Identifying Christian Faith in Our Time

I John 4:7-21

At the core of our church lies our shared belief in embracing inclusive welcome. It is not rooted in any particular church doctrine, such as the Atonement, the Second Coming, or the authority of Scripture. Recent congregational discussions on the mission, vision, and values have revealed diverse theological differences within our community. Moving to any one doctrinal stance would ultimately isolate a segment of our community. Instead, what unites us is the belief and confession that “God is love,” and we feel called to embody that love.

This understanding leads us to embrace the mission of being an ‘experiment of love,’ where we actively test and challenge biases in pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate community. For example, consider the historical journey of the LGBTQ+ community within the mainline Protestant American church. Prevailing biases led to a narrow and harmful understanding of LGBTQ+ relationships in the past, reducing many to stereotypes and excluding them from full acceptance within religious communities.

However, through the courageous efforts of advocates and allies, new affirmational ideas were introduced and explored, challenging existing prejudices and reshaping discourse. This led to a more inclusive and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community within many mainline churches.

This example demonstrates how being an experiment of love involves actively testing and disproving biases, leading to a broader and more compassionate understanding of others. By embracing our proposed mission, we commit to ongoing growth and evolution, striving to create a community where we dismantle the “us and them” walls of prejudice.

So, what might this mean for our church’s future?

Embracing the mission to “be an experiment of love” propels us toward becoming a church characterized by radical hospitality. In the modern Christian landscape, it introduces an unconventional idea: building a faith community centered on the belief that God is fully experienced and expressed through the sharing of love. Consequently, what distinguishes a Christ-like community is how we embody the spiritual and moral teachings of Jesus, particularly in demonstrating love towards one another. 

We should also keep in mind that all components of Christian lifestyle and worship—church rituals, doctrines, language, sacred items, and spaces—serve as symbols of divine Love. And although they may hold utmost significance to us, it is important not to confuse the symbols of sacredness for the source of sacredness. God is the source of all that is sacred, and God is Love. So then, Love is the primary thing.

Love is the driving force of faith. Love is the transformative force that consecrates ordinary into sacred. Where we find Love, we’ve found God. When we experience Love, we’ve experienced God.

So, when we’re trying to understand what really makes something ‘Christian,’ let’s keep an eye out for the signs of thriving love. Let’s not be misled into thinking that something is Christian simply because it mentions the name of Christ or follows Christian traditions. Instead, let’s focus on how it promotes Love. Because wherever two or three are gathered in love, we can be sure that Christ is there.

In conclusion, I pray that the vision for the future of our church is not one of homogeneity, but rather of vibrant diversity united by a common purpose: to experience God as Love. Let us envision our church as a dynamic network of communities, each gathering around different hobbies, interests, or passions, yet all guided by the same foundational principle of inclusive Love.

As our church becomes a hub of spiritual exploration and growth, it creates a multitude of pathways for individuals to connect with faith in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through art, nature, science, gaming, quilting, cosplay, meditation, spiritual direction, or any other avenue of interest, each community within our network provides a sacred space for people to thrive through the transformative power of authentically engaging with loving community.

Embracing an experimental ethos, we celebrate the diverse gifts and perspectives of our congregation, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to being a follower of Jesus. Instead, we invite each person to explore their walk of faith in a way that resonates with their unique passions, interests, and experiences.

Lastly, as an experimental community of love, we enrich the tapestry of our church and provide our city with an example of how people of very different backgrounds, life experiences, and interests can unite around the common purpose of loving community. Such a community will serve as a tangible example of the power of Christ: the power to call those who, despite their differences, find common life under the banner of love.

Together, may we embark on a journey of spiritual experimentation and discovery, united by our shared commitment to experiencing God as Love.

Selah.