“As pastors, we are tempted to build the church, so we send out postcards to targeted zip codes and we promote church programs. Our job isn’t to build the church. We’re supposed to BE the church, and build the kingdom. The best expression of the church is NOT what happens on Sunday morning. It’s what happens in the world during the week. And that’s not something you can market." - Rick McKinley of Imago Dei Church [source]
The lastest edition of Relevant Magazine asks several Christian leaders questions about the future of the Church and it's influence on today's culture. Pastor Efrem Smith of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis gave this incredible quote:
"I'm very concerned about the continual influence of consumerism Christianity and a Christianity that is very self-centered. Even in some of the social justice initiatives that I see, I wonder at times if it's really about social change and kingdom advancement or if it's about the sense of accomplishment and adventure one gets from the experience. Christian television (even with its good side) seems to push consumerism, capitalism and individualism. It's not that these traits are so sinful as much as it limits the Gospel message and keeps us from kingdom community and reconciliation."
Man, I love his honesty and the fact that he pulls no punches!!!
My favorite quote/idea/thought/epiphiny/etc. of 2005 is from Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. He recently wrote on his blog:
"Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God!"
A profound statement that left me speechless. Thanks Mark for rocking my world!
