RE: Is God Up to Something in USA

Andrew Jones, my friend at TallSkinnyKiwi had an interesting post this morning. He asks if God is at work through the reemergence of the church in the U.S. through the church influencing the election, the success of the Passion movie, Christian music, etc. Some people wrote back and said that they did not see how God was working in the U.S. since the Bush presidency was not pursuing Godly goals through things like the invasion of Iraq, the environment, etc. (some of our European brothers). Andrew's point was really encouraging though. Read it for yourself by clicking on the link at the top of the post.

I wrote him an email that I though I would post here since it has to do with specific things that are going on in here in my own city that I believe God is really in. Here it is:

Excellent discussion and comments, Andrew. Another thing that is happening that is not being noticed directly is that churches are beginning to work together. 10 years ago this was considered impossible, but is happening now more and more. Christians are praying and working together like never before. In my own city in the Bible Belt South a few weeks ago, First Baptist Church had John Perkins in to speak to city and church leaders. He really challenged us on the power of the gospel, social issues, and politics! The crowd was incredibly Republican, but he challenged us to think critically about the Republican party and not travel lock-step with them. Incredibly, people responded very favorably. The pastor of FBC stood up and said that he wanted everyone to come together (church leaders, social leaders, business leaders, political leaders) to engage in holistic ministry to the poor and come up with real solutions to our continued racial division! In the heart of the Bible Belt! So the world will see what can happen in a city of division when the church comes together to truly love God and love people! I was stunned but really excited. Our little group has been working and praying toward this for several years and the pastors of the large churches were always too busy to participate. Not anymore. Yes, Andrew, I believe that God is doing something and while on the surface it looks like the same old thing by grasping for power, there is an undercurrent of a real desire to represent God. This is happening in the institutional church. We are also starting a citywide worship gathering of young adults from over a dozen churches so far to come together to seek the Lord and have a place to bring friends. It is pretty "emerging". The rallying cry is that no one gets credit but Jesus. We are all giving ministry away.
I know this is a long comment, but I sense such cynicism in the emerging church about certain things that it is possible that when God moves in ways that we didn't expect him to, we are going to miss out on it because it doesn't fit our preconceived notions. It reminds me of some pharisees I once read about. I'm just saying that there is an undercurrent to all of the NEGATIVE power stuff that might be from God. Real people who are really hungry for the Lord. I think that that is what you are sensing. Maybe it doesn't always look right and maybe it manifests itself the wrong way, but I would ask the world to pray for what is being birthed in America, that those who are really trying to do the right thing would stay the course and bring others with them.