FORM and POWER

[Carl Thomas Gladstone]

::The Conversation::                                       May 30, 2006 FORM and POWER Without a flame the candle is just wax and wick. Without the candle a flame has nowhere to burn. Some of my co-workers in the church feel frustrated by our institutional clumsiness.  It seems there is lots of paperwork, unnavigable controversy, immobility in the face of Christ's call for the life of the church. One might say, as Paul Chilcolte writes, they feel the "hardening of the arteries" of this once Spirit-filled movement. Perhaps the church today has the form of godliness and none of its power. On the other hand, there is a new conversation happening amongst younger people and amongst the same frustrated colleagues. These are folks intent on reviving the vibrant Christian life amidst (and sometimes in spit of) our current church structure.  These are people who have returned to exploring the scriptures diligently, who gather in intimate communities of small groups, who worship, go out in mission, and claim their identity and distinction as followers of Christ in the world.  Their authority for this endeavor rests in their passion for God and a desire to engage friends and co-workers with the radical love of Christ.  From time to time they are also able to link with the institutional church, helping transform it to the life-filled body Jesus would have it be. Perhaps, in this emerging spiritual movement, both the form and the spirit of godliness can take root. Carl Links the EMERGE community The Penny Project Freecycle The NOAH Proj. The Food Jesus Ate Foot Washing   Sister Gertrude The Modern Exchange Plowcreek, living collaboration Barna READ 2 Corinthians 4:7 - Sometimes we forget that God's power comes through fragile vessels.  We mistakingly think that the vessels themselves are the treasure of God!  When have you witnessed God's people worshipping the form of godliness without the Spirit of it?

Upcoming Events Information Sundays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 LATE NIGHT BIBLE STUDY, 10 PM @ Dick O'Dows in Bham Topic: Your Cheatin' Book - Infidelity in the Bible Thursday, June 1 Emerge Community Worship/Coffeehouse, 8 PM Mondays, June 5, 12, 19, 26 LATE NIGHT BIBLE STUDY, 8 PM @ Sweetwaters in Royal Oak Topic: When Scriptures Kill - Murder in the Holy Bible Worship * Concerts * BibleStudies/Trips *

*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
“Original acoustic music on the prophetic edge”
www.carlthomasgladstone.com
ca...@carlthomasgladstone.com
(248)646-1200