August 7, 2022

“Getting good at anything takes practice. In Matthew 29:18-20, Jesus made a point of saying that all authority on heaven and earth had been given to him; and with that authority, his instruction was to “go and make disciples.” As a Christian, that’s an important part of your calling and purpose. So how are you going to do it? It starts with the basics. Jesus modeled nine simple practices that pave the way for effective spiritual conversations and discipleship.” (Text is from the introduction of Practicing the 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations Complete Guide)

On Sunday evenings in August and September, Pastor Christina will be facilitating six conversations adapted from the book The Nine Arts of Spiritual Conversations by Mary Schaller and John Crilly. Here’s our calendar:

Smell: Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-20

Taste: Watch the Video

What does it take to reconcile with someone who you aren’t getting along with? Maybe you had a falling out, your personalities clash, or someone offended you. Maybe you dread every holiday meal, or bump into someone unexpectedly, leaving you with unsettled emotions. The pain of broken relationships can go deep, and reconciling is not for the faint of heart. But for followers of Jesus its not optional. Jesus was willing to go to the greatest lengths —  his own life — to show us how much we are loved by God. Then, he entrusted the message and work of reconciliation to his followers (2 Cor. 5:18-19).

I hope you will take 36 minutes out of your week to watch (or listen) to this presentation. It is the second of a four-part series of sermons by Andy Stanley on the topic of reconciling broken relationships. There will be an opportunity on Sunday to talk about it with others (or just listen, that’s ok too!)

What does this have to do with the 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations? Broken relationships as they relate to Christian faith are three-fold: all humans must face their broken relationship with God, we all experience broken relationships with each other, and, most importantly for our conversations in August and September, the relationship of unbelievers and God’s people, the church, is significantly broken in America. To be ambassadors of reconciliation between God and people, and Christians and the unchurched, we must get serious with our own hearts. What does it take to want to be ambassadors of reconciliation to the unchurched? Turns out its pretty much the same as what it takes for Christians to reconcile with those who have hurt us.

If you want to watch the whole series, here are the links: Re-Assembly Required, Part 1, Part 3, Part 4.

Eat:

Wait…the “monologue” (sermon, lecture, etc.) isn’t the main course? Not at New Vision! New Vision gathers to do things we can’t do alone. We can all watch or listen to a monologue at home, but growth in faith is stunted if we don’t grow with others. Our gatherings are conversational and oriented towards living as a community of Jesus followers.

In person: We gather Sundays at 5 PM. We eat a meal together, followed by a time of conversation and encouragement. No one will call on you. No need to bring anything, but if you are more comfortable with a contribution bring chips, bread, or a side dish. We hope to make you feel welcome! For more about what to expect, click here.

On Zoom: Of course there are reasons to stay home sometimes. To join us for the conversation via Zoom, contact Pastor Christina at newvisionbic@gmail.com. She’ll give you the link!