LOAM Episode 1: "Bring Your Chickens"

What is church? In this debut episode of LOAM, co-pastors Tonetta Landis-Aina and Anthony Parrott explore the essence, tensions, and beauty of Christian community. From underground churches in Yemen to food pantries in Iowa, they unpack personal experiences that have shaped their understanding of what makes church... church.

Key Conversations

- The "isness" of church: Beyond programs and buildings
- Church as a fellowship of difference
- The power of marginality in Christian community
- Tension between institutional structures and authentic relationships
- Multi-generational community as "burning bushes"

Featured Quotes & References

- Eugene Peterson on the "ontological church"
- C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters on the visible vs. invisible church
- Dr. Willie James Jennings's commentary on Acts
- Jamar Tisby on the Civil Rights Movement as America's third Great Awakening
- Dallas Willard: "Your system is perfectly tuned to get the results you're getting"

Scripture Referenced:

- Ephesians 2 (God's household)
- Acts 1-2 (Birth of the church)

Questions for Reflection:

1. What experiences have shaped your understanding of church?
2. How do you navigate the tension between church as institution and church as community?
3. Where do you see "burning bushes" in your faith community?

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