This describes perfectly what we experienced in Nicosia, Cyprus. It happened by accident, and we never had language for it. We also experienced it within the Anglican Church, which was interesting.
Your language will help me share our experience with others. Of course, I'll credit you. :-)
This is great to read, Rick. Thanks for sharing. I do believe that people all over the world and throughout time and across traditions have/are experiencing similar dynamics as we do. I do hope by naming what we are aiming for in our context, it is helpful to encourage others to do the same elsewhere. Peace to you.
Interesting read my friend. I would be interested in knowing who you consider your audience? I’ve been in conversations with you and also have studied with David Fitch who developed the principles of the three circles, so I understand what you are pointing at. However, in my new position in facilitating discussions on how to broaden the understanding of the church among active church laity and clergy in a mainline context, I would think some broader language is needed to start them in familiar territory before moving them on to the “strange land” of table fellowship. Maybe we can have a zoom conversation someday soon?
Hi Andy, You ask a really important question that I probably did not clearly state an answer to at the onset. I think this terminology is aimed primarily at the leaders/organizers of Table Communities (and most specifically, within The Table Philadelphia). I share the terminology as it is what I think and write from. Additionally, in defining the terms, I expect there will be some overlap with others experiences (both within and outside The Table Philly). I would encourage people to do their own cultural linguistic work within their contexts rather than just copy and pasting mine. However, even upon doing our their own work, they may find our terms to map out well (as in @Rick Dugan's comment here).
I do think this language (or something like it) will be helpful for the active church laity and clergy you are working with, but I have a caveat. My language, as you astutely observed, indicates a particular ecclesiology as well (Three Circles ala Fitch). So, if this language does not map onto the current ecclesiology, it will be contextually confusing. This is an example of why I think I offer an example and not a prescription.
Thanks for your comment. And yes, I'm open to a Zoom with you. :)
It's crazy when we have been explaining something a certain way and then we see it. Great minds think alike, right? Thank you for sharing this brother!
This describes perfectly what we experienced in Nicosia, Cyprus. It happened by accident, and we never had language for it. We also experienced it within the Anglican Church, which was interesting.
Your language will help me share our experience with others. Of course, I'll credit you. :-)
This is great to read, Rick. Thanks for sharing. I do believe that people all over the world and throughout time and across traditions have/are experiencing similar dynamics as we do. I do hope by naming what we are aiming for in our context, it is helpful to encourage others to do the same elsewhere. Peace to you.
Interesting read my friend. I would be interested in knowing who you consider your audience? I’ve been in conversations with you and also have studied with David Fitch who developed the principles of the three circles, so I understand what you are pointing at. However, in my new position in facilitating discussions on how to broaden the understanding of the church among active church laity and clergy in a mainline context, I would think some broader language is needed to start them in familiar territory before moving them on to the “strange land” of table fellowship. Maybe we can have a zoom conversation someday soon?
Hi Andy, You ask a really important question that I probably did not clearly state an answer to at the onset. I think this terminology is aimed primarily at the leaders/organizers of Table Communities (and most specifically, within The Table Philadelphia). I share the terminology as it is what I think and write from. Additionally, in defining the terms, I expect there will be some overlap with others experiences (both within and outside The Table Philly). I would encourage people to do their own cultural linguistic work within their contexts rather than just copy and pasting mine. However, even upon doing our their own work, they may find our terms to map out well (as in @Rick Dugan's comment here).
I do think this language (or something like it) will be helpful for the active church laity and clergy you are working with, but I have a caveat. My language, as you astutely observed, indicates a particular ecclesiology as well (Three Circles ala Fitch). So, if this language does not map onto the current ecclesiology, it will be contextually confusing. This is an example of why I think I offer an example and not a prescription.
Thanks for your comment. And yes, I'm open to a Zoom with you. :)
It's crazy when we have been explaining something a certain way and then we see it. Great minds think alike, right? Thank you for sharing this brother!