Abortion… Violence… Poverty… Hunger… Materialism… Abuse… Fraud… Idolatry… Aids… Relativism… Tolerance… Alternative lifestyles… Humanism… So, is your church ready for the world? Sounds more like a defensive posture… Maybe there’s a better way to couch this challenge: What is your local church’s actual responsibility to Christ-followers? This seems to be almost optional in numerous minds among the church world. But is any part of the church’s mission ever meant to be optional or relative? I’ve been privileged to pastor two churches and this subject has confronted me in both locations and cultures. And, the big question was always this: how can we as a church make an impact in this community? It’s not a matter of the local church being missional more than individuals learning to be missional and practicing it in their world. Our society can be intimidating with all of its pressures and perversions. The last thing a believer needs to be is fearful of such environments. The courage to face, counter and influence the decline around us starts by what is intentionally taught in church life and how practically it is contextualized within a Christ-follower’s heart and mind. Ministry among neighborhoods as much as among nations must be indigenous. 
Friday, February 3, 2012
Is Your Church Ready for the World?
Abortion… Violence… Poverty… Hunger… Materialism… Abuse… Fraud… Idolatry… Aids… Relativism… Tolerance… Alternative lifestyles… Humanism… So, is your church ready for the world? Sounds more like a defensive posture… Maybe there’s a better way to couch this challenge: What is your local church’s actual responsibility to Christ-followers? This seems to be almost optional in numerous minds among the church world. But is any part of the church’s mission ever meant to be optional or relative? I’ve been privileged to pastor two churches and this subject has confronted me in both locations and cultures. And, the big question was always this: how can we as a church make an impact in this community? It’s not a matter of the local church being missional more than individuals learning to be missional and practicing it in their world. Our society can be intimidating with all of its pressures and perversions. The last thing a believer needs to be is fearful of such environments. The courage to face, counter and influence the decline around us starts by what is intentionally taught in church life and how practically it is contextualized within a Christ-follower’s heart and mind. Ministry among neighborhoods as much as among nations must be indigenous.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment