How are we doing in gospel impact?

This afternoon I was in a meeting with some effective, compassionate and sincere local community leaders. We met to discuss a potential training for coaches to help them instill self-esteem and a higher self-image to their students. The creator of this training is passionate about changing the worldview of the current culture that impacts youth in very negative and destructive ways and offering a powerful and proven tool to change youth and communities for the better. I was there to represent the faith community. I am not really writing in regards to this but my recent wrestling with how to plant a multiracial church in this area. One the attendees after lunch confessed that she was somewhat concerned about the kind of influence a coach could have because recently a coach influenced a friend to “fundamentalism”. She admitted to me that she was a “liberal Christian” and didn’t like that her friend became a “fundamental Christian”. I didn’t have time to pursue the conversation more but I feel many in this community believe similarly.

I share this experience because in the community we are planting our church they put a very high value on tolerance. This planned community, Columbia, was founded on this value and is very proud to guard it. I am NOT saying that we shouldn’t respect one another and value the other person even if we hold different beliefs. I am saying this: As a Christian God calls us to share Jesus with love, compassion and respect. This is not an option for us. As well, the message we as Christians have received from Jesus is a message that encourages and challenges everybody to consider who He is, who we are in light of who He is and how we are to respond. Christians are always in that tension of sharing the truth in love. Sometimes we fail while other times God enables us to love well.

This brings me back to church planting. There is ton of research out there that says that planting churches is the most effective way to reach those who are not churched or not yet followers of Jesus. How do we plant a church where the very culture/community says, “don’t challenge or suggest that I should change my belief”? How do we hold the tension together- sharing the gracious message of Jesus and challenging the not yet follower of Jesus in a way that they sense we respect and value them? I believe as we look at the Gospels, Jesus did this well and yet many were still offended (mostly “the religious”). I am certain that this will be our experience too.

How are we, City of Hope Church, doing in engaging our community with the gospel? Are we having conversations with folks who hold to a different worldview? Are we developing friendships who don’t believe like we do? Are we showing them love? Are we giving them truth? Are we listening to their concerns and problems with Christianity and the church? Are we able to enter into their lives in such a way that they feel respected and valued but also challenged to consider Jesus and His message.

Church planting depends upon ALL of us as we depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead us in loving many with the gospel. Let us never forget our motive in engaging our community with the gospel: Jesus engaged and captured us when we didn’t care about Him or His ways. It is His enduring love for us as seen in his perfect life, sacrificial death and resurrection that motivates us to share His love with others. What do you think?

Warmly,

Jeff