Saying For Years...Understanding NOW

Have you ever heard the expression that Church is a WHO not a WHAT?  That saying has been around for quite a while.  But in the last few years, you're hearing it more and more.  I think that's because of a couple of things...

First, people in the western church are, for the most part, becoming dissatisfied and disgruntled with The Church having very little impact in changing the world in which we live.  Yet, when we read the Scriptures, we see that God's church rocked the world!

We're hearing testimony after testimony coming out of majority nations about God's work and the amazing things that the Holy Spirit is doing among his people to share the Good News.  But not so much here in the Western world.

We're reading more about being Radical Together (David Platt), being a Church of Irresistible Influence (Robert Lewis),  the Missional Renaissance (Reggie McNeal) and being On the Verge (Alan Hirsch and Dave Ferguson); and all of this is stirring within us a sense of urgency and creativity that is shaking the church as we know it.

Put all of these things together and it creates one of two things:  An urgency to do something and be THE Church, or a sense of "You can't do that!" pessimism, and thus remain A church.

Second, I believe God is up to something by creating a "shaking of the tree" (so to speak) of his people.  I believe that He's saying, "Look, if you're not going to do what I asked you to do, then I'll put you in a position where you have to get rid of all this "fluff" and get back to the basics of prayer, disciple-making and reaching out; being my hands and feet to the things that break my heart!"

It's happening where I serve!  I'm watching disgruntled people who have had their feelings hurt for various reasons walk away, and I've watched people who are hungry and tired of being part of a church that acts like a club and hunkers down inside it's walls, begin to pour in with new attitudes and vigor for the cause of Christ.  It's sad and exciting at the same time (More exciting than sad, I have to say.  Now, some will read this and be offended because of a perceived insensitivity on my part...but it's true, trimming the bush IS both painful and exciting.)

So, seeing the church as a WHAT is seeing it as something we go to; the place where programs takes place and religious services are provided.  It becomes something that's supported and we try to invite people to to join!  It's our paradigm understanding of Church.

But I think God intends for us to see His Church as a WHO.  Which basically means that wherever you have the people of Christ, you have The Church.  It becomes a verb and a way of serving and living in the world.  It's where everyone is a missionary, not just those to whom we send money, and life itself is a continuous mission trip.  It's where you and I are Kingdom agents in every part of our life.

Sounds exciting, doesn't it?  That's because it is!  I think people are beginning to understand!  It's hard...yet so worth it!  Just ask those who are being THE church instead of being A church!  They are beginning to gather and make a joyful noise!

A Humble, but Passionate, Servant of Christ!
Greg

Tears for Africa

I just read an article by the United Nations that says the Horn of Africa and other parts of Africa are now facing the worst drought in over sixty years!  People and agencies I know in that area who are on the ground in that area are telling me the same thing!  

With all of the global uncertainly over economics, I wonder what our response as Followers of Christ will be?  Will we be concerned with whether or not we have our latte, or will we take that money and give it to one of the many Christian relief agencies that have called on the Body of Christ to help [my apologies to all my friends who work at coffee shops!  For those of you who don't drink coffee, then pick something else you have to have everyday, but not necessary for you to live]!  

Some are saying that over ten million people are affected across the Horn of Africa region.  But that's only that region!  The residual affect on the rest of Africa and around the world has to drive that number into the hundreds of millions!  When you put together the dryness of two rainless seasons and the ravages of war-torn Somalia and other African nations, you get these kinds of results: fields unable to produce; cows, goats & sheep dying where they stand; food prices skyrocketing out of control; and schools and hospitals shutting down because of no water, medicine or food.  This leaves fathers unable to provide for their families, mothers unable to feed their children, and medical personnel helpless to bring some kind of hope or compassionate assistance.  Then there are the children!  Those who are most vulnerable are left wondering why their energy is gone, tummies are empty from malnutrition, and why their eyes won't produce tears because of severe dehydration.   We're talking about basic needs that you and I take for granted.  

(Have you walked into your supermarket lately and seen the choices you have--just in water alone?)

I'm really not trying to make anyone respond out of guilt, but I AM trying to everyone to RESPOND...respond to this hunger and water crisis; as well as  other ongoing needs like medicine, medical training, clean water,  and action against preventable diseases.  I AM trying to get Christians to RESPOND out of compassion and love.  I think it's what Christ expects of us!  I would ask that everyone who reads this simply begin by praying.  Then, as God leads, act by giving of your resources to those agencies who are in Africa making a huge difference!  There are many!  But just those agencies being there is not enough!  They need each one of us to partner with them as they stand with the poor.  It's what Jesus did!   

This UN article confirmed that large areas of  northern Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Uganda are in the "emergency" category!  The time is NOW!  But I sincerely  hope that  "donor fatigue" has not set with us as Christians!  In fact, now that I think about it, can there even be such a thing when we follow Christ?  The One who asks us to die to self and live for Him; to give all we have and follow him?  "Donor Fatigue?"  I don't think so!  .

One of the representatives, from one of the agencies on site, questioned that maybe, instead of waiting for pictures of starving children to hit our newsstands, we should "act now and stop it!"  I agree!  

We can, you know!  We have the resources to do it!  We have the agencies who are set up to do it!  We have the numbers to do it!  

Will you consider sacrificing and standing in the gap (with prayer and resources) for those who are hurting.  Will you do it on behalf of the Lord you serve?  If you can't give, then maybe you can cry a tear for one of the children who unable to do so.