Tuesday, February 28, 2006

More on the Church

I read Rob Bell's "refreshing" first book, "Velvet Elvis" on the plane out to Portland yesterday. It was a refreshing and quick read. Refreshing and quick but not easy. I found myself being challenged by the freshness of the Gospel in a way I had not yet been exposed. I'm challenged but also encouraged greatly. What a refreshing approach to ministry. Whew!

Rob Bell writes, "The Church will live on. She's indestructible. When she dies in one part of the world, she explodes in another. She's global. She's universal. She's everywhere. And while she is fragile, she's going to endure. In every generation there will be those who see her beauty and give their lives to see her shine. Jesus said, the gates of hell will not prevail against her. That's strong language, and it's true. She will continue to roll across the ages, serving and giving and connecting people with God and each other. And people will abuse her and manipulate her and try to control her, but they'll pass on. And she will keep going."

For me this is what I mean by "refreshing."

3 Comments:

At March 01, 2006 7:28 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah, need to read that one. Where do you find these great books? My bro-in-law wants me to read Blue Like Jazz, too. Have you read that?

That is so important to know -- the church will go on. It is not up to us to salvage the church and attempt to artificially resuscitate it. That's God's job and He is more than able.

It is our job to treasure the church and to bring others to the church.

 
At March 02, 2006 7:41 AM, Blogger Rev. Rick Carder '87 / ' 03 said...

Read that one! "The Church of Irresistible Influence" by Lewis is another great book. It causes one to image a church where neighbors see it as a vital and thriving part of the community. The church is God's instrument for lost souls, connecting people with God.

 
At March 06, 2006 12:33 AM, Blogger Bob Carder said...

I'll have to read this one. Thanks for being on mission with God and always one step ahead of your older brother. Praying for you while you are in the gulf coast on mission in a different kind of way.

 

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