Molly Brummett Wudel and Tim Conder, leaders from Emmaus Way, discuss the importance of community engagement and social change in church planting. They explore the challenges facing modern congregations and advocate for meaningful transformation within the church. The conversation then shifts to Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, who critique Pietism and address the complexities of identity, especially regarding sexuality in the church. They emphasize the significance of baptism as a formative experience, urging deeper discussions within faith communities.
Emmaus Way exemplifies a church model that actively embraces diversity and seeks to create meaningful social change in its community.
The authors of 'Resident Aliens' urge churches to rethink their role in society, moving beyond maintenance to foster social justice and inclusivity.
A focus on emotional engagement and collective experiences can deepen faith discussions and encourage active participation in contemporary Christianity.
Deep dives
The Impact of Resident Aliens
The discussion centers around the book 'Resident Aliens', which has had a profound influence on church culture over the last 25 years. It offered a perspective on adapting church practices to current cultural realities, prompting ministers to rethink their roles and the communities they serve. The authors highlight that the book encourages churches to consider substantive social change, rather than merely maintaining existing structures. By engaging with this text, many have found inspiration to foster communities that prioritize social justice and inclusivity.
The Journey of Emmaus Way
The founding of Emmaus Way is rooted in a commitment to community engagement and social change. The church emerged from conversations about the need for a different kind of ministry, one that intentionally embraces diversity and aims to serve the greater local community. With a focus on relationality and active participation, the church seeks to create a space where individuals can feel accepted regardless of their backgrounds. The ongoing evolution of Emmaus Way reflects a desire to be more than just a church, striving to impact society positively.
Navigating Identity and Community
Exploring the concept of identity within the church, Emmaus Way emphasizes the need for an environment where diverse beliefs and identities can coexist. This community fosters dialogue on critical issues, encouraging members to bring their entire selves to the table without fear of judgment. Leaders highlight how this openness allows individuals, including those who don’t identify as Christian, to participate meaningfully. The approach taken by this community illustrates an important shift towards building an inclusive church that recognizes and values each person's journey.
Embracing Change and Passion
The conversation touches on the importance of embracing change and tapping into the emotional passions that drive individuals to engage with their faith. Leaders discuss how acknowledging anger and frustration can be productive in fostering social engagement and action. By focusing on the emotional realities and collective experiences of community members, the church can create a more vibrant and active congregation. Such an approach challenges traditional norms and allows for a deeper exploration of what it means to be a Christian in today's world.
Reframing Conversations on Faith
The need to reframe conversations about faith and identity is essential within contemporary societal contexts. Communities are encouraged to focus on the connection between faith and actions, moving beyond stark identity politics. By emphasizing the communal aspects of faith, church leaders can guide discussions that promote understanding and cooperation. This reframing invites individuals from various backgrounds to engage with the faith community and explore what it means to practice Christianity together in an inclusive and supportive manner.
This week's episode was from the live Resident Aliens podcast in Durham, North Carolina.
Before we hear from Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon, Tripp talks with Molly Brummett Wudel and Tim Conder from Emmaus Way. You'll hear a little bit about the story behind Emmaus Way, the work they are doing in Durham, their community hermeneutic, how they confront the challenges of church planting today, and why helping churches learn to be a part of meaningful social change and also transforming the inner life of the church is so important to their work.
Then, Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon talk with Tripp about their book, Resident Aliens. They discuss the christological assertion at the heart of the text, their distaste for Pietism, the distorted character of our world for the formation of people, restoring the adventure to Christianity, the weight of one's identity given at baptism, the burden of deciding who you are, how to address issues of sexuality in the church, and the anxiety of losing culture dominance. Plus, Tripp explains why Hauerwas and Willimon have never been on the podcast before.