It’s almost 30 years ago now, but in 1996 and 1997, I spent time talking with people in person and on the brand new thing called the internet (remember the Quakenet list serve, some of my people?) I asked what kind of faith community people wanted (ok, I used the word “church” then.)
The world and my communities are quite a bit different now, to say the least. Reading how I summarized the longings in June 1997, I see parts that still resonate for me, and also things I would expand upon. And I’m curious—what, if anything, still resonates with you? I still am connected with many of you that I talked to then, and I’d love to hear from you. I’d also welcome any feedback from others I’ve come to know since then.
Here are the essential parts of the four points I summarized back in 1997 (You’ll notice ellipses. Somebody was verbose back then):
- At the deepest level, we long for open, honest and transforming relationships: relationships with God, and relationships with each other…
- The responsibility for building and keeping these relationships with God and others ultimately rests with each individual person, because no one can build relationships for another. This does not mean our faith is individualistic; we need each other in our walk with Jesus. It takes time, and more importantly intentionality, to develop the meaningful relationships with God and others which we long for.
- This longing for relationship and community with God and others is a longing which every person, Christian or non-Christian, has…
- …What is important is the body of Christ gathered at Jesus’ feet. It’s people–of different ages, of different races, both men and women–in relationship together, serving each other and the world out of response to God’s leading.
Here are my questions I’d love to have you respond to. I’d love it as comments here on the blog, or comments on the social media posts, or just sending me a private message if you prefer:
- Did you ever experience a faith community that lived out these characteristics?
- What have you learned that needs to be added to this list?
- What would you change or take out?
- If you had experienced this kind of faith community, would it have changed how you practice your faith now?
(If you’re interested, here’s a page where I put the entirety of my summary, as well as grouping together comments I heard under those topics.)