So there have been a lot of questions about the name change, everything from why did we make a change at all to why we chose the name Open Source Church. The second one is the crux of the matter for me. Why Open Source? What are we hoping to convey with such a different name for a church?
The obvious connection is with the computer terminology. Software that can run on any computer and is not restricted to one operating system is a great idea. Information accessible to all is an appealing thought to me. The new name came from a discussion with a friend of mine as we considered that concept. That was the starting point. But it doesn't stop there.
One of my biggest struggles with Christianity in America is the cart before the horse mentality that we have taken in our approach to people. Often, we expect a person to change their lifestyle, actions, wardrobe, and assorted other hang-ups before we allow them to meet Jesus. Oh, we may not say this outright, but our actions and attitudes make this sentiment quite clear - get your act together first and then you can be a part of us and connect with Jesus. We forget that without Jesus, no real change can ever occur in someone's life. Yet those who are most ostracized, who are most hurting in life, cannot get to Him to allow His power to move in their lives because we have created a checkpoint that effective bars them from reaching Him. We were never called to be Christ's security force, checking everyone to make sure they conform to our pre-determined image of what a church goer should look like. Rather, we were called to make introductions, allowing anyone who wants to met Jesus to find Him.
We believe that Jesus is the "Source" of all life, that He and He alone is the way to God. That being the case, we want to be "Open" to anyone who wants to find HIm at our church. That can be messy at times. We are going to have people show up and be a part of our community that do no fit the biblical standard. (I'm not going to worry about the church standard. We've moved pass that looooong ago.) And while they grow, while they come to a decision about Jesus, it may make for some unusual circumstances. But we are committed to allowing anyone the opportunity to find Jesus and to loving them while they search. Can't be any more messy than the fishermen, thieves, IRS agent, philosophers, and terrorist that He called the first time around.
So welcome to the Open Source Church. It's not only who we are, it's what we do! And that's something to be proud of!
I am very proud to be a part of the open source church!!! To be a place that actively lives out & particpates in the tasks that Jesus set the first disciples to, is an amazing responsibility. I was going to say "privilege" but really its our duty isn't it?
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The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for circumstances they want , and if they cannot find them .they make them.Do you understand?
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