On Living Churches

Recently a lay leader at Squyres told me about a quiz he was giving his students the next day. The quiz was about the Five Characteristics of Living Things:

1. Are organized or have an orderly structure.
2. Respond to their environment- this includes homeostasis: mantaining proper internal conditions.
3. Take in and use energy.
4. Grow and develop: individual cells grow and the organism grows by adding new cells - over a lifetime, living things develop and change.
5. Reproduce.

Upon hearing these characteristics a "light bulb" went on and theological senses heightened. Here is my version of the theological characteristics of living churches:

1. Are Community: are organized and structured communally.
2. Are Missional: Respond to their environment.
3. Are led by the Spirit: Take in and use the Spirit's power.
4. Are Maturing: grow in & develop their discipleship (sanctification).
5. Are Reproducing: make disciples by sharing the good news with others.

So is our church "alive?" What can we do to make sure that it is? What are your thoughts?

Peace, Juan+

On Thirty!

I can't believe that I am 30 years old today. In some ways it seems impossible in others it seems like I'm 40!

I have a blessed life. God has graced me with a wonderful family, great vocation, and loyal friends. In so many ways I am amazed at my life, it is better than I ever dreamed it could be. There have been many sojourners and guides along the way. I am most thankful at my parents who have believed in me always and in Shannon who sees gifts in me that I cannot see. I am also thankful to the many friends that have been part of my journey, especially Josh Hale and the gang.

I have been reflecting in the last few weeks about my life. My passions are many and I want to direct those passions to the service of God and to the good of humanity. My life is still just beginning and my prayer is that I can continue to use the gifts that God has given me for the work of the Gospel.

Thank you to all who have made my life a wonderful journey and I pray that you continue in the journey with me.

Peace, Juan+

Journey

In a recent congregational letter I invited our members to journey with us. For those of you who know me this will not be a surprise. I am one who has been deeply formed by the idea of life as a journey, especially as a person of faith.

I have been on a journey my whole life. I have moved many times, went to many different schools, different churches, and have met many wonderful people. There have been heartbreaks along the way but by and large it has been a wonderful life. In fact, I would not be who I am if I had not been on those "adventures"(as my family sometimes refers to our travels).

Being on a journey is an intentional decision. You prepare for it and within it are always aware of where you are, taking it all in, knowing that at every point God is there guiding, prodding, and inviting.

In baptism we have been initiated in a communal journey. Our walk is not solitary but instead it includes all the faithful from the beginning of time. That community takes shape in our worship on the Lord's day as we gather around font, word, and table. In the gathering of God's people we rehearse what it means to be on this journey, what it means to be in it together.

I am thankful for the many who have walked this journey with me. Father and mother who got me started, a sister who was an early companion, now a wife and children who walk with me hand in hand. There have also been others: friends, colleagues, teachers, mentors, and strangers. All have been companions, all have been Christ for me at different times, all have made a mark in my life.

God is constantly inviting us to be part of this great adventure that we call a life of faith. I wonder if we will take God on that invitation? I wonder if we will join him and the community of faith in this journey?

Peace, Juan+