Our Life Together Vol. 3 Nr. 30 July 29, 1975 Part 1

In this article Ken gives a general teaching about the importance of knowing God, not just knowing about Him. In the background is the hurt that Ken experienced from many Christian brothers, particularly those in church and denominational leadership. Ken could never fully understand how other Christians could not see what we were trying to do. Of course, most of us couldn't understand it either. We all experienced a lot of hostility. It was easy to understand this hostility from those outside the church, but it hurt when it came from outside. We were actually picketed by another church.
The juxtaposition of Clay's article right after Ken's is interesting. Clay discusses how God's purpose is to bring us together. He states that God is breaking down racial/ethnic walls and denominational walls; God is making us all one. This was happening in many ways, and yet, as Ken discusses, there were still a lot of walls against both the Charismatic Renewal and Christian Community.
Ken's announcement of the Weekend of Renewal is one of the few times that Ken really asserts his authority in telling the people that they must attend. I don't and certainly didn't disagree with his sentiments, I just am struck by what a forceful article this is. Some who have been critical in the past think of Ken as domineering -- nothing could be further from the truth. And yet, this article is a little strong.

Finally, both Bud Miller and Larry Clark have articles about radical commitment. Bud was a layman (that is a distinction that we did not make -- he was an elder who worked at the church full time -- he just didn't have an advanced theological degree). He worked in many areas, but the one I remember working most often with him was that of Guest Master; he was in charge of placing people in community, particularly those who were visiting. Here he brings up again the Pioneer/Settler Theology. This was big in our thinking at the time.

Larry talks about being a part of God's Kingdom. It is an article about ultimate allegiance. "You can't serve God and Mammon."

Ed Dubois was the first resignation among the Eldership. This brought about our first addition, Speedy Alari in a couple of months.