Well, one more post before the end of the year. I've been reading the book 'Total Church' by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis, and I've found it challenging. The key point they make is that gospel and community are the two central features of Church. I think they are basically correct in what they argue for - they have a great Biblical definition of 'gospel centred' and 'community centred'.Our church's vision statement is pretty much saying exactly the same thing as we are aiming to be a 'loving christ centred community' but I'm not sure we always do a great job of the community side of things. Chester and Timmis have a great quote about how to help your church become community centred. They say:
'If you warm to this vision of Christian community then start where you are. Sell the vision by modelling the vision. Don't become a pain to your existing congregation, telling them everything they are doing is wrong. Become a blessing by offering hospitality, showing practical care, dropping in on people. Create around you a group of Christians who will share their lives and encourage one another in the faith.'
I'm currently looking at our church calendar for 2010 and at this stage modelling and facilitating community is one of the big aims I have for the year.
great quote and great idea. note to self... 'begin with self'. looking forward to more richo blogging in 2010.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris - It is a good quote isn't it. Strikes me as being applicable whatever your particular role in church is (ie minister, lay person etc.).
ReplyDeleteSounds tops. Looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm also interested in the ideas people have as inherent associations with the word 'community'.
Hi Kutz,
ReplyDeleteYes I think Community can be a bit of a wishy washy kind of concept - something warm and fuzzy. But I guess I see it as the sharing together of all the good gifts God gives his people (got this from Calvin). You see expressions of this in Acts 2 and Acts 4 where the early church is selling all their stuff and supporting the poor. But It's also behind the Ephesians 4 idea, where the purpose of Christ's spiritual gifts are for the building up of the body. Hope that gives you a few ideas to think about.
Hey bro,
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does. I just wonder if people also think about the negatives that come along with being in close community. It never seems to be a negative thing when used as a buzz word.