The Forgotten Ways

I have been reading Alan Hirsch's book, The Forgotten Ways, this week. It is a great read. He does get behind the jargon and uses his personal experience to take you through the journey of how to reach the huge majority of people in our society who have no interest in the Constantine form of church. He doesn't get caught up in that whole theoretical, academic and overly jargonized presentation of ideas. 

He refers to the period from 4th century Constantine's legalization (it was more than that) of Christianity as Christendom and it is typified by the church building based, priest based, "come to us model" that both Roman Catholic and Protestant churches have followed. He advocates a return to pre-Christendom forms and functions, even first century ones. He makes a very good argument. I do like the fact that in doing this he doesn't completely discount the existing forms and functions that lead him (and most of us) to Christ like so many authors about the emergent church seem to do today.

The other thing I like about this book is that it has a very strong evangelistic focus. While observing that most of our "church growth" methods are only mildly effective on small fraction of the world that is the evangelical world. He speaks to those who are drawn by God to reach the other 90% of our society.

He makes some really great points. And he is Australian. What's that got to do with anything? Nothing, except that we Australians are quite insecure and must always brag about our accomplishments. Did you know that it was an Australian who invented the motor mower, the rotary clothes line and put the bubbles in bear. OK, the last one was a bit of a lie but it was a good movie plot in Young Einstein.

Pray for Myanmar

What a mess?  Over 100,000 people dead (more if you believe the reports of the anti government rebels), 5 million without homes. Add to that mess a military government that seems to be more concerned with itself than its people and this is going to be an even bigger mess. We need to be in urgent prayer for the survivors.

Healing Hands International is a great aid agency run by members of Churches of Christ who are able to get funds into Myanmar to people they have on the ground. I highly recommend them.

Iron Sharpening Iron

Today I went to a fellowship lunch with many fellow preachers and ministers. I don't think it was the location (The pope room of Buca De Beppo at Santa Monica) but it sure was encouraging. Great fellowship and great discussion of what God can do. There was no lack of talking. Wasn't just talk. It was a conversation. It was and extension of our dreams and frustrations, our hopes and our disappointments. God surely is always moving. I just felt we let His movement move us a little today. 

For those of us who have given every waking hour to the kingdom it was such a refreshing lunch. It gives me a little more hope. I don't need a lot but I do need some. Thanks brothers and sisters.

LAKERS NUMBER ONE

I am so glad I am living in Los Angeles in the year the Lakers come good again. What a game on Sunday afternoon. Utterly decimating the Spurs who are a great team. Sure Ginobli was out but it was still a great display of powerful basketball. The whole team is playing well together and looking like they enjoy it. 

Now if Andrew Bynum can get back for some of the playoffs that will be a plus. However we pretty much got here without him He would certainly give us even more punch.

Go Lakers

Why do visitors return?

I have been challenged by this question for 30 years know. People have wide an varied reasons to visit our churches but I want to know why they come back. Maybe if we could get a bit of an idea about this we might be able to get more to return. Anyhow, here are some thoughts on the question. I would really like to hear comments. Even though there are some good statistical studies on this I am more interested in anecdotal feedback.

Which do you think is the most dominant reason?

1. They love the friendly atmosphere.
More Detail: They really enjoyed being greeted and the way many people engaged them in conversation. They perceive this friendliness as genuine and not manipulative.
Factors that influence this: Fellowship time with refreshments, Every member’s willingness to welcome those they do not know, Our friendliness to them no matter their race, creed or appearance, Being genuine in this.

2. They connect very strongly with the preacher – his style, ability to communicate.
More Detail: If people do not like the preacher or if he doesn’t really connect with them, most people will not return. He can connect with them on many different levels but he must connect somewhere for them to return.
Factors that influence this: the preacher’s ability to connect with visitors as well as church members in his preaching, Humor, 21st century cultural relevance (talks about things that people deal with today),

3. They really like the strong teach of definite answers to the questions of life.
More Detail: After listening to a sermon or Bible class the visitor feels that they have be given a definite solution or answer. There is right and wrong and God has to be listened to. There are clear paths for your life from God
Factors that influence this: Preaching and teaching style, Literature

4. They have a background in the Church of Christ and we satisfy their need to be in a church like that (acappella music, weekly communion etc.)
More Detail: These visitors are looking for a place to go on Sunday, and usually only Sunday, that is their brand. Even thought that is the reason they return they can be taught to see the deeper spiritual truths of a relationship with God in His church
Factors that influence this: Similarity to what they are used to.

5. They connect with the level of excitement and energy in the group.
More Detail: This is a lot more influential than many think. It needs to be in combination with one of the other reasons to return but most people, especially of the Boomer and later generations, are looking for this.
Factors that influence this: The energy level of our singing and praying, the enthusiasm of the leaders, the smiles on people’s faces

6. They have children and want them in a Bible Class or Youth Group.

7. They identify with one particular group of adults.

8. The church building is close to them.

9. The church’s ability to help with a particular need they have.

10. Engagement in a relevant personal bible study.

11. Personal relationship with an existing member.

Great Acappella Video

Lord Save Me

What Makes a Church a Church?

Did Jesus plan for His church to be imperfect?

He certainly planned for it to filled with imperfect people, saved sinners.

He planned for it to be lead by mature but still imperfect people. One of the most prominent church leaders of all time, Paul, proclaimed that he was the chief of sinners.

When the Holy Spirit wrote to many of the churches of Christ in the first century He did so because they were not getting church right. There is more in the letters of the New Testament about what was wrong with those churches than what was right.

Despite all this God regards this imperfect church as His church. So, what makes a church a church? I have some ideas from scripture. I hope you do as well and are willing to share them with me. What do you think? I will share my perspective in my next posting.