“Inreach” is fairly well defined in my mind as ministry that seeks to bring believers to spiritual maturity.
“Outreach” is also fixed in my thinking as ministry that extends the gospel to the surrounding community and nations.
What I’m trying to figure out, however, is “midreach.”
Thus far, I’ve come up with this: Midreach is both. It’s communicating Biblical ideas in a way that is compelling to both Christians and nonChristians (and those on the fence).
As I struggle to define and master the art of midreach (in the context of college campus ministry), I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
p.s., descriptive words would be more helpful to me than sending me links—thanks.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Jesus outside the box
These days I am writing my own commentary on the gospel of Mark.
Am I finding fresh meanings in Mark? Writing something never before written?
Not really.
Scholars have been conducting a weighty conversation about the NT for the past 2000 years, and I’m simply joining in the fun. It would be quite dangerous to swerve outside the lines of this tradition.
Despite drawing on professional resources for my study, Jesus cannot be circumscribed. He continues to amaze me, baffle me, and exceed (or contradict) my expectations.
He often doesn’t do what he’s "supposed" to do, which makes me think I'm missing something.
Am I finding fresh meanings in Mark? Writing something never before written?
Not really.
Scholars have been conducting a weighty conversation about the NT for the past 2000 years, and I’m simply joining in the fun. It would be quite dangerous to swerve outside the lines of this tradition.
Despite drawing on professional resources for my study, Jesus cannot be circumscribed. He continues to amaze me, baffle me, and exceed (or contradict) my expectations.
He often doesn’t do what he’s "supposed" to do, which makes me think I'm missing something.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sponsoring Downward, Outward
I have a radical idea. It’s not going to apply in every situation—I realize that.
But here it is: Church is not really for me.
Don’t get me wrong. I am HIGHLY committed to Grace Church Roseville.
What I’m saying, however, is that my job as a 50-something is not so much to receive as it is to give. Sharon and I give a lot of time and money to GCR, but we don’t expect the church to cater to our tastes, style, preferences, needs.
GCR must—absolutely must—reach out to the community. That means sermons aren’t going to “feed” me every week. Christian education is not going to be aimed precisely at me. Women’s ministries are not going to be a bullseye for Sharon. Music styles may not cater to our preferences.
Two implications of what I’m suggesting:
1) At middle age, Sharon and I should be capable of nourishing ourselves spiritually from the word of God. Yes, I listen closely to the fine sermons at GCR and I try to obey what I hear. But I don’t expect Pastor Jason (pictured above) to have me primarily in mind when he preaches.
2) I’m no longer a guest at GCR. On the contrary, I’m a host, a sponsor. My job is to help our church connect with young generations and new people. When stuff is aimed at me, I figure we’re missing the mark.
Folks, I’m not trying to be a martyr here. I’m just saying the church must constantly renew itself or risk losing its Great Commission.
Your thoughts?
But here it is: Church is not really for me.
Don’t get me wrong. I am HIGHLY committed to Grace Church Roseville.
What I’m saying, however, is that my job as a 50-something is not so much to receive as it is to give. Sharon and I give a lot of time and money to GCR, but we don’t expect the church to cater to our tastes, style, preferences, needs.
GCR must—absolutely must—reach out to the community. That means sermons aren’t going to “feed” me every week. Christian education is not going to be aimed precisely at me. Women’s ministries are not going to be a bullseye for Sharon. Music styles may not cater to our preferences.
Two implications of what I’m suggesting:
1) At middle age, Sharon and I should be capable of nourishing ourselves spiritually from the word of God. Yes, I listen closely to the fine sermons at GCR and I try to obey what I hear. But I don’t expect Pastor Jason (pictured above) to have me primarily in mind when he preaches.
2) I’m no longer a guest at GCR. On the contrary, I’m a host, a sponsor. My job is to help our church connect with young generations and new people. When stuff is aimed at me, I figure we’re missing the mark.
Folks, I’m not trying to be a martyr here. I’m just saying the church must constantly renew itself or risk losing its Great Commission.
Your thoughts?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Adaptability
In his excellent book, The Rise of Evangelicalism, historian Mark Knoll (Wheaton College) portrays the early evangelical movement of 18th century Europe and colonial America as entrepreneurial, adaptable, revivalist, experiential. . . radical.
This in contrast to the “creaking mechanisms” of established state religion.
Knoll observes: “By setting aside earlier religious forms, the evangelicals did not think they were setting aside the faith once delivered, but rather adjusting it to the new social realities of the age” (p149).
I have a feeling I'd have liked these guys: Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, John Wesley, Charles Wesley.
Knoll's account of their ministries is quite enlightening, and I'd recommend the book to you.
This in contrast to the “creaking mechanisms” of established state religion.
Knoll observes: “By setting aside earlier religious forms, the evangelicals did not think they were setting aside the faith once delivered, but rather adjusting it to the new social realities of the age” (p149).
I have a feeling I'd have liked these guys: Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, John Wesley, Charles Wesley.
Knoll's account of their ministries is quite enlightening, and I'd recommend the book to you.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Tradition or Change?
My friend R is more conservative than me. My good buddy P is more Catholic than me (right, since I’m Protestant).
In lengthy discussions with both this past year, a critical issue has arisen—though from different angles: the place of tradition.
Each friend in his own way is telling me that church tradition keeps us from wandering outside the boundaries of the church historic—that is, outside the boundaries of orthodoxy.
I get that part (they may dispute that☺).
My reply is that one of the best things evangelicals bring to the table is flexibility in method. We can do things differently than we did yesterday in order to meet today’s ministry needs. We’re highly adaptable.
Example: I am a supporter of changing worship styles (music, order of service, electric/acoustic, graphics, architecture, lighting, décor, readings, liturgy, etc) to put worship into the “heart” language of various segments of a congregation: old, young, ethnic, etc.
Which way do you lean:
p.s. My friend L lives in country music territory. He thinks his church should consider a country music styled service. OK, I happen to like that idea. . .
In lengthy discussions with both this past year, a critical issue has arisen—though from different angles: the place of tradition.
Each friend in his own way is telling me that church tradition keeps us from wandering outside the boundaries of the church historic—that is, outside the boundaries of orthodoxy.
I get that part (they may dispute that☺).
My reply is that one of the best things evangelicals bring to the table is flexibility in method. We can do things differently than we did yesterday in order to meet today’s ministry needs. We’re highly adaptable.
Example: I am a supporter of changing worship styles (music, order of service, electric/acoustic, graphics, architecture, lighting, décor, readings, liturgy, etc) to put worship into the “heart” language of various segments of a congregation: old, young, ethnic, etc.
Which way do you lean:
- Preserve tradition? Or:
- Make changes for local contexts? Or:
- A little of both?
p.s. My friend L lives in country music territory. He thinks his church should consider a country music styled service. OK, I happen to like that idea. . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
