Nov 07 2007
Persuing community
Last Sunday at the Gathering, some really cool stuff happened. If you weren’t there, we sat everyone at round tables and Kevin and Ryan led us through some dialogue regarding “intentional community.” In fine Adullam form, I noticed that after I dismissed everyone, no one left. In fact it was about 60 minutes later that the discussion finally ended at the tables. This week, two people emailed me thanking us for “forcing” the issue and shared that the people at their table seemed to be hand picked to start new villages.
Last night I had the chance to meet with three people that are new to Adullam. As usual I shared the vision, the story and all those dumb diagrams I usually draw to try to explain what’s unique about Adullam. One dude said that his parents are a little concerned that they are going to Adullam, referencing the word “cult.” I’m not suprised, Matt and I get this all the time.
I think, I’ve finally figured out why people think we’re weird. Two things only…..One, we enjoy beer, two, we put as much emphasis on relationships together as we do about our relationship with God. Although, I think this is simply a mirror of what we see in the early faith communities, apparently it’s quite strange for white-bread americans. Some even think it’s of the underworld.
As I think about our intentionality towards the Adullam ways, I am starting to see that we’re not for everyone. We’re not for people that just want a sermon and donut, we’re not just for people that would rather watch CSI than go be with people or help people. Besides that, we don’t seem to connect well with people from Nebraska, Iowa, the Dakotas, and some suburbs of Texas! Just kidding on all that.
Seriously though, the communal ways of the ancient faith communities go against our natural selfish, insecure ways like a salmon swimming upstream to spawn. We can get there, but it’s going to be a fight!! Would it be easier to just do church, and leave everyone alone. Yep. But deep down, our communal buy-in to struggle against the grain of our lives and our culture will produce a new story that real God seekers are looking for.
As we continue to move toward Ahava, take time to be silent and reflect upon what God is calling us all to. Be honest, be together, and be changed with us!
Can’t wait to see you all and continue our dialogue Sunday.
