Being church as opposed doing church

Stephen Court in his Captains Blog talks about a word from South Africa called 'ubuntu'. It basically means, 'I am because we are'. He is right - a great mandate for the church – it got me thinking further about concepts of being church as opposed doing church.

We just got back from carolling. A youth club member followed us back. His dad died this morning. Four hours earlier. No warning. Heart attack. 5 days before Christmas. Only 65. Presents already bought, cards already written. Decorations now seemingly dull, dreary, uninteresting. He wanted, needed to talk.

Our youth workers were able to be.

"Mission Congregations are congregations that proclaim the gospel as much as being church... as by doing church..." (Warren) NB NOT RICK!!

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