Fred…

I hear a lot of vision in you, and a willingness to take risks and move in new directions. I wish for you a place to explore those new directions, because I believe you will create an invitational space that will empower and release others to build something more relevant to the changing culture around you.

At the same time, this would minimize your personal frustration and launch you into a place of ministry that is more conducive to your own heart.

So, I think the question you need to ask yourself is this: Is God calling you to stay and bang your head against the wall? Sometimes he does do so.. Or is God using your frustration to send you a different message? Is he trying to birth something new through you? It isn’t likely to be born if you stay where you are.

Kevin, I am personally really glad to hear you questioning church as outreach program. A church is first a community, and as we love one another we become naturally inviting to those around us. Mission is rooted and grounded in community. Where this isn’t true, mission becomes merely a program and we lose interest. On the other hand, if we merely go in nice communal circles we forget what our love is for. Mission also empowers community.

Alan, “God’s purpose is to re-establish His kingdom on earth.” I remember hearing somewhere that “The Kingdom of God is creation healed.” I like that.

A friend of mine likes to opine, “The church is the dating service.. but sometimes she thinks she’s the date.” LOL. Here’s one from Howard Snyder:

"Church people think about how to get people into the church; kingdom people think about how to get the church into the world. Church people worry that the world might change the church; kingdom people work to see the church change the world. "

len