May 23 2008
A strange hug
This week I spoke to a denominational leadership team for the largest denomination in the country. Historically, this group has been pretty slow to listen to strange guys like me, especially when they know I tend to challenge the way they view and do church. However, over the last five years, I’ve seen a marked openness and humility that gives me much hope. At the end of a three hour presentation, an older lady came up to me and gave me a very tearful and honest hug. She didn’t say anything. Just a hug and then out the door. I knew it meant something deeper.
The next day, I spoke to their collegiate ministry team a few hours away and one of their denominational heads, said, “you know that hug you got…well, it was a big deal.” Apparently this dear lady has been fairly skeptical of new church ideas. She like most, fear change although they know things can’t stay the same.
Looking back, I am thankful for all the time I had with college students and their leaders, but I did fly home feeling like my connection with this woman may have signaled a more profound influence. Giving the old guard hope instead of poking a finger of blame, sharing stories instead of challenging through philosophy, and being honest instead of belittling seems to be the key in holding both the latent church and the emerging expressions of church together.
I think we all want the same thing! God’s Kingdom… may it come.
hugh
Great stuff to hear. There are a lot of people out there just complaining about how bad “old Church” is.
Sometime email the name of that denominations. I am an SBC church plant and I really would like to know if you know people in it who are open to the missional church route.
Hey Hugh,
I was at Cannon Beach and LOVED all the sessions, especially the 3 hour long one!
Afterwards, I noticed so many people with this look of “conviction” on their face and a look that said, “I need to go think.” It was glorious! I felt the same way and want to thank you for all you said and taught us last week. The book is amazing and I am encouraging all my Christian friends and family to not only read it, but take it all to heart and apply it to their lives. Thank you again and God bless.
In Him,
Brittney Smith