If you go to the Simpson’s Movie website, you can create your own Simpson’s characters.  Here’s what my wife and I would look like if we were on the Simpson’s. 

I don’t know what I would do if I were forced to live in Springfield.  They’ve only got one church–and it happens to be a mix of the worst parts of the Mainline and Evangelical traditions.  I’d probably have to plant a church there–probably in the “bad part of town.” Or perhaps I could talk Moe into letting me start a pub church in his tavern (though that probably wouldn’t work, since Moe’s isn’t very trendy and he only has one type of beer on tap).

I’d start a coffee-shop church, I suppose, but I’ve never noticed a cool coffee shop in Springfield either.  Perhaps I’d have to plant a church in Shelbyville.  I think they might be ready for something “Emergent.”  Of course, property values are probably low enough for me to buy a couple houses to start a neo-monastic community.  Maybe we could start an after-school program.  After all, a troubled youth like Nelson would probably be transformed if he were to experience authentic, sustained, love from a community of hospitality.

Of course, if things went well, and a real movement of emerging-type churches were to be established in Springfield, we would probably start a Springfield Cohort.  And then we could pool resources together and throw a conference.  And of course, Tony Jones (pictured left) could come and speak. :)

Or perhaps, we could get Brian McLaren…

About Mark Van Steenwyk

Mark Van Steenwyk is a member of Missio Dei. He is a speaker, writer, educator, and grassroots organizer. With the support of the Central Plains Mennonite Conference, he travels to radical and intentional communities around the country to help network and offer support.