I've continued to think about Tim and Brittani's wedding. I am realizing that, for me, it represented something new and important that needs to be marked.The clear message to the congregation from Tim and Brittani was "You are actually witnessing two things. The beginning of a new marriage. And, also the beginning of a new church." I wonder if that message has ever been communicated before in a wedding in the history of the world. Ok. That may be a little strong but you get the idea.
I've often thought that if this one idea ever began to spread, we could start a million house churches in a month. Hmm... Maybe it is beginning to spread!
See below for an "amen" to all of this from Wade Adams in Central Texas. Wade has recently started a MRT in the Kileen (TX) area.
John
"Dorothy and I have been using the CO2 to spark our conversation and to become more intentional in our partnership with the Lord. These two simple practices have been great for us."
"Dorothy and I have been using the CO2 to spark our conversation and to become more intentional in our partnership with the Lord. These two simple practices have been great for us."
First of all - Congratulations to Tim and Brittani! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love how all of this marriage and church stuff has such parallels. Coincidence? I think not.
In Jewish wedding tradition, a marriage ceremony takes place under what's called a Chuppah. While we see a new union or marriage starting during the ceremony, beneath the chuppah the Jews actually saw a new "home" being established.
The "specs", if you will, of this home would be as follows:
1. Hospitality - the chuppah is open on all 4 sides just as the tent of Abraham and must remain open to all guests with warmth. It communicates a service oriented, servant-hearted feel.
2. Empty - the chuppah contained nothing other than the bride and groom themselves, communicating that PEOPLE are the important factor here and are the actual HOME (not the many things inside). This also communicates intimacy, and that the home/family is a place where everything is sacred and nothing is gossip.
3. Covering - the chuppah also had a thin cloth covering - this represented the glory of God presiding over the new couple/home/covenant - and also served as a reminder that the whole process was originated by God and therefore it is holy.
I think these 3 ideas can also be applied to CO2/Home Church in many ways...
Thoughts?
More on chuppah: http://www.reference.com/browse/chuppah
Blessings Tim and Brittani!
ReplyDeleteJust have a question: Since marriage is a legal, social, and spiritual union that is set apart and recognized by God and by community, and assuming that the community is a house church or similar, who performed the ceremony? How do house churches usually handle marriages?
Thanks Noah, that is helpful. My first image went to Meet the Parents :)
ReplyDeleteThe three descriptors sound like church. What a description! I have appreciated missional authors interacting with a triangle which represents God, the World, and the Church or Worship, Mission, Fellowship or Communion, Mission, and Community. However they want to say it, these three components are important in the Kingdom of God on earth. I see these represented in the chuppah.
Eldredge's Love and War points that we are all part of a larger story, one that ironically, begins and ends with a marriage. God's design and expectation of marriage must be brought to the fore in our shared mission. It was part of God's creative intent, it is part of the redemptive experience.