Theology in Community

One of the coolest things thus far in this whole church planting thing has been the opportunity to do theology in community.  By that I don't mean some "emergent", no one has any basis to speak authoritatively, and all voices are equally valid.  What I do mean is the collaboration and discussion that goes into each week's sermons and subsequent community group material.  I love that it is not me in isolation trying to figure out the entire message.  Instead I get to discuss the given passage and/or topic with Brian and others from CrossPointe and gain valuable insights.  The sermon is shaped as I hear Brian preparing the community group material and vice-versa.  There is something healthy about this kind of cooperation.  It forces me to craft the message in a way that drives towards application of the Gospel.  It forces me to start engaging with the material at hand earlier in the week.  I feel like by the time the sermon is preached on Sunday morning it has been shaped by the community of people I am working with and is better because of it.  If you'd like to check out the community group material that Brian is writing you can check it out at http://www.crosspointewinterpark.com/media/community-studies/