More Truthful and Faithful


By Lily Yang


 

Recently, I have had the privilege of knowing and talking with several young people whose parents are my friends and faithful servants in Christ. These young people are talented, excellently educated and have been soaked in the evangelical church since they were born. But they have one more thing in common: they stopped going to their parents’ churches, or any church at all. But why? As a parent myself, I could feel their parents’ pain and worry.

 

When I first read about emerging (or emergent) church, I felt my heart beat running fast. My lifelong evangelical background and tradition sensed some threat, challenge and danger. I have been very used to living in a cozy, comfortable, safe, predefined, predetermined evangelical circumstance. But I also found that I can’t ignore the emergent movement in today’s church. Although the term “emerging church” is a very broad term, you hardly can use the word to label or define a church– which is a postmodern characteristic. If you are honest and serious about being a true follower of Christ, you really can’t ignore what they are trying to do – to allow dialogue between different beliefs and ideas rather than forcing a person to accept the whole package. They are trying to live out what they believe and be a true follower of Christ by serving the community, and to be relevant to the very diverse global culture.

 

When Pastor Sue Yoder and I sat down in a cold Sunday afternoon I could feel her compassion toward the un-churched people in our community. In the interview, she talked sincerely, honestly and sometimes I even worried a little bit for her courage in making herself vulnerable. The very reason my friends’ young adult children don’t go to their parents’ churches is because they are being hurt by “groups of people fighting with one another who all strongly believe only they themselves hold the truth”.

 

On a penny a day, can one meet one’s economic needs? After reading Eric Vogen’s “Pick Up a Penny”, I have been secretly looking for penny and hoping I can find a penny each day as a token of a blessing and reminder. How does picking up a penny or risking a penny bring you tremendous blessing? Eric inspired me and brought hope and encouragement.

 

Again, Esther Liu in this issue provides us with a visual model of a wholistic humanity based on the previous study of Jesus’ life. I found it useful and enlightening.

 

My wish is that from enjoying the reading, these articles will challenge us to become more truthful and faithful to our Lord and our fellow believers.

 

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please email us at [email protected].

 

Lily Yang

 

 

 

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