Mike's Pope-style advice: the Renaissance Faire and no judgment
Mike delivers his Pope-style advice from a surprise anniversary trip to the Kansas City Renaissance Faire. He expected costumed gatekeeping but found nobody made fun of anyone — no 'seat of superiority' anywhere — and says the Ren Faire puts the Jesus community to shame on loving people. He admits his own struggle with sizing people up in ten seconds, admires how effortlessly the Eisenlauers and the Ren Faire folks accept people, and is stopped short when a vendor tries to bless the 'jangles' he bought. Another host adds a Mennonite barn-raising story: a stranger is welcomed in and stays in the community for 25 years. The point: open arms first, not after distinctions — love God first and love people, not people-only acceptance that never points anyone to the Creator.