No, this is not a rant on baptist views about dancing.. But rather an interesting insight given to me from a friend. So, last night I was at the home of some friends of ours, when the movie Strictly Ballroom came on the television. Now, this movie has been one that I have enjoyed personally over and over, for a number of years now. Same is the case for my friend, Douglas. We were both sitting at the table watching the start of the movie, as well as some of our other friends who were doubting the quality of the movie because they had not yet seen it. Douglas and I were enjoying the moment because we had both been in the same situation when we first saw it. If you haven’t seen it, it seems like it would be a rather cheesy movie not worth viewing. So, there we were, trying to keep our voices down, when Douglas leans over to me and says: “this could be one of the best movies I’ve ever seen, about the church”. Now, also for those of you who haven’t seen it, this movie is a comedy love story, and has nothing to do with christians or anything of the like. So as I often have to, I tried to understand what Douglas was saying. But didn’t get it.. so I said: “Wait….. What!?” Almost as he expected that I wouldn’t get it he replied: “Well, just like in church, you can’t dance a new dance!” Huh, *pause* Brilliant! That’s exactly true. See, the film is about a young guy who has been raised his whole life to be a champion ballroom dancer. He knows the steps, he knows he can win. But he just wants to dance his own steps, and explore something new. He wants to be a passionate dancer, in the way that he knows how. The problem is, he is surrounded by everyone that loves the traditional steps, and expects him to win by performing them. And how dare anyone be so bold as to say that they have their own steps, the old ones were made up by far superior dancers than he! Ahhh, so maybe this movie isn’t as boring as it appears to be? Now, as for myself, I’m not a dancer.. But this does make perfect sense in a kingdom mindset. I’m ready to do some new steps. I for sure don’t have them written out all ready to go, but I just want to dance and explore where that takes me, and how it impacts the spectators. Now, it’s not crowd pleasing that I’m into, anyone that knows me will tell you that. But something powerful and beautiful to be learned and experienced, often carries weight among those who witness or take part in it. The goal is to get to a place that you can produce a dance that is moving. A waltz most likely wouldn’t gain much popularity in Spain. Nor would a paso double, in Africa. So that’s where the exploration comes in, we are free to learn and grow into our right place as a dancer. That doesn’t mean that the old steps and dances that are familiar and classic can’t be something to learn from. We don’t have to re-invent the wheel, but maybe just let it roll down a new path.

So, I have had quite a few people ask me the question “What’s Next Kenny?”. Almost as if they would expect that I have an answer ready to give. We’ll just say, that I’m in the process of figuring that out. I don’t have all the answers as to what I’m doing, or where exactly I’m headed. That’s why I love the verse Hebrews 11:8 “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” I feel like that is me right now. I’m headed somewhere, both in the Spirit and in ministry, but still figuring it out as I go. There are a few things I do know:

1. There are communities that exist in the cities that we live in that haven’t yet seen what God is really like.

2. These communities tend to be largely postmodern, and cannot, or will not be affected by traditional “christian” outreach or ministry.

3. Many of the individuals involved in these types of communities, are actually acting more christian than christians themselves, in terms of helping social injustice, the homeless, and loving people. (See Jas 1:26-27)

4. Jesus loved hanging out with these type of people when He was here, and so should we!

So, for now, I know that I’m headed out to be a part of this postmodern culture. Me, God, and some friends. We are headed out to a place that we will receive as an inheritance, for the kingdom, but we don’t know where we are going.

Welcome to People of the Son! Check this site for updates on what’s happening with Incarnational Ministry in Isla Vista, or subscribe to the RSS Feed so you can be updated automatically!