Some of you may not know that one of the companions we invited to join us at the Emmaus event was Brian McLaren. He is a well known author (A New Kind of Christanity; Everything Must Change), as well as a speaker and musician. Unfortunately despite his interest, Brian was unable to join us due to scheduling conflicts. I saw a video of him this week, however, and am sorry that he couldn’t be there. Perhaps if there is ever another event, he will be able to come and share the journey with us…

The video that I watched was his 2010 commencement address at the Virginia Theological Seminary on May 20th. With roots in the Episcopal church, and as the recipient of a degree that day, Brian spoke with warmth and wisdom. He addressed the fresh graduates with a beautiful sense of hopefulness, and urged them to cultivate friendship both within and beyond themselves. In it there is much that is relevant to those of us on the Emmaus journey, from his comments on ‘nibbling ducks’ to his advice that says, “You’ve got to smoke what you sell”! 

Watch it here: Brian McLaren VTS 2010

I hope you take the time to listen. And I would love to hear your response to what he has to say. Was there anything in there that rang true for you as it did for me? Are there pearls of wisdom for us, as leaders in the church, to hear? Would you want him to come and offer that same advice to your colleagues in presbytery?