Formation not Modification

So here we are. If you are reading this you are more than likely a
student, parent, co-laborer or dear friend. You see with the story we
find ourselves in there are many paradigm shifts that are not only
happening, but will continue to happen in order for us to be the
Beautiful Bride in which we were created to be as the 'Church'. Notice
I do not say this church or that church, Methodist or Baptist, Florida
or elsewhere, St. Luke's or the vast array of others. No friends this
is about God's church, the Bride of Christ, the beautifully
down-trodden entity that seems to be in a 'holding-pattern' as of
late.

With that being said I write this blog as a hope to communicate who I,
and those immediately around me are in ministry to 1.) Students 2.)
the World 3.) those we share life with on a daily basis.

You see I, like most of you who read this were brought-up in a church
culture in which those who lead us preached, teached, encouraged and
prodded us as young 'beleivers' to do this - not that, repent here,
pray this, quit that etc... Which I believe had it's place, and still
does at times when flowing from loving relationship and
Christ-centered community. But where do we go from here. How do we
love as God loves, forgive as Christ forgave, lead as the Holy Spirit
leads? I implore you to ask the following question; Have you been
falsely cultured to think that a life of Faith is a life of
Modification? Hear me, please hear my heart. I know that modification
comes by way of the Holy Spirit, by the Sanctifying nature of God's
Grace.... but is Modification our aim? I know too many 'hold-overs' in
ministry who by no fault of thier own in some cases, aim to modify the
people within thier influence. Danger Will Robinson!

What if our aim is that of Forming something Holy - something pure -
something that is inherintly present within all of us? What if we
worried about the spirit of people before their actions? What if we
loved each other first in order to reveal them to the true nature of
God? You see those of my generation, and those who came before have
been confused about this. Are actions important - abosolutely! Do we
as followers of Christ need to be accountable to how we interact in
the world - you betcha! But our aim is about forming something
worthwhile and Holy within people who are called by Grace to live into
the reality of thier purpose!

Please hear me. We as the church have to shift, as ministers entrusted
with the Hope of Glory (see 1 Corinthians chapter 1). We have much to
bear. Bear it we will, carrying the Hope that students, and all people
are in search of. We have to be stewards of Grace that meets us
wherever we are, wherever they are. A grace that has no barriers,
nothing that can escape its grasp.

I will step forward in His Grace, will you? I will love people where
they are, will you? You see I don't have much figured out, but I do
know that circumstantial Love, and a Grace that only exists for a
certain people is blasphemy. I know that aiming to modify God's
children is not our place. I beleive that we are all his children and
creation is groaning for reconcilliation (see Romans 8). It is there
for the taking, free, with no payment needed on our part. The gift of
Grace. The Love that sees only the spirit of people, not what they do,
but what they will do as they live into Truth (John 14:6).

This is not meant to ruffle feathers, or point fingers but simply to
reassure those who read of who I serve. As a ministry this is what we
are about. As a follower this is what I challenge myself with. Will
you do the same?

Because of His Glory,

Jeremy