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We believe in a vulnerable God

We believe in a vulnerable God. Gospel leadership is counter-cultural. We opt for the poor Not the successful, the powerful, the rich and the efficient ? This type of leadership requires special insight and sensitivities, a mind like Jesus’ and a high level of service

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We believe in a vulnerable God

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  1. We believe in a vulnerable God

  2. Gospel leadership is counter-cultural • We opt for the poor • Not the successful, the powerful, the rich and the efficient? • This type of leadership requires special insight and sensitivities, a mind like Jesus’ and a high level of service • We believe in the present order of things • We are opting against ourselves and the current order • Power & affluence can stifle the Spirit

  3. Power is dangerous • Jesus’ major criticisms were for the rich & powerful • We never had it so good or is it so dangerous? • Power & affluence can stifle the Spirit • “The weak are very conscious of their weakness and the powerful are rarely conscious of their strength”. Paul Tournier. The Violence Inside • The powerful often hurt without intending to and often cannot hear or understand the weak, the vulnerable & poor • Power can blind us as much as corrupt us • Lazarus and the rich man & Jesus at Simon’s house

  4. Our image of God

  5. A vulnerable God? • We want God to be powerful • A God who is in charge, fix our problems, give us clear directions, and rescue us from our crises • But Jesus finds God’s love in rejection, darkness, failure & death • He proves he is God by not coming down from the cross • God’s love is vulnerable & contrary to human power • God is active in pain, suffering and ambiguity

  6. The need to receive as well as give • Christians and especially priests, missionaries and carers tend to be compulsive givers • But we need to receive and well as give • If you do not need anything you cannot be in relationship • Our vulnerability and our need may enable us to empower people and communities • And give us the insight and sensitivity to hear, to recognise and be compassionate • It may release the fire in our hearts and in others.

  7. Questions for Reflection • What difference would it make if you were to see God as vulnerable? • We are powerful people. Do you reflect on how dangerous your power might be? • Who are the poor in your “world” and how do you respond to the weak and poor?

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