a fresh perspective

While my time at Regent College this summer has put me back in the center of all that is good about Evangelicalism and reminded me that I am thankful for my roots in it, I have also become more keenly aware of how much I appreciate what we have set out to do at All Souls. When I try to explain what our church is like, I get one of two responses: 1. a blank stare of total non-comprehension or 2. an excited, eager attentiveness and an awakening of longing to learn more about what we are doing.

This has given me a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the unique blend of elements we have at All Souls that seem to be distinctive and also appealing to many of the young Evangelicals I am meeting in my classes.
They are:
1. seeking the "shalom" of a specific place/parish, into which people are intentional about moving, living, working, serving, building community, worshiping (People are growing weary of the sprawling mega-church and are wanting to return to the community "parish" that is within walking distance of one's home and integral to the neighborhood.)
2. urban monasticism: intentional community-building and the practice of praying through the hours together on a daily basis (which we have actually drifted away from--to my personal dismay)
3. the idea of evangelism starting by first extending the hospitality of Christ and moving from there toward shalom and redemption
4. the inclusion of liturgy and sacrament, mystery & awe, and a more contemplative holy reverence while maintaining a relevance to the post-modern mind (ancient truths in a fresh retelling)
5. an emphasis on communal participation of "the people" in worship before a holy God as a 'WE' (not entirely eliminating, but shifting away from emphasizing the 'ME' in worship)
6. an emphasis on social and environmental justice, especially in the local community
7. the continuance of art and music, but more organically and "community-driven" (as opposed to the polished production of the mega-church which can tend to inadvertently foster a consumer mindset and expectation)
8. nurturing the artists among us and the artistry within each of us and calling forth art as offering (as opposed to an over-emphasis on art production)
9. the continuance of quality, solid Biblical teaching
10. the continuance of Spirit-filled worship and prayer, receptive to the gifts of the Spirit practiced in the context of God-centered relationships


These are the things that my being away has reminded me to appreciate about us. While a number of churches have some of these elements, the combination of these things is apparently rare and unique, and seems to be very appealing to the next generation of young pastors I am meeting.

I believe these are the basic components that set us apart in our original vision, and in most ways I think we have remained true to them. In some ways, I sense maybe we have lost our way a bit. I guess this is normal and tends to happen from time to time in any organization. But my experiences at Regent have urged me to urge all of you to press on toward the goal and to stay true to the core values of our original course and calling. My heart really resonated with the word from the prayer team last week: “Thus says the Lord, stand by the roads, and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16.


Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to study abroad and gain some fresh perspective! I am so thankful for each of you and the part you play in making us who we are. Telling others about you makes me realize I'm pretty proud of us!

Missing you all,
Travetta