New Strcuctures, Complete Results and Change.

I think this video has something to say about the overall structure of Church. These ideas will help us move forward in to more helpful, more complete communal expressions of faith and good works.

I'll gather my thoughts and release them in more coherence soon.

join the conversation.

The Pastor of Culinary Arts

So I was thinking Yesterday that more churches need Culinary Pastors.

I'm Serious.

Food is an enormous part of scripture.

Fruit in the garden
Levitical dietary laws
Ceremonial foods
Promised land of milk and honey
Grapes
Wine
Bread
Feeding the Multitudes
Agricultural crop parables
Eat and Drink
The Wedding Feast of Christ


And at every step in between, food is integral and carries deep theological symbolism and context.

With such a large connection in Scripture, perhaps our leadership structures should include this idea and give it some serious weight. Our leadership structures indicate the importance of teaching, singing, and organization. No real criticism of any of those here, but a suggestion that we add food and its related concepts both to our priorities and to the leadership structures that reflect those priorities.

In my idea this Culinary Pastor (the name needs some work. any suggestions?) not only explores and leads the community in texts about food and drink, but also expounds on them theologically and (maybe most importantly!) makes food for the community. Teaches and leads others in making food for other people. One of the central rituals and concepts in the life of a community of faith.

Side Note: this should not be another subcateogy of leader, whose rolls get absorbed into some larger heading. That does a disservice to this position and the importance therof.

In fundamental ways the relationship with Christ is defined in a meal:

'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.