church in the park.... dechurching... thinking about schools again...

February 1, 2009

hmmm... interesting thought... the activity of the church (aka the body of Christ) when directed by Jesus = His wedding feast preparations!

Another thought: what's the difference (is there really any?) between organized, programmed activities; and the things one does as opportunities present themselves? For example, regularly helping out in a church's "kitchen ministry" (organizing potlucks, special dinners, even a soup kitchen outreach or whatever); vs keeping one's eyes and ears open to what's happening in the neighborhood, among friends, etc and then just filling those needs, (like babysitting for free for a tired mom, or making meals for families with illness or recent loss, or inviting lonely-looking people to join your picnic or whatever?) Any thoughts? One thing I've noticed is that in some ways the former sure seems easier or more convenient or whatever: a regular, set time; more likely to have others "sharing the work;" seemingly safer (would you really want those soup-kitchen clients in your kitchen at home?), more "fun" maybe to be among friends than strangers...

There's a "church in the park" in our community every Sunday morning from about 8 to noon I think, drop-in... there isn't a "program" or "worship team" or "sermon" or anything, and while it's pleasant to be outdoors in the summer, those rainy spring and fall days, and these freezing, snowy, gray winter days aren't quite so pleasant... but there's always lots of hot coffee and good, filling breakfast, and a half dozen or so people who love God are there just to be friends with the street people ... and to "walk the talk" ....

It IS "organized" in that they are faithfully there and there is coffee and food... but beyond that there isn't a program... what happens is pretty much whatever is needed (besides coffee and breakfast!)... talking to folks, praying, maybe giving away your mitts on a cold day to someone who needs them more than you, finding out needs and figuring out ways to help... whatever... following the Spirit's lead... giving a cup of cold water in His name... I wonder, how is that different than the "church up the street"? (And no, it isn't a "ministry of a church up the street" ... just some people who want to share God's love....) Hmmm...

I heard tell that the pastor of some church that hosts a very nice "Christian School" in their facility, has been wondering about the whole question of accepting government funding (and thereby being required to follow the "program" to a large extent)(without raising tuition costs...) - realizing that withdrawing from accepting funding might well mean not being able to hire paid teachers (any teachers out there willing to volunteer their services, hmmmm?) nor to be able to offer the accoutrements of education that we've come to expect... and who's going to send their kids to a school like that? What kind of value system, world view, etc, would attract potential parents to send their children?

...... I kind of feel like right now I'm going through "dechurching" ... like the "deschooling" people go through when they decide to home school their children in a way that is not a carbon-copy of "the system" ....

....... "It's only in Your will that I am free.... ALL FOR JESUS!"