Okay, so here goes.
I’m having an……..event.
I’m not sure what to call it, really, just a major reassessment.
I’ve been thinking a lot about our little community here at The Well and am now wondering about many things.

We have designed ourselves around a series of beliefs that we feel like are not mainstream, except, I’ve been paying attention, and many places share many of the same values that we have.

We have attempted to define ourselves through methodology and what we do. The thing is, there are many groups that do what we do. We want to identify ourselves as a service organization, but so does every church with any hint of understanding of the Gospel. I just read through a list of pagan organizations that do charitable work! Several churches in the city are involved with the Arts on multiple levels. Our ministry ideas are good but, not original. Based on my recent research, almost everything we do as a church is being done elsewhere, with more resources (people, money, buildings). Note: I have noticed a certain lack of ministries aimed towards victim recovery, score one for restoration! Heck, we tried to define ourselves by what we DON’T believe; but truthfully, the churches that rely on that are treading a violent path fraught with danger and controversy.

So then, who are we? Where is our growth? If this method and this message were so important, what’s going on?

Here’s the thing, I am thinking.

Simply put, we are the Body of Christ, He is to be our identity. So the simple answer would be: Love God, love people, follow Jesus. (Not mine, got it from a book I am reading!) Jack and I were talking and we both struggle communicating what we are to people we meet. Are we a church? Well, yes but we don’t like the “c” word, despite the fact that it is completely originated in Christ. Are we a community? Well, yes, most of the time, I guess. Are we experimental? Well, to us we are. Are we trying to get free from the “Christian ghetto” culture and teach Jesus the way He intended? Well, in some ways, in the areas where we are not sold out to the American Dream.

But…….Where is the power? Where is the passion? Where is the lost art of being lost in the name of Jesus, name above all names? Where is the promise that at the mention of His name every knee would bow?

There is no blame in these questions, unless the blame lie with me. If we are not centered on Jesus, it is my fault and mine alone.

Karin, my wife, tells me that we may have needed all the time of method talk and knowing what we like and don’t like. Karin loves me. Today I feel like I may have traded away my birthright for a bowl of lukewarm soup; or traded away passion in favor of flavorless thinking and pursuit of the wrong dream.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe that we are in the right place, and have believed that all along. I also believe that individually, we are probably focused correctly, if not passionately on Jesus. All I can say is this: I have been refocused; no longer on who we are but whose. I am feeling my redemption and my love of Jesus and the truth is, I am changing again, entering a new era, call it what you will, something is happening.

It’s time for us to be radical, not just in action or appearance, but on a core level. We need to embrace the identity of Christ in us and let it flow baby! Do we love Jesus?
love……
Jesus…….
Oh yeah? Do you talk about Him? Talk to Him? Follow Him? Believe Him? Trust in him? Study Him? Emulate Him?

Worry a little less today about doing the right thing and a little more about loving Jesus.