Marc's Minute #9
The bi-weekly quick "K.I.T." equipping you with Knowledge for your Head, Inspiration for your Heart, and Tools for your Hands {11/11/23}
Feature Focus
In issue #6 of this Marc’s Minutes newsletter, I featured part 1 of the article entitled, It Is Good to Question. I encourage you to go back and read or listen to that if you haven’t already.
Today, I share Part 2. As I have said before, “Unquestioned answers are often more dangerous than unanswered questions.”
Curiosity. Questioning. Reflection. These are essentials to spiritual and personal growth.
Here is an excerpt from part 2 of “It is Good To Question”:
Whether Jesus was interacting with religious authorities, His own disciples, disabled individuals, government officials, men or women, He could meet them where they were and take them somewhere else at the same time with just a question. His questions were differentiated to apply to their unique situation because of who they were, and His questions also demonstrated a supernatural capacity to lift them above their circumstances because of who He was. … Jesus was exceptional at asking the right questions in the right ways.
The full post is actually short, but it contains a very practical way to use the questions of Jesus in your own devotional or prayer time. I did this over a period of several months and it was great.
Check out the article here.
Keep It Simple Strategy
If you are meeting with friends, in small groups, or just working on your own faith journey, then check out this week’s simple and reproducible practice tip that you can try anytime. Remember, you can always find many more FREE materials at Grace In Motion.
EVERY MEMBER FUNCTIONING (Participatory Model)
Today we look at another principle behind the strategies for simple church meetings or gatherings.
In the movie Patch Adams, the main character (played by the late Robin Williams), declares his belief that every person is both a doctor and a patient. Likewise, we believe every person is a teacher and a learner. Based on the "priesthood of believers" philosophy presented in the New Testament, it is appropriate to expect each follower of Christ to be both giving and receiving ministry. The goal is to focus on a participatory model that involves and engages everyone (all ages included) as much as possible.
This may differ significantly from some people's perception of "church" if it has been shaped by an experience of an identified clergy (pastor, priest, worship leader, etc.) preaching to a mostly passive audience during a church service. While that can be effective and very beneficial at times, in my opinion, it should not be the norm as all parts of the "body" are needed to contribute for healthy growth and true service to occur.
There are no spectators. (Keep in mind that levels of participation will naturally vary for any number of factors just like they would in any family activities. The point here is not that every person is equally active in every meeting at all times, but that the structure itself is not meant for a hierarchical system where one person leading the group is the norm.)
Recommended Resource
Instead of sharing a resource in this issue, I just want to take a moment to thank our Veterans. Serving in the military is a sacrifice that I have not personally made. I am grateful and appreciative of those who have demonstrated that level of discipline and bravery to serve our country in this capacity.
I frankly wish we were in fewer military conflicts around the world, but that in no way diminishes my respect and admiration for the men and women serving our nation through the armed forces. To my friends and relatives who are Veterans, thank you!
Regardless of the political and social challenges we face, I am still very proud to be an American! Our freedom is precious. Happy Veterans Day!
What’s Up?
PRAYERS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
I share one of my “Prayers for Everyday Life” in the audio recording of this issue. This one is called “The DMV.”
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