Ok...OK, so I've talked a lot about this, but have we done anything about this?, because as Miroslav Volf said at the Vineyard Seminarians Summit: "Our practices are often smarter than our ideas."
My experience has been really great, and while I don't want to hype or glamorize these experiences in any way, as I reflect on practicing these ways of following Christ, of worshipping Christ and honoring others, Volf's statement about how practices are smarter than our ideas keeps ringing in my head. The practices I am referring to primarily include communal silent worship, an orientation toward deep listening, and honoring the Imago Dei inside each one of us.
Equally, the 'spiritual-formation-nerd' in me leans back and says: "Wow, what kind of people do you become by gathering in sheer silent expectation of the Divine with others every week...? It must deeply affect people." And I see that it does, or at least my perception is that it does...from my new acquainatnce Mardi, who when we talk, deeply listens to what I say. And Phil, whose intensity for seeking first God's Reign and His justice/righteousness burns through his easy, laid-back manner.
There just seems to be a...depth...a simplicity...a joie de vivre that resides with and through these people. And when I think of that, this electricity crawls up and down my spine and I just desire that so much for our community in Pittsburgh...
Have you ever been to a Friends/Quakers meeting? What was your experience?
[to be continued...]
3 comments:
Hi Steve, no I haven't been to a Quaker meeting although I'd like to. I have a very good friend who is atheist/agnostic (He cant make up his mine) He often attends these meeting and gets a great deal out of them.
I suspect though the Quakers that we have in Australia and those in the United States especially those described by the Wimbers is different. I certainly get the impression from an Australian perspective that it is literally come as you are, with no proselytising. I'am unsure though.
Hey Scott - good to hear from you! I hope things are well with you and the family.
there are several "strains" of Quakers as I've come to know more about them, and certainly Wimber was influenced by evangelical Quakers, for sure. Although, the Quakers have a saying: "Let Your Life Speak", which is probably somewhat more difficult than "proclamation" and works toward a quiet type of evangelism...I think resonates with that quote we here attributed to St. Francis: Go and proclaim the Gospel everywhere, and even use words if you have to...
Hi Steve, Yes life is a lot slower since the move to the sea and I'm starting to rejuvenate nicely.
I'm enjoying your updates and like where your heading. Even a bit envious.
Scott
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