Francis Chan
In his most powerful book yet, Pastor Francis Chan digs deep into biblical truths, reflections on his own failures and dreams, and stories of ordinary people God is using to change the world. As Chan says, "We've strayed so far from what God calls Church. We all know it. We know that what we're experiencing is radically different from the Church in Scripture. For decades, church leaders like myself have lost sight of the inherent mystery of the Church. We have trained people sitting in the pews to become addicted to lesser things. It's time for that to change."
This is a challenging book. Not that it's a challenge to read it. On the contrary, it is easy to understand and absolutely engaging. The challenge is in contemplating what to DO about it. As he tells the story of why he left the megachurch he helped create and is now one of hundreds (if not thousands) of pastors of We Are Church (a network of house churches in Northern California), I found myself agreeing with everything he said. But wow...could I really just chuck the current template of North American Churchianity and do the same? It's an attractive thought. It's a scary thought. It's weird to think I could read this and just keep on going the way I have been for 66 years. But that would be the easiest thing in the world to do. Sad to say.
First Line: Imagine you find yourself stranded on a deserted island with nothing but a copy of the Bible.
Page 56 / Line 5: Should we meet in a large group or a small one?
Last Line: Our Holy God offers to dwell with you if you have a lowly and contrite spirit.
It seems definite that it was Francis’ assignment, but to automatically consider ANY church model as better or holier is idolatry. It elevates the format/structure/building above the life & presence of Christ being ministered to/in/through people. I’ve read this wonderful book and I know this ‘more holy’ view is not Chan’s contention, but would love to prevent any drastic & immature pendulum swings. In a purely cultural application, this mental & emotional phenomenon is called “reversal.”
ReplyDeleteYour warning against an automatic acceptance, or indeed, worship of a particular church model is well-taken. I also agree that Chan spoke against doing that. Instead, he encourages readers to spend time with the Lord and the Word to discern what is the best path for them to take.
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