Many years ago the Lord planted a seed deep within my heart. It came in the form of a question – or a series of questions, really – that have quietly directed my meditations, my prayers for illumination, my study of the Bible, and my interactions with trusted friends. The following article is an attempt to convey the fruit of these spiritual exercises and in turn lay down what have become the organizing principles of Ithaka Fellowship, a nonprofit ministry that my wife and I started back in 2007.
Rooted Tree or Hydroponic Plant?
In the Scriptures a rooted tree symbolizes a person that is mature, wise, or blessed (Ps. 1:3). The interpersonal dynamics are composed of a complex root system that runs deep within the soul, creating a powerful interplay between love, trust, dependency, and fidelity to a region or place. Friendships are cherished and tend to be maintained for long periods of time. Families relish the support of relatives and grandparents. And the life that is most generous and wise is the one that humbly trusts in the Lord and understands work to be the means by which one’s relation to the land comes alive.
Conversely, the worldly life is ethereal or chaff-like in nature (Ps. 1:4). Though rooted (Pr. 2:22), its system is aquatic in nature. Sustenance and meaning are found in the superficial rather than the eternal, creating a shallow and makeshift life – a life easily influenced by adverse currents both within and without. Closeness and intimacy are valued, yet must be found in voluntary associations formed by common interests or spiritual practices. Friendships tend to be short-term and address only a few dimensions of a person’s life. And the life most sought after is the one that capitulates to the subtle demands of corporate advertising and in the work exploits the land for a greater good.
Which best defines our culture? To my mind, ours is an age that mimics the life of a hydroponic plant living on the surface of a pond. The reciprocal and analogical ties between marriage, household, church, community and the land have been pulled apart by the wisdom of the age and each dimension of life has been parceled out to well-intentioned experts who can, at best, only encourage the disheartened masses to move on to a better pond when the stagnation becomes a bit too much for them to bear.
The migration patterns are everywhere, even within the church. Baptismal vows, marriage, and family life are not central. Husbands and wives find it easier to revoke their commitment to each other and transplant their hearts outside the home. Christians are not staying in churches for the long haul. When things get rough it is assumed that God would want them to live in a nicer pond – one that makes them feel a little happier. More broadly speaking, we are witnessing a complete mistrust in a God’s providence that puts individuals and families in a place and time for kingdom purposes – a multi-generational faithfulness testifying to the glory of God.
What’s the Challenge?
This brings me to the core questions alluded to at the outset. For many years now it has been my passion and aim to understand the following questions: 1) How can the church develop a relationship with Christ that goes beyond a shallow view of personal interest and private concern?
2) How do we redefine our situations so that Jesus is Lord of our families and spiritual community and not merely our private lives?
3) How do we counter a culture that increasingly encourages consumerism, novelty and short-term commitment and in the process develop a biblical discipleship with regard to the land?
What is Ithaka’s Place in the Struggle?
Thirteen years ago the Lord put it on my heart to open our home and make it a place where the church can send the hurting, the bruised, the seekers and the skeptics to witness first hand the harmonious life; a place where marriage, home, church, community and the land are integrated and shaped by a devotion to Christ. Since that time, we have hosted hundreds of forums and learning events, most of which are now in local churches and venues. Our summer music festival on the farm has become a much-anticipated annual celebration.
If you would like to learn more about this ministry you can find us online at Ithakafellowship.org. Our next Friday night lecture is March 20, 7 p.m., at Christ Community Church of Chenoa. Come check us out. The guest speaker’s topic (Rev. David Keithley) will be “A Non-Anxious Presence In Our Out Of Control World.” Hope to see you there.