VJN 2015 was a roaring success, our largest gathering yet with 125 pastors and leaders from around the country, including Canada and one pastor from the UK(!) digging into the theological, political, and local community dimensions of exactly what is it going to take to end poverty. Great soundbytes included Dr. William Turner (Duke Divinity School) challenging us: “Are we the Christians the world is waiting for, or should it be looking somewhere else?” and Rev. Hugh Hollowell (Love Wins Ministries, Raleigh): “the government can make it easier or harder for me to be a Christian, but in no way does it change what Christ calls me to do in serving the poor.”

We invited John Nash (member of Vineyard Columbus & VJN first-timer) to share his reflections on VJN 2015.

VJN 2015: So what is good news, exactly?
by John Nash

I am the token “social justice warrior” (or, as they call it, “SJW”) amongst my circle of friends.

As the lone-wolf SJW, I don’t back down from debates or lively conversations. It is a little tiring to be outnumbered, but I’m typically up for it. They are my friends after all; we love and respect each other. And let’s be honest, this type of marginalization is probably the worst I’ll experience in my life. #privilege

But I don’t want to merely be a voice on one side of an argument. I don’t want to live in a black hole of my best ideas. I want to embody the same Good News that I’ve received from God – not merely think or argue about it.

I expressed my frustration to Kathy Maskell earlier this year at the Vineyard Global Conference, when she suggested that I come to VJN 2015 in Raleigh.

I’m not an extrovert. I’m not a natural networker. I’m also not a professional practitioner. So my excitement to be a part of this conference was quickly tempered by my standard personal barriers. Fortunately, I decided to take a risk and join a small team from my church who was attending. As Dr. William Turner would say, the Spirit is movement.

Spending 48-plus hours in the context of VJN 2015 – including the drives there and back with some amazing people from Vineyard Columbus – was an inspiring experience. I heard stories of the Kingdom come on earth, both in personal and structural means. I had my theology sharpened and crystallized by the likes of Dr. Turner and the Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis. I met sisters and brothers from across the country who are “doing the stuff” in a broad spectrum of ways.

Throughout the weekend though, I was challenged with a recurring question: so what is good news exactly?

What is good news to someone experiencing poverty? What is good news to someone addicted to heroin or porn? Or to my LGBTQ friends? These are open ended questions with very complex answers, both theological and practical.

It feels daunting, at least for me. But I was encouraged by Drs. Theoharis and Turner. Together, they weaved a real world theology of the kingdom. We serve Jesus, the anointed Messiah, who came to restructure the edifice that allows for power games and injustice. Likewise, we are empowered by the subversive Spirit who moves us, who compels us forward into that same mission of God. All of which is expressed powerfully, poetically and prophetically in Isaiah 61 (quoted by Jesus in Luke 4).

So what is good news? Ruins rebuilt; devastated places restored; cities renewed; inheritance for the disgraced…
Honestly, I’m still figuring out what this all means for me – that is, beyond my highly enviable status of social justice warrior. But I know that this is the life that I want. I’ll continue to look for ways to learn and engage. And I am grateful that Vineyard Justice Network has become a part of my process.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WEBINAR: De-briefing Dr. Turner w/ Michael Raburn
Wed., November 4, 2015 7:30-9pm EST
Michael Raburn will host a de-briefing webinar on Dr. Turner’s work on the relationship between the Holy Spirit, justice, and community organizing. To best prepare for the webinar, we recommend you read Michael’s dissertation chapter on the Holy Spirit.

Register now

WEBINAR: Justice and Church Planting Webinar
Thur., Jan. 7, 2016 3-4:30pm EST
VJN and Multiply Vineyard will host a webinar with Rich Nathan (senior pastor, Vineyard Columbus) and Beth Wood (community connections pastor, Vineyard Halifax-Canada) about key ways to have compassion and justice rooted in the DNA of your church plant from day 1. Email us the kinds of questions you would like to discuss! Register today

CausCon: April 7-9, 2016 | Kansas City CauseCon is a fresh, new take on exploring why the kingdom of God is worth giving your life to. VJN will join 12 other Vineyard ministries and taskforces to invite and help our 20-somethings continue to discern how God is inviting them to join in the cause of his kingdom.

The CauseCon is a gathering place for young adults to connect with each other and leaders in the Vineyard, inspire one another, and engage in the story of Jesus. For more info, www.causeconference.com