The quote: "My pastor said, 'Man I wish I could do that.'  But like most pastors he doesn't have time.  Like most people he doesn't have time.

It got me thinking...maybe we as believers should spend less time at church (services, commitees, meetings, etc) and more time with those outside the church.  If they don't come to church, then we should bring the church to them...even if it does mean discussing Kant in a local pub."

My thought: I am radically committed to the local church as well as The Church as a whole. My wife and I have pastored, church planted, and volunteered in the church constantly. In the past 6 months, however, we've really changed our focus. We're still going to church and we're involved in small groups. But our volunteer efforts are shifting to reaching our neighborhood and community. We were so involved in the local church, we checked out of The Great Commission. I'm afraid that church and the activities that go on there can take us away from reaching out in a significant and meaningful way.

It seems like the more I read the Gospels, and Acts, it becomes apparent that Christianity was not meant for people to come into a building, but for the body to go be among the people.

Of course we have a gathering time to edify, encourage one another, and worship, but our whole lives should be an extension of that, with most of it happening 'in the world.'

I like what Michael Frost says and I'll paraphrase:  Make your gathering time anyway you like it to.  Don't compromise with what you believe or with what God has put in your hearts.  Pop music or old hymms, it doesn't matter.  But what does matter is that you take that life inside the walls of the building, and take it out to where the people are, because they are not coming to you.  Find your third place to be yourself among those who are 'sought'.  The pubs, coffee shops, knitting clubs, softball teams, etc. 

Be the Revolution

She went, wanting to gain a better understanding and build relationship with the people there and she said it was very foreign and even a bit frightening because of the different culture.  She didn't know what was going on, or when to do what.  She didn't know the norms, or customs.

It was a revelation to her then this is must how many non-Christians feel and why they reject coming to church, or if they come, feel quite out of place.  And to be honest, seeker sensitive doesn't really help in my humble opinion.

Something to ponder.

Thanks for sharing.

Be the Revolution

When I realized that I wasn't impacting anyones life for Christ I resigned from the Elder board and began teaching middle school Sunday school (a sadly neglected group).

What a blessing it has been.  Our ministry Coconut Mountain Communications is an outflow of that. 

Of course we still work through a local church but are careful not to get bogged down in "doing church" instead of teaching, discipling, and evangelizing.

Kevin Ophoff

www.coconutmtn.com

Coconut Mountain Communications

kevinophoff@coconutmtn.com