Taking up the cross and following Jesus is not a once-and-for-all decision. It is a choice that we must continue to make, day after day, year after year. And the deep inward changes that come from surrendering ourselves to Christ’s guidance are generally not sudden. Though many of us experience pronounced “conversion experiences,” these intense…
“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” – Mark 9:7When Jesus is at the center of our life as a community, he enters into our midst and serves as our Leader. He sends the Holy Spirit to console and guide us, and through his Light he purifies us and prepares us for…
This essay will be the simplest of all that follow. It may also be the most important. In considering what a truly missional Quaker movement might look like, it is essential that we clarify what is at the center of our life together. As the title of this essay suggests, I believe that the heart…
Recently on Facebook, I mentioned that I was “trying to piece together a Quaker philosophy of church-planting.” Before I knew it, I had dozens of comments, ranging from skepticism at the very idea of church-planting to excited messages expressing that this was something that God was laying on their hearts, as well. It felt like…
I had the opportunity this weekend to participate in a gathering of emergent church leaders – folks who are involved in or seek to be involved in planting missional, emergent faith communities rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. I was able to hear speakers such as Brian McLaren, Peter Rollins, Kathy Escobar and…
Dear Friend, In your last email, you made some theological/christological statements that I would like to address. I think that you and I are, in many ways, in a fairly similar place, and from what I understood of your beliefs, I do not feel the need to “correct” you. I think that you will be…
Dear beloved sisters and brothers in Truth, The past few weeks have been a time of getting settled into a new way of life. I have begun to adjust to life in the District of Columbia, at the William Penn House. I have taken time to be present with my wife, my housemates, and my…