An Encounter.
by lefever on September 12, 2010
Have you had an indelible experience ever, from any religious art?
Millan was industrial gray and it was cold; it was winter and the trees had shed their leaves – the electric trains spat crackle through the night air with each passing, reminding one of Milan’s modern life: Modernity, Modern Life.
This was not what I expected from Italia’s center for design and couture. More apocalyptic in my mind, a dirty city, not unlike the Los Angeles I had flown from just half a day ago. This was my first impression on the night I arrived. It is fair to say I could have been unjust from being travel weary and carrying naive expectations toward seeing the romantic Italy created by Hollywood slight of hand.
Although I came here to find a specific girl, a high-school flame, it was a different encounter that would change me. In Milan, something would happen that would change my future. It happened in Milan. It happened in … [continue reading]
Consecrated Space // Integrative Church
by lefever on November 12, 2010
By Jeff LeFever
What would it look like?
In my travels I have been observing the spaces in which people come to worship God. I have noticed that there are two basic types in which these spaces can be identified:
Consecrated / Integrative
Both are good and fine, and work for their measure.
A Consecrated space is set aside – differentiated from the world – made up in symbol and meaning to reflect the Holy – so when one is inside, they have left the noise and persuasion of the “world” to a place of rest, reflection, consideration and reverence, and prayer. One knows they are in a place set aside for this because its very existence promotes and offers this as a reminder and a service for healing and restoration. The art and beauty communicate the theology as well as the spirit of Faith.
A place like this should always be open to all, as is God’s offering of salvation.
Integration is an action rather than a place – so the place is inconsequential. It (integrative church is more a type) is the meeting of the church and … [continue reading]
