“What if we changed our approach? What would the Church look like if the first impression we gave outsiders was not one of judgement? What if we were known for our compassion, our connections, our graciousness, helpfulness and concern, rather than our separateness or our rules? Jesus loved first. It’s through that love that He transforms hearts. Jesus didn’t have to take a stand against everything, because what He stood for was so powerful. Jesus’s default was love, grace and peace.”

This quote from Tyler Edwards (lead pastor of Cornerstone Christian Church in Joplin, Missouri) expresses something of his desire “to be all about Jesus.” Oddly enough, it is my desire too. Like Tyler, I find many of the church’s practices, beliefs, requirements, and attitudes to be obstacles to genuine community.

When I stop and consider being all about Jesus here are some of the things that come to mind:

• Jesus called people to discipleship – to follow him.
• Jesus healed people.
• People searched for Jesus.
• Jesus was more about feasting than fasting.
• Jesus turned a few things around for instance Mark has him saying, “The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath.” People first!
• Jesus recognized as family and community all “who do the will of God.”
• Jesus told wonderful stories/parables (see Mark 4).
• Jesus raised the dead, walked on water, fed the people, healed again and again (these stories are to stretch our imagination to brand new possibilities of being a loving, caring, power-house of a presence in the world!).
• Jesus welcomed and honoured children.
• Jesus taught us the two greatest commandments:

  The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God,

  the Lord is one; you shall love the  Lord your God

  with all your heart, and with all your soul,

  and with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

  The second is this,

  “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

  There is no other commandment greater than these.

• And whatever else the story of death and resurrection may be about, I think it is a deep mystery of love, life, faithfulness, and strength.

This is only a partial listing. Suffice it to say however, that for me Jesus is a vital, living, presence and energy transforming my life and that of many others.

I see this happening (it’s happening all around us and through us as a faith community) in our youth outreach and ministry. Thanks to Josh and Lindsay for their amazing leadership. I see it in the Malawi Water project. Thanks to Helen for her vision. I see it in prayer shawls, food pantries, prayers, music, advocacy, and in so many ways big and small.

I see it in people who are stronger, and who are living abundantly and generously. I see it in people who are courageous and compassionate.

Today, Jesus is still calling us to follow, calling us forward, healing us, raising us up, and blessing us. Yep, “Jesus loved first” and last – always. So, “What if we changed our approach?” Love first – try it and see!