Jason Farquhar: Common Sense

I feel like there’s not much to the story of how I arrived at The Commons. My old friend (Steve) and I had discussed for years that if he ever found himself pastoring a church, I would join him. He did and I did. Thus endeth the story.  Instead, it was suggested I chronicle how The Commons actually got its name.

The initial stages of the church organization were already unfolding, but I got a call from Steve one night around the holidays. He felt like I should come out to Kaufman so we might try to figure out what to call this thing.  I said, “O.K. I’m on my way.” But as I hung up the phone I thought, “I know the same about naming a church as I do starting one...nothing.” By the time I arrived after my 45 minute drive from Richardson, the mild sense of concern that Steve’s voice belied had been replaced by something much more intense. He had started this brainstorming session without me and now seemed downright worried. There he sat at the kitchen table surrounded by various books and bibles and a computer with Google at the ready. I learned that Joy had already rejected several possibilities and after hearing them, well...let’s just say I concurred. I was afraid I might not be much help at this point either. Maybe the train had left the station without me. Steve then picked up his Bible and began randomly flipping to verses, reading them aloud, and then asking, “What if we call it ____(key word or phrase from said verse).” I looked at Joy who, by now, had been at this awhile. She gave an almost imperceptible shake of the head but quickly reestablished her now finely honed poker face. I said,”Maybe we should put the Bible down for awhile.”

Truth is, I had an idea. But just one. As I had headed for the door that evening after Steve’s phone call, I had noticed a book setting on my nightstand. From that a thought had taken hold. My drive gave me time to start considering it might even be in the “not bad” category.  Now, though, I stood looking at Steve, and I was starting to get nervous, too. Sure, I had only been there about 15 minutes, but what if (1) my idea was actually bad and also got turned down, or was it just as bad if (2) I showed up with a winner as others had been toiling away? Well, instead of ruminating on this further and thus “paying my dues” I said (with some amount of trepidation), “What about The Commons?” Everyone’s countenance seemed to brighten a bit. It appeared we did have a winner.  Sure, there were a few moments where option #2 was realized (It might have included “someone” putting their head down on the table), but bigger than that was relief and the strong sense that this new endeavor now had a name.

So, on this one year anniversary I’m thankful for many things: for my friendship with The Bezners that allowed me passage on this journey; the random copy of Paine’s Common Sense on my nightstand that allowed me to contribute in some small way to the origin of what God had put in motion; and for these common people that allow me to serve with them as we aspire to an uncommon goal.