Introduction

Some months ago, I had another idea for writing a novel. I base it on the notion that misfits of society, even if they have become believers in King Jesus, would not be easily welcomed in most churches. Their unsavory pasts – if not presents – would make most Christians uncomfortable. My Misfits novel is my current WIP (work in progress).

My mindset is also such that these irreligious people would not care for Christian jargon or structures. I decided to use what I call “street language”, not Christianese. Thus, this project is currently being called a Gathering of Misfits.

I created a cast of characters based on their need to resist the weaknesses that made them unsavory. The leader must avoid using his manipulative skills of a con man. His wife, a former prostitute, has trouble from trying to use her tricks on the wrong man. Her best friend must resist the temptation to take her as a lesbian lover. Another leader among them not only owns a tavern that employs prostitutes but is also a pedophile.

Do these believers in the King return to these behaviors? Not much, and when one does, the Rescuer is always at work and urging an eager Father to be forgiving.

Projects for These Characters

So, I create tasks for each of these people to complete while they grow in the process. I require the former con man to leave the accomplishment of a tent crusade totally to the working of Holy Spirit. The pedophile genuinely falls in love with the slightly underage daughter of another member and he must show results of turning from that behavior. He must wait for her to return from professional training as a full adult.

A former biker gang member and ex-con has the dream of becoming a bodyguard for elite clients. His challenge is to learn the gentleness and mannerly speech and behavior required for a high society culture.

The bi-sexual social worker must turn from temptation and lead the work to bring the Kingdom in the Gathering’s new neighborhood through Asset-Based Community Development.

In fact, the members of the Gathering – not church – live as a cohousing community in a small apartment building. They all work with the neighbors on neighborhood improvement tasks.

Five-Fold Leadership Roles

So, I was reminded recently that the King is bringing back the five-fold leadership roles to His ecclesia: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers. I saw the need to demonstrate these roles among the main characters of the novel. I rarely mentioned these roles unless the person was operating in that role.

Brother Joe, of course, is the apostle. His wife Angela would be prophetic, aggressive against those who hurt others. Dr. Chris is an encourager, a helper, pastoral. Sylvia turns out to be a teacher and pastor, well suited to lead the household of refugee women.

Questions 

Do you have a work in progress for God’s Kingdom?

Are you religious about it or can you think and speak about it without Christianese?

Can you allow misfits of society to be used by God to further the work? Can you handle the messes they will inevitably cause?