Find another church . . .
Here's the deal on what I said this past weekend about encouraging people to find another church if they just want to sit on the sidelines, be fed week in and week out, and be consumer "Christians."
Far too many people in the USA attend a church rather than "be" the church. And the church can never be what God wants it to be if we're not all participating in the Body of Christ.
Now, if you are healing or still trying to decide if you want to be a Jesus-follower, that's a different story. At times we're wounded and need time to recoup. At times we need to figure things out.
All I'm saying is that being a follower of Jesus (which implies you are part of the church) means an active faith. It means we don't "come" to church to be entertained. We "go out" as the church to bring God's Kingdom now and forever. If you're attending a RiverTree Campus to "fill up," and you never "go out," then you'll just be a fat Christian. You'll be continually uncomfortable at RiverTree because that's not what we're about. It would probably be best if you found another church. BUT, if you want to join us on this journey, partnering together to change the world in Jesus' name, then let's go--let's encourage one another along the way--let's be a movement of people with the DNA of Jesus, inhabiting and influencing every nook and cranny of society and culture!
Far too many people in the USA attend a church rather than "be" the church. And the church can never be what God wants it to be if we're not all participating in the Body of Christ.
Now, if you are healing or still trying to decide if you want to be a Jesus-follower, that's a different story. At times we're wounded and need time to recoup. At times we need to figure things out.
All I'm saying is that being a follower of Jesus (which implies you are part of the church) means an active faith. It means we don't "come" to church to be entertained. We "go out" as the church to bring God's Kingdom now and forever. If you're attending a RiverTree Campus to "fill up," and you never "go out," then you'll just be a fat Christian. You'll be continually uncomfortable at RiverTree because that's not what we're about. It would probably be best if you found another church. BUT, if you want to join us on this journey, partnering together to change the world in Jesus' name, then let's go--let's encourage one another along the way--let's be a movement of people with the DNA of Jesus, inhabiting and influencing every nook and cranny of society and culture!
posted by Greg Nettle at 10:33 AM
9 Comments:
I commend you for what you said. I wish the pastor at my former church would have had the courage to say what you said. Perhaps it would not have closed.
Thank you for your post explaining this in more detail.I am one of those who is healing and it's good to know that there is grace for those who going through things that may put them on the sidelines for a bit. I am now grateful for your comment because although healing, I need to take responsibility to stand back up when able and "be" the church again when I can. I see how easy it may be to stay on that sideline too long, as the enemy would have it.
I too commend you for what you said especially now that I can understand it in proper context. It says alot about the kind of church we are and it is one I am proud to partner with.
Everyone is at his/her own personal level of faith while attending services. Maybe a "fat Christian" is better than a non-church-going person. I don't believe that words of discouragement about attending a service have a place at Rivertree or any other church ... for whatever the reason. When we have a positive experience at service, we may tell a friend. Or our family and friends see our behavior and notice a difference in compassion, empathy, fairness, love. Sometimes that's testimony enough.
Below is something I receive daily as a devotional, and I thought I'd share it with you. It is taken from devotionals from Dr. Charles Stanley, Atlanta, GA.
The Levels of Life
1 CORINTHIANS 2:12-3:3
Living accommodations vary widely in the physical world, ranging from mansions to crude shelters. In the same way, the spiritual realm also has different levels.
In our passage today, the Lord reveals three ranks of spiritual life:
1. The Natural Man—Everyone who has not accepted Christ as his Savior is in this category. Many in this group are capable of good deeds, but since their sins remain unforgiven, they are separated from the Lord. Because the Holy Spirit does not dwell within them, they cannot understand the things of God.
2. The Spiritual Man—This group is composed of Christians who are filled with the Spirit and surrendered to His control. Though they're not perfect, they are quick to recognize transgression, confess sin, and genuinely repent by turning back to God. Because the Holy Spirit is ruling in their lives, He is able to guide them by offering wisdom and insight into spiritual things.
3. The Fleshly Man—This designation describes believers who are trying to live in two different worlds. At salvation, all Christians are given a new nature, but the old "flesh" patterns aren't removed. By allowing residual sinful tendencies to dominate their lives, these people are quenching the Spirit within them.
You are in one of these three categories. Take some time to evaluate your life by asking, Where am I now? Where would I like to be? The Lord will help those who want to move closer to Him. Ask Him to work in your life to bring you to the place of the spiritual man.
Your sermons help people to progress and know God while in these levels of their Christian journey. I don't think it's ever a good thing to discourage people who are making an effort to know God; whatever their level.
Sally Liber
Secretary of First Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Churches
Hi Sally,
I don't think we can make the distinction of who is "better," period.
There is also a difference between "discouraging words" and "hard words." Jesus frequently spoke hard words to those around Him. He did it to encourage them on their faith journey and to let them know that faith is more than just believing.
The words I spoke were not meant to discourage anyone . . . but rather to encourage them to ask some hard questions about their faith journey.
g
I can't help, but be reminded of Keith Green's Asleep In The Light.
wow,"find another church"... that can be a daunting task. Have you opened the phone book recently and looked at the listings for "Christian Churches"? A new convert could be overwhelmed by the plethora of options.....
I thought the "church" was the 'invisible' body of all believers...or did Jesus tell us in Sacred Scripture that it was more than that? He (Jesus) only used the actual word church twice in his teachings. Since I don't wish to influence one way or another, I'll let those who have a concordance and Bible do their own research. I would also suggest listing all other passages from the NT that use the word "church" and compare!
Interesting blog!
Greg,
I agree with what you said during your sermon about finding another church if you want to stay on the sidelines. How many people have been going to a church their whole lives and have been just kinda going through the motions?? I thought long and hard about what was said during that sermon and I am praying about the best way to use the talents that God has given me. I do not want to stand before the Lord one day and have to tell Him that I did not use my talents for His glory. If the "Find another church" comment didn't hit you like lightning and you didn't really feel that the words were aimed at You, then yes (anyone that it pertains to) I also agree that it is time to look for another church.
This knocked me out cold!I appreciate the candor as I have been on the sidelines myself,but wanting to do more, just didn't have the courage to step up and get out of my comfort zone.I am nervous Greg but very excited!
Jim
For those that heard you, I think that more importantly than what you said, how you said it, or whether you should or shouldn't have said it, is to ask ourselves why we interpret it the way we do, and what will we do with that information. Prayer and the Holy Spirit are available to us...ask God to examine our heart...and remember that we always have a choice, even no decision is a choice. Thanks for encouraging us.
Post a Comment
<< Home