Kyle, one of my native friends, is appealing for unity in native ministry. He wants us to cut some slack to those with a different emphasis than we might have, realizing that there are apostolic churches, prophetic, evangelistic, and pastor-teacher centered gatherings. He wants us all to realize that Christ is our common Ground, and I support his call for unity.
But there are even more "flavors" of native church than just the five-fold ministry styles Kyle mentions.
WE HAVE:
---intertribal urban powwow centered fellowships
---Cherokee clan style fellowships
---Indian Shakers that add a unique flavor to Northwest churches,
---sweat gatherings that honor Jesus with faithful leaders that no one calls prophet or pastors
---medicine people who love Jesus and serve in quiet ways without broadcasting meeting times or tent revivals
--- talking circles whose members follow Christ but have no denomination.
In Indian country, we are really stretching the definition of what it means to be church -- the "called ones". I believe in one Church, the church of Jesus Christ. There are many members of the Body, and although they shouldn't, often some body parts riducule the others.
Kyle uses the term "common ground" - and that is Jesus Christ. I say "one church" and that is Jesus' church. So whether you are denominational, non-denominational, post-denominational or just plain injuns following Jesus, it's still just one church.
But we aren't done yet. We are still waiting for Beauty Way churches, Jesus kivas, Yeshua yuwipis, and the dreamers and prophets who tell of the Jesus way. Wovoka of the Ghost Dance was a Christian, and Black Elk of the Sundance loved Jesus. Let's look forward to Jesus and his Good News coming through loud and clear in ALL our cultures. Please let's not "bore" people into the kingdom by telling them that they have to first adopt another culture, because after all, "God does have his favorites...".
thanks for listening...ray+
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