I was with Harvest again this Sunday and the questions have been developing in my mind. I had the privilege on Sunday afternoon to spend some time with Kerry and Eunice, the leaders of Harvest, and ask them stuff based on my observations.

One thing I have been particularly struck by is that Harvest is incredibly diverse. It does not just say it is inclusive and diverse, it actually acts out that inclusivity with an amazingly diverse group of people.

Within Harvest over the last few weeks I have chatted with conservative evangelicals, liberals and anglo-catholics who all seem to be able to co-exist and travel together on this journey called Harvest.

It’s good to see a church which practices what it preaches. It speaks of acceptance and the importance of relationships. Because Harvest takes this seriously being on placement here has actually been a bit of a nightmare as there are no real structures.

Harvest consists of cells who are committed to traveling together with each other and God. There is no statement of faith to subscribe to, no one ‘flavour’ of doctrine and no set way imposed or encouraged by the leadership.

I do have some issues and questions with this. I have questions around where do we draw a line with our inclusivity. How do we maintain with integrity a Christian identity and outlook if we are being inclusive of everything? If we draw a line, what criteria do we use to hekp us to know were to draw that line? In cells how do we ensure and maintin some form of quality control if the lead given is a light touch? The desire to be inclusive can result in being exclusive as people observe and believe they see nothing of the authenticity for which they are searching and so pass on.

Is an inclusive community, which sounds great in theory, really seen as quite bland and nondescript. Do we think its colourful when all that others see is an undefined greyness.

These are questions that have come to me on my drive home, and ae the questions I wish I knew beofre and could have asked Kerry and Eunice …. ah well, next time!