During the CNY, Aporetic told me about a philosophy student who had given up on changing the church. She just wanna leave a book to posterity, period.
And I'm reminded of something Brian McLaren wrote,
"Bonhoeffer spoke of the destructive powers of "wish-dreams" in the church, where our idealism about the church creates in us a disdain for it as it now actually is... a theologically refined and idealistically demanding taste in churches and their practices can subtly become a kind of religious consumerism..."
Selah.
Ee Wei shared Bro Ong's insight on how we *may* waste too much efforts on changing the church - you name it: more relational, more intellectual, more charismatic, less capitalist, less market-driven, (fill in the blank) etc...
... that we probably could have done more for the Kingdom by working with these imperfections.
Dreams are necessary. But don't let them be a source of cynicism.
And I'm reminded of something Brian McLaren wrote,
"Bonhoeffer spoke of the destructive powers of "wish-dreams" in the church, where our idealism about the church creates in us a disdain for it as it now actually is... a theologically refined and idealistically demanding taste in churches and their practices can subtly become a kind of religious consumerism..."
Selah.
Ee Wei shared Bro Ong's insight on how we *may* waste too much efforts on changing the church - you name it: more relational, more intellectual, more charismatic, less capitalist, less market-driven, (fill in the blank) etc...
... that we probably could have done more for the Kingdom by working with these imperfections.
Dreams are necessary. But don't let them be a source of cynicism.
Comments
Just kidding. Yup in a world that pushes choice, we could all end up constantly shopping for the perfect church but never staying long enough anywhere to grow and serve.
Still each soul and each situation is unique. Some may need to leave a dysfunctional community before they suffer serious wounds to their faith. I have met those who have been badly wounded and was sorry that they didn't leave their destructive situations earlier.
We all need to be in contact with wise friends who will help us discern when it is time to stay and when it is time to go.
Fewer still men of passion
Yet those who change the world it seems,
Are both thus men of action...
Poem by Erwin Raphael McManus
Having said that, I second JediBaba. And I'm biased.
Erm... the best scholarship source is your home church. The seminary may have some tuition waiver. But it is usually given to 2nd and 3rd year students.
Also, once you are there you can find a church which can give you stipended internship. That means, you need to make sure you have enough for the first year before you leave. You can consider raising support from Christians who can see your potential in theology." (Dr. L)