Fellowship Memphis

The Gospel will commonly lead you to embrace uncomfortable circumstances. This reality has brought together a group that intentionally discusses Biblical perspectives on topics that are often avoided in religious circles. Patrick Bingham shares his experiences.

After about an hour of enjoying fellowship together, we receive the call that CC is about to kick off! Instantly, over 40 people rush into the living room at the Thompson’s; most of them have to stand the entire time, though they don’t seem to mind. BJ takes center stage and lets off the first question: “Minorities often make claims that racism still dominates America, from partial treatment from White Americans. Do we still live in a racist society?” This is just one of the many questions given during “Controversial Conversations,” better known as “CC.” CC has become a great time to discuss a variety of real and relevant issues, including some that may have been addressed during a sermon given at Fellowship Memphis. It gives you a platform to agree, disagree, or even just vent some on topics that you would not normally be able to discuss publicly in a safe environment. Now, anytime you deal with questions that are not only “in your neighborhood” but “inside of your house,” it becomes a strong indicator in revealing whether or not you are truly seeing the world through the lens of the Gospel. Now for the non-believer there, this has also evolved into a great witnessing tool, as they are able to hear believers address these difficult topics with a biblical response that completely goes against our culture and context. On a personal level, CC has helped me build community with other believers within our church, by effectively creating an environment where intimate topics can be wrestled with collectively within a group of believers. It also simultaneously helps to sharpen my world view in relation to important issues that are normally left unanswered.