Even though I am driven by particular questions, I am not without answers. I open my hands toward what I do not know, and at the same time, I stand firmly in what I do know. For example …
What is conversion? … Conversion is part of the deal; it must take place. Conversion must be to a person, not a religion, creed, culture, institution, etc. In order to be made whole, reconciled to God, to be forgiven of my rebellion, I must turn from my way, my self aggrandizement, and to God through Jesus Christ.
What is the gospel? … The gospel is not a group of words or a set of propositions in an elite or special language meant to convince the mind. The gospel is a person who confronts my whole existence (not just my mind). Jesus is Good News.
What is community? … Community is more than coffee, songs, handshakes, and kisses. Community is friendship, solidarity, love, and life. Community is not clean and easy … it is messy, confusing, and expensive. It requires me.
Who are the people of God? … The church is not defined by who shows up to meet within four walls. The church is the people of God on pilgrimage through the mall, school, workplace, home, giving witness to Jesus. This witness is not from position, power, or privilege by the power of the Spirit.
How are we to do missions? … The mission of God is much, much more than what happens through the professional missionary or the mission enterprise. Because God is the Creator of life, his mission runs through the whole of life, finds expression in every aspect of life. Mission is best done via relationships, trust, and the people of God.
Am I authentic? … I am authentic if I make known what is true – I am a sinner, an inadequate teacher, a poor husband, a struggling follower of Jesus Christ, and so on. I am in the process of being transformed and always will be. If this process stops, I am no longer authentic.
Am I still living? … My aim is to live – to feel the hurt around me, to give of myself to those who cannot give back, to listen -really listen- to the people talking to me, to act out of conviction, to love well.
While I have questions, I do have some answers. Yet, the largest question for me is … am I living into the answers that I do have?