Tuesday, July 1
About downtown...
A local paper, The Knoxville Voice, has a cover story this week on what they are calling ‘The Revival-ization of downtown Knoxville’.
The article is decent. It has info about Crossings wrong, including our name and meeting time, but we’ll survive that.It was fascinating to me to hear the fears of some people in the city in regards to Crossings and All Souls moving to Market Square.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the article…please feel free to post below.
The same day I read this article, I was interviewed by someone from the Knoxville News Sentinel for a possible feature on faith, the city, etc.
We had a great conversation about all things faith, and Crossings, and what we believe God is calling us to do in the city.
One of her last questions was something like this…”What potential problems and obstacles do you see as you make this move to Market Square?”
My answer was quick and succinct. “Overcoming pre-conceived opinions about followers of Jesus.” Opinions and fears (some justified) like those that were expressed in the article in the Voice.
Hugh Halter from the book ‘Tangible Kingdom’ gives us a great take to consider…
“I’m not sure what definition you use for ‘evangelism’, but my favorite has to do with “changing people’s assumptions.” To me, if we can dismantle their stereotypes of Christians as glorified Amish or Quakers who only enjoy the intimacy of sex to make a child and whose only are hobbies are doing puzzles together, we’re on our way to helping them see the Kingdom in a new light. This is why having fun, enjoying life, and celebrating people, food, wine, art, music, recreation, and rest become so critical in seeing friends find God.”
Mark Nelson at 6:16 PM 2comments
2 Comments
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at 11:57 PM
norm said... Having been on Market Square on Thursday evenings during Sundown In The City, I am happy Jesus will be present on Market Square. The opportunities we have to share Him through visual and performing arts are incredible! The writer of the article might be nervous but we, the Church, should be excited. I think if we could see Jesus in bodily form today, he might be spending times on Market Square or throwing discs at Morningside, or attending a UT game. The great thing is, we as His body get to do these things and I'm sure that makes Him smile. -Norm
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at 12:45 PM
James said...
I was especially drawn to these two quotes in the article:
“If they want to lead by example, that’s great, but the square is what it is,” she says. “There’s nightlife here, and there’s drinking and things that go on, so I would hope they would not try to change the dynamics of the square."
“I’ve heard people compare this to possibly what happened in the Old City — I guess they used to have lots of street festivals, and a stop was put to that by a group of people and New City Café, that Christian venue that used to be there.”
Misunderstandings run deep. If the presence of 4 Market Square, All Souls, and Crossings in Market Square can even begin to dissuade these misconceptions then it is worth it.
No street preaching though Mark.