September 15, 2007 at 8:39amDo we have it backwards?

It seems to me that if we read the gospels, what Jesus is doing is quite different than what we as the church today do. His focus was different than what I see in churches today including my own. He walked the streets, not just sit in the synagogue and pray. He "did what he saw His Father doing" like healing the sick, casting out demons, and bringing good news. He hung around with the wrong crowd, partied with them every occasion He could even changing water into wine on one occasion, and loved them more than the "church people". He was angry with the religious leaders but loved the poor. He said He came to save the world not judge or condemn it. Do we have it backwards?

September 15, 2007 at 11:50amRE: Do we have it backwards?

I don't know if we have it "backwards," but I do think that we are missing the mark a little bit. My favorite book talks about this. It is called "The Gutter: Where Life was Meant to be Lived" by Craig Gross (co-founder of www.XXXChurh.com). I highly recommend that book.
 
You are right that we are not doing all of the things that Jesus did, but that is singularly and not pluraly. Some people in the church are doing each of those things (minus turning water into wine ... but that can hold for another discussion), but everyone is not doing it all. I don't think that we should forsake the gathering at the church because Jesus didn't (although it is apparent that he was wholly disgusted with the leading religious figures of his day).
 
I always tell people to look at the example that Jesus did with his time. He hung out with everyone, but kept his faith grounded. He was a "friend of sinners," but upon further examination, we can see he did have some better friends. We commonly refer them as his disciples. But even further, he had closer ones that he took with him to his quiet places, for even Jesus took time to sit on his knees and pray to the father (many times).
 
I do agree that each of us needs to do more about evangelizing to those around us. We are called to love everyone and make disciples of them. I do think that the majority of the church is missing those two things because we have somehow gotten so wrapped up in our own lives that we don't have any time to even care about those around us.

September 17, 2007 at 11:36amRE: Do we have it backwards?

When I attend services at different churches including my own I often feel intimidated, judged and afraid I will do the wrong thing at the wrong time. I have always felt comfortable gathering in a small group or one on one. I feel more intouch and connected. I don't feel like my clothing is being evaluated etc. Perhaps others like Jesus felt/feel the same way. Just a thought.

September 19, 2007 at 8:16amRE: Do we have it backwards?

Daniel,
 
I will check that book out. Thanks for the input. You are right that different people are doing different things within the body just as different churches are doing different ministries to the community. I as a pastor would definitely agree that we shouldn't forsake the gathering in the church but I wonder if that has become the primary and sometimes only place of ministry. There is a book by Jerry Cook, of the Four Square Church in Kirkland, WA titled Love, Acceptance & Forgiveness. He proposes that there are two types of churches (an obvious generalization but bear with me). One he calls "the church as a field". Everything happens in that field. All the fruit is grown there, all the ministry is done there, and if you want to connect you have to go to the field. The other he calls "the church as a force". In this scenario the church goes to the people, it reaches out and is primarily outwardly focused. That is the idea I was trying to express.

September 19, 2007 at 8:26amRE: Do we have it backwards?

Larger church settings are a two edge sword. Often there is an impersonal feeling that comes with that and judging one another has been an ongoing problem for all of us. On the other hand people sometimes feel they can hide in a larger church until they feel safe. My church is very small and I have gotten the comment a couple of times that someone would come when we get larger and they can hide in the back. Fortunately we have also gotten the comments that we have a friendly church.
 
I have visited other churches and found both judgment and friendliness and acceptance. Small groups and/or small churches can either become exclusive quite quickly or work on becoming an open and safe place. Cliques can be hurtful. Smaller groups, however, can be a great place to get to know folks.