Who do you hang with?
I am currently reading a book by Dan Kimball entitled "They Like Jesus But Not The Church." This has been one of my better reads of late. This book gives insight and information about emerging generations. By emerging generations Kimball is focusing on those 35 and under. The book talks about many of the hangups this age group has with "organized religion." I am sure some of the posts to come will deal with more of this book but what struck me today was Kimball's passion for people without a relationship with Jesus. He began to realize how his vocation as a pastor pulled him away from those who did not know Jesus. Ironic, I know. It is amazing how I personally spend less and less time with those outside of the church. My thought for you today is who are you living the gospel out in front of? Are there several people that you are building a relationship with that need to experience the love of Jesus? Remember that in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus tells us what should be most important in our lives. In His Grip
The irony of contemporary Christian ministry is a sad one indeed, and something must be said for the current trends among church growth in America. Instead of reaching those outside of the church for the kingdom, the large majority of church growth is coming from within. Larger churches with more money, resources, charismatic speakers, bright lights, and prestige steal members from smaller congregations with less money, resources, speakers, and "all dat techno-jazz." Perhaps this is because ministry has been and continues to be limited to church walls, reaching those who are familiar and comfortable with the doctrine and practices of Christianity rather than those who are in desperate need of the life-changing, counter-cultural message of Jesus. In essence, we prefer the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Zealots to the lepers, lame, blind, prostitutes, and tax collectors.
"Forget the least of these ... they ask too many hard questions and don't put the big checks in the offering plate."
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