My Passion is... Community
"What an incredible place and privilege our city provides to speak prophetically, to do justice and love mercy, and to grow communities of faith that demonstrate the power of Christ's love to transcend the boundaries of culture, color, and class which so often fracture our world."
If there were a word, or phrase to sum up the unique passion that God has given you, what would it be?
Community – both in terms of understanding what it means to be the body of Christ as the church, and in living out the reconciling love of Christ in the world. The New Testament not only says but shows us that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." It is not enough to preach. As imperfect as we are, by the grace of God, we need not simply to proclaim but to be the message – a community of love and mercy, people who serve others and whose lives embody a prophetic critique of the world's system.
How has that passion worked its way into the purpose of your ministry at your church?
Taking seriously that Christ calls us into community impacts the vision and ministry of the church at every level. Wisconsin Avenue Baptist is one of those congregations that reflects a glimmer of heaven, described in the book of Revelation as people gathered together in Christ "from every tongue, tribe, nation, and people." That diversity also captures the demographics of our international neighborhood in upper Northwest. At the same time, we seek practical ways of reaching out to underserved neighborhoods blighted by poverty and pain throughout the city. It is a matter not only of love but justice. Jesus taught us that to love our neighbor means to be a neighbor to those in need.
What group of people has the Lord laid heaviest on your heart?
That's a hard question, because the compassion of Christ draws us to all who are in need. A few years ago I began a ministry modeled on the biblical "city gate" where the poor, the widow and orphan, and the foreigner were to receive justice and inclusion into the larger community. So those outside the mainstream have a special claim on my heart. Jesus said what we do to the hungry, naked, sick or imprisoned, we do unto Him, and the church discovers its greatest joy when we love Jesus in this way.
What are the unique challenges of ministering in the DC Metro area?
Challenge is just another way to spell opportunity. What an incredible place and privilege our city provides to speak prophetically, to do justice and love mercy, and to grow communities of faith that demonstrate the power of Christ's love to transcend the boundaries of culture, color, and class which so often fracture our world.
What is your favorite scripture?
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)
– Pastor Lynn
Back to Meet our Pastor
|
