Downloading...

I'm supposed to be reviewing a book, A Beginner's Guide to Crossing Cultures, but I have too much on my mind. Several friends and I have been discussing starting a church here in Abilene. Our specific purpose, reach the unchurched of Abilene; our implied purpose; to bring a church to Abilene with a new paradigm.

Two of us went for a ride tonight and I can't tell you the number of church buildings I saw because I stopped counting. within a mile of my house there areat least 10, and none of them reach into m community. they are all vestiges of a community past that visit the old neighborhood on Sunday. they speak to the church culture so prevalent here. Something has to change.

So where are we? I counted today. If everyone who has showed interest or we've looked to involving joined in, we would have a core group of about 25 right now. Of that core, 5 are seminary students and at least one is an ordained minister. That may seem top heavy, but the structure we are considering consists of an elder's board that shares the teaching ministry of the church. Each elder would lead a house church (We envision something somewhat like a cell church, but more like a sub-association) and the churches would share a monthly or bimonthly joint worship that blends the leadership from each house. We'll see how things evolve keep checking back.

A brutal tragedy

One of my employees received a call tonight from her father-in-law telling her that her husband had shot someone. I had received a call earlier from the APD asking my delivery drivers cars, and mentioning the "suspect vehicle." Last I heard, he was free on the grounds of self-defense, and the victims were in critical condition. My employee is very shaken, and is wondering where he got the gun. A tragic situation. Please pray for this family, and the families of the victims

Farangi or Ferengi?

I'm reading in my Christian History book about the Christianity in India, and Europeans are consistently listed as Farangi. As a long time Star Trek fan, I couldn't miss the similarity with the name Ferengi. I wonder if this is just a coincidence. Look at the facts: similar spelling, the ferengi are known for their business sense and acquisition, colonial europe was concerned with acquisition and an increase in wealth. Too close to call? I don't think so