Today's post is by Julie Jones.  Julie is a collegue of mine at Christian Associates. Her and her husband, Darrin have ministered in France and Morroco and are amazing people.  

Brennan Manning in his book, Lion and Lamb takes a look at two views of life and theology. As I read this chapter I was struck with the powerful reminder that the way we see life and interpret theology greatly influences how we plant churches, what kinds of churches we plant and ultimately what kinds of lives we lead.

As peoples, nations, states and cultures have expanded their horizons and envisioned broader boundaries; Pioneers have always led the way. Over time, however, a second group emerges: The Settlers. These two groups couldn’t be more different in both perspective and practice.

The Pioneers set out on adventure and, in fact, this is one of their key words and main drives for existence. Life is “a wild, fantastic and explosive gift,” says Manning.

Settlers are more concerned with putting down roots and, well, settling. Life for them is “a possession to be carefully guarded”.

Theology for the Settler is geared towards answering all of the major questions and largely taming God.  Safety, security and happiness are high ideals for the Settler. Faith involves trusting for the safety of the settlement. In Settler Theology, God is the Mayor and keeping peace and quiet are the main concerns. Jesus is the Sheriff and he was sent by the Mayor to enforce the rules.

In Pioneer theology, there is an emphasis on talking about what it means to receive this mysterious gift. The Pioneer embraces untamed nature of his faith and, truly, “faith is the spirit of adventure…(and) obedience to the restless voice of the Trail Boss.” “God is the Trail Boss. He is rough and rugged, full of life. He chews tobacco, drinks straight whisky and he lives, eats, sleeps and fights with his people.” Jesus is the Scout and by observing the Scout, one learns how to be a Pioneer.

To use more Wild West lingo, Settler Theology sees the church as the courthouse: the center of town life. The courthouse is “the settler’s symbol of law, order and stability and most important, security.”

In Pioneer Theology, the church is the covered wagon. The church is literally like a house on wheels; always on the move. Life in the covered wagon is rugged, community-based and battle scarred. It is messy but always an adventure and with the Trail Boss in the trenches with the Pioneers; it’s well worth the risk.

“The church claims to represent Jesus on earth but in fact it often supplants Him”, Manning asserts. We are the community of the Covered Wagon Church where safety takes a back seat to adventure and embracing the mystery of God is more important than taming Him.

After returning to the US after eight years abroad the urge to settle has hit with a vengeance. I want to set down roots and to make my existence comfortable. I am arrested by these thoughts, however. Is this what God really desires for me? What adventure might I miss if my roots anchor me too much to this world?

I know deep in my soul that I want to be a part of the Covered Wagon Church Planting Movement. I want to be a part of something greater than my personal comfort and myself.  The unsafe and untamable God calls me to more…This is why I joined the Christian Associates movement.

What about you?

Rob: If you are interested in church planting, you can get info by logging into Join the Movement or drop me a comment on this post.  Thanks!!!