Reflections from Texas - Ryan
Over the past couple of days I spent some time in Dallas, Texas and had some time alone with Jesus and other gifted leaders. Below are a few simple reflections from Dallas:
Missional Church vs. Consumer Church – We are a missional church. That means we live on purpose to fulfill the charge of Jesus for the church. Sometimes we fail when we sin because of “gospel issues” and become consumers… sometimes we fail and sin because of “how to” issues and lack proper systems of equipping for mission.
We are seeing something abnormal – 80% of American churches are in plateau or decline. We are seeing God work, and build his church. We realize that is entirely the grace of God through Jesus and are thankful. We also are the only church we know of that is exploring a one church multiple cultures, multiple teachers, multiple expressions model… and believe that this crazy idea can be of value to other multigenerational churches that seek to be faithful to the gospel of Jesus.
We will remain committed to progressive culture – Some call it post modern, some call it emerging culture and some argue that there is no shift in culture. We believe words like post modern and emerging are far too loaded, mean too many things to too many people, and are no longer helpful. (Besides, many argue we are post-post-modern)
Waiters in Texas are nice and I would be fat if I lived there - Some may argue I am already fat. Well then, can you imagine? I ate for lunch a plate of Tex-Mex that could feed my family. For dinner, I ate a Texas rib eye that was delicious. Everything is bigger in Texas including the heartburn—and reflux I experienced until 2am.
Gospel Mission will be our glue – Many churches are extremely heterogeneous—especially in matters of age, socioeconomic standing, and personal preference. Paul instructs Peter in Galatians that when we live like this we live out of line with the truth of the Gospel. We have something better to bind us than race, finances, and hobbies. We have Jesus and the Gospel. We hope to be a community that lives in enough faith, mission, and risk that we need each other regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic standing. We need each other to be faithful to the mission Jesus has given us to build His church…