There were many "Aha" moments and lots of ideas upon which I will continue to reflect, but what I think struck me most about the night was the community. I couldn't believe how many people I knew, from a variety of circles. Some were from the church where I was a student minister, one was a pastor from a church in Oakville, some were from the Skylight Festival that I help organize, some were colleagues, and of course, I came with a group of wonderful people. This show brought these many circles together.
Before the show, I attended a Q&A with Rob Bell and there was one question I thought about asking but wasn't ready to articulate. Rob Bell used to be a pastor in Michigan. He now lives in L.A. and seems to be independent of any church community. He writes books, does these tours, offers workshops, and a host of other activities. He doesn't seem to be afraid to try out new ideas and see where they take him. My question for him would have been around where he finds community, especially a community where he can share his faith, his passion for the bible, and talk about life's big questions.
I sometimes find these communities at church, through small groups of people who want to share and explore, or through my diaconal community when we gather regularly to worship and grow, or through one-on-one conversations where we open ourselves to the vulnerability that comes with sharing our challenges, our doubts, our questions, and our life stories. Sometimes though I feel a lack of this community.
On Sunday night, I encountered many who are attracted to the message Rob Bell has to share, his progressive ideas around faith and the bible, and his talent in being able to offer new ideas through storytelling, humour, and real struggles and joys. At this show, and through his podcast, I am part of a large community of people who follow his work, but I'm only a listener and observer. It's difficult to engage with a preacher or someone on a podcast. I was with friends, and it was great to continue the conversation after the show, but how does this conversation continue? How do I find a progressive community that wants to discuss, argue, and debate theology, a community that longs to worship with our hearts, minds, and bodies, and a safe community that is willing to be vulnerable, needs human connection, and offers the sacred space needed to share our stories?
Rob Bell was right when he said that one of his gifts to us was that he brought us together, but where do we go from there? With more than a thousand people in attendance, how do we find each other after the show and continue the conversation?
These moments of connection are elusive and I'd like to find a way to make them a more regular part of my life. I know there are others out there looking for the same thing. How do we create this space? I will continue to ponder this question. I think it's one with which I have been grappling for a little while now and I'm just beginning to name it. Do you long for this kind of space? Have you found it? I would love to hear about the places you go to grow in your faith and find spiritual renewal.
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