Origins and Purpose of the Uncommon Lectionary
Important: Be sure to read:“Introducing the Uncommon lectionary: Opening the Bible for Seekers and Disciples”by Tom Bandy (Abingdon Press, 2006)
A form of Christendom lectionary emerged in the 4th century CE as a means of following the emerging Christian Year. For centuries is it was really intended to guide the reading of scriptures during worship and to orient prayers for the Christian feasts. Then in the 20th century, major denominations collaborated to create The Common Lectionary that would integrate worship design, Sunday Schools, and the personal devotional disciplines of church members. The, at the end of the 20th century, Christendom died.
A new kind of lectionary has been needed for several decades. Gone are the days when everybody was connected to a church, knew the basic Bible, participated in church programs, and needed to walk through the familiarity of the Christian Year. In the post-Christendom world less than half of the population knows the Bible, and fewer still know Christ. The public has never been more spiritually hungry … and the church members have never been so poorly equipped to mentor them to satisfy their hunger.
Tom Bandy began to develop an alternative to the Common Lectionary while he served as a new church development pastor, and later as a national officer for congregational mission with the United Church of Canada. He recognized in today’s world, seekers and mentors need to get together. Twin obstacles quickly emerged. Seekers had no idea at all about the contents of scripture and needed to be introduced to the “basics” of the Bible; church members had minimal spiritual maturity applying the Bible to the mission of the church to tell the story of God’s saving grace. Result? “The Uncommon Lectionary: Opening the Bible to Seekers and Disciples”.
The purpose of the Seeker Cycle of the Uncommon Lectionary is to introduce seekers to the basic stories and texts of the Bible every Christian should know. The cycle intentionally parallels the holidays and “holy days” of the real year. Over 52 weeks, you will be introduced to the most important Old Testament and New Testament stories and verses that will give you hope, strength, and integrity for daily living.
The purpose of the Disciple Cycle of the Uncommon Lectionary is to take committed Christians deeper in their understanding of God’s salvation history. The cycle intentionally follows the ebb and flow of the real calendar year. Over 52 weeks, you will explore in depth the five great story-lines of the Bible:
- Israel’s Covenant;
- David’s Legacy;
- Faithful Servants;
- Jesus’ Purpose;
- Christian’s Mission.
You will be better equipped to share your faith and mentor seekers in spiritual growth than ever before. The small group processes that are a part of the cycle help you interact with God’s word, the insights of your companions in spiritual growth, and the wisdom of your small group leader.
Worship design teams have their own discipline of spiritual growth as part of both cycles. These scriptures will help you focus the missional purpose of worship, and grow as a leader and team.
The Uncommon Lectionary has emerged from the post-Christendom world for the spiritually hungry public. It links worship with a larger process of disciple-making that is the heart of the Great Commission.