Resurrection - Emerging Mission

I recently got some time to read Darren Rowse's very thoughtful reflections on so-called “emerging church” – specifically some thoughts, drawn from Michael Frost (‘The Shaping of Things to Come’), on mission – The “P’s” of mission. Darren’s post, in conjunction with some great writing by Steve Taylor (that I've been reading recently) has been really very helpful for me in thinking about the mechanics of living missionally in my New Zealand context. Easter Sunday and resurrection, remind me that church is about possibilities, about new beginning and new opportunities. Resurrection is about living and seeing differently - something new and significant has happened. God is @ work. Resurrection is about living differently, living in the Spirit, living radically in the light of all that the resurrection symbolises. Resurrection births mission - the sharing of, and the embodying good news. Darren's reflection is a reminder to me of resurrection - life from seeming death - possibilities for church - possibilities for Kingdom.

Darren’s notes plus a broader reflection on Acts 8 would make a very useful sermon in my church context.

Excerpts

“…Proximity alone is not enough. Rubbing shoulders is a step in the right direction but just to be near someone generally does not have much impact. Presence is about relationship, about knowing and being known….”

"...In Acts 8 - because Philip was close to the carriage he was able to hear what was going on in the life of the Ethiopian. He heard the searching that was going on and found himself in a position to enter into some kind of relationship with the other man. At the invitation of the Ethiopian (he was very respectful and didn't force himself on anyone) Philip got into the carriage and began to travel with him. He went from being close by to being in relationship with..."

P is for Emerging Church - it's a great little read for people dreaming of and hoping for new possibilities. May resurrection living be @ the heart of all that emerges missionally. Thanks Darren. Hoping for a joyous and life-giving, life energising Easter for you all. Jesus is alive!

Comments

[Darren Rowse]

hey thanks for the link mate - appreciate it heaps. Lets make it clear though that that picture is of Mike Frost! I'm much better looking! :-)