Inspired by McLaren’s RESPONSE TO SILAS BISHOP’S “COMMUNITY AS THE GOAL (AND THEREFORE THE MEANS) OF MISSION” especially when I’m thinking about the last message for 2003 this coming Sunday.
“…Where else would I be stretched in my compassion and generosity if I weren’t part of this community of flawed, needy, broken people – who, I must realize, include me in their list of flawed, needy, broken fellows?
How could I experience the exalted joy of community if I didn’t also experience the stretching trials and heartfelt tears of real community life? The gospel suggests to us that even God cannot expand the circle of community beyond God’s own Triune Self without enduring the grit and grief of cross, shame, death, and sorrow in the process.”