So, the idea for the name “The 99 Collective” is pretty simple…
Jesus told a parable* about a shepherd who left the 99 sheep alone to go find the one who had become separated from the group. When we interpret the parable, we often project ourselves into the story as the shepherd. We believe it’s our job to go find the lost sheep. Sometimes we think of ourselves as the ones who know the way. We place ourselves in a position of authority and power over the lost that need to be pitied or rescued.
We also sometimes feel like the sheep that is lost or has been separated one way or another from the group. Sometimes it’s our own actions or choices that separate us. Sometimes it’s the 99 who have marginalized or shunned us. One way or another, we’re out of community.
We believe most of us who read the parable are most likely one of the 99 who are left behind while the shepherd seeks those who are separate or marginalized. But what does that mean? First of all it means that we are incomplete. Whoever we are, whatever we achieve, we are not whole unless we are together.
This is not to emphasize the righteousness of the 99. Nor is it to place shame or guilt on the 1. Instead, it is a call to recognize that the call for the 99 is to celebrate the 1 who has been separated or marginalized. It is to long for restoration not only of the 1 to the 99, but also of the 99 to the 1. We are to prepare a place for one another, not for assimilation, but for reconciliation.
So The 99 Collective is an effort to be ready for the restoration of we who have been separated or marginalized, reform ourselves where needed, and take joy in the reality of the diversity of God’s creation. We constantly need to ask ourselves: who’s not here, who’s not included, who has been turned away, who has been left alone?
The line isn’t always that clear. Sometimes we’re the status quo, sometimes we’re not. Sometimes the status quo is good, sometimes it’s oppressive. What is clear is that God loves the 99 and the 1 the same. But wants desperately that we be made one. Here’s to that becoming reality…
(*Taken from an interpretation of scripture by Rev. Philip Huber)
This article has been updated from an earlier version…
