Redefining Church
No doubt about it, church is being redefined both in the present moment of quarantined living, but also in the near-term and long-term identity of the church. I think this is a good thing. It’s stretching me spiritually, making me mindful and prayerful about how God is present and how I exercise my faith without the typical weekly rhythm of Sunday church service. In addition to meeting virtually with my own spiritual director on a regular basis, Here are a few ways that I’m building and engaging my faith community these days:
On the Streets: Opportunities abound for expressing faith on the streets these days, whether it be wearing a face-mask and honoring social distancing, or in anti-racism rallies, or helping an elderly man find the plastic bags in the produce section of the grocery, “loving my neighbor” has been and always will be the clarion call of faith.
Listening Groups: Recently I started a new “Zoom listening group” with three women from my church. While it may not be the ideal face-to-face meeting where we can reach out a hand of comfort, or give a hug of welcome, we are getting comfortable with each other and with our new virtual environment. It has not hindered the hard work of inner life awareness, transformation and being present to each other on the journey.
Forever Friends: These are those individual friends I’ve gathered from my array of church connections over the years who have stayed close in my heart and we continue to connect and love one another through email, texting, social media, occasional phone calls, and even an old-fashioned written card or letter. This too is my faith community as we continue to support and encourage each other throughout the years.
Historical Mentors – And finally, believers through the ages who have left a legacy of rich faith practices and wisdom for the journey travel with me too. They are a part of my faith community who nurture my spirit when I hunger, and light a torch when things seem a bit dark, or open doors to new perspectives that broaden my capacity for compassion. Beyond my own faith-bearing ancestors, I feel like I personally know people like Julian of Norwich, Amy Carmichael, Brother Lawrence, Annie Dillard, Richard Foster, Kathleen Norris, Eugene Peterson, and Henri Nouwen – an anchorite, missionary, monk, writer, poet, pastor and priest – and so many others. It seems God placed these people on my path to dwell with me at just the right moments to expand my faith community and inspire growth, and I am eternally grateful.
How are you experiencing church? What is being redefined in you about your faith experience? I’d love to hear from you in the comments, via e-mail, or if you want to explore a spiritual direction conversation, set up an appointment on the scheduler on my home page for a complementary session. I look forward to hearing from you.
