by Kathy Escobar

Kathy is a pastor of The Refuge, Denver. Kathy helped us organize our first Community Party (January 10).

Great music, way too much food, free wine, and lots of interesting people together enjoying eating, laughing, listening, learning, and telling stories. In our opinion, that’s a good party! Throw in some Jim Henderson interviews, Sage on the steel guitar, and some good conversation starters and you can’t lose.

Off The Map came to Denver in January. We threw a little gathering to start some new dialogue and introduce people to each other who needed to know each other and more about Off The Map. It was a wildly diverse group - musicians, writers, editors, missionaries, pastors, leaders, actors, consultants, business owners - you name it. The one thing everyone probably had in common - innovation and a desire to live out the ways of Jesus more creatively, simply and naturally.

Like any good party, it doesn’t take much to get the conversation going. Elaine Hansen had a few questions around the tables, world cafÈ style. More connections were made as we shared about community experiences and what motivated us to give up a Thursday evening to come to a coffee shop in Boulder County and meet some new people.

Jim interviewed a few friends who are making simple shifts to love people, meet them where they are, and try new things that aren’t about power, money or numbers. Jay’s church is hosting parties, concerts, events that draw hundreds of people and they give all of the money away to missional causes. Sally shared some interesting stories of ministry leaders across the US who are asking new questions, giving up old archaic methods, and making big cultural shifts.

Sage gave up the glamorous life of building guitars for rockstars to drive a special transit bus so he can be in relationship with beautiful people who need care, touch, and connection and he can have a good schedule with his kids since he’s a single dad. Jose is finishing law school but will keep his job as a pilot so he can work for free for the marginalized and oppressed instead of worrying about billable hours. Regular people making a big difference in the lives of others.

Lots of cards, phone numbers & emails were exchanged. People who needed to meet each other did. Jim reminded us that one of the reasons Off The Map exists is so people don’t have to feel alone or stupid. Everyone in that room knows that is what it sometimes feel like when you start thinking new thoughts, trying crazy things, and moving away from the old ministry tricks. We’re pretty sure everyone left feeling a little less lonely, a little less stupid, and a little more excited about what God’s up to here in Denver.

Next up: Off The Map is planning a regional Off The Map Live event in Denver in the fall of 2008. Look for details in the months to come and let us know if you want to be part of helping us pull it off. Then the party can last for a few days instead of just for a few hours!

The photographs of the party in this post were taken by Amy Clifford and Jennifer Herrick. There are more here and here