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A mid-week word from Pastor Darren...
Easter people raise your voices
Sounds of heaven in earth should ring
Christ has brought us Heaven's choices
Heavenly music let it ring
Alleluia. Alleulia.
Easter people let it sing!
Dear Friends,
Last night at APUMC, a small group gathered to discuss Michael Adam Beck’s recent work on the varied “Distortions” of Christianity in the world today. Beck, an active United Methodist pastor, writer, and professor in Florida, presents the following list for consideration:
Churchless Christianity
Consumer Christianity
Prosperity Gospel
Conservative Family Cults
Jesusless Progressive Christianity
Christian Nationalism
While echoing John Wesley's language of the “almost Christian,” Beck’s main point is that each of these “distortions” offers just enough truth to be convincing, yet enough misdirection to be spiritually dangerous. Through a series of self-assessments, comparisons, and reflections, he invites the question: Is my faith shaped by Christ—or by culture?
There is a lot to explore in each of these themes, which could make for a good sermon series this summer (let me know what you think of that idea).
Last night, as I briefly introduced this material, a wonderful conversation was had among friends with different experiences and perspectives. There were moments of swift agreement, and others when we had to suspend our communication in order to hear from the other.
Thankfully, I think we all realized how much trust it takes to exercise that kind of discipline and restraint. Sometimes the only way to stop interrupting others is to interrupt ourselves.
Whenever we engage subjects that are important to us, it can be difficult to leave room for the other.
In a world where social warfare is the norm, such hospitality can be hard to find. But I believe we found it last night in the fellowship parlor. “Life together” as Bonhoeffer described it. Community in Christ. It felt like the sort of gift that is worth sharing with all who have hunger, need, or curiosity.
On the positive side, here are the key traits that Beck lifts up for his definition of the “altogether Christian.” What resonates with you?
Loves God and Neighbor – Not just belief, but love in action.
Practices Belonging – Embedded in a messy, mutual community.
Lives Gracefully – Embraces growth, not perfectionism.
Holds Tension – Scripture and Spirit, tradition and innovation.
Joins God’s Mission – Sent, not settled.
Next week, our Wednesday night group will begin a study of The Moral Teachings of Jesus: Radical Instructions in the Will of God by David Gushee. I really like this book! It will be another good opportunity to gather, listen, learn, share, and grow together. We invite you to join us on Wednesdays at 6pm (or a little later is fine, too).
On Sunday, April 26, at 10am, we are hosting a Good Friday Show and Tell gathering in the Fellowship Parlor to share some of the lessons from the April 3 trip to the Legacy Sites in Montgomery. A joint Sunday School, perhaps? All are welcome to join the conversation.
Heaven’s choices are laid out before us. Let’s go, Easter People!
Darren
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