Though stated in the present tense (as if regularly practiced), the following are suggested intentions, yet to be engaged by the faith community of which I am a part. While they may seem to be mere dreams, unreachable by such weak flesh, I prefer to hold them as ends in our journey: ends which ought to shape current practice.
- Because abuse, intrigue, exploitation and alienation are not rare in the church, we clearly and openly practice loving discipline.
- We believe and trust what is true and have no fear in our search for it.
- Questions are only be welcomed, they are encouraged.
- Friendship is based on love for persons, regardless of compatibility.
- We do not practice codependency, but exhort one another in love and truth.
- Success is gauged in terms of a life well-lived in partnership with God by the power of the Spirit.
- Creativity, in all its forms, is welcomed and critically engaged.
- Diversity in unity is a primary goal, in accordance with God’s original purpose and in keeping with his holiness.
- The fullness of humanity, male and female, is represented in leadership and mutual service in the community.
- We hold that the text means what the original authors (one human, one Divine) intended, but this does not trap its significance in literalist cement.
These ten represent my spin on”10 Challenges of Religious Communities” by Nakedpastor, whose cartoons provide no end of theological and practical thought fodder.
