Athletes Church Extreme (ACE) from New Zealand are sending shock waves round the world as perhaps the most novel form of emerging church descends literally from the clouds (Rev 21:2).
Whilst their spiritual expression is unorthodox to say the least, they take church very seriously. One of the group leaders Tam Reylf explains that in their view a lot of so called emerging churches really are far too loose in their ecclesiology:
'People are meeting in homes or with their friends or in the pub and saying that it is church. But is that enough? For us it has to be more than just fellowship. We want to see at least a commitment to the Trinity, the wider church and the sacraments.'
It's particularly on the sacraments of baptism and communion that ACE have caused quite a stir. 'Extreme baptism', as they call it, involves new believers being baptised by bungee jumping off a bridge over a river such that they dip in the water.
Their 'extreme communions' always involve the elements of bread and wine being eaten and drunk. But ACE seem to go to whatever lengths they can to share communion in the most extreme places. They are pictured here skydiving, falling to earth at speeds of 600 miles an hour clutching the elements in novel formations known as the 'prayer partners' and 'the fellowship of the ring'.
Taking worship to the extreme is getting in touch with the adventure of following Christ which should give more fulfilment than anything else.
Yeah, as someone from NZ I had a great time obn sunday zooming down at 600 mph with my communion - bread in the left hand and cup in the right hand, It was a great adventure in following christ I must say. And Joe Kerr would definately agree -it was ACE.
Baptisms are next weekend.....
Posted by: dave the rave | April 04, 2004 at 14:08