What else can be observed when considering the images Jesus associates with God’s hospitality and abundance is that the Church cannot become a living parable or a “sign, instrument, and foretaste” of Christ’s reign if we are seduced to other “reigns,” that is to say, allegiances, particularly to a nation. Not only does the testimony of the Church throughout Acts bear witness—it was said they were “guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus” (17:7)—but it amounts to an absurd pursuit of smaller kingdoms where the Church becomes the main character in a comedy of errors. When contrasted with the testimony of Jesus and his followers it should be clear to us how dangerously misguided, exclusionary in practice, unjust in ethic, and shortsighted in vision this kind of pursuit becomes. When we lack faith in God’s abundance and waiver in commitment to God’s inclusionary hospitality we experience a subtle shift from allegiance to Christ’s reign alone to Christ’s reign plus another.
This is the current reality of American life. There is no longer a “christianity,” but “christainities” (I believe this has always been true). We must be mindful as to which expression looks most like the Jesus of Scripture.
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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