I always wonder if writing makes a difference.
The whole point of my blog is to connect with people in the real world– not to just be a talking head for Christian consumption.
So—here’s a feel good story for everyone.
I wrote a blog on the history of how The Shema Movement got started and a guy named Scott contacted me via email with questions about how we function. His email content is below:
I have been in the ministry of the casual and it always initially begins dynamically with people, but then their blown about like the wind actions resulted in the loss of any real fruitfulness. In other words. Over the years, I see them in the same parking lot so to speak, just changing places. Really not going anywhere on the journey.
So when I say practically how does this work really? I am not critical, but genuinely asking how can it work – I do want it to work?
It was so great to hear from someone– he even left me his phone number for me to call him.
It took me a little bit–like three weeks [ok..cut me some slack–i get kinda crazy busy!] but I called Scott and spent almost an hour on the phone with him. We talked about our frustration with the institution of the church, how we could work together, what he does, and what Shema does– it was a very transparent and mutually beneficial conversation–all sparked by a small email. In fact Scott is traveling from Columbus to Chicago to visit m local community house [The Shema House} and hang out for a day or two.
So thank you Scott! Thanks for reaching out and collaborating, thanks for slowing down enough to respond to my article–thanks for sharing your excitement for The Kingdom and your frustration with the current state of affairs in the Christian world.
Thanks for not holding me to some silly standard of knowledge, just because I write here on Neue.
I write this blog to connect with others, not to become ‘famous’ or ‘known’. Its great to get my thoughts out there in society– but the whole point of my writing is to help people know that they dont have to have all the answers to serve Jesus.
I don’t have answers for people- but I am willing to run alongside you. Be an ear. Become friends.
I write this blog because, as I have experienced leadership circles in Christianity, I have the strong sense that there are lots of guys out there trying to build an empire, be a minor Christian celebrity, or have people buuys there books, and follow them on Twitter as they tweet about what ind of ice ream they at…hahaa. I dont find a lot of leaders actually open to talking, sharing, and collaborating…
I think we can change the culture of leadership… you and me.
Scott said he was ‘shocked’ that I would actually take time to connect—what does that say about where we are at in Christianity today?
My hope is that this blog on Neue can be my modest effort to do my part to change that culture.
I look forward meeting some new friends here–just like Scott.
It all starts with a simple act of collaboration…Neue will only be what we make of it–so lets make it a great tool for The Kingdom. I look forward to hearing from you about what Jesus is doing in your area.
Drop me a line
Seriously.
