M2EP -- Day 3

Today was the final day of the Mobilization, and in many ways, I think it was the best. In the fourth Plenary Session this morning, the 6 panelists and Brian McLaren spoke about obstacles we will face as we get our church communities involved in this issue. Most memorable of the panelists were Brian McLaren and ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hansen.

Challenges (there are more, but these two stuck in my mind and made it to my notes!):
As congregations, we need to decide if we are "settled" churches or "missional" churches (My bias: I hope that we at St. Georges see ourselves as a missional church...)--how do we as a community define ourselves in relation to the poor? Poverty is a BIG issue--Bp. Hansen likened it to gnawing on an elephant--it's sure easier to chew a biscuit!

When we talk about poverty, some will see it as a political issue and inappropriate in church--it's important to remind these folks that much of Jesus' ministry focused on the poor and the outcast. What does it mean today to be a follower of Christ?

It's important to join with other churches as we work to address the issue of poverty--a quote I remember in this regard: "We need to lay down our [denominational] identities to be able to lift up the cross."

One of the points that was made again and again over the three days was the importance of identifying with the poor--putting names to faces--being present to their lives and experience. Vincent Harding, a veteran of the Civil Rights era, said that if one works for the poor you are a kind benefactor. When you identify with the poor, it's a life of dangerous living well worth living.

Tomorrow morning, we head home with lots of ideas...stay tuned. There's much more on my mind...