Out of context

I post a lot of stuff that I read to my del.icio.us bookmarks. But you probably don't take the time to click through those links, so I'm going to occasionally post pointers to the best stuff I'm finding:

• David Fitch has posted a very interesting "Warning List for those who would join a missional church gathering" that also speaks to attitudes in existing, settled churches that want to be more missional. Erika at "The Margins" has a thoughtful response, wondering if there is room for the weak and hurting in the missional church (Yes, there is, say I). Bob at Vanguard Church notes the tension between reaching out in mission and pastoring the community, which is relevant in the church I'm a part of and in many congregations.
  
• Serving vs. being fed is also being discussed on the Emerging Leaders Network (an ELCA emerging conversation). The comments include a good discussion about the ways in which ELCA polity can be seen to limit mission. My favorite quote, from desertpreacher: "...it seems ridiculous to think we can create different behaviour (discipleship) and different results (growth - even if in small communities) without changing the structure of our communities."
• ELN also has a good discussion about whether "lay" people can be "full-fledged ministry leaders" and the missional effect of the ordained-only rule about presiding at the Eucharist.
• Bruce at Mission Bay Church has a great post on "3 reasons why pastors should be blogging." He blogs about a business blogging conference, and observes: "Change out "business" to "church" and it sounds like a pastoral leadership to me. "
• I need to get one of th