Emergent Church and the Question of Ordination

When we established Jacob's Well, we used the values statement from Emergent Village as our values statement: http://www.emergentvillage.com/about-information/values-and-practices .

Emergent has people from many denominations who follow their teachings. Because of this, Emergent has not established any formal type of Ordination for people in positions of leadership within the movement. There is a belief that all Christians are qualified to perform the sacraments and therefore there is no need for formal Ordination recognition because all are 'ordained' in the body of Christ.

While I agree with the idea that everyone in the body of Christ is qualified for ministry, there still needs to be some sort of recognition for the leadership. This isn't to say that non-leaders can't minister but there needs to be a go-to person for organizational types of issues.

I have been in non-profit groups where we had complete team leadership with no one in charge. The problem that I ran into was that there was conflict because there was no clear-cut person in charge. I am now involved with another non-profit group that runs as a team. However there are specific people designated in leadership positions and the group runs more smoothly and we designate leadership for specific tasks as well.

I am wondering if there are other people out there who are not denominationally active, who are starting other Emergent Churches who would like to come together in some sort of formal recognition of being a leader in the Emergent church? Perhaps a licensing of sorts recognizing that you are a leader? Email me at jacobswellprayer@aol.com if you would like to join me in establishing a leadership recognition group.

Peace,
Lisa

Quest for Peace

I have noticed lately that I have been ‘off.’ I have been discontent and edgy and I just haven’t been able to find a good reason as to why. Except that I am off and I am looking for peace. It’s a cognitive dissonance. In other words, life took a turn that I wasn’t expecting and my preparations were for nothing and it left me feeling disconnected.

I know that I somehow need to get back on track. But what is the track that I need to be on? I have been chasing rabbit trails leading to dead ends. But I know that there is a peace out there that I could be a part of.

This peace that I am longing for is that connection… the connection we experience when we are participating in God’s will in the world. This is when we are in harmony with what God has planned for us.

Have I been following the wrong path? Have I not been in line with God? I don’t know. I didn’t think I was, and yet I have lost the connection. I just pray that the door will open for me to connect with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.

No good answers today… just plenty of questions.

In Christ’s Name,

Lisa

Sunday Night Prayer

We are starting to meet on Sunday Nights from 7:00 - 8:00 PM to pray for the direction of this group. Dessert will be shared as a part of our time together.

Saint Patrick's Day 2009

Each year our family welcome's Saint Patrick's Day... it has become one of our family's favorite holidays. We always have a special meal of Corned Beef and Cabbage and other green items. We take the time to look back at our heritage... the countries that our ancestors originated in and the Christian traditions of the holiday.

So, join us is celebrating this holiday. Have a hearty meal and wear the green!

Peace,
Lisa

Facebook and the Abbey

If you are on Facebook, stop on by and visit us! I am attempting to have conversations going on our page in Facebook. Check Us Out!

Also... I haven't given up on the Abbey. Anyone care to join me?

Peace,
Lisa

House Church Meetings

We will continue meeting on Wednesday nights for a meal and fellowship at 6:30 PM about twice a month. Please be in prayer for direction for our group.

Blessings,
Lisa