For the most part modern churches employ an invitational strategy for engaging the culture. The idea is to invite, entice, coerce, or otherwise lure the unchurched to become involved in church life. Basically, we try to lure them into learning our language, inhabiting our sphere. Our success at impacting the culture hinges on our ability to get people to show up… for something, for anything. In this model, the engagement begins when the prospect moves into our world.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Spheres of Influence
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1 comment:
I totally agree. I think that many churches are so wrapped up with political, internal, religous issues, that they fail to reach out to the outside world. People on the outside feel inadequate.
So often their first impression of the church is disgust and they turn the other way.
It takes alot of courage for unbelievers to step into a church. And it takes minimal disapproval or judgement to send them packing for good. We must ask ourselves, are we just looking for name brands, hairstyles, religous backgrounds, etc. Or are we showing positive, genuine interest in those people. It is a proven fact, that even some of the best dressed folks, have some of the deepest, unforgivin sins. Clothes, shoes and ladie's handbags do not make a person. We have got to dig deeper, because everyone has issues, whether we like to admit it or not. I know I do.
Church is made up of multiple levels. We can build a foundation, but it is no use to God if we do not continue to build up.
Yes, God does want us to worship and commune with other Christians, but there needs to be some form of structure to maintain this process.
We can not continue to grow as a church, if we do not reach out to other sinners, such as ourselves. We are to live like Jesus, right? Then we must be flexible and willing to reach out to those who are lost and need a Savior. We need to pray for those whom are stuck in the junk of this world. We need to rebuke Satan and show him who's boss. He is nothing, compared to God!
Personally, I know that it is very easy to sink into a comfort zone and become numb to reality. It is easy to get caught up in our own day to day schedules as well. We tend to lose focus on what is really important.
It is nice spending time with other believers eating potato salad, hamburgers and all of the goodies at a church dinner.
Trust me, I am usually one of the first ones in line, just so I do not miss getting my favorite piece of pie. But I also realize that in some ways I am very spoiled and I have to ask myself, "Am I really hungry, or am I just eating the dessert because it looks good?" Yep, I suppose I am... Just Kidding. But seriously, are those people on the outside thinking about going to church just because it looks good, or because they are hungry for something more?
We as Christians know they are hungry for God. They just do not know how to react to all of the bells and whistles. I believe that it only takes time, prayer and a listening ear to ease the mind of a stranger. God loves everyone equally, why can't we?
We all know that this world has nothing to heal a broken heart. This world has nothing to make an addict give up his needles and drugs. Physical pleasures do not give a prostitute eternal hope. For it is only the love of God and His forgiveness, reaching down from Heaven that can heal, satisfy and give hope to the lost. We are His feet and hands and we must go where He needs us.
I do not claim to know all of the answers. But I do know that as a forgiven sinner, that I must be humble, understanding and willing to show God's love. And as a church we must share this journey with all cultures, not just our own.
I am very thankful for those who reached out and spoke my language in my times' of need! For I was once blind, but now I can see! I was lost, but now I am found!
Tanya
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