Thursday, July 23, 2009

The "Second" Second Guess

This year is turning out to have watershed written all over it. From the big stuff like my new job to the smallest conversations, I've found more personal purpose, passion, and direction than I ever have. It's been a ride.

And here is where it could be leading me. For some time now, I've considered starting a non-profit or foundation that would allow me to fully engage in my passion to see the mainline evangelical church embrace a new way of engaging the LGBT community.

Yeah - a little scary. But I'm bolstered by many things: my own faith community here in San Diego & their support, burgeoning relationships with other people interested in the same thing, learning from the trailblazer in this area, Andy Marin, and - perhaps most importantly - by what I believe to be my little mission in this world from God. From long before I ever even told someone for the first time about my own orientation, I sensed God was writing my story to be a source of help and hope to other people who have struggled with faith and sexuality. Today I find myself in a place to be able to competently have those conversations: rooted in a great community of Christ-followers, focused & purposed with a mission I'm passionate about, and learning more and more to place all of my hope and trust in one who holds my future anyway.

So here's where things are currently. Since this blog is essentially my "stomping grounds" when it comes to my own emergence from spiritual/sexual shame and confusion (I originally titled the blog "The Second Guess" to indicate I was re-considering Christianity itself), and since it's been a place for me to give voice to the journey I've been on, I think it's appropriate (poetic, ironic even) for me to possibly name this new venture "The Second Guess" as well. This time around, the term would obviously refer to something different; namely, re-thinking (second guessing) the way the church and the LGBT community have approached one another over the past couple of decades. My best friend and pastor often talks about a "third way" - an option that isn't necessarily a balance between two opposing views, but another route altogether that might look more like the way Jesus would have taken in the first place. I believe there is a third way in the current culture war between Christians and the gay community, and I hope to be a part of navigating it with others.

So there it is. This is really the first time I've "gone public" with this notion, and the reason for doing so is that I'd like to actually get some feedback, suggestions, or thoughts on approaching the whole concept. I have just a few concepts/phrases that I've been chewing on for a bit that I thought I'd throw out there and see what anyone reading this might have to say.

THE SECOND GUESS

  • Building bridges between the church and the LGBT community (already the tagline for the Marin Foundation, but still an important concept for me)
  • Acts of hope and reconciliation amid a crippling culture war
  • Rethinking the church's approach to LGBTs
  • Second guess your suppositions
  • Opening the way of Jesus to his children in the LGBT community
  • Opening the church's doors to the gay community
  • Navigating toward a place for LGBTs in the kingdom of God
For me, the "acts of hope and reconciliation" phrase best captures what I want to be about - a tangible expression of understanding between two communities at war with each other. But what do you think? Is there something you would add, or a question you would expect to see answered in the first moments of hearing about a group or foundation like this? Tell me what you think - but also tell me why.

-M

3 Comments:

  1. Billy said...
    How?
    Like tangible examples as to what these 'acts' of hope and reconciliation might looks like.

    I mean I feel like I know exactly what your saying, but I also cannot put it into words myself. It's a 'way' it's 'the way' really. But feel like, even just the notion of such actions, is unimaginable or simply to clouded to see, for those so deeply entrenched on either side of the war.
    I mean maybe thats part of it right there... the concept of there existing 'sides.' thereby automatically submitting to the idea of inequality, and by extension, defensiveness; condemnation, and ridicule... etc etc..
    Anonymous said...
    I wonder is there really a war between the two communities or are the two communities biggest voices at war and the rest are just following suit-not knowing why other than they are just going with the people wearing the same jersey.
    I'm a huge suporter of you as you are and what you want to accomplish. I think it's important. to bring to light to everyone that there aren't hidden agendas lying around but the one true objective is love. That unconditional, free love without strings that is there for EVERYONE. The path to this peace is an understanding and a respect that each and every one of our lives has value and meaning-period. Then there can be love. Then there can be harmony and peace and above all, moving forward.

    Chad
    Anonymous said...
    sure,Matthew...you are loved, you are precious to the God of the universe. Jesus is seeking you as much as you are seeking Him...surely more. I just did a study on John 13-17, the last few hours Jesus' spent with his beloved disciples. Way cool stuff in it...I just scratched the surface...The Spirit of Truth...Christ in you the hope of glory has much to whisper in your ear. Isaiah 50:4 is so amazing...what an invitation...what a promise..."The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples,that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me, morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple." Morning noon or night...Don't miss this rendez-vous! BE THERE! He wants to speak to you through His Word!
    I want to apologize to you for me & my brothers and sisters who have not loved YOU and accepted you as you are...I am a Christ follower...last time I checked Christ followers are called to love and point to Christ...I believe the whole Bible and I am convinced that we can not pick and choose passages to obey and to leave out...however, I believe John 16:8 and trust the Lord to work in my heart and yours while we are left free to love one another and hope...
    So these thoughts come to you from the French Alps but I remember you as a boy and you & your family are dear to me, especially Clark!
    In His Astounding Love, Anne Lohse Chalvet

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