Kingdom growth involves constant change by definition. A church that wants to be in exactly the same place in 10 years time is extremely complacent and will atrophy. Leaders are the people who mainly expect to receive and shape God-given vision and direction for where the church and its mission can and should be in the future. Change, however, is the biggest threat to stable organisational life so being able to lead through change is critical to church and kingdom growth. Whether leaders are allowed to lead for change, and how they do so, will determine whether a church develops for future gospel extension or concretises itself in a past reality.
Read moreRadical Church in Affluent Suburbia
Clearly there are lots of unique challenges of suburbia that are not seen anywhere else. Fast pace of life, affluence, long commutes, little sense of community to name just four. But the one Ros raised was to what extent the suburban environment is intrinsically middle-class. After all it is full of people who work in the city but are wealthy enough to live out of the inner city. Many who move here do so for aspirational reasons, thinking it provides a nice family environment, good schooling, all the benefits of the city with none of the social challenges of more deprived areas. it would be interesting to read some social geography analysis on the class make-up of suburbia. My guess is that Ros is right - it is overwhelmingly middle-class.
Read moreImmeasurably More?
Ephesians 3 attributes to God the ability, desire and will to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.
Do Christians actually believe this or not? How many people in your church actually expect God to do nothing in or through them or the church on a week by week basis?
Leadership Lessons: Be Honest When Things Aren't Right
Ok, maybe this is a provocative one. Evangelicals (like me) can find it too easy to sweep under the carpet things that aren't right because we think we are doing and believing all the right things
Read moreWhat is a Missional Community?
Very good, short definition of missional disciples and communities on the Desiring God blog, here. Quite similar to some of the stuff I have been writing about recently, but very well expressed and worth a look.
The question that springs instantly to mind is, aren't all churches missional communities? Isn't the phrase "missional community" an exact synonym for "local church"? And the answer is: no, they should be, but often they aren't. There are plenty of "churches" that define themselves according to non-biblical activities, principles and definitions. And to the degree that they aren't, they aren't being truly biblical.
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