Humaning
Written by Bryan Willkom
Recently, I asked a Minneapolis-based pastor what they're focusing on at their church right now and she said, "Human-ing Skills".
I thought it was a brilliant answer.
She went on to talk about things like: curiosity toward neighbors, disagreeing without devaluing, listening without judgement, sharing meals intentionally, getting fresh air, body care, emotional regulation, simple acts of service, even encouraging more creativity, play and fun... anything that might help her people be more connected and in touch with their humanity.
This pastor represents a growing shift in Christianity.
And she's not the only one who wants a more human Church.
No surprise, the conversation made me feel great. Because whether JesusFit churches are your primary community or they're a spiritual supplement (in addition to your home church), our ministry is leading with humaning skills and I'm so proud of that.
We've had to make a # of pivots to do this humaning work well, here are just a few:
From Sunday-centric → Everyday-life centered
From belief-first → practice-first (orthopraxy over orthodoxy)
From gathered for answers → gathered for listening
From sacred vs. secular → integrated, embodied spirituality
From inside the church → third spaces
From certainty and control → wandering and wondering
From institutional survival → human flourishing
From Jesus chillin' in heaven → Airpod Jesus working out in the gym
I can't say this enough: Jesus Fit is not against traditional churches.
We are simply starting in a different place, with different tools, different energy and a focus on different things - hoping that, whatever path you take, we all end up becoming more like Jesus... More kind, more curious, more compassionate, more human.
Does your soul get excited about 'Humaning Skills"?! If yes, we'd love to see you at one of our churches whenever it fits with your schedule.
Let’s be human together.
Bryan
