Why is it when things start to look good in our faith communities...more people, harder to find a seat...coffee budget is on the increase, our first reaction is to build? But, do we really think about what we're building. Are we increasing the light ( in ) the world...or are we just increasing the light in( our ) little world. I'm reminded of these quote by Tim Keller and Dallas Willard...
Now, some might be shocked to hear that what the “church” — the disciples gathered — really needs is not more people, more money, better buildings or programs, more education, or more prestige. Christ’s gathered people, the church, has always been at its best when it had little or none of these. All it needs to fulfill Christ’s purposes on earth is the quality of life he makes real in the life of his disciples. Given that quality, the church will prosper from everything that comes its way as it makes clear and available on earth the “life that is life indeed "...(Dallas Willard; The Great Omission)
We believe that, paradoxically, churches grow best not when they aim at church growth as much as when they serve the peace/shalom of the whole city. Saint Augustine believed that citizenship in the City of God made us the very best citizens of the human city. (Tim Keller; Redeemer Church Planting Manual )
Was talking with a fellow blogger recently, Ron, about the opening here in northern Kentucky of a new Creation Museum. The article to which he had linked showed the project also to be the HQ for AIG-USA and noted there to be those stationed at the location who would be prepared to lead any and all to a true salvation experience. I called the whole thing "reverse evagelism"> You throw up a smoke screen, and when the fly walks into your web, you have him for dinner. Nothing new. The Church has been operating in such manner for years. As you say here, we need to wake up to the reality of "Christ in me". We preach a Trinity, but do not have a real inkling of who the Holy Ghost is......
Posted by: jim | May 29, 2007 at 06:30 PM