This is not a well polished essay, nor is it linear: instead they are questions and comments written while reflecting on the Church. My quest of the year is found within the thought/prayer: There must be more than this.
REFLECTIONS
In the attempt to attract some people to Jesus we are expelling others.
Seek, seek, seek first the kingdom of God! Not the church.
Promoting a church is not the same as promoting Jesus.
Let us say to the gathering, “hi I am Matt and I am a follower of Jesus.” Not: “Hi my name is Matt and I am on staff here at the ABC church.”
Paul preached Christ and Christ Crucified. He did not promote local churches.
The work of the church is not to promote itself but to promote the life changing power of the cross and the resurrection.
Our felt needs are not always our real needs. A shepherd that emphasises meeting felt needs rather than real needs will under-nourish the flock.
What is success in the church? Where is success in the bible?
We claim that we want to be welcoming to all people and this sounds nice. We note that Jesus hung out will all kinds, the religious and the sinners. But what are we welcoming them to? We are welcoming all to the church, so what is the Church that is welcoming all?
- A community of diverse thought where we all get along?
- A community where we all follow the leadership and are excused from critical thinking?
- A community that says “come as you are” and have fun?
- A community that continually teaches the basics of the faith for the newcomers but generally does not challenge the community to grow in righteousness, learning to discern good from evil and to train the community for living rightly. (This assumes that the community can establish what is good and what is evil) Hebrews 5-6
- A community that encourages the transforming power of Spirit to change evil acting people into new creations.
Making disciples is to teach how to obey all that was/is commanded by Jesus. (Which is more than to love.)
What is good and what is evil? Does anyone dare to speak of these things?
The church is in survival mode: it is attempting to leap from the past and over any participants that don’t want to jump with it. For the church of the future some are willing to walk by the present needs of the historical people.
Rebranding the Kingdom of God:
Rebranding is the process by which a product or service developed with one brand, company or product line affiliation is marketed or distributed with a different identity. This may involve radical changes to the brand’s logo, brand name, image, marketing strategy, and advertising themes. These changes are typically aimed at the repositioning of the brand/company, usually in an attempt to distance itself from certain negative connotations of the previous branding, or to move the brand upmarket.
Who forms the vision for a body of believers? The counsel of many? The desires of the leader?
Who gets to dream dreams, prophesy, and see visions? Only one amongst us? Or many?
We welcome everyone, good, but what do we welcome them too?
To warmly love those who are the future of the church it is acceptable for other relationships to grow cold.
To welcome the future, the present/past is set aside as powerless. Yet this is only an illusion because what is new today will be old soon enough.
How much of our resources will be given to reaching/re-sourcing the rich in the world when the poor are in such need.
Leaders are over rated, it is the Spirit that gives life not mere men/women.
Why do we build bigger churches? Why is it so crucial that hundreds or thousands must meet together for a main event? Sure Jesus drew thousands to hear what he had to teach. But He is the Messiah and the salvation of many. Not any pastor among of us.
Mono-culture church does not fit the diversity of humanity.
In the present complexity of church life it is somewhat shocking to hear Paul say, simply, “I preach Christ.”
Acts 24:25 “Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ”That’s enough for now. You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.
What Biblical issues have we dismissed because we are afraid of the “Felixs”in our community?
In the pursuit of a bigger church the only thing getting larger is the number of the flock leaving for other pastures…