Nov 17 2006
Istanbul Sites, Sounds & New Friends
This city is close to the top of my list in terms of fascinating history, culture, things to see, experience and understand. It happened to be the location for the conference I attended this last week as well. Hearing the call to prayer blasting across the city as we rolled into our hotel was an amazing experience. I can think of no parallel in my western culture where an entire culture is called to consider God and to prayer. You may be aware that Turkey is one of the countries trying to become a member of the Eurpean Union. Opinions vary on both sides of the debate as to whether this is good or not. I asked my new friends over dinner what they thought. By the way, our meal began around 10:00 and lasted past midnite (that is why maybe they have good strong coffee)! Anyway, they had mixed feelings about the prospect. There would be some things to gain, others lost.
The question of inclusion, whether to join a group and at what cost, also factored big in our conference with an all important idea underlying the week´s discussions–what does it take to be included in the Kingdom of God? In my ministry the question is often put a different way. How does one become saved? What does it take to become a Christian? What is prescribed for a new church member? Sadly, our practice in Christian circles often looks more to certain traditions, cliches, or subscription to a particular party line instead of the teaching of scripture. Getting this wrong seems to present an encumbered gospel, adding things that God would not add if it were up to him. This is the story of Cornelius in the book of Acts (see chapter 10), and the discussion surrounding the work of God outside the normal confines of the existing people of God. This parallels my thinking when it comes to ministry with our focus groups here in Europe, forcing me to rethink constantly, what does God want, or require, of those who follow him. If you would like more of my thoughts on this topic with specific reference to our focus group, drop me a note at PrayforMosaics@yahoo.com. I have a detailed report from the conference I just attended and some reflection on the guiding issues we are considering in our emerging ministry.
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