A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation, by Rod Dreher

In a recent Barna Study, the Burlington/Plattsburg region ranked as the 5th most Post-Christian city in the U.S.  The top seven were all in the Northeast.

So when a book makes the New York Times bestseller list promising a strategy for people of faith in a post-Christian nation – we believers in the Northeast should take note.

To be fair, I still have a couple of chapters left to read, and I am not writing a review, but I have found this to be an engaging and thought-provoking read.

The subtitle begs the question – a strategy for what?  Rod Dreher believes that the secularization of American culture requires a strategy for survival, and he is promoting a return toward ordered life as a distinct and intentional Christian counter-culture.

My mind is spinning on these questions:

– Is his assessment of post-Christian America correct?

– Would the strategies he promotes work?

I am convinced that we who believe (in a historically consistent sense of the Christian faith) will be increasingly distinct, and this is not necessarily a bad thing.  It will require us as individuals and a faith community to more clearly understand, live, and pass on what we believe.

I would love to discuss this with some of our St. Timothy community, or with others who are seeking to live the gospel around Burlington. Do you have space on your summer reading list?

Comment or email micah@sttimothyburlington.org if you’re up for a book discussion.

I’ve never been one to keep a journal.  I probably should keep one.  People have told me I should keep one. I’ve even read a couple of books on the importance of keeping one.  I’ve tried it a few times over the years, and it’s just never stuck.

But something is going on in this new season of my life as the vicar of St. Tim’s.  There are things that I want to say, questions that should be answered, and testimonies that should be shared.  Sunday afternoons aren’t always the right platform – we’ve gathered to worship the Lord, and it’s important that we keep our Sunday focus on the most important aspects of our life together – but there are non-central things worthy of saying someplace.

The website blog might be that place.

As I’m am imagining the blog road ahead – you can expect to find postings from me and guest writers in four general categories –

1 ) Opportunities and Testimonies.  Many of us at St. Tim are passionately involved in other organizations and missions that are in need of volunteers from time to time. All of us have neighbors and friends that might need a hand. We value Mission, and we are all about supporting one another to do the work in the world that God has given us to do. After the work is done, we’ll share some stories so we can celebrate the work of God’s Kingdom together.  Watch for the #LovingOurNeighbors tag.

2) Community and Vision Topics.  There are moments in the life of the church that sometimes need words, and this will be a place to put those words, so that we can come back to see them. When the Lord gives us a vision for the future, whether it be a new statement of purpose, a new calling of staff or clergy, a new space or campaign, or even a season of devotion, we’ll talk about it here, in addition to all of the discussion we will have on Sundays.  Watch for the #JourneyofStTim tag.

3) Books I’m Reading. I would like to be a more intentional reader, especially of Spiritual books, whether devotional, academic, testimony, or biography.  From time to time, I will post a book or books I’m planning to read and invite anyone interested to read with me. Book recommendations are always welcome.  If something turns out to be great, I may post a review. Watch for the #ReadingList tag.

4) Questions about Worship.  St. Timothy is an interesting place.  We make a real effort to balance depth  and accessibility of worship. No matter where you come from, our Sundays are probably different than what was once “normal church” for you.  Sometimes people ask me good questions, and sometimes there are things I wish people would ask me about. I’ll try to answer some of those questions here.  Watch for the #TheWhyOfWorship tag.

I will tend to leave the comments available, and try to respond.

I’m excited to have a place to talk about our journey together!

Micah+