Large Group #3

How do I title this? We were planning to discuss contemporary approaches to Atonement in the Crucifixion, Extravagant Welcome, among other things; instead we had quite a lovely discussion on other subjects. 

Read the full post for some take-away points from our discussion. It's not long, I promise.

We got to hear Andy Schwiebert (pastor of (a)Spire Ministry an emergent offshoot of the First Congregational Church of Pasadena (United Church of Christ)) and Sam Pullen (student at Claremont School of Theology and (a)Spire intern) share their testimonies, and it really spoke to me on how each of us struggles with our faith. They also spoke about what their denomination (United Church of Christ) is like and how (a)Spire is this new ministry that really welcomes all kinds of people.

A lot of people turn away from Christianity because of our absence of love and our hypocrisy (I speak in the first person b/c I'm very much that hypocrite). Some people, for eg. homosexuals, are condemned and rejected by churches to a point where some even take their own lives. It's completely un-helpful and destructive to just outright condemn someone without loving them or helping them through.

Everyone is a sinner, so everyone manifests and struggles with some form of sin (that may be pride, selfishness, lust, homosexuality, etc.) which separates us from God. And not one sin is "better" than another, so don't be self-righteous about being a better person than another because that in itself is a sin. 

Anyway, almost everyone struggles with some kind of shame. And if you leave that shame untreated then it can spiral down to the point where people start losing lives. So if you know someone who is struggling with something, is ashamed of it, or feels rejected b/c of it, etc. then be there to comfort and encourage them to really build a relationship with God. Let them know that God loves you, He wants to connect with you. And you should really find a fellowship where you'll feel comfortable and they can help you work through your struggles (different churches are more open about different matters, so find the one for you! (by the way, (a)Spire seems pretty open minded)).

So do not condemn. Instead, encourage them to build their relationship with God.