UMerging and a beautiful list

[Carl Thomas Gladstone]

October 10,  2006 This past week I had the opportunity to attend the UMerging Colloquy sponsored by Wesley Theological Seminary and The Foundation For Evangelism.  Held concurrently with the Leadership Institute at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Most of the conversation at this event centered around the emerging post-modern culture and asked, "How will the church share the Good News in this new cultural language?"  They and others (like in Gibbs and Bolger's Emerging Churches) and have suggested 9 characteristics of postmodern people who seek to follow Christ: 1- Identifying with Jesus 2- Transforming secular space 3- Living as community 4- Welcoming the stranger 5- Serving with generosity 6- Participating as producers 7- Creating as created beings 8- Leading as a body 9- Merging ancient and contemporary spiritualities How do those resonate with your own practices of Christian faith?  I know a few that trip me up serving in the suburban, fairly individualistic, and materialistic setting that I do.  But in many ways this is the most beautiful list I've ever seen regarding the nature and character of the church.  This seems like the backbone of an earthly organization that could accomplish heavenly things and establish radically loving relationships in the world. I hope the Emerge community can keep these 9 items at the center of its heart.  I'm convinced that they all are resonant with the desires of the one we follow. Yours in Christ, Carl Thomas Gladstone READ PSALM 24:1 - Are there any "bad" places in the world if we truly believe that it is all God's?  Where would you be wary to go to with the Gospel?  Who can pray for you to overcome that fear?  Are there any truly "lost" people?  Or have we, their friends and guides, simply been too silent?	Emerge:Detroit Subscribe to the podcast! GATHER the EMERGE community Royal Oak Friends in Faith YAFF: Rochester Newburg YA Fellowship Wesley Foundation UofM GROW The Wesley Project 3rd Testament Project Soulstretch GO The NOAH Proj. Cass Community Baldwin Center Sierra Service Project City Year: Detroit Project Transformation PT: Oklahoma PT: Virginia US-2 Program Peace Corps Jesuit Volunteer Corps Young Leaders Initiative
*For those new to this email list - each Thursday I send an e-message to students and young adults connected with BHAM First UMC, and with the developing EMERGE worship community for young adults.  These emails are meant to stay in touch with you, encourage you in your Christian journey, and pose some faith-filled questions that might spark some email correspondence.  If you have any questions about this list, just drop me an email at the address above. Peace.
carl thomas gladstone | deacon, first umc, birmingham, mi | 248.646.1200 | cglad...@fumcbirmingham.org