During Jesus’ ministry on earth, tables—and the meals shared around them—were an important part of his school of discipleship. Professor and author Robert Karris writes, “In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal or coming from a meal.”
New Testament scholar N. T. Wright says, “When Jesus himself wanted to explain to his disciples what his forthcoming death was all about, he didn’t give them a theory, he gave them a meal.”
When Jesus invites his followers to the table, the meal is open to all—men and women, slave and free, Jew and Greek. Jesus’ table is diverse; his table is uniting. Coming to the table requires taking risks and leaving places where we are comfortable. Our differences have led to many wars, hostilities and animosities. Yet, the Bible speaks of the diversity of God’s people as a blessing to enjoy for eternity (Revelation 5).
We denominational magazine editors often talk about our publications as tables, inviting readers to pull up a chair and to enjoy the dinnertime conversation, sharing stories and thinking together about issues of the day. Previous Christian Leader editor Wally Kroeker compares this magazine at its best to a zesty stew, with “different shapes and colors of vegetables, assorted chunks of meat, plenty of herbs and spices and maybe even a chili pepper or two.”
It has been my privilege to be one of the chefs in the Christian Leader kitchen for the past 30 years. With this issue, I am hanging up my cook’s apron and passing the soup ladle on to the next head chef.
Serving the USMB family alongside the assistant and associate editors and graphic designers who worked with me in the kitchen has been a blessing. Thank you to the men and women who contributed their writing talents to this enterprise, to the proof readers and to the USMB staff, Board of Communications, Editorial Committee and Review Committee members who worked behind the scenes to bring this publication to our readers.
My goal has been to offer a dinner table spread with food that fuses the familiar with something new. I hope the magazine has encouraged us as a community of U.S. Mennonite Brethren to pursue an evangelical Anabaptist perspective rooted in our Confession of Faith while at the same time recognizing and respecting the diversity of perspectives and opinions among us.
Our diversity is the focus of this issue. These essays encourage us in the hard task of living out the vision of every tribe, language, people and nation transformed by Jesus and glorifying God. The essays invite us to learn from each other. To hear others’ stories of faith and enjoy others’ hospitality. To be curious about different backgrounds and experiences. To appreciate the multifaceted kingdom Christ is building. Bon appetit.
Connie Faber joined the magazine staff in 1994 and assumed the duties of editor in 2004. She has won awards from the Evangelical Press Association for her writing and editing. Faber is the co-author of Family Matters: Discovering the Mennonite Brethren. She and her husband, David, have two daughters, one son, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law and three grandchildren. They are members of Ebenfeld MB Church in Hillsboro, Kansas.
Thank you, Connie, for faithfully serving the Mennonite Brethren denomination over the last 20 plus years. When i get the Christian Leader, the first thing I read is the editorial. Your reflections and thoughts are always challenging and thoughtful. I loved the imagery of being the chef for the denomination. It describes perfectly the role of being both prophet and priest to people like me who no longer attends a MB Church. I always find something that challenges and affirms me. Thank you again for the role you have played and your service to the church and the Kingdom. God bless you in your retirement.