Unbelievable. Another year gone – no – blown by!
After moving around the country quite a bit this year and with the fond memories of being a part of our six Gatherings this past fall and early winter, I can’t shake how deeply grateful I am for our lean into community and relationship(s) being the glue of all that we are in Vineyard Canada.
A people of the Way.
So often – even our best attempts at understanding spiritual formation – end up being profoundly individualistic.
We are a people. Of the Way.
Growing up from the gnarled root system of a reductionist soteriology and a highly “me” centred understanding of discipleship, even the beauty of biblical imagery like being a “vine and branches” gets marred by our focus on a singular connection to Jesus rather than that of a community.
We are a people.
There is no ecclesia without a belonging. The word itself – ekklēsia – means “assembly” or “gathering” (did you catch that?) and emphasizes a collective body of people called together by God, not merely a collection of isolated individuals. I was having a Zoom conversation with a dear friend the other day who is a Vicar in the Church of Ireland and he was commenting on the nature of much of the Church as we experience it. “Everyone comes in as an individual,” he said, “and then everyone leaves as an individual.”
We.
On much of our material and various communications we have coined the phrase, “we come together ‘cause we can’t make it alone.” We really believe that. One of the most rewarding things for me over the last decade has been witnessing and experiencing the ever increasing sense of “we” that has been taking shape across our Canadian movement.
A people. Of the Way.
As we step from one year into the next let’s reflect back on who we are together – that essence of what shapes and informs us that we cannot ever discover on our own. The aspects of the beauty and grace of Jesus that can only be seen and touched by, through and in community.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)
A people of the Way.