A Mutt's Monastery

Can community exist on the internet? Or at least to what extent can it exist on the internet?

With a growing number of folks both desiring authentic community and estrangement from the established Christian church, what do we have left? Where do the two meet? So, someone wants a beer with my meal or for refreshment on a hot day...can they co-exist with folks in authentic community?

But shouldn't we strive for something deeper than co-existance? Something deeper than 'I'll tolerate your crappy parts as long as you can do the same for me?' Maybe it starts there, but it probably shouldn't end there. At least I don't think so...

Aren't our churches already full of folks co-existing?

Should we surprised that no one wants to 'join up'? Who wants to build a house out of paper mache`...especially if there were folks that wanted to wanted to take the time to build something more long lasting and stronger; if there were folks that actually wanted to take the time to do it...

Maybe instead of 'our idea of Jesus style' ministry, we should do Jesus style ministry. He had a vision for a better way to live, built a community of 12 guys that were willing to make the sacrifice that community requires. Less about function and style and a borg-like disciple making process and more about listening to story and understanding the more folks we embrace the more beautiful the community is...and maybe let Jesus do the transforming...

He's much better at it...

At least I think so...