Out on the Porch

The last two days have expanded my horizon about the Christian Church particularly in Minnesota but even  further. On Thursday My time was spent in various meetings of the Minnesota Council of Churches. Today I had lunch with the Minnesota "Heads of Communions."

To be honest I was not very excited about either day as they approached on my calendar. But, let me tell you I was mistaken. For these have been two of the most positve and meaningful days I have spent since coming on board as the Interim EP. Here is you one reason why I feel so good about these experiences.

First about today--The lunch table included the broadest spectrum of the Christian Church I have ever sat with in 53 years of ministry. Denominational leaders from Pentecostal to Roman Catholic were around the table. Two very different persons shared their personal faith journies. A season of prayer included many appeals for unity in the Church of Jesus Christ. Aa I learned on Thursday, "unity" does not always mean "agreement." However it does mean no matter how we differ we are still all part of the one Church of Jesus Christ

A most remarkable part of today's gathering was one pastor from north Minneapolis telling about the ministry of the church he serves. It reminded me of the great work being done by our Kwanzaa Congregation.This pastor made clear how we must take the church out to the community. Then he told how on one Sunday when coming to church he noticed a crowd on the porch of a house across the street from his Church. This was a "House of Prostitution and Crack." During the worship he told his flock he was not going to preach in the church today. He said, "I'm going to preach on the porch of the House of Prosititution across the street."

Most of his congregation followed him out across the street. When he arrived on the porch the "Madam" cursed him out. He went on and preached anyway. By the end of the service the Madam came out and was crying. Today the :"House" is closed and the Madam a member of the church.  "God makes a difference," is what he said.  What a statement.

That's enough for today. I'll tell you about my Thursday with the Minnesota Council at a later time. It is just as  amazing! I can feel a sermon coming "Get Out on the Porch!"