ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 14, 2022
I, along with six other Cypress Creek folks, am in San Antonio for the Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in the Southwest. The gathering will include times of worship, study, fellowship and business. The theme for the event is: Reconnecting Community, and our Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum, wrote in his welcome letter:
“For me, Reconnecting Community in a time of such intense polarization and animosity boils down to one question—Is our shared faith in Jesus Christ big enough to keep us united in the face of the big issues that seek to divide us? Community isn’t easy to achieve and even harder to maintain.”
As I read those words, my mind is drawn to Peter’s great confession when, in response to Jesus’ question, “Who do people say I am,” Peter responded, “You are the Christ…” Yet within a matter of moments, Peter would demonstrate that his understanding did not align with Jesus. How often do we make a rather profound statement of faith, only to muck it up when we allow our insecurities or preconceived notions to eclipse the radical and reckless love of Jesus. Peter wasn’t quite ready, but in time, he would grow in his understanding.
Therein lies my hope. I’m sure there are moments when we will all fall short of the Jesus message, but in humility and that hope, there is the possibility that we can all move closer to the unity Jesus envisioned.
Continue to call forth your church, Amazing God of Grace. Draw us, as individuals and as a community, into a greater fulfillment of the dream put forth in Jesus Christ. Amen.
