And a few suggestions on how to fix it

By Pam Hogeweide

Pam is a reluctant contributor to Off The Map. She isn’t completely sure about us and recently even unsubscribed, so if you’re a friend of Pam’s you might forward this to her so she can get a chance to see her article in print. Pam is a veteran follower of Jesus with a spirituality that reaches beyond church and organized religion. She is an articulate writer and an insightful observer of people who are struggling to make sense out of life and God.

At my homegroup recently I listened as one by one, each person told about his or her dissatisfaction with church, or rather, “doing church”. Without any prompting from our leader, this spontaneous time of sharing brought out into the open thoughts and feelings of discontentment in the body of Christ. Read the rest of this entry »

By Bob (Can you say Bob?) Bowen

Ten weeks ago Pam Hogeweide wrote Off The Map to protest her perception of the costs and self-promoting associated with the Generous Orthodoxy conferences. She unsubscribed from our monthly newsletter. I engaged in a dialog with Pam and as a result, she agreed to be our guest at the Seattle Generous Orthodoxy Event. She agreed to come to the conference with an open mind and I agreed to keep Off The Map’s promise that we are not like any other conference that she would attend. Pam attended the Seattle Generous Orthodoxy conference and I followed up with her this week about her thoughts regarding the conference and if she would consider re-subscribing. BTW - Although Pam may not read the Idealab she has been willing to write several articles for us. The most recent article “Why does church feel so empty” has been our all time most discussed piece. Read the rest of this entry »

By Lisa Wellington

Lisa is an ordinary artist, entrepreneur, writer, traveler and recovering Class Clown who revels in all things creative. Currently, she is embedded as an Investigative Assistant in a local law enforcement agency where she awaits the release of the book she threatens to write. Raised in all ways Catholic, she now and for the duration finds solace and joy at Vineyard Community Church. She is a “single mother from the beginning” of her only child, Rebecca. Life is richer and sweeter because of her. Their hometown is Edmonds, Washington. You can reach her at here. Beginning next month Lisa will be the Editor of our new Doable Spirituality Blog. This article will give you a small taste of what to expect. Read the rest of this entry »