Not only are our natural seasons changing rapidly from Fall to Winter, but the spiritual season is changing as well. This coming Sunday marks the beginning of the Season of Advent, which marks the beginning of the church year.
I will be posting more on Advent later, but suffice it to say for now that Advent is really the Christian New Year!
And as we get ready to change seasons, things are also changing here on FaithAutopsy.com.
It has been a full 6 months since things blew up and it has been a pretty crazy journey. A lot of the blog has been focused (understandably) on the factual side of things — what happened when, what I did, and what the process moving forward will be. I have tried to be as honest and open as I can be while also being as respectful and balanced as I can.
But now it is time for the journey to move forward. I will keep blogging about what I am learning, what God is doing in my life, etc. I will also be blogging about life issues that interest me… politics, theology, etc. In January I hope to do an in-depth look at hermeneutics and then an in-depth application of that discussion by looking at what the Bible actually says (and does not say) about homosexuality. But unless there is a positive turn, I won’t be blogging any additional thoughts about the reconciliation process or anything directly relating to the church I left. As you know if you have been reading this blog, my biggest frustration with the church has been the total lack of a process for reconciliation. Such a process should really be part of any church discipline process. And, since it is not Advent quite yet, I can still say I don’t think it is too late for a process to be put into place by the Board and I am open to whatever that process might look like… but enough about that.
So as Advent comes, we begin to look forward… but that doesn’t mean that I will be any less honest or transparent on this blog… so here are some thoughts for all of us:
1. My hope is that this blog increasingly becomes a communal conversation. I know that many of the regular readers are reticent to comment for a variety of reasons — I hope in this new year, you will consider going from reader to participant. I would love to hear your stories, thoughts, questions, ideas, insights, wisdom and reactions… so dive on in.
2. While I will be moving away from any direct comments about the church I left or the process, etc, I do want to reiterate something that I have said before and stand by. I know that not everyone is happy with the content of this blog (and probably no one is fully happy with it… if you haven’t been offended at least once, you probably aren’t reading that closely.) And I know some people don’t think I should be blogging at all. Well, I am going to keep blogging, but — as I have said before — there are 4 people (or groups of people) who have “veto power” over the content of this blog. What this means is that if I post something that seems inappropriate, self-serving, inaccurate, etc, they can ask me to take it down or correct/amend/clarify the post — and I will do so with no questions asked. I don’t grant this “veto power” lightly and I take it seriously. I do this (a) our of respect for the people involved, and (b) because I recognize that all of us can lack some self-awareness and perspective sometimes and I am capable of over-stepping bounds and posting stuff I shouldn’t sometimes. In case you are wondering, the four people/groups with “veto power” are as follows: Any of my mentors (J.R., Kit, Joe, etc), Vince (current lead pastor at the church and a trusted friend and valued friend), the church Board (who I respect and still consider myself under the authority of), and the congregant involved. All they have to do is email or call me, and the post will be amended or taking down as soon as possible.
3. I have been overwhelmed by the positive emails and messages I have gotten from readers of this blog and am humbled by the stories you share, your grace and encouragement, and your willingness to be part of my journey and story. Thanks! I have also been impressed by the thoughtfulness and civility of the discussion and comments. Let’s be honest, some of the issues we are tackling here are pretty hot-button and emotionally charged. The possibility for less-than-civil discussion looms with almost every post. Yet the tone has always been positive and civil — even when there is not perfect agreement. I have not had to edit or delete a single comment yet! So I just want to say thanks for that and encourage you all to keep it all up!
So thanks… Happy New Year… and know I am praying for and with you during this upcoming Advent Season. And I covet your prayers for me more than you know!
In Christ,
Ben
BEN DUBOW 
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