Science Vs Faith

This is an age old question, but a good one none the less.

Ethics- ARGH!!

I am starting to get a little bit worried about my hot-headed-ness.  For some reason these sessions have got me really angry. 

Urban Mission

Hmmm...

Baptism: beginning of end?

I got my assignment back! 

Rural Mission...

Hmmm...I was a little...disappointed with this session.  I thought this could be a really useful topic to discuss as our church is going to partner with a rural church in the not so distant future, however, I felt that the majority of issues that we discussed were not unique to rural churches as all.  The majority of the issues are prevalent in my church and the majority of the churches that I know;

• resistance to change
• aging congregation
• lack of teenagers
• relying on minority to keep things going
• big jump from 'junior church' to the main church service

I do wonder if the decline has been faster within rural churches, however, I would question as to what issues they deal with that are unique to just them and despite asking the question was given no further information to change my view.  I think that a lot of churches are in dire need of something new and development to grow.

Bring on the revolution!!!

Fresh Expressions!!!

Wow- let me start by saying Michael Volland is absolutely fantastic, what an inspirational speaker! 

Missionaries

Suffice to say, this topic has got me a little fired up.  I do have a great deal of admiration to people who feel called to overseas mission.  It is a big sacrifice to leave their families and go to a place that has a different culture and is potentially unsafe/scary to be a Christian in.  

[As a slight aside my view of missionaries prior to this session was Kevin Costner playing Robin Hood in a prince of thieves...] 

However, I resent the implication that missionaries should be viewed as 'better' Christians because of their specific calling or ministry.  We all, as Christians face conflict and opposition, we all, at times can struggle to balance our faith/church life with family life and we all serve God in whichever unique way we are called to.  When I became a Christian, initially my family were rather against it, they were concerned for my well being and feared that I had become part of a cult/been brainwashed.  I found this really difficult as the two most important things in my life (which they still are) clashed.  I am in no way comparing this to giving up my time and talents to live and support Christians in an area of conflict etc.  But I think it's unfair to put missionaries on a pedal stool when all Christians should (theoretically) be working to grow the kingdom of God, wherever they are.

Now I've finished my rant, I would like to highlight the importance of overseas missionaries for growing the kingdom in other places, I guess after all I am a Christian thanks to the work of missionaries (and would the disciples not be seen as missionaries?).  I think that we are all part of Gods mission and need to live and work towards a greater goal, that is of growinh Gods kingdom on Earth, in unity.