Courageous Conversations: “Early Christian communities were known to be small, egalitarian, caring and sharing”

Nolan’s thinking on community challenged those present to consider how we might revert to the original idea of community, one in which all are equal, all share in the common wealth, and all are recognised as members of God’s kingdom. To illustrate his point, Nolan emphasised the egalitarian nature of these communities, and pleaded with those present to not refer to him as ‘Father”, referring to Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 23:9. He also highlighted the importance of sharing a meal together, “much like we are doing here tonight”.

Nolan’s comments came two days before the start of Women’s Month, and he emphasised the important and equal role played by women in these early communities, particularly noting Priscilla and Phoebe in the early Christian church. John Chrysostom, commenting in the 3rd century, described them: "For the women of those days were more spirited than lions, sharing with the Apostles their labours for the Gospel's sake. In this way they went travelling with them, and also performed all other ministries. And even in Christ's day there followed him women.” (Homily on Romans, 20, as quoted in Nicean And Post-Nicean Fathers; Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Michigan; 1986; Vol 11, p 554)

With soup and bread in hand, those gathered broke into small groups to contemplate and discuss Nolan’s input. The notion that a fireside meal and conversation can bring people together, despite all our differences, was once again proven as people of all races, geographic spread and language, and from diverse social backgrounds, huddled together and shared from their own experiences and ideas. Notably, this particular Courageous Conversation was blessed with the presence of people from all over Southern Africa, representing the twelve Methodist Districts, including Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. Most encouraging was the number of young people who attended this and past conversations – dispelling the myth that different age groups struggle to communicate.

The Courageous Conversations take place monthly, and are a partnership programme between Vuleka Trust (a joint venture of the Catholic, Methodist and Anglican churches), and Democracy Development Programme (DDP). The aim of the conversations is to provide a safe space for people to gather and share and to promote citizen participation in creating a new way of living.

For more information: Contact Roland Vernon – 031 777 1446 or Dr Rama Naidu - 031 304 9305.