Reflections on 11/24 Class

After discussing our small groups' core values at length during today's class, I realized how the value of incarnation is foundational to our lives as Christians yet also manifests itself in a variety of ways depending upon the cultural context in which a church exists. What it means to live like Christ and incarnate the Gospel within the slums of an international city differs drastically from what it looks like to do the same in a church plant located in an affluent neighborhood in Los Angeles, for example. Knowing and understanding the population with whom we desire to work is crucial. And yet, as we have discussed throughout the quarter, we must continue to remain open to the moving of the Spirit, in this case not falling trap to cultural context dictating our every decision within a church plant. Culture is a key aspect of how we live our lives incarnationally, but God is bigger than any cultural context will ever be.

Reflections on 11/19 Class

Near the end of last week's class period, as we went group-by-group and listed the core values that we felt were essential to incorporate into our church plants, I was struck by the level of creative freedom that God bestows on all of us. None of our lists aligned completely; in fact, there was often very little overlap from group to group. Yet it was clear that each one of us had taken our innermost desires for our plants and come together in community to discuss and creatively integrate these desires together. Although the outcomes may have differed significantly, the entire class was united by a common purpose--to discern the will of God and to explore creatively within that will.

Reflections on 11/17 Class

Although this may seem like an obvious observation, today's work in our small groups allowed me to see the value in pursuing unity of heart and mind among the members of a church planting team. Despite any differences of opinion or in our strategic approaches, we all sought to find common ground while working to simplify our planting plans into deep convictions and foundational values. The differences in our approaches faded because we all were united in our willingness to pursue God's desires for our church, the community, and the world at large. This is a truth that I recognize that I must hold onto in any of my future planting opportunities.