Wow. This book looks needed.

I think that it is much more of a circular process. Christology may be the best (in my opinion) starting point, but in reality we cannot have a complete Christology without the community (Ecclisology) rightly expressing it's self in mission (Missiology). The key idea here (for me anyways) is this: all of our "ology's" allong with all of our praxis needs to lead us back to Christology. If it fails to do that, then the progression is stunted and we stop growing with apostolic imagination. At least that's what I think. I wrote up a post about this a few years ago. I'll leave the link in hops that it can further the discussion. http://culturalsavage.com/spirituality/is-mission-the-mother-of-theology/

Great discussion so far. In my experience/thinking, i see the reason we allow toxic leaders is because at some level we have a false belief that they are "anointed to lead"... that they are somehow more specialer than the rest of us and there fore they are called by God to a task/position that the rest of us could never do. It's all BS, but still we buy into it for some reason. I guess (as I examine my heart) we do want some sort of superior leader to tell us what God wants for our lives, to lead us into various forms of "Victory", and ti "expand the kingdom". In other words, we over all have a deficient understanding/view of the kingdom life Jesus is creating. We really are like the people of Israel. We shout, "Give us a king" in so many ways. Instead of bowing before the truth that there is one head, one faith, one baptism, we choose to be like the broken world around us and give toxic leaders footholds to continue their hurtful rampage in the name of God. Lord, hear our prayers...

Bill, I love your writing, humor, and thinking. You challenge, encourage, and provoke me. I do believe Jesus is using you in his church reformation even as you yourself are being reformed. Happy blogiversary!

Dear Miss Banshee: You are awesome. I am so proud of you. You are one of the strongest women I know. Seriously.

Bob, Here's where I would push back a bit: Yes, we need to love the whole Church, and pointing fingers "at them" as the reason the bride isn't perfect is hypocritical, unhelpful, and ultimately the opposite of the grace and community of Jesus we are called to display. BUT... I get a serious gut check at just embracing people/streams that have (in my opinion) hijacked the name "Christian" and turned it into a moralistic crusade for their cause. Maybe this is just my "church cynicism" showing its face again (I'm really working on it), but it just doesn't feel right to shoulder up to people that my be questioning my salvation because I'm not as "moral" as they are (don't laugh, it's really happened to me). I understand Ann Rice's comment. I've said things similar like that my self. I don't think the solution is to flee the institution. People that I strongly disagree with I will still gladly call brother and sister... but I do have a reservation at not (at some level) setting my self apart from them because I see what they are doing as so harmful and anti-gospel.

wait... she stayed on the phone? Like stayed in her other conversation even though 1) her kid just puked and 2) it was all over Banshee. *barf* "Oh, was that Timmy. Eh... So anyways..." WIN to the NER right there. I'm sorry you got puke on your black skirt. I'm glad you got Lasagna. (seriously, that mom better have been like saving the world with that phone call... no matter what Maybell and Jethro did last weekend, it's not more important or interesting than your kid barfing on someone! *AAARRRGGGHHH*)

I've been having the same type of conversation w/ the big Almighty lately. It is hard to not get side tracked with ideas of sufficiency, achievement, and wise moves (at least according to world standards). I'm glad your committed to this Evergreen thing, but even more gladder you are committed to wanting Jesus, to his kingdom come his will be done... I know, for my self (especially as I have these conversations w/ God) that is the heart and desire I need in the person who is tending the flock I call home.

Twit name: Culturalsavage Leadership book: ...I think the last one I read was "Leadership Next" by Eddie Gibbs. It wasn't awful, but I don't remember too much that stood out for me. Probably need to read it again.

We can be cool with any style (even those that make our skin crawl) a Church may choose to use. However, when any style stops being something we use and starts being who we are, it's appropriate to speak up. Loudly.

I wonder what the response would be if some of us did an actual satire of this "inside joke". I mean, if they are willing to laugh, nudge, and wink themselves into an even more comfortable acceptance of churchrtainment, they are just begging for those of us how are fed up to go all Jonathan Swift on them. Just saying.