An Anomalous Belfry

Here's the Next Item Up for Bids...

I think that the discussion on sleep has run its course. I waited for a couple of extra days after the last comment to make sure that no one had anything else to contribute, and alas I was right, we have to move on. A big "thank you" to everyone who read these postings and took time to think about the idea and how it could be applied to life, a bigger "thank you" to those who contributed to the process.

After synthesizing all the comments, I have come to the conclusion that since we all sleep, we might benefit from thinking about it (at least a little bit) and that there is definitely some things that we should be doing for others and for ourselves in our everyday life to enhance the way we live. I also learned a few things, such becoming more aware of the various ways in which sleep (too much, too little and just enough) can affect the way in which we live - even in the long term. I also appreciated the fact that there were people willing to look at the "bigger picture" of sleep in areas like stewardship, ministry and community.

Without you guys, I would not have been able to see these connections and I hope that others benefited as well.

However, do not necessarily consider the topic of sleep closed permanently; if you wish to leave any further comments or musings on the subject that you think would be beneficial, then feel free to post them on the appropriate link. If there is sufficient additional comments, I will draw attention to them at a later time.


And moving right along...

After a discussion with a friend, I came to the realization that another topic in the Christian life that might be worth looking at is the concept of reconciliation and restoration.

Let me explain.

The need for restoration and reconciliation, in my understanding, comes from the idea that people are not perfect and therefore there may be consequences for the actions of people that affect a church community as a whole. In some churches, leaders (which can include pastors, elders, teachers, board members among others) have disciplined church members or have been disciplined by their fellowship for conduct that was deemed to be unbecoming for a believer, especially one that has some position of influence.

occasionally, this results in these people leaving the church, sometimes under their own initiative and sometimes being tossed out of the fellowship. Sometimes this is explicit in that a person is told to leave (whether public or not, it doesn't matter) or it is implicit in that people consistently "drop hints" until the person "decides to leave".

This discussion will not be about how the person leaves the church (or a discussion on whether or not it should happen in the first place), but let us assume that it has happened to a given person and you attend the same fellowship that they did at one time and you were an active member (you are not necessarily the reason why they left, but in that you are aware of the situation) in the church when they left.


How should the reconciliation and restoration take place?

- Does the person's previous position in the church have anything to do with how they are restored?
- Does the nature of the act (whether alleged or confirmed) affect things?
- Does the nature in which they left affect it? (ie. Their own initiative vs. pressure from the church)
- Should a person be welcomed back into a church at all, or should they have to be accepted elsewhere?
- Is there a minimum time period involved?
- Is there any practices or Biblical references that can apply to a situation like this universally (for the purposes of laying groundwork)?


That's my initial contribution to the discussion; now it's your turn. If you are new to this format, please read the "comment rules" at the bottom of the post entitled "A Call to Worship". I'd like to encourage people to post more than once; state your initial position the first time and then feel free to comment on other people's ideas (just respect one another...) and let's see what comes up!

Onward and upward! Looking forward to seeing the comments.

posted by theDING @ 17:44