"Most of our members do not know nor understand the Bible much less have the skill to apply its principles to their decision making in the church."

-- W. Easum (Dinosaurs, p.39)


"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

-- Jesus (Luke 10:23b-24)

  

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Easum talks about "Fringe People" as those who are, ",,,willing to concentrate on the opportunities rather than the threats." (p.37) They are faithful people who willingly risk having and leading with, "...a holy discontent with the way things are." (p.37)

We'll take a look at the assumptions and changing-world realities that make "Fringe People" so vital to the health of faith communities in our time.

Check out the following four questions. Note your thoughts. We'll use question #4 as a springboard in our next session.

1- On page 37 Easum begins sharing three assumptions that Fringe People make. In what ways can these three assumptions help us more effectively share God's love?

2- Following these three assumptions we read about seven ways Fringe People act on those assumptions. (Each of the seven begins with a Italicized type at the beginning of a paragraph.) It may help to list the seven:

a - ____________________________________________

b - ____________________________________________

c - ____________________________________________

d - ____________________________________________

e - ____________________________________________

f - ____________________________________________

g - ____________________________________________

Where do you see these things missing in our congregational life? Where are they present? Be specific!

3- When we talk about Fringe People how do you see this idea as a major shift by the way fruitful ministry has happened in the past?

4- The pastor's vision for Trinity is as a "Cornerstone Community" where we're "Building Lives (Called in), Making Disciples (Called out) and Nurturing Servants (Called on)." In what ways does this vision incorporate "Fringe People" ideas? In what ways are "Fringe People" ideas overlooked?

OTHER NOTES:

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This is an online Study Guide for use in the local church, compiled and produced by David P. Harris of Ephrata, PA.