We are like every other church in the USA. We are going through the struggles of different generations wanting church done their way. A book by Gordon McDonald entitled "Who Stole My Church" does a wonderful job of addressing how one church solved that problem. The older generation was feeling slighted. The younger generation was demanding some attention. Written as a novel, the author uses his decades of church experience to paint a realistic picture of the stereotypes, misconceptions, frustrations that each generation had with the other.
The Pastor of this church gets them to sitdown and talk. They learn to appreciate and love one another, they even begin giving preference to one another. The history of such a struggle thoughout church history is given and is very revealing. The healthy and unhealthy dynamics of groups is addressed. The real purpose of the church is brought to the forefront. What an encouraging, enjoyable book!
If you haven't read, get a copy. If you have read, share your thoughts.
God Bless,
Roger Head
Friday, March 6, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
UnChristian - Chapter3
85% of non-believers in their 20's have concluded that Christianity is hypocritical. Among young churchgoers, 47% feel the same way. A 29 year old said this: "You could say I am a lot like Christians -- I have gotten good at telling people what I think they want to hear. I see why Christians do it. They want to look good. I guess I don't really see the harm in it."
The real issue is that there is not difference in the lifestyle of believers and non-believers. Christians are just as likely to gamble, to be involved in pornograghy, to steal, to consult a psychic, to get legally drunk, to lie, to hold a grudge, or to gossip.
The other indictment is that most Christians say that the heart of Christianity is keeping rigid rules and regulations. I don't that that is the heart of our faith, but the majority do. And then Christians don't live at a higher moral and ethical level than anyone else.
Thus the label Hypocrit. Lack of biblical, spiritual transformation due to lack of honesty with God about ourselves. What do you think?
The real issue is that there is not difference in the lifestyle of believers and non-believers. Christians are just as likely to gamble, to be involved in pornograghy, to steal, to consult a psychic, to get legally drunk, to lie, to hold a grudge, or to gossip.
The other indictment is that most Christians say that the heart of Christianity is keeping rigid rules and regulations. I don't that that is the heart of our faith, but the majority do. And then Christians don't live at a higher moral and ethical level than anyone else.
Thus the label Hypocrit. Lack of biblical, spiritual transformation due to lack of honesty with God about ourselves. What do you think?
Monday, February 2, 2009
UnChristian Chapters 1 - 2
We have now had our first session of studying the book "UnChristian". I will share a few statements from the book, and would like your comments. P. 11 "Christianity has an image problem." P. 15 "Outsiders(non believers) ... think Christians no longer represent what Jesus had in mind, that Christianity in our society is not what it was meant to be." "Christianity has become bloated with blind followers who would rather repeat slogans than actually feel true compassion and care. Christianity has become marketed and streamlined into a juggernaut of fearmongering that has lost its own heart." P. 16 " To engage nonChristians and point them to Jesus, we have to understand and approach them based on what they really think, not what we assume about them."
This book is about what people 16 -29 think about Christianity in the USA. P. 22 Do not "underestimate the widening gap between young people and their predecessors. Those who think that in due time Mosaics and Busters will 'grow up" and look like everyone else should prepare to have unfulfilled expectations." P. 26 "it is clear that Christians are primarily perceived for what they stand against. We have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for." P. 27 "the three most common perceptions of present-day Christianity are antihomosexual (91%), judgmental (87%), and hypocritical (85%).
P. 39 "We are at a turning point for Christianity in America. If we do not wake up to these realities and respond in appropriate, godly ways, we risk being increasingly marginalized and losing further credibility with millions of people."
This book is about what people 16 -29 think about Christianity in the USA. P. 22 Do not "underestimate the widening gap between young people and their predecessors. Those who think that in due time Mosaics and Busters will 'grow up" and look like everyone else should prepare to have unfulfilled expectations." P. 26 "it is clear that Christians are primarily perceived for what they stand against. We have become famous for what we oppose, rather than who we are for." P. 27 "the three most common perceptions of present-day Christianity are antihomosexual (91%), judgmental (87%), and hypocritical (85%).
P. 39 "We are at a turning point for Christianity in America. If we do not wake up to these realities and respond in appropriate, godly ways, we risk being increasingly marginalized and losing further credibility with millions of people."
Monday, January 26, 2009
UNCHRISTIAN
I came across a book a few weeks ago entitled "UNCHRISTIAN What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity." The book had such a big impact on my life that I wanted our church to be exposed to it. It is written by a guy named David Kinnaman, who works for the Barna Group.
He and a friend Gabe Lyons did extensive research to find out what people in their 20's really think about Christianity and the Church in the USA. Some 50 people in our church begins small group discussion this week. They will meet for 8 weeks and then the first of April all 4 groups will come together to decide how the info we discovered should influence the way we do things.
Here is a quote from the inside cover: "The research shows that Christians are best known for what they are against. They are perceived as being judgmental, antihomosexual, and too political. And young people are quick to point out they believe that Christianity is no longer as Jesus intended. It is unChristian.
I will discuss with you over the next 8 weeks the highlights of each chapter. We are perceived to be Hypocritical. Rather than really caring for people, all we care about is getting people saved so we can brag about it. Our moral stance against the homosexual has led the 20's generation to perceive us as Antihomosexual, even among those in that generation who are involved in church. We are viewed as living Sheltered lives and being out of touch with the real world. We are way too political, and also seen to be Judgmental.
This study will be shocking to you. Tell me what your initial impressions are of this article.
He and a friend Gabe Lyons did extensive research to find out what people in their 20's really think about Christianity and the Church in the USA. Some 50 people in our church begins small group discussion this week. They will meet for 8 weeks and then the first of April all 4 groups will come together to decide how the info we discovered should influence the way we do things.
Here is a quote from the inside cover: "The research shows that Christians are best known for what they are against. They are perceived as being judgmental, antihomosexual, and too political. And young people are quick to point out they believe that Christianity is no longer as Jesus intended. It is unChristian.
I will discuss with you over the next 8 weeks the highlights of each chapter. We are perceived to be Hypocritical. Rather than really caring for people, all we care about is getting people saved so we can brag about it. Our moral stance against the homosexual has led the 20's generation to perceive us as Antihomosexual, even among those in that generation who are involved in church. We are viewed as living Sheltered lives and being out of touch with the real world. We are way too political, and also seen to be Judgmental.
This study will be shocking to you. Tell me what your initial impressions are of this article.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
HEADLINES
Welcome to "the PARK". Glad you have decided to visit our website. My calling from God is to disciple believers. I believe that of all the many needs of the church today in the USA, developing believers in their walk with the Lord may be one of the greatest. Someone who is developing in their walk with the Lord is a "disciple." The Greek word for disciple is "mathatas," meaning learner. You can probably see that this is where we get our English word mathematics. So, let me share a definition of a disciple of Christ that I came across:
DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE
A disciple of Christ is an individual who exhibits an increasing Christ-likeness exemplified by: 1) an undeniable love for God and others, 2) a vibrant prayer life, 3) a love of Scripture, 4) an obedient lifestyle of personal evangelism, 5) employment of talents and personal resources, spiritual gifts and service used for the benefit of the Kingdom, 6) consistent manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, and 7) extravagant worship that treasures Christ.
Maybe you use a definition that appeals to you. I would love to see it. Feel free to share.
God Bless,
Pastor Roger Head
DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE
A disciple of Christ is an individual who exhibits an increasing Christ-likeness exemplified by: 1) an undeniable love for God and others, 2) a vibrant prayer life, 3) a love of Scripture, 4) an obedient lifestyle of personal evangelism, 5) employment of talents and personal resources, spiritual gifts and service used for the benefit of the Kingdom, 6) consistent manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, and 7) extravagant worship that treasures Christ.
Maybe you use a definition that appeals to you. I would love to see it. Feel free to share.
God Bless,
Pastor Roger Head
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