It's high time I wrote a new post for the AnteChurch, and as I sit here thinking about it, there are lots of personal reflections on my new position as senior pastor that I could write about. We are on the forefront of an exciting new frontier in both history and ministry. While some within the institutional church who subscribe to labels have alienated those who want to search and question, or become very introspective to the point of being self absorbed, become entrenched in damage control, or simply capitulated to the struggle to maintain themselves in a niche real estate business – This is a time to be purposeful in doctrine, open in principal, engaged historically, and Active in our participation in the Evangel.As of January 9th 2011, I've taken on the responsibilities of Senior Pastor at the Kingston Baptist Church in Kingston, Massachusetts- While I've tried to be engaged in the "conversation" now more than ever, I've engaged in the doing.
Over time my idea of what AnteChurch is, has evolved; I've gathered myself some ideas from a broader notion of "church", to the illusion of a Narthex (the point of both entrance and exit). In my current analysis, I think it is precisely what it is - I've long believed that as my mentor puts it "Church happens" and it doesn't matter where. In Matthew 18:20 Jesus says that wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am. The Church is incarnational before it can be anything else, It is relationship in pursuit of the divine.
Life is about love.
From our very first days on earth, to our final hours—the relationships that fill our lives draw a picture for us of what love is; from simple dependence, to romance, parenting and beyond. We grow into an understanding of Divine love as we mature—without those relationships, life would be empty.To share in relationships, is to lend context to life’s mysteries. We’re wounded healers and impoverished philanthropists; we don’t have all the answers, but we know that we’re in this together—and that’s all we have: One life together.
From time to time I'll link some of the highlights of Church material to this blog, but for now you can find us on facebook: Kingston Baptist Church. Sermon notes are also online @ kingstonbaptist.blogspot.com
