He has done it again! Not since Rob Bell's 'Velvet Elvis' or David Kinnaman's 'unChrstian' have I read a book that 'hits the nail on the head' for me. It's true that in today's church there's something wrong, but it isn't easy to identify because of our unwillingness to listen or even have the conversation.
I had the privilege of listening to Francis Chan at the National Youth Worker's Convention last year and I had a feeling he would be coming out with another book-he was so conflicted and convicted it was empowering. While I don't want to ruin the book-which is due to be released sometime next month, I do want to share some of the things he said at the Convention which should give you a pretty good idea as to what you can look forward to concerning the book.
Francis brought up a good point when he spoke to us youth leaders...he basically called out everyone in attendance really. It was when he said 'we spend too much time watering rocks' (this was after he got done reading about the parable of the sower and the seed: Matthew 13:3-23) that it hit me-he's right. It's one of the many things that frustrates those in ministry-the 'rocks' that are in our lives-friends, family members, and even those in leadership in the church who don't seem to listen....or those in a situation of power or influence who only indulge in what's beneficial for them in the here and now, rather than God's Kingdom.
Francis followed it up with something along the lines of: If Jesus was the pastor of a church...mine would be bigger, if Jesus was a youth pastor, my youth group would be bigger. Why? Because Jesus' words were too harsh.
If you read carefully in the parable it was the disciples who came to Him and sought out the meaning of the parable...everyone else left confused. I think that sometimes we get confused and choose to stay that way instead of asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We sometimes forget that God hears our grumblings and concerns for the things that only He can provide (patience in times of uncertainty and loss and guidance and strength in our times of great need).
READ: Romans 8:26-28
I don't want to ramble on too long, but when his book come out...get yourself a copy! See if you don't agree that the Holy Spirit has been neglected in today's church and in God's people. We have the power within us...it's just a matter of tapping into that never-ending flow of power and energy which enables us to do great things in His name.
My closing...a challenge: Go read the whole book of ACTS. Let me know what you think about the unstoppable church back then and the very stoppable church today (which argues over the color of paint or carpet, and even manages to keep talking about the way things were-basically talking about what God and the Holy Spirit were doing in the life of their church years ago while forgetting about what the Holy Spirit is trying to do in their midst). I'll get off my soap box, but be sure to check out Francis Chan's new book...
1 comment:
Amazing! And so true! I have been very neglectful and selfish. I would love to read his book, his dvd was, blow me out of the water, I can't imagine what God is doing through his books. It's sad to hear this about churche's when they are the church and representing Christ, most aren't. But this is when we have to pull together and make a differnece. I hope many go and read his book along with his other books and even pick up his dvd's. Thanks again for another awesome blog, they really help me in my struggling times.
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