"When you begin to think outside the box, you often become some other "leaders" lousy follower. That usually costs something" (Andy Rayner)

"Our guardian angels are bored." (Mike Foster)

It's where I feel I'm at these days. “In the second half of life, it is good just to be a part of the general dance. We do not have to stand out, make defining moves, or be better than anyone else on the dance floor. Life is more participatory than assertive, and there is no need for strong or further self-definition” (Falling Upward. Richard Rohr.120).

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Christian Spectators - or - Christians in Training

Is church something done for me, and to me? How about a training ground, instead of a show where I come and fold my arms to watch so I can be entertained and enriched.

Your Leaders were given to you to help train YOU. Not do "it" for you, and to you. If you're not ever going to get in training to live the love and life of Christ with your family, friends and neighbors go skiing instead. We've got more things to do than do "it" to you, and for you.
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service...." Ephesians 4:11 - 12 (NIV)

"An evangelists fruit is not a convert, but more evangelists. Strangely enough, exactly the opposite of this biblical model has become the norm: specialist teachers, evangelists, pastors..... move about at breathtaking speed, constantly overworked and under stress, with more than just their blood pressures in danger.

They give seminars and speak at conferences where they present the latest state-of-the-art discoveries in their specialty areas, but they are doing exactly the opposite of their true God- given task. Instead of equipping God’s people for the ministry they are performing it for them. Instead of teaching people how to teach, they are just teaching. Instead of equipping people to be evangelists, they are simply evangelizing.......and then leaving—and seldom leaving disciples behind."

(The House Church Book. Wolfgang Simson. Barna, 2009, pg 63)

No comments: