1. Its members love and talk
positively about the city/neighborhood.
2. They speak in a language that
is not filled with Christianized self-righteous or technical terms and phrases,
nor using disdainful or embattled language. [In other words, not creating an
'us vs. them environment'--which is a very difficult place to start when
desiring to share the good news of the gospel.]
3. Preaching and Bible studies
are not disconnected from the core concerns and stories of the people of the
culture.
4. The people of the church are
obviously interested and engaged with the literature and art and thought of the
surrounding culture and can discuss it both appreciatively and yet critically.
5. The church exhibits deep
concern for the poor and generosity with their money, respect with regard to
the opposite sex, and shows humility toward people of other races and cultures.
6. They do not bash other
Christians and churches.
Tim Keller says that when these characteristics are present, seekers
and non-believers are more likely to explore spiritual issues with that
church. If these marks are not present,
then that church will only be able to include believers or traditional,
"Christianized" people.
Become a people committed to
blessing our community by celebrating creativity and diversity while
recognizing the need for gospel renewal.
"And what does the Lord require of
you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
(Micah 6:8)
(If you want
to be notified of future blog postings, friend me on Facebook 'John
Schmidt'. Also, my recent sermons in
both an audio and video format can be found at www.NVbridgechurch.com.)
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