05-04-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 4, 2023
One of our church members sent me a post from Zach W. Lambert. He wrote:

There are two kinds of “everyone is welcome” churches:
1. Everyone is welcome to conform to the church’s image of what a Christian looks like.
2. Everyone is welcome to fully embody the unique image God created them to be.
Run away from the first and run toward the second.

I’m certain we remain far from perfect at CCCC, but I keep hearing that we are one of the few options available in the Spring area if a person is looking to run toward the second option. That brings me a lot of joy, while also needing to name the responsibility that comes with living into that expression of the church. Part of that responsibility is recognizing how category two cannot be stagnant. It requires ongoing introspection and self-evaluation, as a lot of churches firmly in the second category of church can easily find themselves sliding into the first category.

If you look at the many meals Jesus had with folks, you will find those who ate with him were never asked or told how to behalf or live or express themselves. It was the radical and reckless love of Jesus that liberated them from any false narrative that was keeping them from embracing their unique and beloved status as children of God. The only people Jesus suggested were in need of some changes were those who were attempting to make the Jesus party into a reflection of category one — demanding guests conform to their vision of life. Which, in my opinion, is no party!

Continue to inspire us, O Living Spirit, in the sharing of your extravagant love and immeasurable mercy. Free us from any need to change others so that we might glimpse your image fully present in every human being. Amen.