My wife and I were in Austin, Texas last month. We were there for a gathering of pastors from around the country, about 25 in all, who have a heart to "do church" differently. It is very "relationally focused" in "how we do church", but more importantly, in "how we live life". As followers of Jesus, an ever growing relationship with God and with other people is what we are told "should be our priority". As Jesus said, "Love God & love others". Simple, yet profound and challenging to actually live out. We enjoy this group for that reason. We love the challenge and growth that comes as we consider this "simple truth", and actually try to live it out and model it for others. Before our last gathering, we had an extra day, so we decided to walk along the river that flows through downtown Austin. It was a sunny day with a cool breeze...awesome! Then we got lucky! The Austin Art Walk was happening. The Art Walk is a renowned art show in the streets of Austin, outdoors, with artists from all over. Great food, live music, and the creative overflow of these unique artists. Wow, what a cool break for us. I have a Bachelors degree in Art, so I love these opportunities, and my wife is very creative herself, so together this is fun for us. I love the many varied expressions of life depicted in these artists wares. What a unique bunch we stumbled upon. It was awe inspiring. It reminded me of the Creator Himself and His heart to create...to cause wonder...to create a sense of awe. The bible says we are created in His image, so apparently we have a creative flair from the Masters touch on our lives. It was truly evident in the works we saw that afternoon at the Art Walk. It is truly evident daily as we stop to take in the wonder of God's creation...to see an artist at work...to see the results of His hearts creation. That's very cool. What amazes me most about God is how it all works together. Creation...plants... animals...humans...weather...dirt...sun...rain...rivers...oceans...it all works together in this beautiful, complex way that's wonderful. Jesus describes "the church" that way also. He speaks of the "true followers" of Him as being His "body", and that each one is a "part" of that body. A puzzle piece "if you will" that is essential to complete the whole. He taught of the many valuable parts, many unseen (kidneys, spleen, liver etc...), many seemingly insignificant (toes, fingers, ears etc...) yet so important. In this analogy of His body and our place in it, I believe it would allow for "churches" of various personalities & functions sharing together in what would be known as the "body" of true believers. At ECHO we intentionally are living out a different expression of Jesus to bring greater health to the "church body" Jesus desires. In fact Jesus warned that the "body parts" should not try to imitate and strive to be "like" a part they admired or desired to be. ECHO is intentional in not imitating the typical church in Eugene/Springfield...we're not striving to be like...or take the place of...another "part". We choose to be a unique part, perhaps not a pretty part like an eye, but a very crucial part...perhaps like the butt! Cause every body needs one...and we're willing to be it. Because somehow, someway, as we all take our place, we compliment each other, and in the end we will be in awe of how the Master has put it all together! ECHO loves its place...because Eugene/Springfield needs a part that's been missing...and we hope to be it. For the sake of those not yet reached with an authentic expression of God's love...we gladly take our place...even if its at the rear, so to speak. Hey we all need a butt...so you can sit and rest...so you can deal with your crap...so you can hold your pants up as you live life. You know, come to think of it, that pretty well sums up ECHO also!
be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO
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