I just spent a little bit of time trying to catch up on my bible reading by reading the first 9 chapters of exodus. Something that stood out from my reading of the plagues was Pharoah’s constant need for “evidence,” followed by “proof” by moses, in turn followed by “rejection” by Pharoah and the cycle continues. Does this connect at all with anyone in the same way we tend to put so much power in apologetics? We think in our churches that if we can prove it, then people will accept it. But even with Pharaoh that never was the case. In fact when he demanded evidence, and moses gave him proof, it caused him to reject more. Ok, i understand that this is a very different situation, but let us at least think about it. How many people do you know that are just in need of the right answer? Or proof that God exists? I am sure you would say lots, but i think if we really built friendships and knew our friends that would be the case. My hope is that the open house doesn’t become a place of mere answers and proof, but a place of true community, authenticity and practice of the Christian spirituality we hold so dear for people to desire to not demand more proof, but a place to connect and belong.