Community 4:12

Opportunity or Distraction?

I have a big decision I need to make in the next week or so.  I've been wrestling with it for the past two weeks, and am still waiting for God to give me that neon sign telling me what to do.  The group pictured here is the current District 131 Board of Education.  One of the members recently resigned, and so the Board needs to appoint a replacement.  I have been asked by several members of the administration to consider applying for the position.  This opportunity has been presented to me before, and I always felt that it was not the right thing for me to do.  But, for whatever reason, this time, I don't feel at peace about turning away so quickly.  So, I have spent the past couple of weeks praying, talking to principals, district staff, the retiring Board member, community members, and my team trying to discern whether this is an opportunity God is putting before me "at such at time as this," or if it is a tempting distraction that could hinder/impede the work we are doing in the community.  I have come up with a long list of reasons why I should not pursue it, and an equally long list of reasons why I should.  I haven't struggled with a decision this much since we grappled through the whole "do we relocate to East Aurora or not" dilemma.  In the end, God did give me great peace about moving.  But, I didn't have a deadline I was up against, so I had the time to wait for God's direction.  This time, I do have a deadline.  I am praying that God will give me peace about one direction or the other before the deadline.  But, if He doesn't, should the default be to take the risk or not?  I'm going to choose to believe that He will make it clear . . .but I must seek Him and wait.  Neither of which is easy for me to do!  

Historic Meeting

  I just came from what I think and pray was a historic meeting in the life of the American Church.  We are here in Miami at the annual Christian Community Development (CCDA) Conference, and we convened a small group of representatives from three parts of Christ's church---the Church Planting movement (NewThing & Stadia), Christian Community Development (CCDA), and Social Justice (Sojourners). The purpose was to talk about how we can bring these three historically distinct areas together to bring a holistic gospel message to our country.  I don't know that I have ever been in a room with so many influential people---Brian McClaren, Shane Claiborne, John Perkins, Wayne Gordon, Adam Taylor, Jon Ferguson, Brent Faulk, Mary Nelson, Troy Jackson.  It was incredibly encouraging to hear every one of them acknowledge the need for unity and commit to working towards that.  Obviously talk is cheap and easy.  But, that each of these people showed up at 7:00 on a Saturday morning in the midst of incredibly busy schedules demonstrates at least some level of commitment.  I really have no business being a part of such a conversation, but since CCC convened a small gathering to start this dialogue last January, I got invited to the table and so far haven't "lost my place."  Mostly my role is behind the scenes praying and helping to keep CCC/NewThing engaged in the dialogue and journey.  It is too early to say what the next steps will actually be, but some pretty bold asks and statements were thrown out, so I am excited to see what transpires.  I am sure it will take time and there will be many challenges, but there is no doubt that God's desire is that we have more new churches that are focused on community development and social justice in this country, so it is crucial that these three groups work together and inform each other's movements.  I wonder if we will look back in 10 years and remember this meeting as the beginning of a new kingdom movement.

Social Justice and Church Planting

One of the outcomes of the Urban Church Planting gathering we had last week is that a few of us Community Development folks are going to go to the biggest Church Planting conference (National New Church Conference) in April, and then some big Church Planting folks are going to come to the biggest Community Development conference (CCDA) in October.  I am excited about these opportunities for further learning and collaboration!

As part of the conference, Troy Jackson is doing a pre-conference intensive "Social Justice and New Churches."  I think it is going to be awesome.  Well, it will be if they don't cancel it.  They need several more people to register for this session in order to continue to offer it.  If you are a church planter, or know anyone who is, please consider coming to this conference (there is an amazing line-up of speakers) and being a part of this pre-conference intensive!  This topic is so important for churches to be thinking about if they want to be relevant in this society, so it is a message they need to hear!  Please help spread the word!  Here's an explanation of what will be covered . . .

When: Monday, April 21, 1pm - 5pm and Tuesday, April 22, 9am - 11am

Leader: Troy Jackson, University Christian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio

Description:
Over the last decade, a passion for Social Justice has grown exponentially in our culture and our churches. Following the lead of celebrities from Bono to Oprah to Bill & Melinda Gates, and of Christian organizations like Sojourners and the Willow Creek Association, issues of race, poverty, genocide, global trade, HIV/AIDS, the environment, and peace have become pervasive. To be relevant in 2008, your new church must wrestle with these social justice concerns. Further, a close reading of Scripture makes clear that a passion for justice is not only demanded by our culture, but is also mandated by God.

This pre-conference intensive seminar will help you consider how to make social justice part of the DNA of your new congregation. We will explore ways to move beyond concern to concrete action that will excite and inspire your attendees and lead people in your community who had written off the church as unconcerned to take a new look at Jesus.

This intensive will consider these questions facing your new church:

• How prominent should social justice be for our new congregation?

• Is social justice best understood as a new and relevant apologetic or as a mode of evangelism, or should social justice have an even greater role in our new church?

• Should we engage national and local politics, or avoid politics altogether?

• How can our congregation move from awareness and concern to actually making a difference in a hurting world?

• What resources can our church use to be better engaged, informed, and involved in making a difference globally for God's Kingdom?

Hybels on Social Justice

Just read a great post on Jim Wallis' blog entitled, "Save Souls or Feed the Poor?"  He links to the Beliefnet blogalogue that this week focused on a "debate" between Billy Hybels of Willowcreek (representing evangelisim) and Paul Rausenbush (representing social justice).  It actually isn't a debate at all, but a refreshing dialogue that tries to eliminate the idea that the gospel is "either-or."  Both agree it is a "both-and."  I love the message Hybels consistently gives--in word and action--that the evangelical church can be a "both-and" kind of church!

Churches Unite

The churches of Aurora and the Fox Valley have recently united in ways I have not seen before . . . on a common mission to prevent Planned Parenthood from opening in Aurora.  Across all denominations, churches are coming together for prayer vigils, community forums, and in public statements.  I know such unity is what God desires.  I pray that the unity and passion we are seeing to protest the abortion center will continue around such life and death issues as the atrocities in Darfur, the war in Iraq, hunger, and lack of access to basic medical care.  There are so many things that break God's heart.  I dream of the day that churches everywhere are working relentlessly to rid the world of all life-destroying injustices.

Poverty to Opportunity Campaign

I had the privilege of attending a community forum in Aurora last night entitled, "Moving From Poverty to Opportunity."  It was sponsored by the Illinois Coalition for Community Services and the Heartland Alliance.  I learned a lot about poverty statistics in Illinois and Kane County (which includes East Aurora).  For example, Kane County has seen a 24% increase in extreme poverty (defined as a family of 4 earning $10,325/year).  And almost 30% of children in Kane County live in poverty (defined as a family of 4 earning $20,650/year).  And the reality is that many, many more families and children, while not living at the federally defined poverty level, are not making ends meet.  Completely not acceptable.  And these organizations are treating this as a human rights issue and are mobilizing average citizens across the state to help end poverty.  There were youth, adults, seniors, Blacks and Whites (unfortunately no Latinos) all sitting around the table brainstorming problems and solutions.  Very cool and I look forward to seeing what more develops.  If you are interested in learning more about the campaign or signing on as an endorser, contact dschenkelberg@heartlandalliance.org. 

A+ Illinois

Despite the failed local referendum a few weeks ago, there is still hope for the East Aurora schools . . .and for all of the schools in Illinois.  And that hope lies in reforming state funding for education.  As I have been learning more about the movement to reform educational funding in Illinois, I have learned some shocking statistics:  Illinois ranks 47th in the amount of funding that the state provides for education, and 50th (dead last) in the size of the gap in per-pupil education spending between the state's highest and lowest poverty districts--and the gap has been widening each year.  There are three weeks left in this legislative session, so there is a huge push to encourage our state legislators to vote YES for funding reform.  You can learn more about A+ Illinois by clicking here.   And click here to learn how YOU can take action to urge your state legislators not to leave Springfield without a comprehensive school funding plan for quality education for ALL students--not just those in districts whose property values and taxes can fund excellent education.

This past weekend at an A+ rally, an East Aurora High School student gave a powerful and passionate speech about how her siblings and cousins are not going to have the incredible opportunities she has had to develop as a leader because of her role in extra-curricular activities.  Because all of those programs will be cut since the referendum failed.  If state reform happens THIS YEAR, there will be immediate hope for East Aurora (and Chicago and many other low-income districts).  If this is not a community development/justice issue, I don't know what is.  Inequity in educational opportunities is simply not acceptable.  Join me in letting our state lawmakers know that we will not tolerate that injustice.  Click here and call now!

We Lost, But Somehow God Will Win

Today, the people of Aurora spoke (or at least a small percentage who came out to vote).  They said "no" to the schools, the kids, the health of the community.  The referendum did not pass - - -preliminary results show we lost about 37% to 63%.  Not even close.  A big group of us crowded into the District 131 Service Center tonight hopeful and praying that the community would vote for a positive future.  We left with tears in our eyes, but more determined than ever to not let the 13,000 children in East Aurora down.  It is impossible to imagine how the district will survive without the funds the referendum would have brought in.  But I am holding tight to Hebrews 11:6:  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek him.”  I have to believe that God has a plan for the city of East Aurora that we just do not understand.  I know He loves those children no less than the children of Naperville, yet they seem to be up against incredible odds.  Lord, what role do you have for us to play in your beautiful plan?  We are eager and ready to fight the battle you lay before us.  Just guide our every step, because without you, it does seem hopeless.

Praying for a YES!

Today the fate of the East Aurora schools will be determined.  It is referendum day.  A group of teachers, staff, parents, and community volunteers have been working for the past few weeks to educate the community about the need for this referendum to pass and the devastating consequences that will result if it doesn't.  The district hasn't passed a referendum in 13 years.  And in the fall, it failed miserably.  But we are having faith that it WILL PASS today.  I am spending the day working at "command central" calling voters and doing my part to help get people to the polls to vote YES.  Scott participated in a teacher/administrator march around downtown Aurora last night.  There was a positive article on the front page of the Beacon News this morning, and Scott was quoted about our upcoming move to Aurora.  Click here if you want to read the article.  I have been invested in the Aurora schools for the last 4 years through our work at Brady, but this referendum takes on a whole new meaning now, because now the results of it will impact my own children.  That is why relocation is so important---investment in community development and fighting for "social justice" soars to new levels when you are talking about your own community, rather than just a "poor community" in the next town.  This referendum is just the first of many things our family, and Community 4:12, will be supporting to help bring hope to East Aurora.  If you live in East Aurora, get to the polls today and VOTE YES!  If you don't, join our prayer warriors who are praying that despite all predictions that it will not pass, that we will have a YES at the end of the day!

Are you Justice-fied?

A friend pointed me to David Fitch's blog today.  I'd never heard of Fitch, but I think this is a blog I'm going to have to start following.  He had a four part post on HOW NOT TO MAKE JUSTICE INTO A PROGRAM AT YOUR LOCAL CHURCH.   Here is an excerpt from Part 4:  "Final question - CAN MEGA CHURCHES DO THE WORK OF CHRIST'S JUSTICE?  I think the kind of churches that will have the hardest time with a MORE ORGANIC, LOCAL and EMBODIED JUSTICE are the mega churches. Because if justice is relational, mutual and sharing of all things, this is just plain harder the bigger you get. I would argue that the mega churches with the most resourses often do the poorest job of social justice per capita. Don't get me wrong they are doing plenty of mercy projects. SOME VERY HIGH PROFILE but is it justice? Or is it a large relief and mercy program, which again is important, but from post #1, I suggest it is not justice. Then again, I know at least 2 larger churches (2500+) that are doing awesome work for Christ's justice."  This is exactly the kind of thing I am always thinking about, because the vision behind Community 4:12 has always been more about justice than about mercy.  But, because of the size of CCC, I am quite sure C412 is seen as a "mercy" ministry and not a "justice" ministry.  Not that it should be an either/or---it must be a both/and.  But, I constantly struggle with how to get the justice message out to the masses.  Mercy is easy to communicate and publicize.  Justice is much more complicated.  I'd love to hear other's thoughts on this, so please comment!