jumpin_jacks - Riverbrew!

jumpin_jacks - Riverbrew!

jumpin_jacks

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Riverbrew!	[Jun. 5th, 2007\|05:18 pm]
So, we had our first Riverbrew meeting on Saturday. All I can say is that I left the meeting feeling incredibly encouraged. Honestly we didn't know what to expect. About 35 people showed up, comprised of olders and youngers, men and women. There was a general sense of excitement as well as some great discussion. People seemed to really listen as Brett talked. I don't think it is any secret that this particular ministry has caused a few ripples within Riverview. The main question seems to be "is it worth it". As if we could put the ministry on a scale and see if the "good" outweighed the "bad". Up until this point, I haven't posted anything about the ongoing discussion of this ministry, mainly because I wanted to distance myself from any emotional reaction I might have to peoples objections. If you want to read an excellent response to peoples objections, go to brett’s blog and read this post http://www.brettmaxwell.com/2007/05/riverbrew-friction.html I am not as eloquent in my written response, but I just wanted to comment on the practical positives about the ministry so far. Technically the ministry has only been going for 3 days now. But, even before the ministry began, we started to hear from people that really appreciate this sort of thing. From a parent encouraged by their childs involvement at Riverview, to a guy who finally was able to see his neighbor come to Riverview, it seems like this ministry is able to reach into hard places where people are at and bring them out. It was so exciting to see olders and youngers, men and women, christians and non-christians all in the same room. My hope is that this will be a "safe place" for people who have been burned by religion. A place where people can come face to face with the reality of who Christ really is. This means that we are opening ourselves up to the risks of "encouraging" people to drink alcohol. I could say it differently, but in honesty, this is what we are doing. I hope that legalists who come will find Christ’s grace instead, and those who abuse their freedom will find a model of worship and moderation instead. As with so many issues, there is a balance that must be struck. The balance does not come by over indulgence, to prove to ourselves that drinking is ok. It does not come by abstention, just to make sure we don't cross any lines. It comes with a careful study of the guidelines and example that Christ has left for us. The drunk is just as guilty as the legalist of twisting Christ’s words. I will never hit this balance perfectly. But hopefully this ministry helps others to find this balance better than before. All I know is that I can't wait for the next meeting.
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