In preparation for Margins conference this summer in Toronto, I’ve been speaking with various people across the fellowship. The theme of learning to do ministry in a post-Christian culture is really striking a chord with our members. Maybe it’s the current political activity in America or maybe it’s the sense that the moral landscape is shifting, but people seem eager to discuss the topic. Our urban churches seem to be noticing the shift the most. John Shirk has been serving in Chicago for many years now and is on the cutting edge of learning how to represent Christ in an increasingly secular culture. I asked if he’d be willing to share some thoughts on the subject and he graciously agreed. — Bartley Sawatsky, executive director, Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches
I think the Old Testament stories of the exile are good examples of how to live in the margins. Daniel is my favorite. His people didn’t just lose a culture war, they were conquered by a foreign army. Doomed to life in the margins, exiled to a foreign land, they were faced with three options.