Relationship
Identity: The Shape of a Movement • Sermon • Submitted
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· 14 viewsThe second message in the vision series is on the first of the five YFC values: Relationship. Belonging to the body of Christ means these are my people regardless of my feelings of weakness, inadequacy, etc (theirs or mine). We have been brought together as God chose to be free and alive. Baptism represents our entry into this unique community and life together is active giving dignity, suffering with, carrying and making courageous those we live among.
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Vision: Engage the discontented with the compassion of Jesus Christ
Values: The values that will guide our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ are:
The values that will guide our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ are:
Relationship - we seek to build intentionally authentic and compassionate relationships to cultivate a community of belonging.
We're created to need relationships. We can't live without them. Babies who aren't held will die. Prisoners who are left in solitary confinement eventually go insane. God created us with an innate need for relational connection.
Relationships are the foundation of community that generates belonging.
[SLIDE] Francis Schaeffer:"Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful. Christian community is the ultimate apologetic."
Post-Relational Youth Ministry: Beyond Youth Work as We Know It, Dave Wright and Dixon Kinser
Relationship - we seek to build intentionally authentic and compassionate relationships to cultivate a community of belonging.
On purpose, continuously and intentionally preparing, acquiring, developing, applying ourselves to and improving our relationship abilities.
Seek to build - continuously going after itIntentionally
Cultivate - Prepare, acquire and develop skill; apply oneself to improving and developing.
Francis Schaeffer recognizes the desperate importance of a Christian community that generates belonging when he notes that, "Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful. Christian community is the ultimate apologetic."
Post-Relational Youth Ministry: Beyond Youth Work as We Know It, Dave Wright and Dixon Kinser
Dave Wright and Dixon Kinser
On purpose.
Dave Wright and Dixon Kinser
You don’t accidentally farm. You get weeds.
Authentic and compassionate relationships - It’s our how.
[SLIDE] Authentic
[SLIDE] Authentic
Define authentic
Worthy of acceptance or belief
by Conforming to an original so we reproduce its essential features
and being True to one’s own personality or character
[SLIDE] Compassionate
[SLIDE] Compassionate
Dave Wright and Dixon Kinser
To feel passion with someone
To enter sympathetically with kindness and graciousness into one’s sorrow and pain.
In a way that leads to selfless acts on their behalf.
More on this later.
[SLIDE]
What Does it Mean to Belong?
What Does it Mean to Belong?
English Standard Version Chapter 12
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
The idea that we need belonging is not new.
Abraham Maslow: the need for belonging is so important, it's only trumped by the need for shelter, food, and safety.
Dave Wright and Dixon Kinser, Post-Relational Youth Ministry: Beyond Youth Work as We Know It
I was talking with a friend named Erin who is recovering from an addiction to heroin. She told me that the place she felt most loved and accepted in her life was at her first Narcotics Anonymous meeting. At that meeting the other people touched her, supported her, and loved her for who she was. In that meeting she found hope. Here were other people who would walk with her down a frightening road no matter what happened. She knew that in this place she was safe. After hearing this I was floored and thought, "Why isn't this a description of our experience of church?"
Post-Relational Youth Ministry: Beyond Youth Work as We Know It
Dave Wright and Dixon Kinser
Dave Wright and Dixon Kinser
[SLIDE] Who Belongs and Why?
[SLIDE] Who Belongs and Why?
Belonging means being able to say: these are my people.
Belonging means participation.
The Fallout Shelter
Belonging means giving and receiving value.
Belonging means being a member/part/element.
Belonging means being a member/part/element.
Aristotle used the word for songs.
[SLIDE]
To Whom
To Whom
Body - the church body is living; we're to be alive because we’ve been made alive for a promised permanent future and eternal destiny.
Christ has freed us from the ravages of sin and destruction and set us on a path of new life/service.
Made to drink of - eating and drinking are expressions of the freedom of Jesus, tells the story of salvation (communion), drinking the water of life.
Member/part/song - elements. Aristotle used the word for songs. organism.
Live like we're fully alive having experienced a rebirth, resurrection, old to new.
The whole body together has an eternal destiny.
Honor - to give dignity. Root: to lift, carry, endure, suffer, to dare, venture, be courageous, to make bold.
Suffer together - sympascho. Sympathy. Suffer with, among, amidst. Standy by. Body life, relationship - you have to be among people to be able to suffer with them.
All
All
Fallout Shelter. Group of 8 chosen to start a new world after 99.5% of the population has died of radiation poisoning. You’ve been in a fallout shelter for two months and have another 4 to go before it is safe to come out. Food and water supply depleting faster than expected. Only enough left for 4 people for the 4 more months you have to be in the shelter. Half the group will have to leave in order to save the rest (and mankind).
The group has to decide who stays and who goes and give supporting argument for who and why.
The people:
Dixie: A pregnant 16-year-old white girl, high school dropoutRicardo: A 25-year-old Hispanic Catholic Priest; before becoming a priest, he was a professional carpenter for 5 yearsKim: A 32-year-old Asian female doctor (general practitioner), unable to conceiveCharlie: A 53-year-old Black male military man, recently retired from the armyJake: A 26-year-old aspiring white male guitar player; served five years in prison for fraud when he ran a con game to get some quick moneyEve: A 28-year-old white former prostitute; "retired" for 4 years; high school graduate; I.Q 140Hugh: A 38-year-old Native American male engineer, confined to a wheelchair, but still able to father childrenLisa: A 39 year-old Black female science teacher
Dixie: A pregnant 16-year-old white girl, high school dropout
Ricardo: A 25-year-old Hispanic Catholic Priest; before becoming a priest, he was a professional carpenter for 5 years
Kim: A 32-year-old Asian female doctor (general practitioner), unable to conceive
Charlie: A 53-year-old Black male military man, recently retired from the army
Jake: A 26-year-old aspiring white male guitar player; served five years in prison for fraud when he ran a con game to get some quick money
Eve: A 28-year-old white former prostitute; "retired" for 4 years; high school graduate; I.Q 140
Hugh: A 38-year-old Native American male engineer, confined to a wheelchair, but still able to father children
Lisa: A 39 year-old Black female science teacher
Unity in Diversity
Unity in Diversity
Member/part/song - elements. Aristotle used the word for songs. organism.
Comprised of believers who are not to be thought of by the conventional categories, labels: ethnicity, social status, etc.
Who function differently and when each part works the way it’s supposed to, the body grows and builds itself up
Belonging means relationship. These are my people.
Belonging means participation.
Belonging means value.
Member/part/song - elements. Aristotle used the word for songs. organism.
Unity in Diversity
Unity in Diversity
Who belongs? All nationalities/ethnicities, social classes. All were made to drink if the spirit.
Comprised of believers who are not to be thought of by the conventional categories, labels: ethnicity, social status, etc.
Belonging means participation.
Belonging means value.
Member/part/song - elements. Aristotle used the word for songs. organism.
Who function differently and when each part works the way it’s supposed to, the body grows and builds itself up
Who have we dismissed because we have thought they have lacked value, skill; were awkward, of a different skin color?
18 - We're not put together haphazardly
Here's how God composed the body:
No room for arrogance, envy, disunity, judgmentalism, discrimination.
No room for arrogance, envy, disunity, judgmentalism, discrimination.
greater honor is given to the parts that lacked it.
greater honor is given to the parts that lacked it.
Who have we thought of or treated as less than because they don't think exactly the way you do?
"When we begin to think about our own importance in the Church, the possibility of Christian work is gone."
"When we begin to think about our own importance in the Church, the possibility of Christian work is gone."
To avoid division and jealousy in the body and that members would care about one another in the same ways
Why? To avoid division in the body and that members would care about one another in the same ways
We are brought together as God chose by the pouring of his spirit over us.
William Barclay.
William Barclay.
which means if one suffers, all do; if one is honored, all rejoice (no jealousy).
We assume those we believe are weaker, less honorable, unpresentable have no value but the opposite is true. They are to be treated with greater value, honor, modesty. Why? it's how God put us together. It's God's Kingdom economy, not our
Baptism Into One Body
Baptism Into One Body
greater honor is given to the parts that lacked it.
Why? To avoid division in the body and that members would care about one another in the same ways
One spirit to drink - the spirit has entered our innermost being - in all of us. Verb is often used of irrigation - the idea of an abundant supply. We have been saturated with one spirit.
Our baptism is into Christ's body and his death is a unity that
Our baptism is into one body - Christ's body which is the church.
which means if one suffers, all do; if one is honored, all rejoice (no jealousy).
We have been poured over by the Spirit - entering our inmost being.
Diversity is no accident. It is the very essence of the body.
I Can’t Opt Out
I Can’t Opt Out
We assume those we believe are weaker, less honorable, unpresentable have no value but the opposite is true.
Here's how God composed the body: The unity of the members of the body resembles the original (Christ) and is the ongoing act of God's creative will.
Weaker - related word is sick. Not an addition or even welcome addition. INDISPENSABLE. The body cannot do without them.
Here's how God composed the body:
greater honor is given to the parts that lacked it.
greater honor is given to the parts that lacked it.
To avoid division and jealousy in the body and that members would care about one another in the same ways
Because God confers this unity, NO ONE can argue that we don't belong.
not our
The Corinthian church suppressed some of the less gifted members of the church. What right did they have to belong to such a prestigious club with such amazing skills and gifts.
Therefore, individual members cannot contract out. The Corinthian church suppressed some of the less gifted members of the church. What right did they have to belong to such a prestigious club with such amazing skills and gifts.
Just because you feel like you don't belong, it doesn't change the truth - you belong.
The unity of the members of the body is the ongoing act of God's creative will. Because God confers this unity, NO ONE can argue that we don't belong. God's creative spirit works through our differences to unite us. That unity is reflected in suffering and rejoicing together.
What you feel or think that may be different than this truth is not reality.
I Can’t Dismiss Someone I Think is Weak
I Can’t Dismiss Someone I Think is Weak
Here's how God composed the body:
greater honor is given to the parts that lacked it.
Why? To avoid division in the body and that members would care about one another in the same ways
which means if one suffers, all do; if one is honored, all rejoice (no jealousy).
What is considered lowly, weak (foot - getting dirty) doesn't put it outside the body.
23 - The parts of the body thought to be less honorable are to be treated (clothed) with special honor.
Honor - to give dignity. Root: to lift, carry, endure, suffer, to dare, venture, be courageous, to make bold.
The way we treat/clothe ourselves indicates how we treat ourselves.
As a body, the way we treat those thought to be less honorable is how we are clothing them
treat them well and with honor and we are making them beautiful.
The weaker among us are indispensible, necessary.
How we treat someone goes a long way in shaping their self-concept and how they will treat themselves
How we treat someone goes a long way in how others who respect us will also treat them.
Take the same care to do that as we do about being modest in our dress.
The weaker among us are indispensible, necessary.
How to Dress for Your Body Type (wikihow)
Determine your body type
Follow the recommended clothing styles that fit your type and look good.
They thought they could manage well enough without their unimportant contributions.
Performing your own function well doesn't mean you can do away with what others can do.
22 - Even those that seem weaker are indispensable
The way we clothe ourselves indicates how we treat ourselves.
As a body, the way we treat those thought to be less honorable is how we are clothing them...treat them well and with honor and we are making them beautiful.
How we treat someone goes a long way in shaping their self-concept and how they will treat themselves.
How we treat someone goes a long way in shaping their self-concept and how they will treat themselves
How we treat someone goes a long way in how others who respect us will also treat them.
How we treat someone goes a long way in how others who respect us will also treat them.
Take the same care to do that as we do about being modest in our dress.
How to Dress for Your Body Type (wikihow)
Determine your body typeFollow the recommended clothing styles that fit your type and look good.
Determine your body typeFollow the recommended clothing styles that fit your type and look good.
24 - Those of us who look good and thought of honorably don't need any help/special treatment.
UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM
UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM
25 - In the perfect blending of the parts, God is protecting us against division/dissention.
God's creative spirit works through our differences to unite us.
Diversity is no accident. It is the very essence of the body.
Two issues addressed: arrogance and envy. No room for them.
No room for arrogance, envy, disunity, judgmentalism, discrimination.
[SLIDE] "When we begin to think about our own importance in the Church, the possibility of Christian work is gone."
William Barclay.
Belonging is active. Discovery your giftedness (eye, ear, nose, etc) and contribute.
greater honor is given to the parts that lacked it.
To avoid division and jealousy in the body and that members would care about one another in the same ways
The unity of the members of the body resembles the original (Christ) and is the ongoing act of God's creative will.
Because God confers this unity, NO ONE can argue that we don't belong.
17 - No member can perform the function of another.
Described as same care, concern for each other.
Belonging is active. Discovery your giftedness (eye, ear, nose, etc) and contribute.
No room for arrogance, envy, disunity, judgmentalism, discrimination.
"When we begin to think about our own importance in the Church, the possibility of Christian work is gone."
William Barclay.
Resembling the original
Resembling the original
The church is compared to Christ
Who brought together Jews, Greeks, slaves, free, etc to drink of his spirit.
To bring them together as one body/church to belong to one another.
18 - We're not put together haphazardly
18 - We're not put together haphazardly
Here's how God composed the body:
greater honor is given to the parts that lacked it.
To avoid division and jealousy in the body and that members would care about one another in the same ways
which means if one suffers, all do; if one is honored, all rejoice (no jealousy).
We are brought together as God chose by the pouring of his spirit over us
God ordering both those who don't need help and those who do is a blending of colors; a harmonious mixing. We don't have to ask, "Does this outfit match?" He blends us all together into one beautiful, harmonious whole.
We assume those we believe are weaker, less honorable, unpresentable have no value but the opposite is true. They are to be treated with greater value, honor, modesty. Why? it's how God put us together. It's God's Kingdom economy, not our
God ordering both those who don't need help and those who do is a blending of colors; a harmonious mixing. We don't have to ask, "Does this outfit match?" He blends us all together into one beautiful, harmonious whole.
When God wants to start a movement, he doesn’t start with the best people. He starts with the broken.
Neil Co
Spirit poured over us
25 - In the perfect blending of the parts, God is protecting is against division/dissention.
25 - In the perfect blending of the parts, God is protecting is against division/dissention.
No room for arrogance, envy, disunity, judgmentalism, discrimination.
"When we begin to think about our own importance in the Church, the possibility of Christian work is gone."
William Barclay.
William Barclay.
Two issues addressed: arrogance and envy. No room for them.
Our job is more than getting the job done. Our job in cultivating an environment of belonging is to first realize we can't do this without each other, second, make one another beautiful in the way we treat (clothe) each other.
How we treat someone goes a long way in how others who respect us will also treat them.
His plan is for us to have equal concern for each other guarding against partiality. All will work together for the good of the whole without distinguishing by race, etc. Zero partiality.
Neil Cole
Neil Cole
Belonging is active. Discovery your giftedness (eye, ear, nose, etc) and contribute.
Described as same care, concern for each other.
Described as same care, concern for each other.
26 - Unity is seen in compassion (cf: value statement)
26 - Unity is seen in compassion (cf: value statement)
That unity is reflected in our compassion for one another.
Suffer together - sympascho. Sympathy.
Suffer with, among, amidst. Standy by.
Body life, relationship - you have to be among people to be able to suffer with them.
We say, "I have pain," not "my toe has a pain." When one is honored, all share the joy. We share the joy, not the honor. Rivalry is impossible in the unified body.
How Does Belonging Happen?
How Does Belonging Happen?
We assume those we believe are weaker, less honorable, unpresentable have no value but the opposite is true. They are to be treated with greater value, honor, modesty. Why? it's how God put us together. It's God's Kingdom economy, not ours.
Spirit poured over us
Crossing Over
Crossing Over
In one spirit we were all baptized into one body
We have been poured over by the Spirit - entering our inmost being in all of us.
Baptizein/baptein - : dip frequently or intensively, plunge, immerse.
Verb is often used of irrigation - the idea of an abundant supply. We have been saturated with one spirit.
Water is a symbol. There is a spiritual reality of which water is a symbol of the truth that we were made for and brought into unity and community having been made clean to resemble and reflect the unity and community of God the Father, Son, HS.
spirit baptism of which water baptism is a symbol. We were made for and brought into unity and community to resemble and reflect the unity and community of the Godhead.
Spirit baptism of which water baptism is a symbol. We were made for and brought into unity and community to resemble and reflect the unity and community of the Godhead.
One spirit to drink - the spirit has entered our innermost being - in all of us.
Symbolizes being made clean, purify. Ceremonial bathing.
Baptism - ritual of using water to recognize someone as a member of the Christian community.
Symbolizes being made clean, purify. Ceremonial bathing.
baptisma - only used in Christian lit.
Rite of immersion was common in the early Christian world. Connected with purification from sin, destruction before entering a holy area.
This can take place at the beginning of a new state or phase in life or entering a new community - a rite of initiation or passage. Idea of new birth, new life, salvation.
John - repent and be baptized. Preparation for the coming one who will baptize with the holy spirit and fire (judgment). God's judgment is coming...those who repent received remission, pardon, salvation.
Discover your giftedness (eye, ear, nose, etc) and contribute
Discover your giftedness (eye, ear, nose, etc) and contribute
To the lives of others
Cultivating community doesn’t stop here - we do it wherever we go. It’s our apologetic.
Going and being with is an Invitation to others into our relational sphere - you and those to whom you belong - family, friends, church.
Showing them they can belong to you.
The key is when they check out the faith community to which you belong, it’s more of the same authenticity and compassion of what they’ve experienced with you because it has become our DNA.
Relationships - Community - belonging