I would like to hear from yo
u what this concept would look like in the culture of Branches Church...People = There will always be four groups of people with us as we meet together... 1. the community checking us out 2. guests socializing with us 3. attenders plugging into our ministries 4. devoted followers of Christ stepping into leadership and investing in others
Accepted = you've heard me discuss the difference between acceptance and approval
As they are = with all the baggage that comes with bad choices, weak religion, nasty attitudes, opposing political views, lack of belief in God and all
Lovingly challenged = demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit, not allowing a "clean up your life" attitude to prevail, but demonstrating and mentoring Christ's call to follow Him as you are
Become what Jesus wants them to be = many of us may be stuck thinking that this may be all there is in life...Jesus came preaching more; more life, more of God, more joy, more freedom, more hope, more faith, more good, more love, more peace, more, more, more...and this applies to everyone of us right now regardless of where we are in our walk with God; or think we are!
Let me know.
Mike
