June Meeting Reflections: Hugh Halter

July 1, 2009 | 1 Comment

Based on the attendance we had at our June meeting, many of us were already familiar with Hugh Halter. But I know that this was an introduction to Hugh’s work for others. Hugh is the co-founder of Missio and the co-author of The Tangible Kingdom.

Hugh’s experience and perspective on church planting is unique from what many of us know, though it is one that many are weighing seriously. Hugh did not move to Denver to plant a church, but his heart for mission turned him into an accidental missionary. As his natural bent for mission played out in his life, relationships were formed with curious people who were disarmed by his engaging personality and knowledge of Christian faith. Within a few years, a church community had formed out of these relationships.

Personally, I resonate with Hugh’s perspective on trying to live as a missionary might engage in another culture. While the traditional church planting methods that have emerged in the past 20 or so years are still finding success, there is an apparent and growing need to form faith communities that connect with others through other means as well. Hugh’s intensely relational approach is one that all of us could learn from.

I also resonate, and struggle, with Hugh’s experience that Christians who come into their community are some of the most difficult to engage in mission. As we are still in the initial stages of forming our community, I find myself wrestling with this very question…and Hugh’s experience is matching up with some of the conclusions I’ve been drawing.

Hugh’s perspectives are unique enough that I’m certain there are a variety of responses to them. In the comments below, I’d love to hear others where you connected with his ideas, but also where you disagreed.

For more information about what Hugh is up to, or for information about The Tangible Kingdom primer for group study, visit TheTangibleKingdom.com.

Categories: Reflections