Comments on: Around the Table With Nothing To Add

By: skillet

skillet — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:56:27 +0000

Did I spell Raisen right? Oh well…..

By: skillet

skillet — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:55:31 +0000

Hey Mike,

Think you have nothing to bring to the table – here is an idea. Bring a box of “Raisen Bran” ceral with you to the table and when one of these coversations start up, put the box on the table and ask for some milk. When you’ve got their attention then ask, “Anyone else need their daily dose of bran today?”

And hey, when the conversation turns to “numbers” just tell them it has two scoops of raisens.

I know exactly what you mean about the calvanism too. We have had numerous conversations where it was about “turning” people because Calvinism was important to their salvation. Why can’t we just be Christians?

Have a Great Day!

By: Perry McCall

Perry McCall — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:28:58 +0000

My biggest problem isn’t when I participate in activities with the association but when my people do! It seems like we can’t have any event without someone from the State coming out and promoting the latest emphasis as if it was the only way to be a good church. Of course, it is always Lifeway.

By: waddey

waddey — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:43:01 +0000

Josh,

I have had to back away from some of the groups I used to meet with simply because the water got muddy for me as they discussed philosophies and visions that just scrambled the vision God was trying to implement in my life and in our church. I think you should be discriminating in your association simply b/c you time is so valuable. Do what you can in your association but job # 1, as far as I can tell, is the local church.

By: ruralamericanpastor

ruralamericanpastor — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:34:41 +0000

Oh, and I’ve tended to shy away from associations. I suppose I’m part of the newer group of young pastors who’d rather bypass it. At least my current association, God help them. I love the DOM, but I feel like I’m sitting through a 10 year old conversation everytime I go (which has gotten progressively rarer). It’s not me bragging. I want to cooperate. Maybe that means I’ll be a catalyst instead of a passive bystander. Inspire me Mike. Inspire me.

By: ruralamericanpastor

ruralamericanpastor — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:32:02 +0000

The buzz words mean little to the people in our pews don’t they? I try them out from time to time, but the great thing about the church I pastor is they simply want me to preach the Bible, and preach Jesus from the Bible. If I don’t do that, then I will hear it. THAT is the great relief for me. We ought to stay abreast of what’s going on out there. It keeps us from being isolated from a much larger Christian world that’s out there. It helps keep us from being caged in by our own perspective. Sometimes an identity shake up is a good thing. To realize that other people do things differently than us, and are still Jesus following Christians. The best way out of it though? I believe missions. I believe you are on the right path with that. We’re still getting there. Check back in 5 years. Peace Mike.

By: Perry McCall

Perry McCall — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:32:35 +0000

Semantics was the word I was looking for:)

It is hard to talk about the need for a “church planting” strategy without sounding like a surrogate promoting a State program or parachurch ministry. But freedom is found in getting off the identity merry go round. (that is not a slam on thoughtful discussions on “Baptist Identity”)

Dude, would Wesley even be given a chance to leave town?? He better not agree to fight in Geneva:o! OK…low blow. I can give it because Calvin is my buzz word for the day!!

By: waddey

waddey — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:04:09 +0000

Yeah Perry,

I’m not saying they are bad terms, ideas, or philosphies. I’m just saying that, for the most part, they are for us. It took me a long time to figure out that we were dealing with semantics. Many churches are simply confused by the fact that we need new words to describe the church, missions, and the Gospel. I still want to see Calvin and Wesley in a loser leave town grudge match. I would root for Calvin I think.

By: Perry McCall

Perry McCall — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:48:57 +0000

I understand the experience!! I even agree about the assessment. I find it most painful when we have someone from the State speak. However, I do think it is dangerous to just pass off some of the terms and ideas that you have used. Yes, they are used by many people who have no clue what they mean and they use them for the purpose of sounding impressive, creating division, or establishing an agenda. Nonetheless, some of the issues that these “buzz words” represent are biblical issues. They deal with the gospel, missions, and ecclesiology.

I understand that you are writing about identity and how evangelicalism is searching for it on every corner. In that context, I understand full well how one can be blinded by even important issues. I’ve been one of those people. Oh!! the joy of ministry now that I am not concerned about identity. However, 10+ years has a pastor and living through the horrors of some of those buzz words has actually taught me that my understanding and convictions concerning some of those buzz words are often more important than once thought.

Barnhart told me about this coming Sunday. I’m pumped!

By: waddey

waddey — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:09:32 +0000

Les,
I can’t wait to read the book.

Danny,
The Summit is a perfect example of a church that knows who they are. I am amazed when I read about the way God is using you guys.