inny or outy?…church that is

Should a church be focused on the people inside it’s walls or the people outside it’s walls? This has become a big question with many perspectives. Here are some of my early observations. The great commission itself shows both are necessary…both need to be vibrant. We need to be continually “Going” and we need to be continually “Making.” Going most easily happens OUTSIDE the walls of the church…Making disciples most naturally happens INSIDE the walls of the church, or small group, etc…

God made humanity in a way that it’s hard to fit us in a nice, clean box. Generalities are easily broken, this issue is no exception. First, let’s blow up the idea that “Going” must take place outside the church walls. We saw one of the greatest ways a church was able to reach those around them after September 11th, 2001 was to have a building. When God shakes someone to the core they generally head to a church building, they think the people there know something about God. Additionally, Ed Stetzer’s research shows most seekers prefer a traditional looking building over a contemporary space.

Second, let’s blow up the idea that “Making” disciples has to happen inside the walls of the church. When you read about William Wilberforce, the Clapham Sect and others who powerfully changed 18th-19th century England for the sake of Christ…you hear a lot about mature Christians living as culture changing disciples, but you hear almost nothing about their church buildings.

Do I have an inny or outy? What type of church do I want to see? I’m convinced a church moves forward on its knees…unashamed of its building…unashamed of God…unashamed of Scripture…and with an equal heart loving the people inside the walls and outside the walls.

Glimpse of Heaven?

Over the past year I’ve thought a lot about heaven. I believe God has laid on my heart a long-term creative project that may direct people to think more about heaven and the events which transpire there on a daily basis. I came across this video and thought of how amazing it is for people from various backgrounds and socio/economic situations to come together and spontaneously worship Jesus…a glimpse of heaven.

Quick setup…these guys were doing a video shoot in a random neighborhood and up came a homeless man…watch what happens next.

What is the Gospel?

Perspective on Suffering

I was blessed today to read an interview by Todd Bolen. You can see the whole interview at: http://rawchristianity.wordpress.com/ Todd led me on a trip through the Holy Land…of which I’ll always be grateful. Here’s the section of his interview which I found moving:

I have not suffered very much. I know a little bit of how the Lord uses suffering to bring maturity, and I tell others this. But I don’t want to suffer. The little suffering that I have had has taught me the need to hold more loosely things that are not eternal. It has taught me that God can always be trusted. It has taught me that faith is a muscle, and if not exercised, it atrophies. Suffering has helped me to long to be in the presence of Jesus, where he will wipe away every tear. Suffering sobers. Those who are drunk on life are less useful for service in the church.

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