The Conversation Continues...
The conversation I posted about on Wednesday continues. Here's some snippets from the posts I've been reading:
"What if ministry was defined as beginning and ending with the relationships that already exist in our lives? Of course, we would begin new relationships - some intentionally so - but they are not a means to an end. We take on the role of friend as opposed to director, parent or mentor as opposed to "expert, brother or sister as opposed to business partner." - Aaron Klinefelter
"The empire is cracking right now, and there may be dark days ahead. But I don’t think that will last for long. I think there are a ton of smart (and greedy) people who will figure stuff out eventually. While we do struggle in the here and now, though, let’s remember that this represents a unique opportunity to live out a counter-cultural Kingdom reality. Right now, when our wallets (and gas tanks) are empty, we have much less convincing to do when we talk about the lack of real hope that money and power provide. We have the opportunity to live a joyful, free lifestyle, which shows where our dependence lies, where our true Hope lies. And that’s where we live out our faith..." - Steve Lewis
"I have, in the same week, been told by one mainstream Christian that “I have little to show for myself” and been told by one supportive friend in Philadelphia that “it is amazing I am able to accomplish so much.” I share this to highlight that people see what they are looking for. The mainstream church is looking for practitioners who can maintain the status quo. These starving ecclesial artists are looking for ways of being faithful in the future." - Mark Van Steenwyk
"Although many leaders in the church do a great job at getting out into the world, there is no impact greater than working 40 hours a week alongside people who don’t want to be in church. This is where we build relationships and allow God’s grace to work through us. And, really, if you think about it, how much easier is it to connect with people when you are going through the same pains of unsteady, uncomfortable jobs?" - Kimberly Knoll
I'll chime in some more later today...
"What if ministry was defined as beginning and ending with the relationships that already exist in our lives? Of course, we would begin new relationships - some intentionally so - but they are not a means to an end. We take on the role of friend as opposed to director, parent or mentor as opposed to "expert, brother or sister as opposed to business partner." - Aaron Klinefelter
"The empire is cracking right now, and there may be dark days ahead. But I don’t think that will last for long. I think there are a ton of smart (and greedy) people who will figure stuff out eventually. While we do struggle in the here and now, though, let’s remember that this represents a unique opportunity to live out a counter-cultural Kingdom reality. Right now, when our wallets (and gas tanks) are empty, we have much less convincing to do when we talk about the lack of real hope that money and power provide. We have the opportunity to live a joyful, free lifestyle, which shows where our dependence lies, where our true Hope lies. And that’s where we live out our faith..." - Steve Lewis
"I have, in the same week, been told by one mainstream Christian that “I have little to show for myself” and been told by one supportive friend in Philadelphia that “it is amazing I am able to accomplish so much.” I share this to highlight that people see what they are looking for. The mainstream church is looking for practitioners who can maintain the status quo. These starving ecclesial artists are looking for ways of being faithful in the future." - Mark Van Steenwyk
"Although many leaders in the church do a great job at getting out into the world, there is no impact greater than working 40 hours a week alongside people who don’t want to be in church. This is where we build relationships and allow God’s grace to work through us. And, really, if you think about it, how much easier is it to connect with people when you are going through the same pains of unsteady, uncomfortable jobs?" - Kimberly Knoll
I'll chime in some more later today...
posted by Mike Bishop at 8:01 AM
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