Just a thought: Evangelism today is judged by relational values. Most people today look harshly at the church if it fails to include relational dynamics. Postmodernism says that if the message is not relevant, the message is worthless. It is postmodern thinkers that tell us the authenticity and respect are key values today.
One thing that postmodernism tells us is that if we are going to be effective we must be willing to invest time and energy into relationships that matter. People do not just want to hear about truth, they want to experience it (on their terms). This generation is more preoccupied with the way things are done not the things themselves.
Knowing this means that we must not decide an either - or, but rather a both - and! If we are going to effectively reach people with the life-changing message of Christ, we must get up-close and personal.
A friend of mine used to always say, "You IMPRESS people from a distance but you IMPACT them up close." This is a great motto for the church today. Let's make a difference by being willing to get up close.
Just a thought!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
What does the church need to learn?
Isn't it amazing that the evangelical church has made such a profound impact on culture? Many of the great social impacts that the church has made include hospitals, medical clinics, youth programs, intercity missions, homeless shelters, counseling care centers and many philanthropic advances (to name a few) are attributed to the Christian faith. The evangelical church has contributed greatly over the past century alone!
In modern times, the church can not rest on it accomplishments. The church must learn! It must learn to reach our world in ways that demonstrate compassion and care. It must learn how to adapt it's ministry to meet the needs of people today. The church must adapt without compromising it's mission.
Today's blog centers on what the church must learn? As I write this blog today I sit at a Panera Bread in Coral Springs, Florida. The sites and sounds of people here impress me that the church must learn to adapt to the culture, language, experience of people within just a ten-foot reach of my computer. The church, particularly the evangelical church, must recognize the importance of keeping the message of Christ's love and hope of salvation relevant to the needs of people.
Today we live in a vastly diverse community. At this Panera Bread there are people from the Mexico, Caribbeans, Cuba, Porto Rico and nearly every region of North America. They come with many different backgrounds. What a mission field! But, how is the church to relate to this vastly diverse people group?
Perhaps I am simplistic but the answer seems to be in the way the church interacts with the culture we live in without changing the message of Christ. As I observe Panera Bread, it offers a market-researched product that connects with customers. They offer the same menu with a slight seasonal variation. They provide a positive impression and friendly service. They care about the needs of people (at least in the food and coffee department). Panera Bread may hold one key to effective Church ministry. It is consistency with it's franchises and products while exhibiting positive service. I have been to as many as ninety different Panera Bread stores in my travels and they are all very similar!
What of the church? How consist ant is the message from the Church? How consistent is the service? Like any McDonald's chain, the products, service and care is the same at every single McDonald's.
I am not suggesting that every church offer a coffee shop. But what may be a solution is that the church offer one consistent theme like "Service with a smile!" Yes, the church experience is unique and every denomination has it's focus but what if every Christian simple say, "How may I help you?" and follow through with "Thank you. Do you have any suggestions on how to improve our service?" The message of God's Love and Hope of Salvation in Christ remains the thread that weaves God's Word but it is mastered by the "Golden Rule" of treating your neighbor as you would yourself.
I read a book recently called "The Starbucks Experience" and it has forced me to think about how I treat others. While secular in nature it does impress on me the importance of Christ-likeness! Consider this: If every Christian were as nice to people at Church as the employees of great eating Establishments like Panera Bread or you name it, this would completely change the perception of Christians. Think about it!
In modern times, the church can not rest on it accomplishments. The church must learn! It must learn to reach our world in ways that demonstrate compassion and care. It must learn how to adapt it's ministry to meet the needs of people today. The church must adapt without compromising it's mission.
Today's blog centers on what the church must learn? As I write this blog today I sit at a Panera Bread in Coral Springs, Florida. The sites and sounds of people here impress me that the church must learn to adapt to the culture, language, experience of people within just a ten-foot reach of my computer. The church, particularly the evangelical church, must recognize the importance of keeping the message of Christ's love and hope of salvation relevant to the needs of people.
Today we live in a vastly diverse community. At this Panera Bread there are people from the Mexico, Caribbeans, Cuba, Porto Rico and nearly every region of North America. They come with many different backgrounds. What a mission field! But, how is the church to relate to this vastly diverse people group?
Perhaps I am simplistic but the answer seems to be in the way the church interacts with the culture we live in without changing the message of Christ. As I observe Panera Bread, it offers a market-researched product that connects with customers. They offer the same menu with a slight seasonal variation. They provide a positive impression and friendly service. They care about the needs of people (at least in the food and coffee department). Panera Bread may hold one key to effective Church ministry. It is consistency with it's franchises and products while exhibiting positive service. I have been to as many as ninety different Panera Bread stores in my travels and they are all very similar!
What of the church? How consist ant is the message from the Church? How consistent is the service? Like any McDonald's chain, the products, service and care is the same at every single McDonald's.
I am not suggesting that every church offer a coffee shop. But what may be a solution is that the church offer one consistent theme like "Service with a smile!" Yes, the church experience is unique and every denomination has it's focus but what if every Christian simple say, "How may I help you?" and follow through with "Thank you. Do you have any suggestions on how to improve our service?" The message of God's Love and Hope of Salvation in Christ remains the thread that weaves God's Word but it is mastered by the "Golden Rule" of treating your neighbor as you would yourself.
I read a book recently called "The Starbucks Experience" and it has forced me to think about how I treat others. While secular in nature it does impress on me the importance of Christ-likeness! Consider this: If every Christian were as nice to people at Church as the employees of great eating Establishments like Panera Bread or you name it, this would completely change the perception of Christians. Think about it!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
A FOOTNOTE TO NIU
It occurred to me the other day that I did not clearly explain how and why I decided to volunteer as a chaplain at NIU. Several observations may help explain my motivation and opportunity.
When I got the call to volunteer with the Rapid Response Team (RRT) I couldn't help but say, "YES, I will be there!" Just days prior to NIU's tragic shooting a series of severe storms and tornadoes impacted the lived of many in the Jackson, Tennessee area (and throughout the state). Instantly the nation was told of the tragic death of over fifty people. In nearly the same heartbreaking news story came stories of incredible triumph. At Union University (UU), heavily damaged by the storm, the student body shared words of hope. The students of UU shared the message of God's Love! My heart, like yours, was instantly engaged!
The relief efforts were great. Many came together from across the Christian College network. Even Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) responded with financial gifts and the students of IWU provided additional assistance. I felt the sudden urge to response as well by going. Well, this opportunity did not work out. But, when I heard about the opportunity at NIU, I jumped at the chance to assist.
Isn't it interesting how God directs our steps. With the permission of IWU, I spent the weekend at NIU. What a wonderful experience! Not only did God use our team but he ministered to our team as well. It was a joy to fellowship, pray with and work with the RRT.
Why did I go? Well, quite frankly I felt the Lord's prompting, He worked out the details and as evidenced by the response of NIU, we were used by the Lord to care for and pray with those impacted.
Perhaps part of my rationale also has to do with the connection I have to a University. What would IWU do if faced with similar circumstance? We can only pray that our students, administrators and faculty maintain close, personal connections with those in our programs of education. We can only hope that we too can be a witness, like UU, of God's provision and love.
Lessons learned? Just one. IWU, like other colleges and universities, must remain personal, caring and willing to take the time to listen to the needs of each other. We must be willing to provide care and prayer for anyone hurting throughout our community!
When I got the call to volunteer with the Rapid Response Team (RRT) I couldn't help but say, "YES, I will be there!" Just days prior to NIU's tragic shooting a series of severe storms and tornadoes impacted the lived of many in the Jackson, Tennessee area (and throughout the state). Instantly the nation was told of the tragic death of over fifty people. In nearly the same heartbreaking news story came stories of incredible triumph. At Union University (UU), heavily damaged by the storm, the student body shared words of hope. The students of UU shared the message of God's Love! My heart, like yours, was instantly engaged!
The relief efforts were great. Many came together from across the Christian College network. Even Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) responded with financial gifts and the students of IWU provided additional assistance. I felt the sudden urge to response as well by going. Well, this opportunity did not work out. But, when I heard about the opportunity at NIU, I jumped at the chance to assist.
Isn't it interesting how God directs our steps. With the permission of IWU, I spent the weekend at NIU. What a wonderful experience! Not only did God use our team but he ministered to our team as well. It was a joy to fellowship, pray with and work with the RRT.
Why did I go? Well, quite frankly I felt the Lord's prompting, He worked out the details and as evidenced by the response of NIU, we were used by the Lord to care for and pray with those impacted.
Perhaps part of my rationale also has to do with the connection I have to a University. What would IWU do if faced with similar circumstance? We can only pray that our students, administrators and faculty maintain close, personal connections with those in our programs of education. We can only hope that we too can be a witness, like UU, of God's provision and love.
Lessons learned? Just one. IWU, like other colleges and universities, must remain personal, caring and willing to take the time to listen to the needs of each other. We must be willing to provide care and prayer for anyone hurting throughout our community!
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