Since you wouldn’t be here unless you wanted to know more about me and this blog, I’ll try to accommodate.
My name is Bob Kuhn. I was born, raised, and live in the city of New Orleans. In 1976 I married a wonderful woman named Jeanine and we’ve since been blessed with 2 amazing children: Benjamin and Rebekah who are both adults now. Jeanine and I became Christians in August of 1978, and have been on an exciting and joyful, yet sometimes difficult, journey ever since. For the majority of my adult life I’ve earned my living as a salesman in the marine supply industry, and I thank God for His overwelming provision.
In 1986, after several years of serving as a volunteer youth minister, I was ordained by an inner city non-denominational church, the Irish Channel Christian Fellowship, where I served approximately 2 years as a full-time associate pastor. Shortly after leaving the full-time ministry position, I received a unique call from God to reach those who have been hurt, neglected, or disillusioned by the church. This personal ministry focus and the philosophy behind the Organic Church movement seem to be a perfect fit.
I love to read and discuss philosophy and theology, and enjoy looking at scripture from multiple perspectives. I also enjoy writing Christian satire.
My favorite movie drama is “To Kill a Mockingbird” and my favorite movie comedy is “What About Bob?” Among my favorite books are The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn, and The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsh.
From living here my entire life I have developed a love/hate relationship with New Orleans. I love the food, the diversity, and the Saints; I hate Mardi Gras, the humidity, and the politics. But please know that I’ve earned the right to hate certain things about New Orleans. I can’t stand it when “outsiders” put my city down.
I wanted to start this blog site to help others understand my position on ecclesiology. I love the church – the true church – the body of Christ. I don’t hate the institutional church; it’s just that I see many aspects of it as unnecessary, and even harmful. That is why I am becoming involved in the movement called the Organic Church. It is my hope that you would consider becoming involved too.
Please add me to your email list, I’m very interested in the organic church movement. After having been a part of a church plant, I learned what a blessing it is to be part of a church where everyone has the opportunity to use his or her gifts to serve. Ideas for outreach are welcomed and utilized – it’s so much easier to minister when we have the blessing to be able to follow the path that God has set out for His ministries. One of the greatest joys in life is serving our Lord in a spirit of love and unity.
Thanks Dallas. I agree with your excitement over the organic church movement. It’s the very life of Jesus expressed through His body, in my opinion.
I’ll include you in all email updates.
If you’re in the New Orleans area, let me know.
Peace,
Bob
Bob,
I pray that God blesses you all. Although part of the “institutional church” I’ve long understood the need to break down our systematic control of God’s work. Blessings!
Hey Bill,
You’re one of my favorite parts of the “institutional church.”
I’m glad to hear from you. You’re absolutely right, it all boils down to who’s in control. The principle is easy to state. It’s the “how-to-let-him-control me” application of that principle with which I have the most difficulty.
Peace,
Bob
Bob,
I’ve read several of Violas books, Neil Cole’s, and Barna. I was convicted by some of what Viola said, but have trouble with pedagogy. I asked him, how do you plant this oragnic sutff in a neighborhood of crime, rentals, death, poverty, and little education. That’s the place where my wife and I feel called to be. We’re in Central City New Orleans. Would love to fellowship with you and discuss this. I personally feel Viola and Cole want the same thing, but build their fellowships very different ways.
Hey Jonathan,
I am excited to hear that you feel called to that area. God is doing some cool stuff. Also, as one who has worked and ministered in the inner-city of NOLA, I definitely believe the organic church mindset can work in that area. Note, I said “mindset” not model. I don’t believe there is any right or wrong model. Contact me sometime so we can get together and discuss it further. My email is fanatic78@aol.com.
Peace,
Bob
Hey Bob, my name is Zach Seibert and I stay in the Treme. I lived here for years and served with a ministry in the Quarters called Street Level. Now 11 years later I’m back in the city I love and my wife and I are trying to figure out just what it is God is gonna do with us now that we’re back. I’m pretty familiar with Viola and Claibornes stuff and even hosted a book release for Claibornes Common Prayer book at our house this last year. At any rate we are struggling to find anyplace we feel at all at home at church wise. I’m assuming you may know something we don’t regarding the organic church here in NOLA. My email is zachswagon@live.com. Would love to rap with you sometime soon. Later, Zach
Would love to rap with you sometime too, Zach. I sent you an email with more contact info.
Peace,
Bob