Englewood Christian Church is the first example of a First Century Church. For the past 5 years I have introduced bachelor and master level students to what I call ‘ecclesiology in action.’ When we met five years ago the leadership of ECC and I discussed our common commitment to place: living, working, playing, educating, worshipping in one location. Symbiotic relationships across the street and across Indianapolis reinforce what is the essence of a place–its people.
In “The Virtue of Dialogue” (VOD) Chris Smith introduces the reader to a concise history of Englewood. Center to Englewood’s commitment is communication. The long road of agreement, disagreement, and agreeing to disagree is sketched for the reader. Chris establishes the salient features of communication that come out of Englewood’s experience. Inundated by the spirit of democracy, efficiency, consumerism, individualism, and power the American church often falls prey to a business model of “doing church.”
One primary, overriding concern in VOD is church size. If folks don’t know each other, how will they communicate? And if people do not live in the same place, how will they truly know each other? Fostering conversation encourages unity amid diversity. If Church history teaches us anything, we know that inclusivity comes only through exclusivity. Christ followers are committed to one universal: Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life. All peoples are given invitation to salvation; no one is left out. The practice of Jesus’ Grace is the gift of grace to each other.
Giving space to others by the practice of grace reaches far beyond a congregation. The city of Indianapolis is bettered by the presence and work of ECC through conversations in political, economic, and philanthropic venues. Englewood Review of Books (ERB) has an international-internet connection which expands communication through ideas. My own institution (Crossroads Bible College) has an Urban Leadership program which uses the curricular-faculty expertise of ECC helping students to see how theory meets practice in a city. VOD could be broadened to incorporate a multiplicity of communication possibilities.
If you are looking for an example of how Christ’s Church should live in the 21st century, look no further. You may not agree with every book noted or theological concept applauded. But VOD sets the standard for how ecclesiology should be taught and lived, no matter your locale, no matter your exact belief. My personal relationship with Chris and Englewood Christian Church may bias my perspective but it cannot bias Scriptural standards for the New Testament Church found in “The Virtue of Dialogue.”
Mark has conversations every chance he gets with C. Christopher Smith at Englewood Christian Church since his office is only a few miles down the road. Click on the link below to purchase a digital copy of the book.