Ever since I met these guys, I've been intrigued by the idea of third place ministries. Pernell says:
The idea is that people need three spaces: a place where they live, a place where they work and a third place where they can be among friends. This third place is a space where you can be yourself, build community and talk about the issues of the day. In North America, we put a lot of stock in our careers and family relationships. As we build bigger and bigger houses and spend more time at work, we isolate ourselves from our neighbours and become lonelier. We collect nice stuff, but we never really fill the internal void that is desperate for community. The cafe creates a space where people can find that community, where we don't have to be defined by our jobs or how much money we make.
I've long wanted to see this happen in Toronto, in some place with good foot traffic and a bit of a community vibe happening.
When I pass the now vacant Kingsway Theatre near Bloor and Royal York, I can't help but dream about turning this venue into a third place. Same when I am on Queen near the Drake and Gladstone.
I agree with Tim Keller that we need to stop abandoning the cities. There are many ways to serve in urban centers and this is one of them. I'm dreaming of what could happen in Toronto.
Tax Receipt. Seriously, I underestimated it.
These buildings are empty and amazing and full of potential, and tax receipts sometimes hold a lot of power.
I'll keep you updated on the process of our building.
"The idea is that people need three spaces: a place where they live, a place where they work and a third place where they can be among friends."
Where does the church fit in to that?
Darryl - Great having lunch with you today. I will be praying and dreaming with you about a third place in my hometown.
George:
I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you asking how a third place could fit within a church community's ministry?
George & Darryl -- I too have eyed an old, abandoned theatre (in the downtown core of the city I've just moved from) and couldn't help but envision a lot for it. But I saw not just a third space where people could come and relax and be themselves, and find friends, and hopefully more; I saw a place that was electric first with a kind of Gospel, and then, with a kind of people who whole-heartedly embraced that Gospel, such that His presence and life (and conviction likely too) was the identifiable aroma and outworking of the place.
From dyingchurch/nov 2: "...Since the church represents Christ, then perhaps we ought to be marketing suffering, self-denial and sacrifice.
Admittedly, it doesn't sell very well in today's consumer Christianity, but let's face it: That was the only brand he carried, and he carried it all the way to the cross."
When a group of christians come forward who will embrace the real gospel together, at real self-life losing cost, as a way of life, there - the kingdom will begin to be powerfully manifested. We won't be just a nice place for people to come; we will be a holy place for people to encounter a holy God. And that's when the kingdom starts to roll.
If you live in the Toronto area, and such thoughts call your name, get in touch!
naomi.johnson at sympat...(you know the ending).
Darryl, the question is about this "third" place. Is that the church? This third place you are dreaming about at the Kingsway would that then become the church for you or an extension of the church?
George:
Great question. It's only a dream right now so I don't know that I have complete clarity.
Believing that the church is people, I'd like to go in with some people who have a love for a community. We could live as a church community and also engage with the local community through the third place, whatever that looks like.
I think part of my frustration is that at Richview right now it's fairly hard to even meet people in the community because it's more suburban. I'd love if it were a little bit easier to meet people.
Hmmmm. Now THAT would be worth coming home for!