exploring the roots of our church practices" by Frank Viola. The information I gathered from this book in regards to church history and how we got here has removed the last sections of handrails that kept me safe and has torn my map of where I thought I was headed to pieces. ( I still love Jim, maybe even more!)

So as we attempt to redeem the idea of what church is, to ourselves, and our sphere of influence, what will that look like to us?

Will we have a building?

Will there be preaching at our gatherings?

What will leadership look like?

What to do with the idea of tithing and salaries?

What are your thoughts and questions?

Last Gathering

Hey friends,
I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the Schroeders this week. (Jim, that Scottish Red was killer!)
For those that missed our discussion, we skipped the discussion about Exiles chapter seven, and we instead focused on crisis of faith. In our group, if you haven't had an experience of severe doubt, then you are either in one, or you'll probably have one. Scott gave some excellent perspective, and he pointed out that our relationships have good times and bad--so why should our relationship with G-d be any different? Why isn't it "normal" to go through the desert when so many "faithful" heroes in the bible had less than perfect records?
I just want to thank everyone for being willing to share their experiences, ask the hard questions, and be honest. I hope that our gatherings are always filled with open people reaching out to each other.
Please share your thoughts here on this post in the comments, and also with each other this week. I really liked what chapter six had to say about connecting through out the week--that's really important.
Peace, Jamie