This week I finish sharing my ten favorite podcasts.
Some wonder how I grow in my faith without going to a church building that provides sermons, Sunday School, and Bible studies. My answer is books and podcasts, and more importantly, relationships and quiet time. Here's some podcasts that help me get better at loving this world and its people. Code Switch
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Someone once asked me how I grow in my faith without Sunday School and sermons. It's not hard. From books to podcasts to special events, I probably hear a lot more "sermons" now than I did growing up in a rural church that met Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday nights. It's easy, and even more importantly, essential.
When I used to think of home churches, I pictured isolationism, extremism, and literalism, and I can see how a home church could easily slip into that. So, if you ever start a small faith-based community in a home or a pub or a community center, consider that group only a part of your spiritual experience. Staying in touch with the world and its diversity--culturally, economically, theologically, etc.--is essential. So, here's half of my favorite podcasts that keep me learning through diverse perspectives. This week's list is mostly faith based. Next week's list will focus on social justice and education. Truth be told, I cringe at making a distinction between faith-based and otherwise because they all help me love God and others. They all help me be a better person for myself and society. The RobCast
Two weeks ago my mom and I drove to Lincoln, Nebraska, to hear one of my favorite speakers, Rob Bell. As is common when I'm with my parents, our discussion dove into the waters of church, faith, heaven, and hell. One of Mom's best questions for me inquired about the difference between my home church experience and the more common small group experience. "You need to write a blog about that," she told me more than once. So, here it is.
First, the terminology. Those who know me best know I hate Christian lingo. From the macabre "washed by the blood" and "the Lord's army" to the tamer "hedge of protection" and "fellowshipping," I cringe at all of it and will have to unfortunately use some right now. Small groups are also known as Bible studies, life groups, and cell groups. They are typically formed out of a larger institution in order to foster deeper study and relationships among a smaller group of 3-15 people. Home church, which I sometimes label as small church or a faith-based gathering, usually lacks attachment to a larger institution and meets in spaces, such as homes, that ultimately determine the size of the gathering. Right now, I have a small group experience with 7 women on Monday mornings and a home church experience with 22 people on Saturday nights. Both focus on loving God and loving others. Both are exciting, comforting, and challenging, Both have their place. But, to answer Mom's question, differences do exist. Responsibility of Members
Integration of Children
Commitment to Each Other
It's all a matter of knowing yourself and what works best for you at this time in your life with regard to responsibility of members, integration of children, and commitment to each other. Both have their place. Personal Note: Because the school year is hitting that final push when I need to devote more time than usual to my students as they prepare for college and final exams, I will start posting once or twice a month, rather than every weekend. I average about 250 views a week, so to you 250, thank you for entering the conversation with me. I'll be back in a few weeks. |