… The Idea Camp, which has just launched a new site today!
On September 27-28, 2010, The Idea Camp will be hosting an important conversation about sex, the church, the world, and ideas for good.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m uncomfortable talking about this topic. However, it is simply too important for us, as the church, to look the other way.
I love the heart behind #ICSEX (the Twitter hashtag for this Idea Camp):
The issues related to human sexuality are too often misunderstood, ignored, or avoided in far too many churches. The Idea Camp will facilitate a safe and transparent environment of learning, sharing of insights from the respective fields of focus, and practical insights and examples of holistic care. As a faith-based conference, there will be an on-going focus on the importance of living as God’s loving expressions of grace and hope to the world through tangible acts of care in this area.
During the weeks leading up to #ICSEX, different bloggers will be hosting conversations around a topic each week. The first week has already wrapped up, and there have been many honest, challenging reflections already. Upcoming topics will include sexual abuse, gender, and slavery. I’m looking forward to hosting one of these discussions here at headsparks* in September.
Being part of The Idea Camp tribe has been so life-giving to me: nowhere else have I found the friendship, collaboration, and inspiration I have found from this diverse group of like-minded people. This time, what happens in Vegas could transform the church and change the world!
headsparks* 
The interesting thing to me has been how raw and confrontational Jesus was in his teachings and conversations, yet we in the church always try to sanitize things for the sake of being holy.
Being an atheist for most of my life, it is this Jesus that I was drawn to. The Jesus that wasn’t afraid to be controversial and tackle what was on people’s minds. We need people to be out there sharing about life’s pains and injustices so that those who are going through them can see the relevance in Christ who cares deeply about them. Kudos to The Idea Camp–and you–for putting this out there for the world to see!!!
As always, I appreciate your friendship so much, which was a result of our meeting through The Idea Camp.
Dave – Yes, I love the way God has worked to bring together the Idea Camp tribe :) I wholeheartedly agree with you. May we incarnate our Christ who understands sorrow, pain & brokenness in order to join His work of redemption in the world.
I haven’t had the chance to have a really close look at the new site, but first impressions are really good.
Looking forward to checking it out in a little more depth soon.
J
Johnny – Good to hear from you! I was in your neighborhood recently (well, a stopover at Heathrow to & from our housebuilding trip to South Africa!). I’d love to hear your thoughts on the new Idea Camp site.
Oh man, what a missed opportunity. Pity we couldn’t have organized a quick stop over Starbucks at Heathrow.
Lovin’ what Charles & his team are doing at the Idea Camp. Wonderful stuff.
J