Beyond the Box 2.0
In the (now almost) 6 years of the Beyond the Box Podcast, and in the years of personal conversation between Ray and Steve prior to the launch of BtB, one thing has stayed very consistent: A pursuit of meaningful and healthy expressions of faith in authentic relationships outside the institution or religion. In the evolution from two guys in a restaurant, to a couple of other friends occasionally joining in, to recorded conversations and a website for interaction with others, to a Facebook community with frequent personal interaction, Ray and Steve have tried to continue to explore what community mean, what role it plays in Beyond the Box, and how to guide it in a healthy direction without falling into the hierarchical trappings that seem to have sidetracked the institution.
Sometimes, evolution like that involves exciting growth and positive experiences. And sometimes, it requires stepping back a bit and re-evaluating the success/failure of particular endeavors. So, when recent events in the BtB Facebook community seemed to lead to some serious questions about exactly how that community functions and whether or not it was headed in a healthy direction, it was time for some hard thinking.
While this episode focuses heavily on that particular aspect of the BtB experience, Ray and Steve discuss many factors about community that may be applicable to a wide variety of situations. And within the context of this discussion, they outline some changes in the approach to community that will hopefully allow people to feel more safe, engage in healthier interactions, and live in love and respect for those around them.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:41:47 — 93.2MB) | Embed
May 2nd, 2014 at 7:31 pm
Man I love you guys. I have been blessed beyond my greatest expectations as a participant in this group. Please include me in any new group you begin.
May 21st, 2014 at 9:58 pm
Hi Steve/Ray,
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to contribute and to share on facebook.
The freedom was great and I will always be a part of what you guys do.
I am a disciple of Jesus and I am encouraged by all the conversation.
Look forward to you your next move.
I would love to be a part of what is happening.
Tim Maxsted
December 13th, 2014 at 6:39 am
Hi
I just listened to a few episodes and would love to join your “secret” FB group. I am trying to incorporate much of what you are talking about with a group of Christians here in Switzerland, where the church culture is different in the first place and allows to gradualy go where Christ wants us to be. Looking forward to your response.
Blessings
Ralph