Michael Frost, an acclaimed missiologist and a leading voice in the missional church movement, dives into his latest book, exploring how embracing the unconventional can transform faith. He shares his journey from traditional church leadership to a more communal and authentic practice of faith. The discussion highlights the importance of cultivating meaningful community, addressing how fear and laziness can stifle spiritual growth, and advocates for a holistic approach that intertwines evangelism with social justice.
Michael Frost emphasizes the importance of embracing the unconventional aspects of Jesus' teachings to maintain authentic faith without societal dilution.
The Cosmic Campfire event aims to facilitate inclusive dialogues among diverse thinkers to explore fundamental human questions and shared humanity.
Frost advocates for re-evaluating church practices, promoting active community engagement through shared prayer and support to foster genuine connections.
Deep dives
Keeping Jesus Weird
The conversation emphasizes the importance of not conforming Jesus to societal norms or making Him too palatable for mainstream acceptance. Michael Frost introduces his perspective on 'keeping Jesus weird' which encourages believers to embrace the unconventional and radical elements of Jesus' teachings. This approach reflects on the idea of maintaining an authentic faith that resists dilution by external pressures or ideologies that seek to compromise core principles. The discussion highlights that embracing the strangeness of Jesus can refresh spiritual practices and challenge comfortable assumptions about faith.
The Cosmic Campfire Event
A unique event called the Cosmic Campfire is introduced, scheduled for February 1st and 2nd in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This event aims to gather a diverse group of philosophers, scientists, theologians, and artists to engage in meaningful dialogues about fundamental human questions and the essence of existence. The idea is to foster an environment where participants can explore topics of spirituality, community, and personal growth in an interactive and inclusive setting. The emphasis is on building connections, exploring shared humanity, and transforming dialogue into actionable insights.
Rethinking Spiritual Practices
The discussion shifts to the significance of re-evaluating how churches approach communion and community engagement. Frost suggests that traditional church practices often miss opportunities to build genuine connections or serve the wider community. He emphasizes incorporating rhythms of shared prayer, communal support, and active participation in local issues as vital to fostering a real sense of belonging and purpose among congregants. These practices can help bridge the gap between spiritual life and everyday community experiences, leading to more meaningful relationships in faith.
The Role of Discipline in Faith
Frost highlights that spiritual disciplines should not be about rigid adherence to rules but rather about embracing practices that promote a deeper connection with God and others. He argues that these disciplines should propel individuals into the lives of others and encourage acts of kindness and service. The idea is to create a community that holds each other accountable, fostering a supportive environment where members can grow together spiritually. By redefining discipline as a communal practice focused on love and compassion, churches can become vibrant centers of outreach and fellowship.
The Danger of Fear and Laziness
The conversation identifies fear and laziness as two major barriers to living out the weirdness of Christianity. Fear often leads to avoidance of challenging situations, while laziness can result in complacency and disengagement from active faith practices. Frost stresses that overcoming these barriers requires intentionality and courage to engage with the world authentically as representatives of Christ. By embracing vulnerability and actively participating in the community, believers can truly reflect the radical love and commitment embodied by Jesus.
On this episode I am joined by Michael Frost and we talk about his newest book Keep Christianity Weird: Embracing the Discipline of Being Different. Michael is an internationally recognized missiologist and one of the leading voices in the missional church movement. On top of that he's is the Vice Principal of Morling College and the founding Director of the Tinsley Institute, a mission study centre located at Morling College in Sydney, Australia.
