“He who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intensions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial.”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together
People who only dream of a community usually end up ruining it, but those who love people without expectation unknowingly happen to create it. What a great reminder.
DougG said...
1JR,
Incredible Post. As I sat amongst our CGroup (guess I can still call it that), I found myself looking at each person and how much I care about each one knowing their lives, ups/downs, etc. Someone I am discipling led (and did well, he even asked questions like me), another couple guys will be leading soon, four just joined being invited by members, there are a couple recent marriages (Faye and I did marriage counseling for one couple who are starting their own group), one expectant baby, one wants me to mentor him thru seminary, one dating breakup (they both still come), a missionary wannabee (going this summer), one with a bad r’ship with her father, several struggling with getting hours or are unemployed, two overcoming disabilities (one just got her daytime driver’s license, one got a regular paying job after living with us for 6 months), etc.
I also thought of your servant leadership to us that made much of this possible; I wish we were part of Renew, I could have lunch once in awhile and bounce ideas off you (I have so many questions, ideas, etc). I can’t thank you enough. Thanks for your love without expectation and being a true Pastor to us. Regards, Doug
04/9/09 5:52 PM | Comment Link