Last night I met with a group of mostly strangers to talk about life, God, and everything in between. It was a very informal meeting. There were six of us sitting in Rock Bottom restaurant, each with a beer.
And we just talked.
We got to know each other a bit, figured out what each person did for a living, how long they’ve been in Colorado – small talk, mostly. Conversation flowed and we briefly touched on any number of topics from great books to Southpark episodes to old college stories.
It was a great time.
We’ve decided that we’re going to continue meeting on a monthly basis. Next time we will be directing the conversation a little more with talk of what we’re passionate about. What’s our niche?
I write this because in addition to being a good time, it was also a great example of unique community. You see, none of us are really from the same background as the others. We have each had our own unique experiences, some of us are alienated from the church, some of us are pastoring a church, some of us are philosophers – our strongest bond is that we each have a common faith in Jesus Christ.
The group has met once, but already it will turn into a great time of community. Perhaps the foundational value of the community is a commitment to respect and the ability to agree to disagree. Amidst all of our various backgrounds, passions, and personalities, we will inevitably come with our own set of beliefs. But each one of us was there last night because we are okay with that. We don’t feel the need to convert each other and make it a community of same-minded people. It is enough that Jesus is our Christ.
I have found this kind of community online with people in different states. But other than an isolated friend here and there, I don’t have a community of people that I am able to have these types of conversation with. I am really excited to see how the community forms.
Beer and theology: that’s what we’re calling it for now.
The only thing that’s lacking? Cigars.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Authenticity, God, Jesus, Love, Random, Theology
