Our founder, James Barnett, was raised as a Christian since he was a child. From a very early age, like many of us, he had his concerns with the contemporary American Church- one that found itself sitting comfortably in the pews while disinherited people all over the world sat uncomfortably in marginalization, oppression, and poverty.
At age twenty-four, he was confronted with the idea that when the Church is known for all it “doesn’t do”- what it stands against or the things it opposes- it isn’t the Church Jesus anticipated. Only by “doing” can we begin to offer hope and love to a world who’s cup is half empty. Simply put, a Christian is called to be like Jesus. So if Jesus cared for the poor, a Christian does too.
James then quit his job, sold everything he owned, and bought a van to live among the poorest of the poor- a literal response to the apostle Paul’s call to become “weak to the weak”. In pursuit of a better narrative, he now travels around the country visiting a new city each month. While in the city, he spends the majority of his time on the streets along side of his homeless brothers and sisters. He also visits hospitals and prays over the sick. He brings his guitar to children’s homes and worships with the children. He goes to nursing homes as many of those folks are prisoners to their mind and in some cases the establishment itself. In the winter, he knits hats for people who are cold and at night can be found reading bedtime stories to street kids.
James also sets aside time to speak to communities and congregations on the choice to be like Christ. He speaks about the Kingdom of God and the social, economic, and political implications of the different “way” as the early followers called it. His main distinction is between “admiring” Christ and “following” Christ- a dichotomy made by 18th century Danish philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard.
Book James to speak at Booking@cyny.org.
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