Navigating Diversity and Spiritual Growth in Queens
Summary
In today's conversation, we explored the profound challenges and opportunities of pastoring in a diverse and complex environment like Queens, New York. Our church, New Life Fellowship, is situated in what National Geographic has called the most diverse zip code in the world, with 75 nations represented and 123 languages spoken in the neighborhood. This diversity brings both beauty and complexity, as we navigate various cultural, socioeconomic, and ideological differences within our congregation.
We discussed the CPR framework—Covid, Political Idolatry, and Racial Hostility—that encapsulates the current challenges facing our communities. These forces have disrupted our world, and we need spiritual and emotional maturity to withstand them. The conversation also delved into the importance of emotionally healthy spirituality, a concept that integrates contemplative life and emotional health, encouraging us to slow down and pay attention to our inner space and outer pace.
Sabbath and contemplative prayer emerged as vital practices for maintaining spiritual health and presence. Sabbath is a literal 24-hour period of rest and renewal, reminding us that we are not God and allowing us to practice dying to self. Contemplative prayer, on the other hand, is about being present to God's presence without seeking anything in return. It trains us to be attentive to God, ourselves, and our neighbors, fostering a deeper communion with the divine.
We also touched on the concept of a rule of life, a framework that guides our community in following Jesus intentionally. This rule is not about legalism but about creating a life architecture that facilitates spiritual growth and maturity. It invites us to live in a way that aligns with the teachings of Jesus, fostering deep inner transformation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Diversity as a Double-Edged Sword: The diversity in our congregation is both a blessing and a challenge. It requires us to navigate complex cultural, socioeconomic, and ideological landscapes, fostering unity in Christ amidst differences. This diversity calls for a deep commitment to understanding and loving one another. [01:46]
2. CPR Framework: The convergence of Covid, Political Idolatry, and Racial Hostility presents significant challenges. These forces require us to develop spiritual and emotional maturity to remain connected and grounded in Christ. This framework helps us understand the pressures we face and the need for a robust spiritual life. [07:12]
3. Sabbath as a Practice of Dying: Sabbath is not just about rest; it's a practice of dying to self, reminding us of our mortality and dependence on God. It invites us to cease from our labors and trust in God's sovereignty, offering a countercultural rhythm of life. [16:23]
4. Contemplative Prayer as Presence: Contemplative prayer is about being present to God's presence, moving beyond transactional prayer. It trains us to be attentive to God, ourselves, and others, fostering a deeper communion with the divine. This practice helps us cultivate a non-reactive, centered life. [29:04]
5. Rule of Life for Intentional Discipleship: A rule of life provides a framework for intentional discipleship, guiding us in following Jesus together. It's not about legalism but about creating a life architecture that facilitates spiritual growth and maturity, aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus. [48:08]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Embracing Distractions in Prayer
[00:36] - Introduction to New Life Fellowship
[01:46] - Diversity in Queens
[03:08] - Complexity of Community Profiles
[06:43] - Challenges of Pastoring in Fragmented Times
[07:12] - CPR Framework: Covid, Political Idolatry, Racial Hostility
[13:13] - Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
[14:36] - The Importance of Pace and Sabbath
[16:42] - Sabbath as a Practice of Dying
[28:48] - Contemplative Prayer and Presence
[41:54] - Favorite Spiritual Practices
[47:05] - Rule of Life in Community
[56:10] - Resources for Rule of Life
[58:32] - Starting a Contemplative Prayer Practice
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 1:17 - "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
2. Psalm 90:12 - "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
3. Exodus 20:8-11 - The commandment to observe the Sabbath.
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the key components of the CPR framework mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the challenges faced by the church community? [07:12]
2. How does the sermon describe the practice of Sabbath, and what are its intended spiritual benefits? [16:23]
3. What is the significance of contemplative prayer as discussed in the sermon, and how does it differ from other forms of prayer? [29:04]
4. How does the sermon define a "rule of life," and what purpose does it serve within the church community? [48:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the CPR framework (Covid, Political Idolatry, Racial Hostility) challenge the spiritual and emotional maturity of believers, and how can the church address these challenges? [07:12]
2. How does the practice of Sabbath as a "practice of dying" help believers understand their dependence on God and their own mortality? [16:23]
3. What role does contemplative prayer play in fostering a deeper communion with God, and how might it transform one's relationship with others? [29:04]
4. How can a rule of life guide individuals and communities in intentional discipleship, and what might be the consequences of not having such a framework? [48:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the diversity within your own community. How can you actively work towards understanding and loving those who are different from you, as discussed in the sermon? [01:46]
2. Considering the CPR framework, identify one area (Covid, Political Idolatry, Racial Hostility) that you find most challenging. What steps can you take to develop spiritual and emotional maturity in this area? [07:12]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of Sabbath into your weekly routine? What specific changes might you need to make to truly rest and renew? [16:23]
4. Contemplative prayer is about being present to God's presence. What distractions in your life prevent you from practicing this form of prayer, and how can you address them? [29:04]
5. Reflect on your current life rhythms. How might adopting a rule of life help you align more closely with the teachings of Jesus? What specific practices could you include in your rule of life? [48:08]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of slowing down to pay attention to our inner space and outer pace. What is one practical step you can take this week to slow down and be more present in your daily life? [14:08]
7. How can you use the concept of Sabbath as a reminder of your dependence on God in your daily life? What is one way you can practice "dying to self" this week? [16:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Diversity in Christ
In a world as diverse as Queens, New York, the congregation at New Life Fellowship experiences both the beauty and complexity of cultural, socioeconomic, and ideological differences. This diversity is a double-edged sword, offering rich opportunities for growth and understanding, while also presenting challenges in fostering unity. The call is to embrace this diversity as a reflection of God's kingdom, where every nation, tribe, and tongue is represented. It requires a deep commitment to understanding and loving one another, transcending differences to find unity in Christ. [01:46]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a person from a different cultural or socioeconomic background in your community. How can you intentionally reach out to them this week to learn from their perspective and share Christ's love?
Day 2: Navigating the CPR Framework
The convergence of Covid, Political Idolatry, and Racial Hostility has created significant challenges for communities, requiring spiritual and emotional maturity to navigate. These forces have disrupted lives, making it essential to remain grounded in Christ. The CPR framework helps in understanding these pressures and highlights the need for a robust spiritual life. By developing resilience through faith, individuals can withstand these challenges and maintain a connection to God and each other. [07:12]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel the pressure of the CPR framework. How can you seek God's guidance and strength to navigate this challenge today?
Day 3: Sabbath as a Countercultural Rhythm
Sabbath is more than a day of rest; it is a practice of dying to self, reminding us of our mortality and dependence on God. It invites believers to cease from their labors and trust in God's sovereignty, offering a countercultural rhythm of life. By observing the Sabbath, individuals can experience renewal and a deeper connection with God, acknowledging that they are not the center of the universe. [16:23]
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God." (Exodus 20:8-10a, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current weekly schedule. What changes can you make to truly honor the Sabbath as a day of rest and renewal this week?
Day 4: Cultivating Presence through Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer is about being present to God's presence, moving beyond transactional prayer. It trains individuals to be attentive to God, themselves, and others, fostering a deeper communion with the divine. This practice helps cultivate a non-reactive, centered life, allowing believers to experience God's peace and presence in a profound way. By engaging in contemplative prayer, individuals can develop a more intimate relationship with God and a greater awareness of His presence in their lives. [29:04]
"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me." (Psalm 131:2, ESV)
Reflection: Set aside 10 minutes today for contemplative prayer. How does being still and present before God change your awareness of His presence in your life?
Day 5: Intentional Discipleship through a Rule of Life
A rule of life provides a framework for intentional discipleship, guiding individuals in following Jesus together. It is not about legalism but about creating a life architecture that facilitates spiritual growth and maturity. By aligning their lives with the teachings of Jesus, believers can experience deep inner transformation and a more intentional walk with Christ. This framework invites individuals to live in a way that reflects their commitment to Jesus and His teachings. [48:08]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routines and habits. What is one specific change you can make to align your life more closely with the teachings of Jesus this week?
Quotes
The diversity in our congregation is both a blessing and a challenge. It requires us to navigate complex cultural, socioeconomic, and ideological landscapes, fostering unity in Christ amidst differences. This diversity calls for a deep commitment to understanding and loving one another. [00:02:46]
The convergence of Covid, Political Idolatry, and Racial Hostility presents significant challenges. These forces require us to develop spiritual and emotional maturity to remain connected and grounded in Christ. This framework helps us understand the pressures we face and the need for a robust spiritual life. [00:07:12]
Sabbath is not just about rest; it's a practice of dying to self, reminding us of our mortality and dependence on God. It invites us to cease from our labors and trust in God's sovereignty, offering a countercultural rhythm of life. [00:26:01]
Contemplative prayer is about being present to God's presence, moving beyond transactional prayer. It trains us to be attentive to God, ourselves, and others, fostering a deeper communion with the divine. This practice helps us cultivate a non-reactive, centered life. [00:30:04]
A rule of life provides a framework for intentional discipleship, guiding us in following Jesus together. It's not about legalism but about creating a life architecture that facilitates spiritual growth and maturity, aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus. [00:47:05]
Emotionally healthy spirituality is about integrating contemplative life and emotional health, encouraging us to slow down and pay attention to our inner space and outer pace. It's about being attentive to our soul and the rhythms that shape our lives. [00:13:13]
Sabbath is a literal 24-hour period of rest and renewal, reminding us that we are not God and allowing us to practice dying to self. It is a time to cease from our labors and trust in God's sovereignty, offering a countercultural rhythm of life. [00:16:42]
Contemplative prayer is my way of saying I want to be present to God's presence without needing anything, without desiring anything except a greater attentiveness to God's presence. It is about being with God beyond transactionalism. [00:29:04]
The CPR framework—Covid, Political Idolatry, and Racial Hostility—encapsulates the current challenges facing our communities. These forces have disrupted our world, and we need spiritual and emotional maturity to withstand them. [00:07:12]
Sabbath and contemplative prayer emerged as vital practices for maintaining spiritual health and presence. Sabbath is a literal 24-hour period of rest and renewal, reminding us that we are not God and allowing us to practice dying to self. [00:16:42]
Contemplative prayer is about being present to God's presence, moving beyond transactional prayer. It trains us to be attentive to God, ourselves, and others, fostering a deeper communion with the divine. [00:29:04]
A rule of life provides a framework for intentional discipleship, guiding us in following Jesus together. It's not about legalism but about creating a life architecture that facilitates spiritual growth and maturity, aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus. [00:47:05]
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