Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Church and community

"This church across the street has been here sixteen years. In the whole time it has been here, I a have never seen this church do anything to improve the community. The church hasn't tried to improve the poverty situation, hasn't tried to feed the hungry, and hasn't tried to make anything better in the world right next door to it. Why would I want to be a par of that church?"

These are comments record in face-to-face interviews in "Lost and Found" by Ed Stetzer. As I read those words I wonder what I am I doing for my next door neighbours? What would people say about the church I belong to?

I grew up in a church with the attitude that you knock on the door and try to share Christ with them. If they don't listen, to bad for them and go to the next person. In college my evangelism class required that we pass 100 tracts out a week to the same homes. I did what was asked, but was in such a rush to get the job done that there was no results. I was only interested in getting the class requirements finished. The other method that was used was invited them though mass media and they will come.

What is your church doing for the next door neighbour?

Monday, June 8, 2009

Spiritual sitcom or depth?

Are churches a spiritual sitcom? A sitcom presents a problem, some humour and ends in thirty minutes with a solution. Sermons can go the same way, A great illustration that brings a smile, a problem addressed, and a simple solution is given all in thirty minutes. Walk away and have no more questions because I just gave you the answer. While I agree the Bible gives all we need for "life and godliness" there are time we wrestle with understanding what it means and how it applies. We can't explain eschatology in 30 minutes leaving no questions. We can't resolve election and freewill by a few wonderful verses that support our view. We can't explain why a nine year old boys life was ended when a toolbox fell crushing his head in a few simple lines. Do we allow people to wrestle with scripture? Do we let people know we garble with scripture because we don't have all the answers?

Some great thoughts taken from Lost and Found, by Ed Stetzer

"Here are a few practical 'take-aways' that will help cultivate depth in your ministry.
- Teach the entire Bible, even the difficult sections.
- Foster discussion in Bible Study and teaching.
- Address tough topics and answer difficult questions.
- Do no be afraid to say, 'I don't know'
- Empower everyone to look for answers.
- Place a priority on Scripture memorization.
- Distribute the responsibility of spiritual growth to both leaders and learners.
- Provide opportunities to learn about worldview and other regions.
- Make apologetics a priority.
- Provide exegetical Bible teaching.
- Sing theologically sound music.
- Promote life application to Scripture.
- Establish climates of honesty and openness.
- Provide multiple bible study options per week.
- Encourage examination.
- Pray