I met Heike (pronounced “HIGH-kah”) a few months ago while I walked Brogan along one of the streets that parallel my own. She was very friendly, gushed over the cuteness of my puppy, and introduced me to the 90-pound puppy living in her house. She then surprised me by revealing that she is from Germany and teaches German—go figure—at the University of Memphis. My surprise came from the fact that she sounds like an American—no discernible German accent!

(Note: My dog Brogan has now featured in several updates, so you may be getting tired of hearing how my little brindled pup has literally led me to conversations all around my neighborhood. But these stories are really about God working through the humblest of creatures! And I don’t just mean Brogan...)

Fast forward to two weeks ago: I was hanging out with a friend of mine at Bosco’s, a local restaurant in Midtown Memphis, when Heike appeared at my elbow to say “hi.” (Naturally, she remembered Brogan’s name but thought mine was “Jonathan.”) We chatted for a minute, then she went back to her friends. Nothing profound happened except the friendly, somewhat prosaic, conversation that neighbors sometimes share.

I learned, however, that even a shallow conversation can serve to strengthen a connection, which God can use to build a bridge to real relationship. Not a week after I ran into Heike at Bosco’s, I received an email from her. (Which was weird since I hadn’t actually given her my email address.) And here’s what she said:

“I am looking for a spiritual community (long story involving being raised Catholic, studying Buddhism, interfaith retreats, etc.) and have been searching...for a home for this restless heart... I took it as a good sign when I saw a familiar face on the CCC homepage.”

The story’s not over. Heike hasn’t visited Christ City yet; she may not come at all. But I find it encouraging, even awe-inspiring, that a puppy and a familiar face might lead this German woman to a Gospel community. Please pray with me for this neighbor of mine who is looking for a “spiritual community.” Pray that—whether it’s Christ City or another body of Believers in Memphis—she will find the God of the universe!

Our new sermon series on the Body of Christ at Christ City Church

the messy side of community

Many of us think that, or at least act like, community is incidental to our faith, and yet God created the very universe in fellowship with himself! Community is an intergral element in truly becoming like Christ. But real community is anything but clean, despite—and probably because of—the fact that it’s through community that we learn who we really are.

Just recently I was reminded of this through a convoluted online interaction with a friend from church. Somehow my friend got the idea that I’m harboring hard feelings towards him over a certain situation, and two nights ago he reacted in anger to an innocent comment I made to one of his online posts because he thought it meant something that it did not. (I apologize for being vague, but I want to protect the identity of my friend.)

I had a feeling something was wrong (his anger was not immediately apparent), so I called him to talk. Apparently I beat him to the punch, and we had a short chat about what was bothering him. Most likely we’ll need to talk some more, but neither one of us is afraid to get a little relationally messy. And, ultimately, our friendship will grow stronger.

We're each mirrors for one other, which is one thing that makes relationship so scary, and as a body of believers we reflect the glory of God to the rest of the world (a whole 'nother level of scary). I'm glad to be a part of a group of people who are willing to learn—and act on—what it means to be the Body of Christ.

At Christ City we’re doing a series on what it means to be a true community, and if you’re interested you can listen to the sermons here: http://christcitymemphis.org/#/resources/sermons. Jonathan is an excellent teacher, and I think you'll enjoy hearing how my community is learning to be a better community!

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Your partner in ministry,

Jason McFarland