Which Metaphor?
Which Metaphor?
More and more we are seeing and hearing of believers leaning into the narrative of Jesus and his disciples as the primary metaphor for their engagement with community of faith.
Meaning an emphasis on finding and doing our best to keep in step with Jesus, and less about organizing and monitoring others that are following him in nearby proximity.
Meaning a group of strugglers on a journey with less pressure to perform.
Meaning Jesus is clearly the leader and the one who does the work of transforming.
Food for thought.
Malcolm du Plessis
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Social justice is trending in Christianity. Sometimes it becomes fashion. Often, it begins as conviction — people trying to make sense of faith in a wounded world.
“Jesus was not results driven. He was always focused on the process and never the outward performance. It is inconceivable to think of him reveling in big outcomes for the sake of influence.” (Malcolm du Plessis)
"We live in a world of leveraging - where people use their platforms and their privileges to get places and get things done." (Malcolm du Plessis)
"Four bible sentiments to consider when collaboration entails negotiating a business agreement." (Malcolm du Plessis)
"The sixties birthed the civil rights and the contemporary worship movements. Sadly, they have run on separate tracks ever since." (Malcolm du Plessis)
"I read this story many years ago. And have read it many times over the years. It has the same effect on me each time I review it." (Malcolm du Plessis)
“The book of John describes the incarnated Christ as being full of GRACE and TRUTH. Inextricably intertwined.” (Malcolm du Plessis)
Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
That less visible space, on the outskirts of Christendom, where unconventional and unlikely candidates do life and mission together in less-formal structures.
"I found this cutting many years ago. No doubt there are countless such stories throughout history. So much food for thought." (Malcolm du Plessis)
"In recent days, when I have listened to worship music, my historic convictions have been freshly reinforced." (Malcolm du Plessis)
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Bishop Tutu, let’s listen to Nontombi and Malcolm …
"It will quickly become obvious to you that Common Hymnal is multi-ethnic." (Malcolm du Plessis)
"Make contact with the rest of the team prior to the writing session, identifying a leader to set the stage and guide the team through potential challenges along the way.” (Malcolm du Plessis)
“This business is named “Music Publishing” because of the way that songs were publicized and monetized before the invention of the LP. Back in the day, songs were spread by being transcribed onto sheet music, and printed, promoted and sold by Music Publishers.” (Malcolm du Plessis)
"A friend recently made a tongue-in-cheek comment about the trending theology of contemporary worship: “God is great. And we are great."" (Malcolm du Plessis)
"It has felt, increasingly, like I moved from South Africa to South Africa, excepting, in my old South Africa, we knew we had a problem." (Malcolm du Plessis)
“We live in a consumer society, in a culture of big, loud, and fast brands, where production and performance rule. It is very tempting to want to harness these elements of cultural influence to accomplish the work of God.” (Malcolm du Plessis)