If the gospel and the community it forms doesn’t ask something of me and my family, then is it worth living for? If the gospel announces that I can have life with God, a new way of understanding how life works, and a new kind of familial community (among other things), then isn’t it worth the change or transformation it requires, especially when the power to do so is a gift of grace from God?
But if the gospel and the community it forms is little more than self-help or a distributor of goods and services for me and my family, like “community,” programs, etc, then will I ever allow myself or family to be changed or transformed? Could it be that what I really want is for the gospel and the community it forms to be conformed to my likeness?
“Try Jesus.” And see if you like him? I’m not sure what the sign means. I suppose it could mean a lot of things. What the sign did for me was made wonder if Jesus is someone we “try” or trust.
Fred came to serve greater Williamsburg and WCC as lead pastor in October of 2010 and is grateful to be a part of the family. He is a husband, father, certified trauma professional, S.T.A.R. (strategies for trauma awareness & resilience) practitioner, community organizer, TEDx alum, founder of 3e Restoration, Inc. and co-owner of Philoxenia Culture LLC. He received his B.S. in Ministry/Bible at Amridge University and his Master’s of Religious Education in Missional Leadership from Rochester University. Currently he is a candidate for a Doctorate of Ministry in Contextual Theology in at Northern Seminary in Chicago. Fred also serves as an adjunct lecturer for William & Mary and has served as an adjunct professor for Rochester University and Regent University where he taught courses in philosophy, ethics, leadership, pastoral care, intro to Christianity, and ethnography. Fred has authored on book (Racialized Cultural Systems, Social Displacement and Christian Hospitality) and several curriculum offerings, including The FloorPlan: Living Toward Restoration & Resilience.
Fred enjoys hanging out with his family anytime, anywhere. He is deeply grateful for how God graciously works through the Church in all her various forms, despite our brokenness. He is passionate about seeing the last, least, and lonely of every neighborhood, city and nation experience God’s in-breaking kingdom, and come to know Jesus as King. Oh, and his favorite season is Advent and Christmas.
Fred serves on the advisory boards of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Bacon Street Youth & Family Services, and FreeKind. He is also a founding member of the board of directors for Virginia Racial Healing Institute, a member of Greater Williamsburg Trauma-Informed Community Network's Racial Trauma Committee and Training Committee.
Through Orange Colored Glasses
My dearest mentor, friend, brother, pastor, activist and example. Read it. You won’t be sorry that you did.
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Maybe “try Jesus” means to seek Him, to explore His claims, to open oneself to knowing Him?
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