What do wine, bar-b-que, and IFCs have in common? They take time. They take care. Young wine tastes harsh and dry, not allowing the true character of the underlying grapes to flourish. To reach the smooth, rich taste of a good wine, the grapes need time to age, to mature. That aging process takes time. Time measured in years not months.
The flavorful and tender BBQ we love is also the result of a slow process. The cuts of meat generally used for BBQ are tough and chewy. But if you cook it slowly at a low temperature the meat relaxes into a buttery-soft, rich and flavorful bite. In both cases, the process of creating the smooth, rich, and flavorful experiences of wine and BBQ takes time, patience, and awareness.
The art of making wine and cooking good BBQ is like the art of launching an Innovative Faith Community in marginalized places. IFC work begins with an understanding that what appears to be tough or unpleasant is actually the basis for a rich, authentic expression of the kingdom of God. It takes time and patience to break the tough fibers of mistrust and smooth out the harsh tannins of cynicism. Fibers and tannins that, in part, are the learned tools of survival. With slow, consistent, loving, and humble presence, IFC leaders form communities that seed hope, rebuild agency, and remind people of their value. The journey of transformation is the work of God. The environment for that work is planted and nurtured by the IFC leader, and the result is changed lives that reconnect with God. It’s a beautiful thing, but it takes time.