Church is more than just feeling good or receiving a great message, it should be a place of transformation of the individual and the community (not just the church community--but the community outside of the walls of the church). Jesus demonstrated transformational leadership.
It appears that the post-modern church has just focused on individual transformation of ourselves and left the community to others. We have focused on miracles and blessings in the life of the individual while the community has gone to Hell in a hand basket. I am not just talking about the inner cities but also the comfortable suburban communities.
Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, IL in a recent article in Chrisma Magazine said that Willow made a mistake. The mistake as I summarize, the article was in that they have not a good job in making disciples. Their model of ministry has been great at attracting people, but not producing followers of Christ. But, isn't that the fallacy of the mega church? Now mind you, I do not have a problem with Mega at all. Destiny Churches Worldwide represents mega. I think that anything worth doing is doing BIG and WELL! But the key is, don't lose your soul in doing it!
Jesus shared the Great Commission, "Go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I command you and surely I am with you into the very end of the age." We are called to make disciples, that is to MAKE students of Christ. Moreover, we are called to MATURE them into the teachings of Christ. And then to MOBILIZE them to transform the world! The soul of the church is the Great Commission. We can have throngs of crowds, but if we are not leading individuals in transformation all that we are doing is providing ecclesiastical entertainment. Imagine that folks--Church has become an industry in and of itself of individuals who are"incestuously religious". Meaning, it is not about going beyond our comfort zones and sharing only with those of like mind and spirits (my own brothers and sisters).
Our relationship with God leads us to personal transformation, our personal leadership leads to impacting the environment around us. Because we are the not same, the world (not just in our minds) is not same! It is in our transforming our environment that personal transformation is realized.
Live with Faith and Power and Create a Phenomenal Life!
Thank you for those who were on the morning inspirational call that I missed. Will see you on Monday!
Rev. Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL
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