Brian Niece on 
While in Exile …
Lately I’ve been connecting with more US Americans who are on a similar journey through (and away from) the institutional church.
It’s encouraging to know there are some Ezekiels, Isaiahs, and Jeremiahs out there.
Imagine how lonely the original prophets must have been. They were blessed because everyone spoke evil of them, hated them, derided them for not getting with the system.
But it was a lonely blessing.
I would not be able to sustain this journey in isolation. God’s grace is good. But it’s wonderful when the grace is found in the form of fellow sojourners who understand what you’ve experienced and why you are where you are.
Do you feel like the North American institutional Church (and churches) just isn’t jiving with the Gospel mission of Jesus of Nazareth? Do you wonder if you are alone, insane, jaded, out of touch?
Put your thoughts and feelings out there. Look for those who are allowing the organic grace of God to permeate their lives. Be willing to discover, and be discovered by, Christ-followers who are hearing the beat of an old, old drum.
They are out there. We are out here.
So, God, may your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is where you are …
——
Brian Niece
www.brianniece.com
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Category: Christianity, Friends, Mission, Sacramental Living, The Church | Tags: church, community, exile, living in exile, organic One comment »
April 22nd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
It is indeed a lonely journey, with rocks labeled “troublemaker” heretic”, etc. thrown on occasion.
Things that are not eternal matters are turned into salvation issues. Praise God for the internet, and the connections some of us have made on the journey!