Imagine by Jay Smith

“Imagine.” John Lennon wrote this prophetic anthem proclaiming a glorious vision of life to a minority of people that believed that the world would be better without God. As every message from a great prophet does, Lennon’s vision continues to come true. Why? Because people readily, and mostly without question, accept the messages of the cultures which they embrace. As new culture creators grow in these environments they continue to prophecy the messages of their elders. Indeed thousands upon thousands of culture prophets continue to elaborate on the words of Lennon’s “Imagine” perpetuating secular philosophies and belief systems all throughout the world.

How do we speak a different message? As the Church has become more insulated and self focused, we have become fortifications against cultural influence. Therefore we are, in large, ineffective when speaking to our mainstream culture. There then remain two areas where people are open to spiritual conversation: the first is personal relationships, the second is art and media.

Imagine if these prophets spoke back to the Church aligning it to cultural needs and providing it a road to speak to the mainstream world. If their absence has created a growing void between the Church and God’s creation then their presence can heal this void because this is what they were designed by God to do.

Let’s look again at John Lennon who struggled in school and was wrought with insecurity as a child and even as a world famous Songwriter. A comment from his math teacher on a high school report card gives us a snapshot of his struggle: “He has too many of the wrong ambitions, and his energy is too often misplaced. He is certainly on the road to failure if this goes on.” But imagine. What if a church had embraced and nurtured this child where he was. What if he was introduced to his creator, to his purpose as an artist in God’s eyes. What if Lennon later wrote the song “Imagine” telling a prophecy of a world united with it’s God.

Imagine if the Church could find a way to connect these prophetic artists to their creator? To send their voice into the world with a different vision? Imagine if these prophets spoke back to the Church aligning it to cultural needs and providing it a road to speak to the mainstream world. If their absence has created a growing void between the Church and God’s creation then their presence can heal this void because this is what they were designed by God to do.

We could indeed open the floodgates of God’s spirit on this world. If we could do this in the small church of Convergence, in DC, we could teach this to churches all over the world. Our church can change the world. How big is your vision?

Can we? Let’s look at our church: We are connected and involved with many national and local faith based arts organizations. We have associations and partnerships with local churches and seminaries all over our region. We are heavily involved with our local community, government and schools. We have received grants from the city, the Mayor has personally been on our property and spoken publicly of the importance of our organization. We are working with the Torpedo factory – the largest most central art institution in our city. In our own community we have the Poet laureate of Alexandria, two incredible regional rock bands, and are home-base for the entire Northern Virginia Punk/Hardcore scene. What church have you ever heard of that can claim this; especially with a congregation of 25 people? Imagine that!

And our congregation is diverse and active: We have taught you the five fold ministry so you now know how to start creating your voice and role in your personal ministry and in our church. We have the initial framework for discipleship groups, community groups, worship and teaching. In other words we are teaching this small congregation how to grow and multiply itself.

The mission of Convergence isn’t something we need to imagine. It is real and it is happening. And the lost prophets are not hiding in the depths of the city somewhere, they are right here. They are in this very building. Do you believe God is at work here? I absolutely do!

Yes we will have more happening, yes we will continue to grow, but the question to me isn’t so much “What’s next?” the question is “How can we embrace the movement of God through the incredible opportunities he has created here currently?” If we answer God’s call – just imagine.

Excerpt from a talk given by Jay Smith at the Convergence Celebration Gathering on Sunday, November 24, 2013.