Thursday, April 29, 2004
postmodern preaching
james from the place is phoning this morning. he is doing a research project on the placing of preaching in the emerging church. will post up any highlights of our conversation.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
lest we forget
Sermon from Sunday; titled lest we forget, a reflection on Anzac Day (Remembrance Day: headings include
unity
spirituality
mission
[not to be reproduced in any form, including verbal, without permission. ie. creative commons does not apply to this post]
Today is Anzac Day. April 25.
All around New Zealand sleepy Kiwis will have dragged themselves out of their cosy nest of blankets for the dawn parade.
Anzac Day used to be old fashioned, a dying memorial for the dead.
Today itÂ’s increasingly popular
Friday, April 23, 2004
integrity in a diverse world
Met with Tim Barnett for coffee.
My current thinking on the Civil Unions Bill.
1. God applauds the seeking of justice and the end to discrimination.
2. In a pluralistic society, rights of those we disagree with must be respected. Thus Christians must respect gay-rights, while gay-rights must respect Christian rights.
3. So Christians need to respect the gay right to have their relationships treated with societal integrity. Equally the gay community must respect the sacred and historical understandings that underpin Christian ideals of marriage.
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
emotional exegesis
I did some “emotional exegesis” with the Pastoral Leadership and Management class I started lecturing today. It went like this;
Form a group. Think about the gospel story of the 4 friends who tear off a roof, in order to bring their friend to Jesus. Jesus responds “Rise up, your sins are forgiven.” Role play this in your group, taking turns to be Jesus and to be the crippled man.
Now take 5 minutes alone. Imagine a time when you were forgiven. Reflect on your feelings; before, during, after.
Now repeat the exercise.
And a most profound hush descends. The class became holy ground. New questions are asked. New insights emerge. A fresh challenge to give grace is heard. Our emotions have deepened our love and engagement with Scripture.
Sunday, January 18, 2004
No stories allowed
In most churches only one person tells the story,
and they have been trained not to tell their story.
– Quote from food for thought that really appealed
)
