Shane Claiborne is awesome

I heard Shane Claiborne speak tonight.  He is a member of a community in Philadephia called "The Simple Way."  He's written a couple of books and appeared in documentaries about his ministry.  Basically, he calls Christian communities to be Christian, to live the rule of love in quite radical ways.

For example, he's part of a group that collectively pays medical costs.  The group started with about 400 persons who collectively pay for each other's medical costs.  Now the group is up to 20,000 and over the last 20 years they've spent $45,000,000. Simply, there's a monthly newsletter which describes the needs, and then the community of persons contributes what they can to help others.

Shane believes in a "relational tithe."  That means that people help out their neighbours. What a radical concept!! Isn't that what Christians have been doing for millenia?  Or have they?  I see a lot of Christians today who hoard and it disturbs me.  Very few Christians that I know seriously disturb their standard of living by giving to other people.  Yet, Shane pushes people to realize that most of the time we have enough of what we need. 

Also, he preaches One church, that works together for the good of all.  Church shouldn't be about beliefs, but about what we do, the way we live.  We should show we are Christians by our love.

This event was put on by the Open Table, which is organized by an ecumenical leadership.  They host a meal and gathering once a month.  There's was about 400 people for this event at Dominion Chalmers.  That's pretty amazing for a Friday night.  It really felt special -- it felt like the Spirit was there and enjoying it.  I was moved and felt that I truly worshiped God.  Inspiring!