Honest Conversations

I was having coffee with a friend this morning and we were talking about different philosophies of ministries. We talked about purpose, function and the out-workings of the church. We talked about how the church has changed over time but the truths haven't and the application of those truths really haven't changed either... just presentation of those truths to an ever changing culture. Then we talked about a church he interviewed at one time. He said that the person he was talking to said something like, "I'm supposed to tell you that our church is about outreach and cares about the community, but we don't. We care really only for those in the church. We're supposed to pull outreach and community from those we already have."

Wow. What a statement... or shall I say - attitude.

Now, I don't mean to say that we don't care for those in the church, but being a Christian... A Christ follower... was never meant to be about us! It's always been about God's redemptive work in us, then translating that to redemption, hope and forgiveness who have not yet experienced that in their life.

Most of us live in a very competitive and unforgiving world. We, as human beings, need affirmation, forgiveness and inspiration. Truly without Jesus we don't have those things. At least not in a very fulfilling way. In a general sense, I believe the church of North America has become a part of the problem and not the solution.

The church has become a club. Their main audience has been the so called "disciple" and not the sinner. We have, in a way, spent so much time and energy in a "what's in it for me" culture that the church has adopted that same culture in the church... AND we cater to it!!!

Again, I'm not saying that we don't train, disciple and teach... what I am saying is that we aren't asking those who are followers of Christ to "die to themselves, take up their cross and follow me [Jesus]." What that means is there is a responsibility to mentor, disciple, train others in the ways of Christ... and that means that we HAVE to grow because we are investing in others too.

Okay, enough of this rant. I am grateful that Living Hope is looking into the community, with perceptive eyes to those who are missing from the family of God WHILE loving, encouraging and inspiring those who are already a part of our community of faith.

Way to go!!!