Forming Community
Sermon by: Rev. Mary Alice Mulligan, Ph.D.
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
From now until the end of May we will listen to two authors who wrote about the early church, but we will listen with an ear to what those writings might say to us as people of faith in the 21st century, for like the early church we too are a minority movement in a society that seems hellbent on destruction. The passage from the Book of Acts we hear today is what scholars call “a summary section.” Instead of recreating specific events, these brief verses summarize what is going on in the theological life of the community. In condensed form the writer of Acts, whom we call Luke, recaps what believers did. He describes 4 practices which were core behaviors of the early church, then he reports society’s response to the amazing events resulting from those behaviors. On-lookers were filled with awe because of the effects of those practices erupting within the fledgling community of Jesus Christ. Stop here and read Acts 2:42-47.
Certainly, most of us have noticed how family practices shape people. Family resemblances extend beyond physical appearances; family members act alike. On Mother’s Day we see how family practices shape us because we spend the day recalling our childhood, and not only the treasured things Mothers did. Those anecdotes show how family behaviors form who we are. Some families act like each member’s successes or failures are only the one person’s business. Other families celebrate each person’s events, maybe by a whole family happy dance or breaking out the ice cream. As adults, those early practices stick. Those family happy dances help shape who those children become, so as adults they easily rejoice over someone else’s success. In the same way, we are shaped by practicing the behaviors of our early church family. We grow to resemble our ancestors in the faith by following their spiritual practices. So, re-read Acts 2:42 and the beginning of 43 again.
The early church shocked society. Very shortly after reports of the resurrection circulated, the little group of followers baffled those around them with their determination and ensuing power. Christians gathered in worship at the temple in Jerusalem; they spent time listening to the apostles teach; they reflected on ancient scripture together; they gathered for joyous common meals where apparently there was plenty of food for however many showed up, and they talked together to figure out what Jesus meant by his final encouragement to share the loaf and cup in his name every time they met. The group believed God was real and present among them in the power of the Holy Spirit, so they spent time in prayer praising God, asking God to guide their formative steps, and they listened for the leading of the Spirit.
These four spiritual/communal practices: the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking bread together, and prayers caused mind-boggling results. Radical communal behavior took over as the group became mega-church-size. They didn’t set out particular rules for joining. No one said they had to participate in a common purse. Sacrificial sharing was an effect of the practices which connected them to God and each other. Their mutual, effervescent faith grew out of their practices which nourished their life as an extended family, where the welfare of each individual became a concern of the whole family. Apparently, people became so caught up in living out the faith, the surrounding society was astounded. Christian behavior was not normal. Who would choose such outrageous generosity?
Apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, performed all sorts of wonders and signs. We can imagine people observing early Christians, wondering “Who are these people?” Meanwhile God, through the community of faith, provided for all with enough left to share far beyond the church. These “People of the Way” lived a most peculiar way. Each day with “glad and generous hearts, [they praised] God.” Compassion overflowed on everyone and all shared goodwill. No one seemed focused on their individual gain. No wonder the surrounding society was stunned.
Well, we differ from our society, too. St. Andrew is happy to draw distinctions between who we are and what the surrounding community is like, aren’t we? Unlike how we feel, society does not seem to care if people fall between the cracks. If those Jesus would call the least – the vulnerable, the poor or marginalized, the lost – do not have resources for a full, healthy life, society asks, “Who cares?” And we say, “We do.” At the very least, we believe those in authority should treat people equally and provide programs to assist those who are struggling. But instead, authorities prioritize programs which serve the desires of the rich and powerful.
The surrounding culture also seems voyeuristically attracted to ugliness. Some of the most popular television shows reward deception. They call it “reality t.v.,” but it is better called “mean and hateful t.v.” And weekly dramas display violence as acceptable, if it gets the outcome one wants.
One the biggest areas St. Andrew disagrees with the surrounding society is in public education. We want every child to have access to excellent resources ensuring an educated citizenry in the future. But around us, authorities seem focused on making sure White people are comfortable with whatever is being taught in the classroom. Books are restricted if they might make White children feel guilty or ashamed, regardless of how Black children feel when they do not hear any history of people who look like them. The full range of the make-up of families cannot be discussed, since some adults’ prejudices are given more weight than the children’s rights to be able to hear the make-up of their own family affirmed. At least at St. Andrew we comfortably say “gay” and “lesbian” and “same sex parents” and “transgender” and “feel free to use whatever bathroom seems right for you.” The opinions expressed openly at St. Andrew are contrary to much of the bigotry that goes on around us. We are obviously different from our surrounding society.
But St. Andrew, how could we astonish society? If the early church stunned their society and we are the offspring of the early church, what do we need to do to fill the people around us with awe?
It’s true, in the last century, churches were often hardly distinguishable from the surrounding culture, except perhaps they were even more condemnatory. Feminists used to refer to certain parts of scripture as “Clobber passages,” which churches loved to preach from. These were verses used to beat down women’s belief in equality with men in service and ministry. There were also clobber passages about enslavement, sexual identity, and family make-up.
St. Andrew no longer reads those passages in ways which clobber people. But how can people know St. Andrew is truly a safe haven, especially since society continues to clobber people, often under the cloak of religion? What can we do to display our difference in ways which will shock those around us? In the early church, outrageous generosity and compassion were claimed as signs of God’s presence with the Jesus people. They stunned people by what they were willing to give up to ensure everyone had enough.
So, St. Andrew?
At the U.C.C. clergy retreat this weekend, I learned the school board in one community fired the high school health teacher and brought in an “abstinence only” curriculum with a person willing to teach it. So then the U.C.C. church in town got in contact with the fired health teacher, asking him to teach a public workshop on S.T.Ds. (that is sexually transmitted diseases) including prevention. The church has scheduled it for later this summer. They are considering getting someone to offer a workshop on sexual orientation and gender identity next. My guess is, some folks will be shocked. Yay!
How can we let society know what we stand for and what we stand against? A start is actually to keep to the early church practices. Get to worship; learn scripture; don’t skip coffee hour (it is fellowship!); and pray. We can allow the Holy Spirit to use our devotion to shape us, to guide and direct us into behaviors which will throw people into awe all around us. The Spirit will empower us to figure out public actions to stand against the unholy things going on around us. St. Andrew, let’s get serious asking God for guidance and strength to be a shocking witness for the Way of Jesus Christ.
In the weeks to come, we will continue to use the model of the early church to call ourselves to boldness in our faith. The society around us is opposed to many of the beliefs Jesus calls us to – protecting the vulnerable, caring for our children, offering healing to all regardless of economic status. Holding these positions is not enough. Our faith calls us to action. We just need to figure out what steps to take together next. Let’s devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship together, to worship and Communion, and to prayer, being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Then look out! Amazing actions can result.