This is an incredibly challenging book that every pastor who wants to bring about change in his church should read. I found it to be a great reminder of who the church is designed for. It is so easy to think that the church is designed for church people, when in reality, the church is designed for the un-churched people. Andy lays out a very strong case for why he believes this is true, and then gives some great tools to follow in order to accomplish this and make the church what it is designed for. He is very honest, and gives ample warning, that bringing about this change will not be easy. I'm excited, challenged and a little anxious as I refocus and redefine the vision of our church. A quote from The Tale of Three Kings, by Gene Edwards:"Beginning empty handed and alone frightens the best of men. It also speaks volumes of just how sure they are that God is with them."Obey God and leave all the consequences to him.Matthew 16:16-18 the first appearance of the word "church" in some English translations.Cornerstone of the Christian church: believe in Jesus as the son of the living God."church" comes from the Greek ekklesia - meaning gathering, NOT a placeWhen Christianity became legalized, they could have meeting places, which were called basilica in Latin. That was translated to kirche in German, which eventually became church.The casualty in a church for churh people is grace. It's hard to extend grace to people who don't seem to need it. And it's hard to admit you need it when you aren't sure you'll receive it.Truth and grace. Jesus brought both. Some churches (and people) fail because they emphasize one over the other.Grace and truth creates tension and is often unfair. Jesus healed a few, but not all. He fed some crowds, but not all, etc.Churches attempt to be fair and as a result sometimes fail to help anyone.Apostles response to this type of conflict:Acts 15:19: It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.Growing relationship with Jesus Christ means faith is growing. Confidence, belief, trust in God.Five Faith Catalysts:1 Practical teaching2 Private disciplines3 Personal ministry4 Providential relationships5 Pivotal circumstances"Practical that moves people to action is one of the primary things God uses to grow our faith."Private disciplines - prayer, Bible reading and study. "Private spiritual disciplines tune our hearts to the heart of God and underscore personal accountability to our Heavenly Father."A clear vision helps drive change. Old ways weren't necessarily wrong, just not compatible with vision. Something has to change. a vision will create a healthy sense of discontent."Marry your mission.Date your model.Fall in love with your vision.Stay mildly infatuated with your approach."
Do You like book Deep And Wide (2000)?
very informative and helpful for all those in church leadership highly recommend
—maggie
