I don't know about you, but I have been struggling mightily with this 'Church thing'. The current worship series 'helps' to bring some of the issues behind the struggles to the fore.

Lately we -- at least a subset of Peace -- have been exposed to changes and challenges of how 'church' has been done. Underlying those changes, and challenges, are questions of some fundamental Christian values and beliefs.

For me personally, I have found that being exposed to a broader perspective of faith, and the questioning of core beliefs and values, has been and continues to be, a healthy endeavor. I pray so. It began with a commitment to 'try out' (small group discipleship) triads -- a desire to give life to what I percieved in my faith to be 'dry bones' -- a rote belief in the creeds and orthodox liturgy of my ancestral Lutheran heritage (and the only faith life I had hitherto known).

But, I can sense a personal 'crisis' -- of sorts -- coming. The more I read of the Bible, the less certain and comforted I feel. The more I read and study, it seems that questions exposed outnumber questions resolved -- and, that, is scarey.

Anyway, I post this particular blog as much to acknowledge to myself my doubts as to ask, parenthetically, what gives you comfort, and what gives you pause?

Related, I have been exploring the work(s) of a number of well known non-traditional (aka emerging church) leaders and trying on some of their thinking. It has been both an exciting, and troubling, time. I like to be bold, on the one hand, careful, on the other, and as close as possible to the 'truth' as I can. That, too, is what I pray for. That I not be led astray.

I recently had the wonderful experience of reading Velvet Elvis, by Pastor Rob Bell. You may know him at Peace by several of the short videos he has produced and that we have shown from time to team at worship and/or Adult Bible Study. If you have read the book, and dealt with the issues Pastor Bell raises, I invite you to read an opposing viewpoint (to not have read his book would make putting the rebutal in proper context difficult, though not impossible).
http://www.reformation21.org/Past_Issues/2006_Issues_1_16_/2006_Issues_1_16_Shelf_LIfe/February_2006/February_2006/148/vobId__2030/pm__338/

I raise this up, because I usually find myself restless with what I percieve to be 'foot dragging' among my more tradition-minded friends at Peace -- those whose resistance to change arguably makes us less accessible and/or relevent to our community.

I honestly don't know what to make of church right now. As I've explored the landscape, I've probably not moved too far in any one direction is terms of personal beliefs about God, about Christ, etc. What I do question is how important, relatively speaking, are these tenets of belief to my salvation and to my servanthood. How vital are my beliefs to bringing someone else to know Christ, and to know God's love?

Peace,

--eric