From The Hauerwas Reader
How should Christians...respond to injustice within the church?
Listening to the weakest member is the kind of church government that is at the very heat of the Gospel... The weakest brother or sister is always there to speak as a Christian and to be a witness to Jesus Christ. Giving power to those weakest members is necessary; otherwise, the entire community is always dependent on the good nature of the leadership... The church as an institution is not just about providing for greater participation; it's about being a people in a hostile environment capable of sustaining the witness to Jesus of Nazareth, who has brought to us a way of life that we know to be life-giving.
I find this to be a reflection of the very core of the Good News for it does not place anyone in a position of power over and against another. In fact, it presses us to remember the we each are a part of the whole body...the same body...and therefore precious to the whole for our life as the church to be complete and well. Keeping our eyes on the one we call the Lord of us all must be a constant exercise - a prayerful one we could say. I don't know about you but I can easily forget that...in the twinkling of an eye. Therefore we must be willing to remind one another just as quickly...we are followers of Jesus...we welcome all and look after the well being of all...even those who usually have no say in our world.
Connection: Be surprised what can be gained by listening to those who are often left in the background or not given a voice for it is one that is contrary to the prevailing winds of conversation. It will at least make the day sound new...and it may be quite refreshing.
Lord of All, bless us with the power of your Holy Spirit that is present in the gathering of your children. When we are blind to the gift of others in our presence, open our eyes and our ears to what is in store for us within the life of your people. Amen.
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