Last night was AMAZING!! We had church as we always do on a Tuesday night; nine of us sharing food, wine and conversation. Normally we talk about music, film or that day’s headlines. Occasionally we get deep about Jesus, church and Christianity. Last night was one of those conversations; we spoke about deconstructing our religiosity and really questioning our belief and where we are in it. We talked about how good it felt to not be so sure of ourselves in our belief. How our uncertainty really gave God room to move in our lives, really show us his grace, support and provision. It was amazing!!
I have to admit during most of the conversation I was installing drivers (it was my ministry for the evening and I very much enjoyed it !!
Just being there listening in on “the church” my brother and sisters in Christ digging deep was truly a gift and I love THIS idea of church. My husband and I for a long time have been over the idea of sitting in a room full of people we’d like to talk to but can’t because the focus was on the pulpit. We’ve always wanted to be apart of a community comfortable just working through this thing called Christianity. To many times we’ve found ourselves in an institutional setting where everyone had the answers.
Anne Lamott said it best “The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s certainty”
That’s awesome.
I think a lot of people want what you have, “…[be part] of a community comfortable just working through this thing called Christianity.”. I know I do.
To bring our personal experience into it, you can stop here if you rather not “go there”.
[a lot deleted]
…my main point is the Bridge was/is meant to do just that and it sucks people aren’t experiencing it (not saying you aren’t but I know some people are not) because I miss them…
[deleted]
Anyways, I’m stoked and jeaolous.
Just to clarify when I say church community I’m not just referring to our Tuesday night gig. I’m talking about our WHOLE Ventura experience; Bridge, Common Meal, VMC, Laundry Love and Soliton. These are ALL apart of a great church community of friends that Jason and I feel have changed our lives.
I figured as much, that’s why I said “not saying you…”. When I talked about others not experiencing the same thing we (you and us) do, I was referring to the people who have “left” the B because they bring up your point of a pulpit.
Maybe I shouldn’t have deleted all that stuff or maybe made it clearer.
Don’t forget the Lost nights, even though we don’t pray before, it should count.
That’s really cool, Brooke.
Excellent – I love that Lamott quote by the way.