Missional Tribe
Despite an ongoing suspicion of any group who would have me as a member, and an admitted apathy toward the word 'missional', the meaning of which seems to be the debate of the day, I went ahead yesterday and joined up with Missional Tribe.
Contrary to my shortcomings listed above, I am a connector, so I'm interested in seeing where the conversations may lead. Besides, my regard for the folks behind this thing make it a no-brainer for me. Hopefully I don't get myself kicked out.
Why are people trying to make Christianity "cool" or like some type of club. Jesus Christ came to bring us salvation from our sins. The Word of God that we have in our Bibles is alive and powerful to transform our lives. What I see in all the missional/emerging church type of stuff is people taking Jesus and making Him out to be a "good teacher" that we can all follow. Yeah, Jesus Christ was the WORD OF GOD made flesh... His life teaches us. But why do we have to demote Him to level of a "cool guy" or a "good teacher". He is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Salvation. Following "the cool guy Jesus" is not going to bring people salvation. Like Paul said, I'm determined to know nothing but Christ crucified. Without what He did at the Cross, Christianity is non-existent. Christianity does not a face-lift or a makeover. If anything, we need to get back to the basics. We need to get back to Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected and the pure undiluted Word of God.
Those are my two cents :o)
Michelle
http://handsfrozentothesword.com
Posted by: Michelle | January 07, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Thanks Michelle. Certainly some view this stuff as being "cool", but I think you might be missing the broader point of what is behind the missional (if I can use the term for a second) mindset. I think adhering to the list of beliefs you identify is a great start. However, we're also supposed to go and live out what Jesus taught, and change the world.
Posted by: Mike | January 07, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Thank you, Mike. I do find interest in hearing how other people view things, so I certainly don't intend anything I say as a personal insult -- but rather something to challenge you as you have challenged me. That being said, in what way do you believe we are supposed to change the world?
Posted by: Michelle | January 07, 2009 at 04:44 PM
That's a good question that deserves a longer answer, Michelle. In fact, I'm writing a book right now on the subject. Suffice to say I believe we are invited to participate in the redemption of the world.
Posted by: Mike | January 09, 2009 at 08:47 PM