Ed,

To pick up on Larry's comments from the previous post and some of my "long winded" thoughts, let me add some more "wind."

I think our (Larry and Eric) position is close in terms of practice. We both understand that the HUP is an avenue for reaching the lost. We both agree that unity of believers within the church beyond racial (et al.) boundaries is Christ's goal to pursue.

The challenge that I feel so distinctly in the mission is shaped so sharply by the second area of agreement between us. Although the evangelistic pursuit has a clearer path along homogenous units (people), I hear the testimony of Scripture calling the church on mission to demonstrate the powerful community that God has created (Gal 3:28). If the church on mission is to be the incarnational presence of God as His people, as Christ's Body, as the Spirit's Temple, then I am concerned that we are missing the community that we are called to pursue when barriers such as race intentionally or unintentionally divide us within the church.

Perhaps we must challenge our church on mission to set the focus toward God's design and not the personal preferences -- or even inherent characteristics -- that we have enjoyed as "mere men" (1 Cor 3:3). My church is similar to Larry's in demographics, but I believe that our fulfillment of mission will be achieved in a more powerful manner when we live up to the community the Christ created. What a miracle we show to a watching world when race distinctions, class distinctions, or other distinctions fade from view. Perhaps our model of satisfying the preferences of church members needs to be balanced (or overshadowed) by the model of community we find in the images that Paul uses to describe the church (community established by Christ and not preference). Perhaps it is just taking the first step of highlighting the ethic of being a "welcoming" community that we find so apparent in the Book of Acts and Paul's epistles.

Larry, I am confident, agrees with the broad-brush of these sentiments. In the end, I believe that the HUP is an avenue for fulfillment of God's mission, but it must not be the defining characteristic of who we are as a church.

BTW, Ed, I kinda think that you look like Rick W. -- at least a younger leaders version :).

Thanks again for allowing me to journey here and solidify some of my thinking. Thanks Larry for helping me sharpen my thoughts as well.

Eric

First let me say that I hope Rick W. forgives Eric for saying that about him.

Now seems like a good time for the "how far" question which matches up well with Eric's comments.

How far do we go to be "welcoming"? It is possible to make our worship and therefore our church "welcoming", "comfortable" or even "relevant" to all people?

Are all churches supposed to care as much social justice as a predominantly African American church may or drought in the farmland as a rural church might? Social justice and drought are things to be concerned about but if my church is not as concerned about them as other churches are is that bad?

Or is the more important question how far are we willing to go make sure all people hear the word of God and help them connect to a community of believers that helps them grow closer to God?

Good thoughts, guys. You should meet. You actaully live near each other.

Anyway, I am sorry I could not engage more... been on the road. But, I will probably make your debate into a post of its own soon.

Ed