A Beginner's Guide to Faith

Faith can be a complex and multifaceted concept, especially when transitioning from a traditional, bounded-set perspective to a more progressive, centered-set understanding. In a progressive, inclusive church, faith is not merely a checklist of beliefs or a binary state of certainty. Instead, it is an ongoing journey characterized by trust, growth, and community. Drawing from the insights of thinkers like John Mark Comer, we can explore how faith functions as a relational practice rather than a static set of beliefs.

What is Faith?

Understanding the Term

In the original Greek of the New Testament, the word for faith is pistis, which can be more accurately translated today as "allegiance" or "trusting-loyalty." This perspective shifts the focus from mere intellectual assent to a deeper, relational trust.

Not Just Intellectual Consent

Faith is not simply about saying, "I believe God exists." Even the demons, as noted in James 2:19, acknowledge God's existence. Instead, faith is about living as if what Jesus said about God is true, akin to the trust inherent in a close partnership. You may not have 100% proof of your partner's thoughts, but your shared history allows you to lean into that relationship.

Relational Trust

In this context, faith becomes an active process. It is the decision to engage with God and others based on trust and experience. This relational aspect of faith is crucial in a progressive community, where doubts and questions are welcomed rather than shunned.

Why Does Faith Grow?

An Organic Process

Scripture often implies that faith is organic, much like a mustard seed. It grows because it is a response to our lived experiences. The seasons of our lives—grief, joy, doubt, and success—serve to expand our capacity for God's presence.

Expanding the Vessel

As we navigate through different challenges, our "container" for experiencing God expands. You might have a "small faith" in God's love during easy times, but this faith matures into a "large faith" when you encounter God's love amid crises. Growth occurs as God becomes more "real" to you than your fears.

Moving from Theory to Reality

In a progressive setting, faith is not confined to doctrinal perfection. Instead, it is tested and deepened through real-life experiences. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace their doubts as part of their journey, learning that faith and uncertainty can coexist.

How Does Faith Grow? (The Drivers of Growth)

1. The Driver of Challenges (Trials)

Faith is like a muscle that strengthens under tension. When we face unanswered prayers or suffering and choose to stay with God, our faith matures. These challenges often serve as catalysts for deeper trust and understanding.

2. The Driver of Spiritual Disciplines

Practices such as Silence and Sabbath create the environment for faith to flourish. They act as a "gym" where we can practice trusting that the world won’t fall apart if we take a break. These disciplines allow us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, making faith a lived experience rather than a theoretical concept.

3. The Driver of Community

We often "borrow" the faith of others when our own feels weak. Seeing God work in a friend's life can reignite our trust. In a progressive community, sharing stories of faith and struggle fosters an environment where everyone feels supported in their journey.

4. The Driver of Knowledge

Studying the "Way of Jesus" provides a framework for understanding God's inclusive nature. It’s hard to trust a God you don’t know. As you learn about the life and teachings of Jesus, your faith is informed and deepened.

When Does Faith Matter?

In an Inclusive Framework

Faith matters most in the "middle spaces"—the times when life isn't clearly black and white. It is essential during moments of uncertainty and doubt, where love and trust become guiding principles.

In the Midst of Doubt

Faith does not eliminate doubt; rather, it incorporates it. In moments when you don't feel God's presence but choose to act with love anyway, faith is most powerful. This dynamic encourages individuals to embrace their questions and uncertainties as part of their faith journey.

In the Work of Justice

Engaging in social justice work requires immense faith. The belief that "the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice" fuels action in the face of despair. Without faith, we risk succumbing to cynicism, while a trusting loyalty to God and others can inspire transformative actions.

In Our Self-Image

Faith is particularly significant when societal messages tell you that you are "less than" due to your identity. Choosing to believe God's "Yes" over the world's "No" is a profound act of faith. This perspective empowers individuals to embrace their worth and identity as reflections of God's image.

The Growth Cycle

Understanding the stages of faith development can help illuminate your journey. Here’s a simplified growth cycle:

Stage	Action	Result
Infant Faith	Relying on rules and "correct" answers	Safety, but rigidity
Developing Faith	Testing the "Way" in real life	Tension and questions
Mature Faith	Trusting God's character even in the dark	Deep peace and radical love

1. Infant Faith

At this stage, you rely heavily on established rules and correct answers. This provides a sense of safety but can also lead to rigidity in understanding faith.

2. Developing Faith

As you begin to test the teachings of Jesus in real life, you encounter tension and questions. This stage is essential for growth, as it challenges you to engage with your faith more deeply.

3. Mature Faith

In mature faith, you learn to trust in God's character, even in dark times. This phase brings a profound sense of peace and a radical love that extends to others, reflecting the heart of Jesus.

The Aha Moment: Faith as a Gift

Understanding the "Aha Moment"

In many conservative traditions, faith is often presented as something that must be actively chosen and earned. The "Aha Moment"—that sudden realization of God's presence or truth—can be viewed as a pivotal event confirming one's faith.

Progressive Understanding of Faith as a Gift

In a progressive context, however, the question shifts: "Is faith a gift that I receive, or is it something I must strive to achieve?" Here, faith is often seen as a gift of grace from God, accessible to everyone, regardless of their past or depth of understanding.

Embracing Grace

Many progressive Christians emphasize that faith is a grace-filled gift. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace faith without fear of judgment, understanding that it’s a divine invitation to relationship rather than a transactional requirement.

Personal Experiences

The "Aha Moment" can manifest in various ways—through personal experiences, profound questions, or connections with others. It may not be a single event but a series of realizations deepening one’s understanding of faith over time.

A Next Step for Your Growth

If you want your faith to grow, don’t try to "force" yourself to believe more things. Instead, consider engaging in The Experiment of Trust. Choose one area of your life where you feel anxious—be it finances, a relationship, or your identity. For one week, practice a simple Breath Prayer every time you feel that anxiety:

(Inhale) "I trust you with this..."
(Exhale) "...because you are good."

This practice can serve as a reminder of God’s presence and faithfulness, helping you cultivate a deeper sense of trust in your everyday life.

Conclusion

Becoming a Christian in a progressive, centered-set church is a journey filled with exploration, questions, and community engagement. It invites you to seek love, justice, and personal growth while celebrating the unique path that each individual takes.

Remember that faith is not about conforming to a checklist but about moving toward the heart of Christ, where love and acceptance guide your journey.

Final Thoughts

As you navigate this transition, remember that you are not alone. Many others are on similar journeys, and the beauty of a progressive church is the diversity and richness of experiences it offers. Embrace this opportunity to grow, learn, and become part of a community focused not just on belief, but on love and action.

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