Thursday, August 13, 2009

Compromising Standards in Order to "Grow" Churches

Ok so I know ya'll are probably tired of reading my blogs by now... I realize they're probably pretty depressing and boring and all that but I'm lonely and I've had allot of time on my hands and I basically had nothing else better to do than blog my problems to the world.

BUT this post is not about the self-centered pity parties I've been throwing myself (don't worry though, I'm sure by tomorrow I will have another pity-party post written and published). This post is about something that I heard this morning in orientation that I haven't been able to get off my mind all day.

For one of our courses, Personal Spiritual Disciplines, we have to read this book called "Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God" by Francis Chan. The professor (sorry I can't remember his name) said that Chan spoke at the Southern Baptist Convention one time and his sermon was on how church leaders were compromising their standards in order to "grow" their churches. Let's face it, allot of church's candy coat the Bible and add allot of "fluff" (as my youth pastor calls it) in order to add numbers to their congregation.

In speaking on this Chan said God gave him a powerful revelation regarding this issue within his own church. He said that if there were only three churches in his city-one pastored by him, one by Jesus and the other by Paul-shamefully his (Chan's) would be the largest.

I was like wow. What a powerful revelation. Jesus didn't sugar coat anything. Yes, He loved those He spoke to, but He gave it to them straight. He spoke the truth, as did Paul.

So that's what's been on my mind all day. Just thought I would share it with you. Hope you have a goodnight =)

2 comments:

Mike Kirby said...

Excellent observation Hannah. Most people forget that sugar-coating melts @ high temperatures.

Lydia said...

That was a neat post. I'm glad they are talking about that kind of thing and teaching it to college students.
And I never get tired of reading your posts. I've read every word. It helps me know how your doing. I could ask Abigail but it's just a "She's doing fine. she misses home!"
Blogging helps us stay in touch more than I thought it would. i'm glad you have one.
can't wait to see you on the weekend!