Just who are these Outlaw Preachers? What are they?
I cannot count how many times I’ve been asked this question over the past year, and every time, I think my response has been a little bit different.
The idea of Outlaw Preachers originated with Jay Bakker, in the spring of 2009. In response to a specific question Jay said,
Well I guess I’m just an Outlaw Preacher.
Shortly after that, Khad Young asked Brooklyn Jay’s permission to begin using the name on the internets. The response and participation was immediate. Now, almost a year an a half later, the Outlaw Preachers maintains an active Twitter account, Twitter hashtag, website, and Facebook. This December, we are holding the first annual Outlaw Preachers (re)Union in Memphis, Tennessee.
It’s actually quite difficult to answer the question, “What is the Outlaw Preachers?” Pastor Nar Martinez readily admits:
There are as many definitions of Outlaw Preachers as there are Outlaw Preachers.
The Outlaw Preachers is not a denomination. They are not an offshoot of the Emergent Church, as Ken Silva misinterprets. It is not a church, though surely it is part of the Church. The Outlaw Preachers are made up of Emergents, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Episcopals, Methodists, Quakers, Lutherans, Non-Denominationals, Un-Denominationals, those who don’t identify with a particular denomination or movement, and many other Christian faith traditions. The Outlaw Preachers is not a gay community. It’s not a straight community. There is no orthodox creed that is followed. There is not a strict, point by point statement of belief.
So what is this group about? I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can say what the Outlaw Preachers mean to me.
For me, the Outlaw Preachers have become family. They are a community of refuge, both spiritually and emotionally. When I’m down, they are there to lift me up. I have had some pretty low emotional points this year and without much notice to them, I was inundated with calls, emails, and messages. Most of them weren’t giving me advice on how God’s gonna turn this situation around in my favor. Most of them were just present in my pain. That presence was more meaningful to me than any advice or some well-meaning Bible verse could ever be.
The Outlaw Preachers are a community derived from various Christian faith traditions who are centered on Christ’s teachings of grace and love. Some might even use words radical grace and radical inclusivity.
They are a passionate, transparent community who honestly wrestle together with the various aspects of our faith, but maintain respect for one another within those discussions. Even in vigorous discussions, most are open to the fact that they could be wrong.
Today, Connie Jo Waters said of the Outlaw Preachers:
They have become my family, faith community, accountability, and challenge my conventional understandings of faith and the Church’s function in this world.
We acknowledge the fact that, in many ways, we are outsiders, but that as outsiders in the faith, we are in good company.
The Outlaw Preachers are in good company.
There are a few different groups that will read this post.
To those who identify as Outlaw Preacher: I’d like to know why you identify with this community. Have they helped in your faith journey? If so, in what ways?
To those who don’t identify as Outlaw Preacher: I’d like to know about your interactions with the Outlaw Preachers, good or bad. What are some things you notice about them? Is there anything that particularly stands out? Are there things you would like to see more of? Less of?
To those who have never heard of the Outlaw Preachers: Does this sound like a community you’d like to be a part of? After reading this post and the comments, do they differ much from your faith community and your faith tradition? In what ways?
I know that I’m opening a potential can of worms here and I’m okay with that. Censorship is not my forte, so all comments will be approved; even the not so good comments. Just keep ‘em respectful.
Cheers!
!!!UPDATE!!!
The 2011 Outlaw Preachers (re)Union – aka OP11 – website has been launched!
Click here to check out http://OPreunion.com!
I love all you Outlaw Preachers, especially Jules and Adele! But I can’t believe you didn’t meantion presbyterians, Brandon! Especially after just including lovely Carol Howard Merritt in your tweeted prayer reminders this morning. Outlaw Preachers is definitely presbyterian-heavy
Oops! I tried to stick to the denominations that I knew how to spell.
I do not love the truth because it comes from God, I love God because He is the Truth.
There is a God, and I am not Him.
He is perfect, loving, holy, righteous, jealous, slow to anger (though he does get angry), etc.
How to see Him, follow Him, speak of Him I will only see through a glass dimly in this lifetime.
What we find is not entirely dependant upon what is there, we find (to an extent) what we are looking for – at least as it pertains to seeking truth or understanding the Bible.
The teaching that the Bible defines and explains itself is used (itself) to impart doctrines not solely derived from the Scripture.
Even seeking for an answer to a specific question in the Word with the supposition that there must be a clear, definite, specific answer that I will be able to comprehend sets the seeker up to ignore contradictions to the supposition he/she is seeking to test. There is, ultimately, an answer to everything – and everything we need for life and godliness is in the scripture, but that does not mean that we will be able to meet it out unmolested by our world view, religious background, flesh, or other influences.
The heresy hunting occurring to take out false teaching comes from a desire to not have something pure defiled, it comes from a righteous anger in defense of those who could purportedly be led astray – yet it scarily resembles the dialog of the Pharisees and Sadducees in their pursuit of the correct handling of “the Jesus issue”, which ultimately led to the crucifixion of their own Savior.
Freedom may be a good thing, and desired in and of itself – but it’s value is directly related to the cost paid for it. Freedom isn’t free. As it applies to civil liberties, those who have grown up without seeing the cost paid for it take it for granted. As it applies to spiritual freedom, if you haven’t paid a price for it (or allowed someone else to) you cannot comprehend the value of it.
Even in their distant holding of anything religious (if at all), Cowboys have a far deeper and more sincere morality than most of Christianity today.
Deep and sincere morality is not discredited by Jesus.
I see Jesus in the emerging churches and their refusal to believe, teach or live anything that they don’t get from God themselves. I also see the danger of heresy.
I see truth, conviction, purity and peace in the rigid and unyielding theologians and preachers that hold steadfast to the doctrines of old, and make no provision for the flesh (or any modern day re-assessment of what it means to walk with Christ). I also see their death-grip on righteousness is the same one the Pharisees and Sadducees had.
I see mainstream Christianity’s teachings leave many (myself included) holding an empty bag, frustrated and alone. Some are outright ridiculous, some have the wrong focus, some are ½ truths…
All in all, I just want to enjoy my life on earth to the fullest – and the deepest fulfillment comes from seeing Jesus work in my life and those around me. I refuse to agree with anything God has not revealed to me personally, whether you see it in the Word or not. I refuse to fight over God – that is one of the most base and disgusting things a human can do. I refuse to let the truth be whitewashed into a humanistic, compromised, warm, fuzzy blanket. I just love Jesus, and I’m really tired of trying to define or defend exactly what that means.
If one of my children adopts a gay lifestyle I will not reject them, or better stated I will actively work to maintain our relationship and avoid discussing anything that would serve to put a wedge between us. If someone knows me at all (my children obviously do) they know what they need to know about what I believe, and I place a higher value on my children feeling my love and acceptance of them than of them being corrected in every area of their being or walk with God. All sin is sin before God, and the sin of homosexuality is no more than the sin of covetousness or pride, and no less than the sin of murder. I do believe in relative sin among men – I believe it is far worse of a sin (among men) to harden your heart to someone that wants to be loved by you than to steal something or be addicted to pornography or alcohol. Both are sin, and sin ultimately brings death.
When I see a “Coexist” bumper sticker I have two responses: 1) I see the pervasive entanglement of Satan and his deception, the free acceptance of the new world order, and 2) I remember that Jesus’ prayer was that we would be one (not saying that endorces witchcraft, thank you very little) and that coexisting is a very noble (and perhaps a naïve like a child considering human history) and God-like desire and goal.
I would rather hang out (and even fellowship) with a bunch of drunks and broken people than go to church or a bible study, almost any day (and not solely with a missionary heart). The honest outpouring of love and desperate yearnings I read from emerging church members and O.P.’s quicken my passion and desire to dig into God’s Word, to be used by Him in everyone around me. The manipulative, half-truth expositions and rationalized teachings I hear from most sermons make me want to have nothing to do with Christianity. To see and meditate on the confrontation between them occurring and to come makes me tired, and long for Home.
I believe more is said through the eyes than all the blogs, sermons, books, songs, conversations, art, videos and testimonies combined… and so very, very few see.
In the end, what I believe or feel matters very little or if at all – if God is who He has revealed Himself to be then He is also far too intelligent to allow the eternal destiny of a creature He loves to be jeopardized by my futile, fleshly, fallen mind.
If that makes me an O.P… amen, and amen.
Welcome to the Outlaw Preachers!
as I see it we outlaws just want to live as Christ lived, love as Christ loved while sharing the grace that we know and feel.
[...] But if you’d like to learn about the outlaw preachers I’d recommend you checkout this post by a fellow outlaw Brandon [...]
i stumbled onto this bunch almost a year ago. ever since i have discovered a beautiful, messy, brilliant, loving, challenging group of people. i have been lifted up by this community as well as being needed to lift others. i have been challenged by them and grown. they have become my faith community family and i love them even though i have never met any of them face to face…and with that, i am proud to be associated as one of them!! thank you, my family, for all that you have been in my life.
peace.
i’ll be talking at the (Re)union why i’m an outlaw preacher! STAY TUNED!
looking forward to it!
I honestly don’t remember how I stumbled on the OPs, and in retrospect, that’s not really important.
What I see is a bunch of theological malcontents (in a nice way) who aren’t content with the way things are and are constantly in motion towards the way things should be. They’re not afraid of Jesus being ‘messy’. They try to comprehend how stupid crazy God’s grace and love truly are, and reflect that in their own lives.
They’re perfectly imperfect, humble, loving, and probably some of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know and associate with.
I am an Outlaw Preach cause I am drawn to the margins. For me the Outlaw Preachers has been a geography of sinners seeking grace and wounded healers being grace to those in the margins.
I have always been an outlaw and have found a community that speaks to this outlaw heart. I identify as an Outlaw Preacher due to the love and prayer I have discovered here. My faith has been challenged, exposed and restored with my relationships with these outlaws. If proclaiming an all inclusive, grace filled Gospel is against the law then these Outlaw Preachers shall remain my partners in crime.
I really want to be there. Between me and Hugh & Renee Hollowell, we might well make the trek from Raleigh if schedules & funds permit!
would LOVE to have you there! fingers crossed.
I certainly hope so!
wish i could be there guys. but the boat i once had to cross the ocean sunk in the bathtub when i was 6! – but seriously, live it up…
I don’t personally call myself an OutlawPreacher, but I’ve learned in a few recent conversations that others view me that way. I count it a privilege to be an ally and a huge honor to be associated with the concept.
The OutlawPreachers see the radical way in which Christ preached the Kingdom of God without words, and they seek to imitate His example despite the criticisms of modern-day religious folk. They openly welcome others into their online community, which has been a huge blessing to me because I haven’t had a regular faith community in quite some time. Watching them courageously do the “right” thing amidst the pressure to do the “popular” thing is a strengthening and character-building experience for me.
Keep it up guys. What you’re doing is prophetic.
“What you’re doing is prophetic.”
What you’re doing is pathetic. Fixed it.
I love you Mr. Silva. Praying for you my friend.
i am not sure how long ago it was, or who asked, but when i was invited to this community called “outlaw preachers” i have to admit in was skeptical – i had been invited to others communities with “cool” sounding names and been pissed on for my ideas, my looks and my voice – but, when i saw who was voicing i decided to “give it a go.” low and behold, i am not getting pissed on
instead, i get encouragement and a small voice that says, “see, you can belong to a community of followers who will not treat you like shit.”
for me – i found a place where i can speak my mind, write from the heart, keep shaving my head, get more tats, grow the pugs in my ears and grow my goat as long as i like – and they still like me, go figure
Thanks so much for your honesty, John! But, ummm. What’s a ‘pug’?
Does John mean plugs in his ears?
I think so. Makes sense.
I found OP back in those first few days, through Jay and immediately invited myself in.
Early on we defined ourselves as “Grace first, pie second, diversity in the rest.”
The idea of trying to live out the radical love and grace demonstrated by Christ is one that I have wrestled with for many years. The encouragement and examples I have found in this group have been amazing. While we do not always agree, we almost always manage to err on the side of love and forgiveness.
I’m sad that I’m so far away from most of the group physically (here in the wilds of SF) and am not able to participate in many of the get togethers or chats, but I have discovered that virtual community is a reality. If I need anything from prayer to a place to stay there are Outlaws who will stand up and say, “Here I am! Use me!”
That’s a reflection of God. Thanks all.
Thanks for this informative writeup! I am one of the curious onlookers.
I was only introduced to Outlaw Preachers just recently from my good friend Carlos Shelton. I’ve been looking on with some curiosity but was not quite sure that I understood who/what the Outlaw Preachers really were. So thanks for shedding some light for me on this group.
There is a lot here that resonates with where I am at spiritually (former baptist/independent minister wondering where I fit in things these days).
Adele told me the other day that I was an Outlaw Preacher. I didn’t really think I was. Made me feel all . . . child-like, ya know? For that, I will always love her. I’ve never met any of them except through Twitter (and a few on Facebook), so I don’t really know who or what the Outlaw Preachers are. But I know what they do . . . they LOVE . . .
WELCOME Robert!
After the contact I’ve had with OPs via twitter in the past couple months, I know that y’all are the folks for me. Radical inclusivity and grace? Radical hope for the kin-dom of God in our midst? Count me in! I want to be an outlaw preacher.
It is an honor to have you!!
I guess I am an outlaw preacher? Or at least could be considered one. I served with The Simple Way, as a pastor with Revolution, my wife and I were married by Jay Bakker, and am friends with many of the above mentioned folks.
I am, for once in my life, one of the more conservative ones out of the group it seems, but no love is lost.
I am not into labels or belonging to groups other then the Kingdom of God so I would never call myself an outlaw or anything, that is just my thing, but I like these folks. They are sweet, kind and honest, and while at times they maybe a bit brash or rowdy they have hearts for God and for his people.
I don’t agree with them all but I don’t agree with everyone anyway. Theology and politics differ with in the group but it makes for colorful conversation and hopefully some learning. I am stoked to speak at the Outlaw Preacher (re)Union and get to know these folks more.
Jeremy, you talking about not being an outlaw reminds me of Gene Simmons NOT being married to the same woman for 23 yrs! LOL It’s cool…we love you with or without a commitment!! Outlaw title not required, you are my family and I love you!! You are going to be a wonderful voice at the (re)union!!
I’ve been called an Outlaw Preacher on occasion. But anyone named Joe Smith has a hard time being an Outlaw…though I guess that one guy killed at Nauvoo, Illinois would disagree with me if he were still alive.
I don’t use the hashtag. I find I have a lot in common with the Outlaws, and we have a lot to talk/tweet about. I’m not too worried about the title, because if I think about that too much, then I might try too hard to be an Outlaw Preacher instead of who God wants me to be.
Not that it matters, but I’m cool and good with the Outlaw Preachers.
A year ago this month I met the first of many Outlaw Preachers. We first spoke on the phone when he offered me a ride at C21, and then asked what kind of coffee he could bring me. Based on my experience, limited past and narrow mindset, I was surprised when the voice of that gentle-pastor-traveling-to-this-church-conference-from-TX-with-his-wife showed up in the form of Phil Shepherd. My eyes and heart were opened that day in a way like never before.
Perhaps my twitter bio says it all: I’ve been on a journey from a conservative/fundamental/evangelical/complimentarian/judgmental “christian” life/perspective to a progressive/emerging/innovative/missional/new yet one that feels “right” and familiar. Like a christian family should feel.
These outlaws, along with many other precious and amazing people I’ve met this year, have had a huge impact on my faith and in my life. They have shown me deep love, acceptance, affirmation, support, accountability, a sounding board and so much more. The community of people surrounding me, even though virtual, feels like what Jesus might have meant when he suggested we pray “thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Buying into the urging of former church communities, I had stuffed and forgotten I once had a burning desire in my heart to be a pastor. After meeting these Outlaw Preachers, I am reminded if I were ever to become one, I’d want to be like them.
I’m a Lutheran churchworker who was privileged to have Khad Young help out at my church when I was a kid. Khad has been a humble voice for God’s grace and in my life.
What a breath of fresh air to learn of this community. I feel like I have been in the wilderness of life. In 2006 I was inspired to return to the ministry after a ten year hiatus by meeting Jay Bakker’s Revolution community online. I served as a forum mod and then admin (after Marc Brown left) for 2 years and it helped form me and our new community. Recently I was called a ‘Reckless cowboy with an unteachable spirit’ over my love of the GLBT people and cutters in our community. I can live with that.
I hope to get to know some people further along the road than I am and getting to swap stories, hearts, God, and life. Thank you for this post.
I’m pleased that Brandon created this post. I also agree with him: first, and foremost, the Outlaw Preachers have become my family.
I’ve been around a while. I’ve seen and experienced much – mostly within Christendom. I can honestly say that never within my faith journey have I encountered people or community or family as I have among the Outlaw Preachers and allies. They have quite literally become my ‘fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters.’
Throughout most of my journey following Christ, relationship and community depended upon either believing a certain set of doctrines and ideologies or adequately performing rigid religious/cultural rules and obligations. If I was successful in doing so, I was ‘in’ – if not, I was ‘out.’ I could not be my true self, because my true self never fit well within those confines. I tried … oh, Lord, I tried … but I came to the place where I just couldn’t do it any longer.
I was either too liberal for the conservatives or too conservative for the liberals. Try as I may, I never fit in. I found myself continually on the fringes of Christendom – never in the center. I guess I was an Outlaw when being an Outlaw wasn’t ‘cool.’
Then, early on in the history of what we now known as the Outlaw Preachers, I started to interact with some of the people – mostly through Twitter, then by email and phone. Finally I met my first Outlaw Preacher in person: Khad Young. It was like we’d known each other forever. Through Khad I met people like Connie Waters, Phil Shepherd, Susan Isaacs, Tim Kurek, Adele Sakler and others. In many ways we were so different … traditionally, denominationally, philosophically, culturally, experientially. Yet, beyond our differences, we had something even greater in common: we love.
During the Spring of 2010 I attended the TransFORM Conference in Washington, DC. It was a time I’ll never forget. I had the chance to meet face-to-face with people that I’d been engaging with online for months. From picking up Connie and Phil and Shane at the airport … meeting Adele, Jules and Liz at the hotel … kidnapping Peter Rollins … finally meeting Brandon at the pub and him grabbing me in a bear hug and yelling “Pastor Nar!” … to escaping with Reverend Vince, Amy, Peter, Samir and others only to throw back a few pitchers or Old Rasputin – well, all I can say is that I fell in love with these people … and I recognized them as family.
I have found my family.
We are all over the map when it comes to theology, tradition and experience … but when it comes down to what really matters: we are one – we love. We are imperfect at doing so, but we love.
This family has loved me, and has accepted love from me. They not only speak their love, they back it up with action … in more ways than I can enumerate. When my heart was giving me problems they were in constant contact – and a couple of them wanted to bring me to their home to watch over me (I’m not sure if they know that I knew, but I guess they do now!). When I had pneumonia and barely had the money to cover the $100 prescription – I received a $200 check in the mail a week later. Concerned about my being alone, three have had a ‘custody battle’ over me. Many have opened their doors for me – one even offering to come pick me up to bring me to their home for a period of rest – and it’s a four hour trip each way. Some have come to my defense online when I’ve been attacked by trolls and heresy hunters. It goes on and on. More than once during my current chronic physical pain, one brother has expressed how he would, if possible, endure it in my place without hesitation if it would only bring me relief – and my heart knows it’s true.
Yes, the Outlaw Preachers are a family – an imperfect, messy, mixed-up beautiful family that I will not take for granted and that I’m honored to belong to. To some I a ‘dad’ or ‘pops’ or ‘padre.’ To some I am ‘older brother.’ To some I am ‘pastor.’ To all, I am family … and I love you.
We love you too!
I’m really glad to read this post.
I’ve just become aware of Outlaw Preachers in the last month or two via, of all things, the Twitter “who to follow” suggestion thing. I made a connection with Sean Ferrell right away b/c he went to school with one of my best friends. And, obviously, because he’s hilarious and awesome.
Anyway, I noticed the hashtag on his tweets and soon was seeing it all over. “What’s the deal with that?”, I asked but never got a response. So, honestly, I got the impression it was some secret society kind of deal. Yet another in that long list of cool kid clubs I wasn’t part of…[sigh]. Okay, maybe not. But my impression was that it was basically a closed group. I figured it probably started in a seminary somewhere and people had actually managed to continue the relationship.
Given the description here, it sounds quite incredible. It sounds like my kind of people. I look forward to learning more.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Dave.
From the outside looking in, it can be as you described. However, the Outlaw Preachers is totally self-identifying. So if you feel compelled to this group, we’d love to have you!
Thanks, Brandon. Reading through all the comments, I do get the sense that it really is an open and welcoming group.
Though I do think we’d be better off just ignoring He Who Can’t Be Named Lest He Think It’s All About Him
just sayin’
If I can be counted among the outlawpreachers, I will be in AMAZING company! I was at #C21, like Kimberly, sat across the table from Jay Saturday night, & followed you all on Twitter from there. I’m grateful for a place where the ideal is radical inclusivity, and pray reality can approach the ideal. I’m also grateful for a safe place to explore following the Triune God in old & new rivers of grace — as “safe” as that can be! I’ll bring the red wine, too!
–@mkettleson
Words fall short. Only love to my family…
Love to you, my friend.
Brandon, what you’ve said is right on the mark!
Thank you Gene! And thank you for listing this on your blog!
As I write this, I am almost in tears. Had I been able to envision what the Outlaw Preachers would become, I don’t think I would have ever felt worthy enough to be a part of the community, let alone be so apparently instrumental in its inception. The truth of the matter is that I am a two-time Bible college dropout who has never had a “congregation” of more than a couple dozen. We have met at bars and restaurants and struggled to grow and even continue meeting at times. I am a nobody if ever there was one.
The beautiful thing about the Outlaw Preachers is that it is not about me. It is not even about you. It is about the unconditional love and grace of God through his son Jesus Christ.
There is a wonderful African concept of Ubuntu that Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the first black South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, and fierce opponent of apartheid, describes thusly:
To me, the Outlaw Preachers embody much of that sentiment. I am who I am because of who we all are.
If you will allow me to speculate on the appeal of the community, I will use the same words I use to describe what we attempt every day with Metamorphosis:
Fortunately, grace is all that is needed. I have found it. Thank you.
All of you.
Regarding the future for Outlaw Preachers, I will echo the sentiment of Martin Luther when he wrote of the third article of the Lord’s Prayer, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven:
“The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.”
” It is about the unconditional love and grace of God through his son Jesus Christ.”
As a Lutheran you should know better. God’s love is conditional; the condition is repentance and forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ Name.
You are actually “no law” preachers and you’d best repent: http://cyberbrethren.com/2010/02/07/are-lutherans-antinomian-some-are-but-genuine-lutheranism-is-not/
No Mr. Silva, I believe you are wrong. God’s love for man has no conditions, else how do you explain Christ’s efforts with sinners all throughout His life?! Our admission into heaven is predicated on our repentance and acceptance of Christ, but God loves us all, maybe most especially when we sin…..
What Bible do you read there Bobby? Psalm 5:5-6 – “The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.”
You ignored my real question to you Mr. Silva? How can you explain Christ’s efforts during his life on earth? He spent his entire time with sinners; ministering to them, eating with them, healing them, defending them…he didn’t spend it in church, he didn’t spend it preaching to only those who professed a belief in God…and why would Christ do that if it wasn’t to demonstrate God’s love to all of mankind despite their failings? Wasn’t that why God sent Christ to us…to redeem us?
Quote scripture all you want Mr. Silva….I’ll continue to follow Christ and agree to simply disagree with you.
I am not Lutheran any more than I am a Lewisian (1 Corinthians 1:12-17). Frankly, I quote old C. S. more than Luther half the time.
Are we ever told in scripture that God’s love is conditional? Rather, we are told that God’s love and grace are independent of ourselves and graciously poured out unconditionally and unendingly.
In the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) we see that Christ seeks out those who wander furthest from him. That requires unconditional love. Otherwise, why go after the sheep? Better to give up if you no longer love a sheep that has wandered away (i.e. not repented).
In John 12:32 Jesus tells us that he will “draw everyone” to himself. Sounds pretty loving to me. That word “everyone” would certainly seem to imply — well — everyone.
Not only that, but we are told that “Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone” (Romans 5:18-19). “He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19), “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). “This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault” (Colossians 1:21-22), and still no mention of a repentance requirement.
Jesus put it best himself when he said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). How could he possibly forgive them if they were not repentant? That is either a blasphemous prayer, or the heart of God. Take your pick. There are no two ways about it.
Fortunately, God’s love for us (and our salvation) is not contingent upon anything in ourselves, so we “can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8). In fact, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Why? Because “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16), and “love never gives up” (1 Corinthians 13:7).
“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time” (1 Peter 3:18) not only for our sins — those of us reading these words — but for “the sins of all the world” (1 John 2:2). Because that is what will “bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10) not the Law of repentance. That is the Gospel message: that God’s “anger lasts only a moment” (Psalm 30:5) but his “faithful love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1, 107:1).
Amen.
Khad,
Your words are so filled with the Holy Spirit and the love of God. They speak through Scripture into the lives of those who long for unconditional love.
I am one proud Outlaw Momma!!
His words are filled with half-truths. He just outlined the penal substitutionary atonement (i.e. conditional); true, we have nothing to do with that, nor can we earn salvation,
It is conditional in that until one is born again i.e. passed from life to death they remain under the wrath of God (John 3:36).
I watched my good friend sherm, Pastor Sherm, be loved through a number of hard times by this weird group of preachers. I watched some responses on Facebook. I was jealous, you seemed to be having such a good time loving each other. I wanted to join in, so I did, and I am glad and blessed by all of you.
Rev
Dave,
You are so gracious. It’s amazing that a little thing like twitter can connec people with one degree of separation like we have been. I got encouraged by a friend to follow Stephen Feltmate who has alas hung up his end of the conversation. He posted to the outlawpreachers hashtag on twitter and I started reading that hashtag and posting to it. I have a love for those who have lived with authenticity on the margins in the Christian Tradition, or at least in their own tradition… Simone Weil, Leonardo Boff, Hans Kung, William Stringfellow, and many others. And what I found was a community made of emergents and others conversing with great authenticity about the future of the church and being a community. So glad to find and engage this community and be engaged by it too. I’m new to the community and have been warmly welcomed. Dave, you will be too!
I believe the theological shift that has happened in Western Christianity begins with the affirmation that we are NEVER in a place of not being loved by God, and that grace is the whole story. I would absolutely echo Khad’s sentiments.
Nar, I empathize with the too liberal for conservatives and too conservative for liberals comment. It’s like you’ve been reading my mail. I see glimmers of hope in the conversations and community.
So happy to be a part of the family.
I kind of relate to the “too liberal for conservatives and too conservative for liberals” thing too. I guess I have been coming to a place over the past few years where labels no longer define me well. I now find myself called a liberal by conservatives though I would not remotely define myself that way. What is funny is that if they knew me and my roots they would not call me a liberal:) It is so easy to apply names and categories to squeeze people into our pre-defined perspective and from there to discount anything they say because they are “one of them.”
On a related note, the politicization of Christianity or, more specifically for my evangelical roots, the assumption that one must be a card-carrying, Dem-bashing Republican, has increasingly been a turn off. Those from the more conservative, evangelical ends of Christianity seem to have largely forgotten that we are called to be building a Kingdom that is not of this world. Christianity is much larger than the USA, and neither of our major political parties are remotely interested in advancing the Kingdom of God and of his Christ. They are interested solely in advancing their own political kingdoms.
Sean, how did I miss this comment of yours the other day? I have no idea. Thanks for the encouragement. I have to say, I do feel like I’ve been “warmly welcomed” already. And I haven’t even done anything yet!
Will it rock the boat too much if I admit that (since my conversion at least) while I’ve been “too liberal for the conservatives”, I can’t think of a time when I’ve been “too conservative for the liberals”? Maybe I just haven’t met the right liberals yet. (Assuming, of course, those labels have any meaning left in them. Which I’m not sure they do.)
“They are not an offshoot of the Emergent Church, as Ken Silva misinterprets.”
Ya know, if you don’t want to give me your *cough* credibility, then you’d leave me out of your myths.
I never said anything of the siort. What did was to tell the truth; the Emerging Church embraced this motley crew as fellow apostates.
Ken,
I’m so befuddled by your need to comment here and elsewhere about this group. It really is a mystery to me. Especially when the OPs have no stated doctrine, but are more or less an online community of conversation. I usually find that when folks attack that it says more about them than it does about those who are attacked. Obviously that goes both ways. But what is this about for you really? I don’t really even want or need a response to the question. I would encourage you to ask yourself that and live with that question for awhile. Peace be with you.
Well, when I’m watching people drive off a spiritual cliff, my love for them compells me to at least try and stop them.
But even more important to me are the young who don’t know any better buying this spiritual poison, I am to speak up for those marginalized.
And, a good way to keep me from commenting is not to take shots at me within a post. He could have done this same post without a reference to me, ya know.
Ken, you write “Well, when I’m watching people drive off a spiritual cliff, my love for them compells me to at least try and stop them.”
I don’t know you, and I am not a “member” of the Outlaw Preachers, but I have been following this particular thread just to learn a bit more about the OPs that I have been hearing about online. In other words, I have no particular investment in this battle between you and them.
I have to say that an outside observer reading your comments would be hard pressed to recognize your comments as “love” for the Outlaw Preachers. In fact, your comments come off more as prideful arrogance and religious superiority than as love.
As I said above, I don’t know you and therefore choose not to judge the attitude behind your words. Perhaps you truly do care and love these people. In that case you would do well to reflect for a time on how others might perhaps find you offensive, arrogant and obnoxious rather than loving. You seem to be the only one capable of describing your words as loving. If you are indeed trying to speak in love I would suggest that you need to work on your communication and delivery – because it is not working very well for you.
If your words are not delivered in love then you would do well to abstain from commenting here and bringing judgment on yourself by speaking evil and hatred toward others.
FYI – you will never convert people to your position by hating them. You are far more likely to influence others toward your cause by engaging them in respectful and loving dialogue rather than spewing hateful venom at everyone who does not see the world just as you see it. The reality is that none of us know everything, none of us have everything figured out, and we all have changed our positions on certain issues as we have aged and matured and will likely continue to do so. You will have to admit the same if you are honest. How about a little grace toward others who are on the same journey?
Have you perchance ever read Matthew 23?
Why yes Ken! I have… I suppose you say you have also.. yet, have you read it and UNDERSTOOD it in context? I think if you are using the bible to justify hate and being an ass, then that would be and ABUSE of Jesus and the Bible. Now, I say that with love knowing full well how you feel about me. In any case I pray God’s best for you and that you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and not stumble over the pride of knowledge… and lack of humility to attempt to understand how to learn to walk in faith, love, mercy and grace. This is just an appeal to you as one sinner whom Jesus saved to another. Oh, and God’s love is unconditional… whether you want to believe that or not.
To all else,
Yes I am a fool for trying to engage Ken Silva in a civil dialog… but God loves him… so I will also.
Carlos,
Yeah, context. The only hate and acting as a backside is coming from you.
1 Corinthians 2:14 suggests it’d be a good idea for you not to try and instruct the regenerate until you at least get saved.
Thanks Ken, but no hate going out to you… in fact, I think this thread shows the imense grace that is often extended to you throught the Holy Spirit in preople. The sad thing is that your responses lack grace and often.. truth… I would be greatful for people who extend grace to you and allow you to voice you views, but then you are you…
= )
You are the one declare ing others as enemies even after the bible declared that “when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10) It appears that you have decided to continue to worship under the tree of good and evil and decide what is good and evil in your own view. God has spoken otherwise. I pray for you daily Ken… I pray you come to a better knowledge of Grace and learn to walk in the saving faith of Christ. That does not mean I am saying you are not saved, only that you need to learn to walk in faith and less by you own understanding. (Prov 3: 5) I mention that as you tend to twist people’s words. We cannot pick and choose what the bible states, yet we must also be careful not to become arrogant and assume we understand it as often I found in my own journey God reveals the understanding and it is often opposite of what I was originally taught.
Peace to you my friend… Ken God loves you, and so do I.
Ken? you stated before you never stated I was NOT saved, but here again, you have stated as before.
I am glad that Jesus has the last word in this and not you.
BTW I will no longer be pulled into you Pee Wee Hermanistic arguing… it is beneath you and me.
But you do sound a lot like this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs4Gj7JsET4
You are my brother in Christ as I am saved by Grace and not by works… you misrepresent my and my beliefs every time we speak… so I suggest you be a man and contact me by email. You have my email address. But, be aware, that any email you send me may be presented publicly… I know you hate having you private contacts exposed. So, please, as I will stop addressing you here, you also can stop (if you have the self control) and contact me privately if you have more things to say to me. No one else needs to read you hateful words toward me.
Oh and unlike the kindness of Brandon here, you cannot post on my blog until I can post on yours… I think that is only fair don’t you?
I do want to thank you though Ken, for you have shown me many great people who love Jesus and I see as walking in the faith granted them… without you as the catalyst, I may not have found such loving grace-filled people.
You are a blessing in my life Ken… Jesus uses you mightily.
I have read these responses and I join in saying well spoken to Brandon. I remember sitting in Connie’s living room trying to figure out how do we as Christians, pastors, preachers, ministers, semarians and others find a way to spread the gospel (that is good news) that ALL MEANS ALL in God’s grace and that NONE means NONE have earned or deserve God’s grace even before the birth of the outlaw preachers.
I also remember meeting Jay, Timothy, Khad and others and realizing the thrill of being in conversaton with others who believe that Jesus is the “Way” to know how we are to be in communitywith all GOd’s creation.
For me it all boils down to one simple (or maybe not so simple) thought. Jesus was an OUTLAW Preacher. He literally taught outside the law of his day both religously ans politically. For His efforts he was executed as a state criminal. Seems to me when we put on the moniker of Outlaw Preacher we are saying that we are willing to speak God’s truth as near as we can interpret it even if it leads to our death.
That is what it means to me. I am willing to stand outside of the lawsof my day if it means I bring God’s truth to those around me. So I am grateful for this “family” who stand with me and who make my journey a little less lonely.
Thanks for the chance to share and loooking forward to meeting many fellow outlawws in December.
“The Outlaw Preachers are a community derived from various Christian faith traditions who are centered on Christ’s teachings of grace and love.”
When I read Brandon’s definition, I really didn’t see anything specifically Christian about it, beyond an arbitrary starting point within a Christian faith tradition. Depending on what “centered on Christ’s teachings of grace and love” means, I’m pretty sure people from other faith traditions would qualify. And depending on what “radical inclusivity” means, I’m thinking at least some people here wouldn’t deny the possibility of a Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist, or atheist “Outlaw Preacher.” Such people are capable of seeking to show the “radical love and grace demonstrated by Christ,” I would think.
But that would make the definition useless, because a definition that doesn’t exclude anything doesn’t define anything.
In the rest of Brandon’s post and in several of the comments, I found what seems to be a more important common characteristic: acceptance and support of others, despite differences in theology, politics, appearance, etc.
That’s something I can get my hands on, at least, and it definitely is something that people want to have. But it’s not a Christian distinctive. I can get that at a football game or a Star Trek convention.
I understand that each community has its own slang and terminology, and since I don’t spend a lot of time in yours, it’s possible I’m missing some shared assumptions that provide the biblical underpinnings in what’s being said. But on their face, your words don’t seem tied to the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.
Do Christians often conflate their own opinions and cultural biases with God’s Word, and incorrectly judge others when they shouldn’t? Of course they do. They are still sinners; they’ll sin. But the solution isn’t to elevate radicalism to a fruit of the Spirit or inclusivism to the level of the gospel itself. It’s to always point people, believers and unbelievers alike, to the Cross and what Christ did there. The common gratitude for the free gift of salvation offered in Jesus is what will build unity in the body.
Personally, I can’t imagine anything more radical than proclaiming Christ and Him crucified and calling people to repentance and faith. It’s a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks, so that puts you at odds with everyone who doesn’t accept it. Seems like a pretty good working definition of outlaw *and* preacher…
Ken,
My question stands. What is this really about beyond your stated reasons. It takes much to muster the sort of energy it has taken on your part to go after the OPs repeatedly. Was your theology hurt by someone else’s at one time, or is this about a specific topic, or do you even know? Again, peace be with you.
“do you even know?”
Right backatcha.
Your questions are meaningless deconstruction. If anyone dares disagree with such as you, O, then we must have been hurt, blah, blah, blah.
Nope. I’m a man is all.
I just keep reading and reading and reading the responses and the stories of love and friendship and I am more drawn.
I would like to attend the event in December and get to meet some of you face to face.
I cleared it with my people today and got someone to fill in for me that Sunday.
Thank you for this post and your hearts.
Cheers!
Patrick
Sounds like my kinda people! I’m in the middle of the Ohio Valley, near Wheeling, WV. Anyone around here?
Good Question. I am in Lockport, Il which is a suburb of Chicago…anyone out in my neck of the woods?
Hey Patrick, this is overdue, but wanted to say I’m in the Chicago ‘burbs too: we live in Naperville, our church is in Woodridge. So not too far away from Lockport.
It is so sad that while this thread has been positive and has expressed the grace and love Ihave found in the Outlaw Preachers that someone wants to slander this group of people who I see has living in the total trust of God’s grace and Christ sufficiency to save them. Jesus did not come to save the perfect… but those of us who are a mess. I found the Outlaw Preachers to be a loving and encouraging group of people. While it is greatly diverse, we are not called to the unity of one doctrinal stance, but the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesian 4:3) as well as unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God (Col 3:14) We are not called to the “unity of believism” as Ken Silva subscribes to.
Iggy,
Personally I see God at work in every response that has been posted.
I say that because God’s love is there for even those unwilling to except it unconditionally or share it with others. If you look through God’s eyes you can so plainly see those who humbly and thankfully understand how unconditional God’s love is and those for whom we need to pray for understanding.
Christ came to give sight to the blind and freedom to the captive…let us pray for our siblings who are still blind to God’s love and in bondage to their lack of understanding.
We are not called to the “unity of believism” as Ken Silva subscribes to.
Says who, you? Ephesians 4:13 says we are. The wise wouldn’t trust anything you offer spiritually Carlos.
Like I said concerning Brandon, want to avoid interacting with my comments, then leave me out of your posts/comments.
Ken, mentioning you or not means nothing, you seem to show up regardless to invitation or not. And I have nothing but Jesus Christ to offer the wise who would regard it as foolishness as Paul states in the bible. All I have to offer is the foolishness of Christ Jesus. So thanks, I take you put down as a compliment!
= ) It means God is truly working in my life and YOU SEE IT! Praise God!
Well then, I also say: “So thanks, I take you put down as a compliment!
= ) It means God is truly working in my life and YOU SEE IT! Praise God!”
Ken,
Your paranoia is showing… love you!
I do see God working in your life, I just wish you also did… and I have yet to put you down, I speak the truth to you plainly in hope you will humbly receive it. Again, all I have to offer you is the foolishness Jesus Christ… and pray you receive it with all your heart as I have and others here have. Then you will be blessed with an abundance of life through Christ by His Grace and Mercy.
Again, nothing but love from me to you in the Name of Jesus.
= ) and I really don’t care how much you mock me over that… nor does Jesus! LOL!
The older I get, and the more I live (and mess up), the more I appreciate grace and the fact that God loved us while we were still screw-ups/sinners. I grew up in church (baptist) and I was every bit a pharisee. I knew everything, I had all the answers, and I sure wasn’t like “them” on the outside. Along the way I have figured out that I need grace just as much, perhaps even more so, than anyone else. I still get opinionated at times, but I’m learning to shut up and listen, and to be willing to entertain the idea that I just might not know it all.
This reformed hypocritical pharisee says thanks be to God for loving us unconditionally and reaching out to save us while we were still unrepentant and dead in our sins! Hallelujah!
I’m never comfortable with labels. I get really weirded out by them honestly. I have some how become a part of this label, the outlaw preachers. Which honestly is a love/hate relationship. I watched the foundation of this built. I even challenged Jay on it from the start, although later to hug it out at C21.
The thing is, the outlaw preacher thing started under a foundation of pushing back to Ken Silva and I watched the snarky tweets back at him in utter blechness. I even blogged about it. It was this whole deal of flaunting a gift from our triune God. I have mostly been a challenging point to this thing. More out of asking a “why”. I have stood on the edges of the outlaw preachers because for myself I haven’t been able to completely buy into it, but I keep seeing blog posts, Ken Silva the most, putting my name under the banner. (I would prefer, Ken, to be under the Queermergent label, for future reference.) It kind of makes me cringe a bit when I see it, because at the end of the day I only stand on the edges. I don’t buy into the slamming of faith that seems to be a theme of a lot on the hashtag way too much of the time. There are other things, but they are my personal reasons and don’t speak to any of the people I love.
What makes it the love part is that many of these people are my friends and were before this hashtag. However, many came after and I have been blessed by it. It is the relationships that have been formed in an uncomfortable relationship with a label that I’m glad about. I will always cherish that.
Another thing I love is that at times it reminds me of the fun days at theooze. I cherish those days. The organic feel to it and willingness to push through old boundaries was amazing. I think many outlaw preachers strive for that.
At any rate, I love many outlaw preachers and love what they have done in my life. I could take away the “outlaw preacher” part though and it would still be the same. Such as Adele, who in complete “unknowingness”, saved me and pushed me back into the conversation (emergenty stuff) that I left. Through her friendship I found a family at Queermergent, I cannot express that thankfulness. There is Phil Shepherd, who loved me in a moment I will not forget and will never stop talking about. There was Tim K. who asked me to just play with him on his blog/podcast and told my story for the first time in its full story. The funny thing about Tim is that he saw my laments about the outlaw preachers and we became friends through that. There are the other times where I was stranded, Connie and Khad teamed up to help me find resources.
So I guess this post is about why I don’t call myself this “label”, but how I appreciate those who have been a part of my life. I know I have been distant with many, that has been because of wrestling I have had since Transform and dealing with that. Blessings to all!
Connie,
Love is there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. If one does not see or hear it their eyes and ears or closed and/or darkened. To the pure, all things are pure, to the corrupt, all things corrupt. The condition of our own hearts often determines if we can see love, mercy and grace when it is extended to us… and whether we receive it or not. The sad thing is arrogance/pride also blinds us… myself included. I see people like Ken with sincere intentions and convictions, yet miss the point just as the Pharisees did with Jesus when he offered the Kingdom of God to them and they refused. It seems some cling to hope in religion and miss that Jesus is so much more than our own constructs… in fact he came to destroy our constructs and give us His. Those that cling to power only desire to control others, love does not want to control others… it seeks only to build up others.
Nope Ken, it DOESN’T MEAN A THING, does it?!
Just another day at the office.
I suggest we move on from Ken and continue in the original intent of Brandon’s post. I love the comment from Patrick, “I just keep reading and reading and reading the responses and the stories of love and friendship and I am more drawn.”
Sounds like Jesus is in the midst. = )
Thank you brother.
iggy, ya just made an ol…middle agerd guy grin. Thank you. Yeah, Jesus is the midst here. It is refreshing to meet you all.
Seeing guys like Jeremy who I already know and love talking here further intrigued me…but I think it was Pastor Nars story that moved me.
Relating is one thing. Do I relate to many of you? Yeah. But I also relate to characters on tv and in Manga comics. Is there some real live love and community here? Yeah. Identifying is good, but the potential to love and be loved while seeking God together…that is better than good.
“I suggest we move on from Ken”
Easy way to do that Carlos, have Brandon leave me out of this in the forst place. He’s the one who misrepresented what ZI said and so I corrected him.
Had he not drawn me into this I wouldn’t have commted at all here.
We may disagree in some matters but I appreciate your perspective and comments, Ken.
Really, then you’ll not be removing what I say like you did here, right.
“I suggest we move on from Ken”
As I said before, there’s a real easy way to do that Carlos. Have Brandon leave me out of his posts in the first place.
Had he not misrepresented what I said in the first place I wouldn’t have come over to correct him. I wouldn’t have commented at all.
I haven’t remove any comments, Ken. They’re all still there. Just appreciated Iggy getting back to the point of the post.
“I haven’t remove any comments, Ken. They’re all still there.”
Really. Check the below reference; when did I say that to myself?
http://brandonmouser.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/who-are-the-outlaw-preachers/#comment-867
Reply
Ken Silva says:
October 2, 2010 at 10:27 pm
00 i
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We may disagree in some matters but I do appreciate your perspective and comments, Ken.
Looks an awful lot like your comment here: http://brandonmouser.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/who-are-the-outlaw-preachers/#comment-868
Apparently, conveniently?, replaced what I’d said. Where I come from that removing it.
I have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about, Ken.
“I have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about, Ken.”
An’ don’t I know it.
I’m excited by this post. I’ve been watching the OPs from a distance for months now (following on Twitter & such).
I’m still not sure what defines an OP – but something about this calls to me. The idea of church being “messy”, of something being done differently, of “radical grace and radical inclusivity” – this all speaks very deeply to me. But I’m not keen on barging into someone else’s party, and I guess I’m still puzzled as to how one “becomes” an outlaw preacher.
Thank you for commenting! OPs are totally self-identifying. So if you identify that way, or in part, then you already are an OP!
Always feel free to jump in and out of conversations. As you can see here, there are many who agree with different aspects of what we’re about. Just as there are some who disagree. We talk it out, sometimes with resolve sometimes to be continued, and there is plenty of room at the table for everyone.
Welcome Emmy!
Emmy: “I’m still not sure what defines an OP – but something about this calls to me. The idea of church being “messy”, of something being done differently, of “radical grace and radical inclusivity” – this all speaks very deeply to me. But I’m not keen on barging into someone else’s party”
That just how I feel too. But reading everything here, well, I guess I’m taking people at their word when they say anyone is invited. It feels like that is true. So, to steal a line from one of my favorite movies, I think it’s a case of “You decide your own level of involvement!”
Love that quote Dave, and I think that speaks to the community at large. Some identify as OP, but would rather not get involved online. They do so via telephone, email or facebook, though. They like the one-on-one. I can appreciate that. There’s only so much that can be effectively conveyed in 140 characters.
When this group begins to sound like a novelty then it is dead to me. I’ve no desire to become linked to the next Christian decoder ring group or band of Unitarian wannabes.
Pain is something I live with every day as a Christian. Jesus was a man of sorrows. I get discernment and a groaning in my belly like a heavy stone. If I didn’t find something to laugh about every day I’d bleed to death. In spite of this non-physical condition I press forward for the cause of Christ. Knowing I have the joy of my Father is all that matters. Anyone who has not experienced pain as a believer has simply not gotten close enough to the cross to hear Jesus cry out.
I fight best when I’m empty, sore and focused enough to let God move through me. What I personally think and feel is nothing. Being prepared to die in the ring is just accepting a change of address.
Being an outlaw is a lifestyle with real scars, real pain… and real results. It has a real leader who hung on a tree and lived to talk about it. I follow Him.
That was beautiful, Chris.
Yambar … you do have your moments.
I wasn’t feeling like God was listening to my wickedly awkward and abnormal life. I’d given up on him along time ago cause I figured he’d long ago given up on me. I really don’t know how I got hooked in with the Outlaw Preachers – all I remember was it was through Jay online – and I dont remember how I find him on twitter. All I know is that when I found you all, I found a group of people who accepted me for who I was and made me realize I was still a child of God and was loved by him. I can’t wait to squeeze all the stuffing out of each and every one of you in Memphis – Starweaver
… and I’ll be waiting for that hug!
i want a hug too!
i am the 100th commenter! Woo Hoo! Glad to be an Outlaw Preacher!
… and I am happy you are, Adele!
… an Outlaw Preacher – not just the 100th commenter!
The podcast we recorded together is still ministering hope to people.
Nar, i am SO glad to hear it!
Found this link through a tweet from Pastor Nar… my name is Thomas aka @headphonaught and whilst I don’t consider myself to be an outlaw preacher, I have a deep love for this community.
I am proud to consider Adele a sister & Nar a brother. I am encouraged on a regular basis by the tweets & convos with John & Khad, to name but two.
Your family lifts me up, Brandon & I just want to say thank you for putting words around this community.
Thomas … @headphonaught
… and I’m proud to have you as a brother, Thomas – and a friend.
I think the beautiful thing about the Outlaw Preachers is that there is no pretense of righteousness for righteousness sake. We don’t feign piety or aspire to spiritual superiority.
In the year and a half we’ve used the hash tag on twitter I’ve seen so many come and go, but one thing always remains constant, a gospel message of grace, mercy, and love as opposed to religious narcissism that teaches us we are superior to those that believe differently. In our gospel there is no room for our addiction to religion, only for Jesus and his unconditional love. And I think that’s beautiful.
I’d like to say that the two most beautiful Outlaw Preachers I know are Connie Waters and Pastor Nar. I’ve never met two people so humble, loving, and willing to get their hands dirty just so they can be a blessing to those in need. I consider them the parents of the Outlaw Preachers. And Jay Bakker, he’s the wacky uncle!
I love you guys and am thankful for you! I can’t wait to spend time with you at the Reunion in December!
Pax,
Tim
How do you as “Outlaw Preachers hear direction without “hearing in the Spirit” or reading the Written Word???? since some of you do not even believe the Written Word … How do you hear from God??? Are you just in Babel? Here is one word I hear about all the “Babel”………Prepare yourself in MY WORD. I will take care of the language barrier. That barrier is above the wall I AM taking down. No longer will MY PEOPLE speak babel. I AM turning back the understanding of MY HEART, MY direction in the language of MY LIGHT. Yes, one language. It is always there for those who try and reach ME through MY WAYS, MY FACE, MY HEART and MY TEACHINGS. MY SPIRIT has to be able to communicate the message I want to convey to the “REST” of MY PEOPLE. Don’t fret about what others think of you. It is what I have planned for you since your mother prayed for you before you were concived. Your life will count for MY GLORY. Walk and hear . You know how to hear MY VOICE. Turn from the THINGS that BIND. You know how to live. I love the things you do when you listen to MY VOICE. It is the same as when you were small. You sit with ME now and forever. You want to walk with ME. You want to make your life count. Yes, count and MY face you see in part now but; CLEAR you will see ME as you climb mountains you have never climbed before. (copyright) THE ROSE …….TEXT from “HE THAT HAS AN EAR TO HEAR” by Sharon Cantrell Womack
I don’t think you’re going to have a problem with copyright infringement on that, Sharon.
As to your initial question: Can you explain how your comment has anything to do with the post?
I’m thinking the same things as Brandon… What does any of that have to do with a group of people loving and encouraging each other in the word and in Christ?
Thanks anyways for posting though. Everyone’s opinions are welcome.
“Jay Bakker, he’s the wacky uncle!”
Classic. I love it.
I’m not really cool enough to be an outlaw preacher – no tatoos and a pc laptop – it’s pitiful:>) … but the outlaw preachers accepted me anyway. How can you not be drawn in by that kind of love!! LOL
No, seriously, this is a group of people who are attempting on a daily basis to live out the love of Jesus – it’s compelling, it’s fun, it’s hard, it’s messy, it’s comforting, it’s frustrating, it’s convicting, it’s beautiful. I am glad to know them, to be a part of them and to be on this quest with them!
Liz … You. Are. Family.
I love your heart and am so thankful for the time I got to spend with you at Trans4m.
When I read this blog, I learned I already knew one or two outlaws. Over the last few days I have had the honor to get to know some more people.
I do not wanna gush into too many adjectives, but I will say this….the interactions have been honest, real, and just good. I feel like I am beginning to make some new friends and I suspect and hope they become old friends.
Thanks so much for stopping in and leaving a comment, Pat! Looking forward to face time with all these new folks and some of the older folks at the (re)Union in December!
I am not sure how I ended up here, I really have no idea. I do have one word that in my mind sums it all up – ATTITUDE – a good one. I appreciate an attitude of love so much. The “church” is sick and has failed to demonstrate love in almost any form! I was removed from a “revival church” affiliation a little over a year ago it was the most devastating and freeing thing that has ever happened to my family, God is so good! If you don’t love your neighbor you don’t love Him. I see so much generosity being displayed here and no hatefulness from those who call themselves “outlaw preachers”, blessings to you all. Brandon thank you for the invite to the Dec get together, we are going to try and make it. I don’t know any of you and would like to know more of what this is all about. Blessings to you all!!!
I have considered my self an outlaw preacher for years now. I have interacted with people in the house church movement and the institutional church. I think the thing that makes me an outlaw preacher is my radical stance on grace, salvation, inclusivity etc. I have mostly interacted with evangelicals however I cannot really honestly identify myself as evangelical. I do have an abiding faith in and relationship with Christ Jesus and, have what I would call a really high Christology…. Having said that I do not see the bible as a owners manual or operation manual… and, I don’t think that Jesus saw the scripture that way either. For him it was a proclamation of redemption and love and reconciliation. I am completely new to the outlaw preachers group but am looking forward to some fruitful interaction.
Blessings,
Joe Machuta
To be honest, I have asked myself that question many times lately. In short, the OP’s are a voluntary family. In my other (birth) family, my father is an ex Pentecostal minister who disagrees with just about all my theology, but loves and respects me and what I do. I, in turn, disagree with him on many things, but try to focus on what we do agree on, and gain a lot of wisdom from him on other matters. My brother-in-law is a Senior Pastor at a fundamentalist mega church… he and I can’t even talk theology or politics at all without it turning into a disagreement; however, in times of need he has been there for me regardless with help, and I will return that favor when the time comes.
When I first started associating myself with the OP’s I don’t think that I really understood what it was all about; nor they, I. Because I assumed that it was a group of people who are actively doing constructive things for people, the Church, and the Kingdom, that were maybe a bit outside of the box, liberal, leftist, or out of the norm or mainstream Christianity. I was excited about that.
There was a time where I grew disillusioned with it all after meeting or interacting with too many who sported the name Outlaw that were so fundamentalist, or who were just hard, bitter and hurt, that I started to refer to them as “Baptists with tattoos”; basically meaning that the only difference I saw in them from any other Christian was that they had a different fashion, swore, drank, got tattoos… and in general lead a very sloppy lifestyle in regards to character, discipline, and the Fruit of the Spirit.
However, I soon learned that this was not the case in general with all of the OP’s, but it just seems to be that way at times because they people are sometimes the loudest in the conversation. Many are not this way and are doing some very wonderful things. But Like any family, there are those I agree with and those I do not agree with, but we are family none the less.
I run into problems sometimes though, because even though WE see this as an inclusive family, others see it as some kind of affiliation with a denomination, theology, or way of being. This gets messy because there is none, and sometimes what people see at a glance while looking at the posts of one OP they then assume I agree with due to my affiliation with them.
This is currently a point of great stress in my life that I hope you all, as my family, help me work out.
For example, if I announce that I am an OP, my church, youth group kids, or their parents then look it up and start seeing talk of parties, drunkenness, drug use, fighting, swearing, bashing, etc., and since I associate myself with the OP’s they assume I condone such behavior and my role as a minister comes into question. The funny thing is that my church would never get bent out of shape over my being affiliated with people who were doing good works with homosexuals, interfaith, homeless, drug-addicts, or who had controversial opinions on theology or politics – just these other things become issues, and rightfully so.
I am currently at a loss for how to handle this, so please keep me in your prayers. I love you all.
Neil
Good afternoon!
I am so excited (I think;) about getting to know this group of believers. Just not sure if I am going to fit in here or not.
I am the assistant pastor of a little charismatic non denom church in Tulsa, OK. We have a congregation that averages about 100 in attendance on Sundays and about 30+ on Wednesday evenings. Our congregation is made up up of people from the GLBT community as well as many other people (moms, dads, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews) who do not belong to the GLBT community.
We believe and teach that Jesus is the only way to heaven, and that we are blood purchased and paid for. We believe that scripture has been misinterpreted and taken out of context to justify oppression and hatred of the GLBT community. We are not a Gay church, nor are we a Straight church, we are part of the body of Christ which makes us part of The church.
I hope I have found a forum where despite our differences we can fellowship and encourage one another. I look forward to this journey and getting to know all of you.
God Bless to all,
Shandon
Thanks for the comment, Shandon. Not all Outlaw Preachers are GLBT affirming, but many are. There are some who identify as Christian Universalists, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, etc, as well.
As a group, we discuss and wrestle with faith and theology and share in each others life.
My only word of encouragement is that because we all don’t agree on everything that everyone believes, we do our best to maintain an attitude of grace and respect for each other. We never ask the community to compromise their personal beliefs or understanding to conform to a particular idea, but we do request that everyone be respectful in their conversations.
We’re looking forward to your contributions!
I personily have become an outlaw of sorts. I guess let’s start by saying I’ve been a free thinking person since well before I understood the love and grace of God but after many years of running a muck I came to him unclean beaten down and said “here I am Lord” and in overwhelming response God gave me grace and love. And through my homechurch started teaching me. For about two years I chugged right along with this church but after many months of constint battles of political and social agendas I “dropped out” and became unchurched. I was still a believer but I couldn’t find others like myself who knew God’s unimagible love for “screwed up people.” I was sitting in my living room with my wife and our dogs and I was listening to Jay of Revolution NYC and I looked at my podcast list and seen one called Losing My Religion by Pastor Nar. Well I downlaoded it just to see what it was about and that was the first I learned of this AMAZING faith community and all the spiritual hunger I despertly needed was not only filled but I had that fire I got the first time I heard the lord speak to me. It’s been an outstanding journey so far and I look forward to growing deeper in this community and deeper into the Grace and Love of God.
I can relate with the Outlaw Preachers in many ways. Probably the biggest is, I don’t feel a part of any denomination, I never have. I think thats because the truth of Jesus Christ and His message have been sliced and diced for years. What we have left is a watered down version of the Gospel. This is one of the main reasons the church has lost it’s power in our generation. There is only one church! That is the body of Jesus Christ.
May God bless and keep you always,
Tim
Hello Friends,
As one who has spent a half of a century on this lost and dying planet learning all the words but never the tune, I thank Christ that the tune is beginning to take shape inside of me.
I am happy beyond words to find you all, the Outlaw Preachers. I now know I am not alone and we are all singing the tune together.
Count me in, sign me up, consider me a fellow comrade.
Hugz to all !!!
I am just a curious twitter follower of a few folks who identify as Outlaw Preachers. Don’t think I know any of them personally. After reading this thread, I am starting to think perhaps I am an outlaw preacher as well.
I minister in the inner city of Richmond with those who would never step foot in a church. They have become my church family and have taught me more about grace and Christ unconditional love than I ever leaned in the church walls. I am very much in the margins both in the world and in church circles. Sounds like many of you are as well. Glad I discovered this thread. Look forward to getting to know this community a bit more.
I am glad to hear you say such kind things. Welcome.
I think I’m an outlaw preacher!
Welcome!
Have you connected with us on Facebook and Twitter?
I have seen the name outlaw preachers going around on the internet and honestly I wasn’t sure what it was about. I am a minister of youth and young adults in a United Methodist Church. I feel most people would label me as conservative but as many have said earlier in this post there are times that I don’t always fit neatly in the conservative framework or in the liberal framework. I have been working in the church for years and it is difficult at times seeing the ways things are handled at times. I have many friends who feel the fit perfectly in the framework of certain denominations and groups and I have never really felt that way. I don’t know if this is because I didn’t grow up in a certain church and became a Christian during high school or if it is because I went to a Baptist church in high school, a Wesleyan-Arminian university, and now serve at a United Methodist Church….which the UMC is very diverse in its religious beliefs. All I know is this that I am completely amazed by God’s love. I mess up so many times and he is still there for me and I don’t think I will every completely understand that. I am thankful that he welcomed a sinner like me with open arms and I feel challenged to be more like him each and every day knowing that his grace and mercy is never ending. Thank you Outlaws for sharing with me your thoughts and beliefs as I seek to know Christ in a deeper way. I enjoy reading lots of different spiritual views as I feel it stretches me to see what others believe even if it is not always my particular beliefs.
I saw you guys in hashtags on twitter and the name kinda grabbed me, i really resonate with where your at, ever considered adopting an aussie into the O.P’s?
You have it spot on Jesus is it, i used to be an outlaw in my former life, now im a square peg in a round hole kind of rev, i really dont but a lot of what the church sells so am in sort of a strange place.
Anyway thanks for existing and providing a safe haven for all the square pegs.
I ALSO POSTED THIS ON THE OUTLAW PREACHER FB PAGE:
I only just figured out that I am an “outlaw preacher”…I was raised Catholic then was Assemblies of God for 20 years, with 12 as a minister within those ranks. I was then divorced and left ministry for many years after realizing that, as an LGBT man, I could not honestly live either my faith or my marriage with integrity. Although I remained Christian, it took me another 10 years to come back to anything remotely evangelical, and the last 5 saw my return to Roman Catholicism. This brought me back to many beautiful and meaningful traditions of my childhood, but also to a certain imposed legalism which I am frankly too old for, and which pushes away growth while demanding it.
Last fall after immense struggles of conscience lasting more than a year I made the difficult decision to move into Episcopal/Anglican ranks, where I could practice my Christian faith in both an evangelical and liturgical way, both of which I have learned to newly appreciate over the years, and yet to clearly speak out on issues that are of social importance to me, such as the true equality of my LGBT sisters and brothers and the end of a dictatorial hierarchy. I just recently became re-ordained through the Progressive Christian Alliance, an entire group of “outlaws” who I have quickly come to appreciate as well.
In short I am a complicated combination of liberal and conservative, moderate and progressive, and, at age 55, I find that I just do not fit any of the “molds” foisted upon me by either extreme. I simply wish to love our Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him and others, and need a safe outlet where I can be challenged by and challenge others so that we both can grow.
The radical and utterly free grace of the Gospel is the one thing that has kept me anywhere near stable in all of these evolutions, and as an admitted outlaw I throw myself on the mercy of a loving God’s court!
Thanks for welcoming me.
There is plenty of room at the table for you, Richard! Welcome to the Outlaw Preachers!
And, ironically I am back within the walls of the Roman Catholic Church–and it is where I belong. That of course does not mean I have totally lost my “outlaw” side though hehe. I am glad there is room for us all at the foot of the Cross. Blessed Easter to all.
A friend of mine first told me of the Outlaw Preachers, and as soon as she said it (or wrote it in an email, actually) I instinctively said, “Yeah! Maybe THAT’S what I am.” I guess I struggle sometimes to know my own place in the spectrum of religion and spirituality. For awhile, I’ve sometimes jokingly referred to myself as a “punk preacher”, as in I know two or three chords (“Worship Jesus!”, “Love others!” and sometimes, “Read the Bible for a deeper truth!”), and I just bang away on them as fast and as loud as I can, sometimes.
I was raised in the Swedenborgian tradition, which right off the bat puts me in a pretty obscure box I guess. After some time as an entrepreneur/businessperson working in the stone age of the World Wide Web tech bubble thing, I went into ministry for the relatively largest, conservative denomination within the Swedenborgian / New Church movement.
But in lots of ways I’ve always known that somehow I didn’t quite fit in this context as comfortably as, on paper, I really should have. So I broke semi-loose and convinced my denomination to partially sponsor a church plant, and then set off to Austin, TX to do my own crazy thing.
I regularly blindly stumble crashing through traditions and rituals and expectations and taboos like a bull in a china shop, hopped up on caffeine and suffering from some serious ADHD. And it mostly doesn’t bother me.
Because of my unorthodox views of Divinity, salvation, and Biblical interpretation, I’m pretty much locked out of fellowship with the vast majority of “normal” Christian theologians, pastors and preachers. So I feel constantly like a stranger in a strange land. Home isn’t very homey, but the rest of the world thinks I’m a heretic.
So for awhile I’ve just shrugged and done my thing, quietly wondering when the tension would cause some sort of tip, turn, shift, whatever. But lately I’ve found being a church planter, a solo pastor, and, well, an outlaw preacher to be kinda lonely. I’ve got a couple of friends who also are coming from my New Christian faith tradition as a starting point (including the woman who tipped me to the existence of the OP), but I can count them on one hand.
So I’m still trying to figure out if I’m emergent, outlaw preacher, or some sort of theological platypus, or what. And I’m still sort of content to not resolve that for now. But I’m really excited to be discovering the existence of this group, movement, tribe, federation, or whatever it is.
And like I said, the moment I heard the term “Outlaw Preacher”, it felt like pulling on boots that are just right for my feet.
So we’ll see what happens next…
[...] Interesting question… [...]
Why am I an Outlaw Preacher? I’ll steal Gene Anderson’s statement: It was just a jacket that fit. Now y’all are close family that I love and adore, even when we have our squabbles.
I fell off the edge of the “conservative-liberal” spectrum and landed in the Outlaw Preachers. We are more than just tattoos and whisky; it’s a place for those too creative (and too feisty) to be shoved into the same-old-same-old ministry box.
I’m neither an outlaw nor a preacher but I am most assuredly an Outlaw Preacher.
[...] read more about them I would direct you here, or here or here or here or [...]
An Outlaw preacher is a teacher of the Word that lives outside of the law of Moses. Or, maybe a teacher of the Word that realizes the doctrines of their Church and the Word don’t agree. For instance, James tells the preacher and the elders to bring forward the sick and an anoint them and heal them. Ask an Outlaw preacher what is in that, ‘holy oil’ that the James Gang rode with back in the day, and you’ll play hell getting an answer. But, just enter, “holy, oil, recipe” and Rev Roger Christie will tell you quick. It’s pot, like it or not. And, if you are obeying the first bishop of Jerusalem James the Just the brother of Jesus you’ll be an outlaw preacher, too!