Oh, you know...

March has been a busy month. I left the CP Center (Now known as the Therapy and Learning Center) and went to work for Healthy Start as a Family Support Worker. Healthy Start is a child abuse prevention program. We work with first time parents (mostly teenage girls), helping them become successful parents. So far, I enjoy having a job where I am helping others, getting out of the office and...wearing scrubs! I really miss my friends at the CP Center, but my co-workers at Healthy Start are lots of fun. I also have my own office, which is a first for me. So that is what has been keeping me preoccupied. While I love trying new things, transition is never easy, so I feel like I have been "out of it" lately. Hopefully over the next week or so I will get more settled into a new routine. Good times.

Contextualiztion

When I began reading about the C1-C6 spectrum I had already formed an opinion and was hoping to find evidence to support my conclusion. While my studies are far from over, I am surprised to find myself leaning in a different direction from where I started. My thoughts are a work in progress and I would love for my readers to join me in this discussion. Before I share those thoughts, I just want to outline the facts, to give you as much information as I can so that our conclusions are based on truth. If you have done research on contextualization please let me know if you see any holes in my arguments.

In recent years there has been much discussion on how to effectively take the gospel to Muslim countries. The C1-C6 spectrum appears to be at the center of that discussion. I have spent hours reading and have talked with people who hold different views on this subject. It has been insightful and challenging. Based on what I have been learning, I want to encourage you to remember a few things before you begin studying:

1. Let Scripture tell you the answers. My college minister use to always say this to me. It is easy to let our experiences and feelings determine our beliefs. Start with the Word as your foundation and go from there.

2. Be teachable. This is not a black and white issue. Consider all the information and don't let differences of opinion be devicive.

3. Muslims are not statistics or mission projects! They are a precious, unique people with whom we share a common bond - a need for Christ.
Important Terms and defentions:

MBB – Muslim Background Believer, this term refers to a follower of Christ who was formally Muslim.
Contextualization – To place a word or idea into a particular context; refers to the accommodating of words, phrases and meanings into understandable context for a particular culture.
Syncretism – The attempt to reconcile contradicting beliefs, often while melding practices of carious schools of thought. This term may refer to the attempt to merge and analogize several originally discrete traditions especially in theology or mythology and thus assert an underlying unity allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths.
C1-C6 churches – The ‘C’ stands for “Christ-Centered Communities”. The numbers 1-5 reflect three main areas:
1. The language of worship.
2. The cultural or religious forms which are used in both public life and in their worship.
3. The self identity as Muslim or a Christian.

I received this digragm through an email from and IMB missionary.
It breaks down the general aspects of C1-C6 churches.

If you are new to this discussion, I hope that this little bit of information has been helpful. My personal thoughts are coming later, but some of the questions I have struggled with are: Is is ok for a Muslim to continue calling themselves Muslim? Is it possible to seperate religious and cultural costumes in Islamic countries?

And, still studying...

I have not forgotten to follow on the discussion about contextualization. The past week has been, as you know, stressful. I have found some good resources and look forward to sharing with you!

On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand

As I drove to work this morning, the lyrics of this old hymn greatly encouraged me.

On Jordan's stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.

I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land;
I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land.

O the transporting, rapturous scene,
That rises to my sight!
Sweet fields arrayed in living green,
And rivers of delight!

I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land;
I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land.

There generous fruits that never fail,
On trees immortal grow;
There rocks and hills, and brookd and vales,
With milk and honey flow.

I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land;
I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land.

O'er all those wide extended plains
Shines one sternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns,
A scatters night away.

I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land;
I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land.

No chilling winds or poisnous breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
Sickness, sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more.

I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land;
I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land.

When shall I reach that happy place,
I'll be forever blest,
For I shall see my Father's face,
And in His bosom rest.

I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land;
I am bound, I am bound
I and bound for the promised land.

Filled with delight my raptured soul
Would here no longer stay;
Though Jordan's waves around me roll,
Fearless I'd launch away.

I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land;
I am bound, I am bound
I am bound for the promised land.

Words by Samuel Stennett