What Makes Authentic Disciples Is Not Visions,

The Confessing Church Of American Ragamuffins Needs To Join Magdalene And Peter In Witnessing That Christianity Is Not Primarily A Moral Code But A Grace-laden Mystery; It Is Not Essentially A Philosophy Of Love But A Love Affair; It Is Not Keeping Rules With Clenched Fists But Receiving A Gift With Open Hands.

The Way Of Trust Is A Movement Into Obscurity, Into The Undefined, Into Ambiguity, Not Into Some Predetermined, Clearly Delineated Plan For The Future. The Next Step Discloses Itself Only Out Of A Discernment Of God Acting In The Desert Of The Present Moment. The Reality Of Naked Trust Is The Life Of The Pilgrim Who Leaves What Is Nailed Down, Obvious, And Secure, And Walks Into The Unknown Without Any Rational Explanation To Justify The Decision Or Guarantee The Future. Why? Because God Has Signaled The Movement And Offered It His Presence And His Promise.

I Believe That The Real Difference In The American Church Is Not Between Conservatives And Liberals, Fundamentalists And Charismatics, Nor Between Republicans And Democrats. The Real Difference Is Between The Aware And The Unaware.

The Cultural Propaganda Embodied In Two Liquor Advertisements, "living Well Is The Best Revenge" And "sip It With Arrogance," Have A Curious, Perhaps Demonic Appeal. Consumerism Indeed Has Its Own Spirituality.

Leadership In The Church Is Not Entrusted To Successful Fund Raisers, Brilliant Biblical Scholars, Administrative Geniuses, Or Spellbinding Preachers...but To Those Who Have Been Laid Waste By A Consuming Passion For Christ - Passionate Men And Women For Whom Privilege And Power Are Trivial Compared To Knowing And Loving Jesus.