forge - proximity
The value of proximity - Michael Frost.
We need to be near, close and in relationship with our community and our culture. It is not just geographical - just putting up a building will not be enough. It is relational!
Real incarnational ministry means that we leave the spaces we feel comfortable and enter the spaces that we will engage with people who don’t know Jesus.
We need to move beyond the mentality of inviting people to our programs and move into living among the people.
I agree with all of this. The words above are my words in describing what I heard Michael talking about. It resonants with me, and in the emphasis of nccc. But…. there just seems to be this temptation to throw the baby out with the water.
The problem is not programs. The problem is when programs exist without relationships. The problem is not buildings - it is when the building serves us and not the community. There is power in creating places and spaces that allow people to connect with each other and connecting with God. I agree we can’t just expect people to come but to suggest that it is programs and buildings that are the problem is a myth in my opinion. The problem is how we utilise our programs and buildings.
February 19th, 2005 at 12:25 pm
I think the main issue with programs and buildings is that in many places people end up serving them, rather than the other way around.