My Values – Rhythms, Relationships, and Renewal
Almost a decade ago, I had the great privilege of planting a church in the Bay Area with some wonderful people. We had a good season, although unexpectedly and unfortunately in our second year, my core people moved out of the area, to you know places like refugee camps in Thailand! After that happened, I discerned that it was just not the time to continue with this plant. The great things though is that even though this plant did not continue, it helped me to think a lot about the things I value the most and to reflect even more deeply on the spiritual journey. A lot of what I will write here on this Website finds it initial formation from this experience.
Below, find a short video I did regarding my church plant describing the values I had for this community and also ones I hold out for a future community and for all sojourners on the Way to consider.
My Beliefs and Theological Influences
In case you are wondering what my theological leanings are, I am an Anglican Christian. If you want to know more about the Anglican Tradition, check out Simply Anglican by Dr. Winfield Bevins. That said, though I have spent my entire life in this tradition, I have also been greatly influenced by other traditions throughout my lifetime. My mom was raised in the Presbyterian tradition and my father was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. I also have Lutherans in my family line. My first seminary, where I developed a great love for John Wesley was Methodist, and the second seminary where I attended was an evangelical, trans-denominational graduate school. Over the years, I have read widely, including works by Eastern Orthodox theologians like Kallistos Ware and Alexander Schmemann, works by Roman Catholics such as Mother Teresa, St. Frances, and St. Ignatius of Loyola; and works by evangelical folks like Eugene Peterson, Richard Foster, Dallas Williard, Peter Scazzero, John Mark Comer, and Pete Grieg. I have been truly blessed by the “great cloud of witnesses” over the years as I have pursued a deepening relationship with Jesus.
For more on my beliefs, which can best be summed up in the words of the ancient Nicene Creed, read this.