"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).

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Church - Don't Jip People of Relationship!

People don't want to be the object of your church program. The moment you knock on their door they feel just like you do, with some cult shows up ringing the bell.

The assumption, clear as crystal, right up front is this; I'm at your door because you are lacking, in need, mistaken, not.....

Yet we approach people like a door to door salesman, trying to convince people of their "need", their lack. Starting off a relationship with, "I'm here because you are lacking" is really not the best starting point. Have we thought of that. Would never have won me my wife.

We build relationships first. Could it be that in a relationship with another unbeliever, we may have something very needed to receive form them too? Sure! Relationships are exchanges of the sweetest kind.
However, if we make it about words first, few will ever hear the gospel from us. Connect with people. Be their friend if they every accept Christ or not (We hope they do). It will be good for them, and you too!

"If you’re truly living the good news, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explain the theological aspects of the gospel. But if we continue to lead off with words about the gospel instead of acts of the gospel, we’ll continue to jip people."

(Tangible Kingdom. Hugh Halter, pg 77. 2008, Jossey-Bass)
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