Two Somewhat Random Thoughts

I have called this the Fellowship Project because it is an "experiment in faith," but I recently read an article that really challenged me about how I view my neighbors and those around me. The article talked about how most evangelism efforts, and many Christians leading those efforts, view people more as "projects" and not so much as people. When I take time to include someone in my day or intentionally invite my neighbors over for worship, or even for a burger, am I looking at that person as my project, or my neighbor? Unfortunately, that's not always an easy question for me to answer. I know how it feels to be someone else's project and it's not that appealing. As I search through Scripture I don't see Jesus ever treating someone as a project. In fact, most of the time people were coming to him, not the other way around. I also see Him sending His disciples out into homes and into communities and even giving them permission to "give up" on people who weren't interested in what they had to say. But as they went they began to see the world and the people of the world the way that Jesus saw them, with love and compassion and with a desire for them to know God intimately and love Him deeply. I have to keep that as my focus as well and not get too tied up with results for this project that God has placed me in.

On a somewhat related thought, I finished reading a book called "I Sold My Soul on eBay" by Hemant Mehta. Mehta is a self-labeled "friendly atheist" who visited dozens of churches and evaluated their services on how they were doing, at least from an atheist's perspective. The book is pretty interesting and sometimes very insightful. There are obviously some things that he disliked that you and I would applaud as believers, but overall the book was a good read. There was one quote near the end that I want to share with you. It hit me personally and I want to give it more thought and examination, especially as it pertains to Fellowship Project.

"...many churches boasted about their rate of planting new churches. However, starting a new church is nothing to be proud of - not unless that church is working to improve and serve its community, including all the people who live there. In situations where Christians limit their help to other Christians, the church seems to be more a religious club than a true ministry to others." ~ Mehta

What do you think?
Blessings,
Shiloh

Welcome!

I know, I know! I am just now entering the world of blogging, threads, and social networks. I know I am slow, but this old dog is learning some new tricks! I am really excited about where Fellowship Project is already and grateful for all the prayers, ideas, advice, support, and hard work that so many have already put into this. For those of you who aren't familiar with Fellowship Project let me share briefly what it is and what we are doing.

April 10, 2006 my family and I were living in Africa and God began formulating an idea for how to share the love of Christ with people back in the US, not through programs, but through everyday life. The past two years have been exciting as God has unfolded His idea and I have gained clarity through prayer, talking with many others, and reading some great books from guys who have had the same idea given to them by God. Fellowship Project is still in its infancy, but this past February we formed a partnership with a local church who are sending members to be trained to walk Jesus wherever they go.

We finished the first cycle of 2x2 Training in May and are preparing for our second cycle of training in August as well as making preparations for a seminar to introduce Fellowship Project to local "Legacy Churches" which should be ready to go in late July or August as well. There's a ton more to say, but for now that is enough. I hope to share frequently through this blog and strongly encourage feedback, questions, and advice from anyone and everyone.

May God richly bless you as you seek His face.
Shiloh