The beginning of edoc.

Here’s how edoc got its name and made a start:

The church which I attend was in limbo. There was a long history of congregational differences about geography and direction. The overall church government had appeared to simply put things in the ‘too hard’ basket. The overall trends of attendance and finance were not looking good.

I decided to seek out one of the church government officials and have a talk. My background was that of a believing Christian, with a history of running churches within the denomination-with some measure of success. I had some ideas about what might be a way forward. I sought an interview with an elder, which was granted.

The interview was pleasant and unhurried. I asked the elder what he would do in my position and with my history and what he saw as my possible contribution. It was with some measure of unbelief that I heard from his lips that really there was no future for me within the church structure as I was viewed by the church government as:

Eccentric Divorced Off-Centre

The middle one was absolutely true. I can’t deny history. The other ‘charges’, despite being tautologies, were not explained, but simply put up to marginalise me further and emphasise my ‘non-place’ in the church. It was with some puzzlement that I left the interview realising that the church structure which had brought me to faith, and in which I had operated worldwide for forty years at all levels, was now casting me aside.

Why? For having the temerity to be human and to approach them with some ideas as to how they might solve a long-festering issue which they were demonstrably unable to address.

In the interview there was no offer of ‘a way back’ or any sort of personal counsel. The brick wall had been erected and like the victim in Edgar Alan Poe’s story, my fate was sealed.

Where is it for me now and what is my future?

I still hold to the Nicene Creed and all the other historic creeds of the church. My faith remains, although my meaningful involvement in a local congregation is now denied by implication. For me, it will be more profitable to spend time with my family and grandchildren, have a dinner party with those outside the church structure, and talk seriously about the issues of life and belief, than to go to a tired, divided and mantra-driven assembly where there is no life input or sense of hope.

I had hoped that there would be a way forward to a better local Christian community in which I could be involved. I wanted to use my talents and gifts in the development and encouragement of that community. It was not the view of the church that I should be in any way involved.

I’ve moved on, other arenas are opening up for me. They will for you too.

I’m sure there are Christians who are marginalised like me.

Hence edoc.

Edoc is not here to complain or condemn but to share and to encourage. Email your experience, what you’re reading, what you’re doing and where it is for you in your Christian journey.

More…

http://www.edoc.net.au/beginning.htm