Ken Oldham wins the prize for being the first person mentioned twice in one week on my blog!
mojclessme (Ken) commented on my "Reflections on the NAC" post of a few days ago (read it here: http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7271575&postID=112077286151264174), and I couldn't resist responding. What got my attention is:
"the missional choice should be central to our value system. the other issues of the church of God, Holiness, Unity, or any of the other 5 vision statements should also stem from the original purpose of the church commissioned by Christ and empowerd by the Spirit: Reach the Lost."
I wonder if mission is truly central to our value system. As I stated, I am hopeful that we are becoming more missional, but I am not convinced that this is at the core of who we are as a movement.
Our DNA was constructed as a "reformation" movement. Our genesis was in calling Christians out of denominations and into holiness with the goal of uniting them as God's true church. "Reaching the Lost" was certainly acknowledged, taught and even practiced, but as a secondary concern. Over the years we have struggled to resolve the tension of our original passion and the Great Commission.
This must change.
We must make the missional choice. But, it will mean turning our eyes away from ourselves and onto God, whose eyes are on the world in which we live.
Once we make this choice we can move beyond our doctrinal and organizational fixations. Our distinctives and vision can then be re-interpreted from a new starting point as we strive to engage our society with the Good News.
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4 comments:
i agree with the synopsis of our historical roots bringing tension to our Biblical mandate
in fact, i have seen that when a pastor seeks to pursue being missional and reaching lost people, there are church folks even other pastors (not just chogers) that criticize the 'harvest hand' as neglecting the right doctrines, songs, or heritage
but enough of what's wrong--because we're all guilty--what are we doing about it? we shouldn't be surprised about people resisting effort or settling into routines. that's why God has called us to be pastors, leading His people into His mission
hello...is anyone there :)
we showed Reggie McNeal's NAC message to a few of our folks at church last night. the ones that were there were inspired and challenged and caught a glimpse of what we've attempted in the past and have been planning to resume this month. hurricane Dennis altered our get out in the neighborhood plans
the ones that were there are taking the DVD copy to show friends and family that weren't there, or scheduling opportunities to share it with their S.S. classes
Yes, let's hear from some others. I know you are out there!
Ken,
True, ultimately we must beyond analysis to action!
Tell us more, either here or on your blog (but leave a link here), about your neighborhood plans.
We all know we have to get out "there", but the biggest challenge we face is what to do. We need to hear the stories of others.
ah, we have shoveled snow... does that help those of you in warmer clims? Simple things like Ken is talking about. If it's hot, give water. If it's raining help people to the car with an umbrella. You've taken the leap when someone looks at you and asks "what's the catch?"
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