I had two conversations today, in two very different places.

My first of the day was in Gillingham as a few got together to think about Love Gillingham later this year. We chatted about what we should be thinking about doing, who we should ask about what needs doing – basically how we can show the love of Jesus in a relevant and tangible way in the community that is Gillingham.

I then hopped on a train to Victoria and met up with Ian Mobsby from Moot for one of my supervisory meetings. Here again we talked about mission in the context of Moot and how it seeks to reach those who are searching in the context of city life with a postmodern and disenfranchised or deconstructed/reconstructing sense of faith.

Two communities that in many senses are miles apart from each other, but are united in their desire to become more Christlike in the spaces that they find themselves in during the course of everyday life. Two communities that seek to express themselves in their own ways that mean something to where they are, but would probably look a little odd if taken out of their prticular contexts. Diverse approaches underpinned by the centrality of Jesus Christ.

I currently have a frustration.
That frustration is that some think there is ‘one right way’ to do things.
One right, underpinned by scripture, way to worship.
One right, underpinned by scripture, way to be involved in mission.
One right, underpinned by scripture, way to baptise.
One right, underpinned by scripture, meaning of the Eucharist.
(yep … 4 points, not 3, which I know is the right way, underpinned by scripture…)

Why do we all have to do the same?
Is it conceivable to think that in early Christian times all churches with poor communications between communities, were able, or even felt the need, to do the same?
Would the same even have been appropriate for everyone?
Even then, would one size, one approach, have suited all?

I love diversity!
We only need to look around the creation to see God’s love of diversity.
On a smaller scale, a wander around any art gallery, will show the gift of diversity of expression that God has given to humanity.
With the complete richness we have been given, surely God expects us to use that richness in all we do – in our lifestyles, our worship, our mission.
If we use our diversity, uniformity is not only impossible, but would be ludicrous to attempt.

But what of unity?
I’m told to be united as ‘one church’ we all need to do the same.
But … what about …
A unity, where we know we are on the same journey, being loved and accepted by the same God, searching for that same God in our own lives, living where we are.
A unity that allows us to share, laugh, talk, discuss, respect, love each other no matter what our opinion would be.
A unity that allows us to stand around one table and share one bread.
That’s my dream!