10 years ago, in the midst of college I realized I held Calvinistic beliefs. I was excited to finally have a label on what I believed. In the intervening years I waffled, Seminary and the desire for better grades will do that to a person. More recently I have noted my lack of deep theological understanding is affecting the way that I preach and the way I work in the church. To rectify this problem I have decided to explore, as Time Magazine has so aptly stated, New Calvinism.
The problem I have is that New Calvinism is not really all that new and different. The new is referring to the age of the adherents, mostly 20-40 year-olds. So I am left with studying the theology of the Reformers and Puritans, and then looking at the pet projects of the new leaders like Piper, Sproul, Mahaney and Driscoll. Berkhof is on the list as well, but I really want to see a repository of thought with reviews of materials so I that I don't have to spend hours reading texts that agree with one another.
God as I reaffirm my belief in you, help me to establish it based on who you are rather than on what I understand.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Pioneer Church Planting
I have often contemplated the direction of my church planting efforts there are a few things that I will die for in planting a church.
1. Following Jesus
My colleagues claim it is a calling, a word from God, or a vision of the future that God has revealed. I have never had a direct vision from God, God has not spoken to me, or even called to me verbally. No quite the opposite is true, God's word specifically states that we should Love God and our Love for Him calls us to share His love with others. The best way I can describe it is God's call is for all believers to use the giftings He has given us for His glory.
2. Indigenous Planting
We plant churches to reach the community for Jesus. The people who grew up in the neighborhood need to know Jesus, they desperately need to know Him. It is those who grew up here that will turn their lives over to Him and cause others in the community to know Him as well.
3. Proclaiming Christ and Him Crucified
The only way people can know the truth of who God is is through the proclamation of Jesus' sacrifice and His grace given to all of humanity.
4. Local Support, Global Attitude
The local church must be willing to launch and assist the planter in starting this new work. The support must be generous and exceptional. The local church must see the need for a new expression of faith and be willing to sacrifice to launch the ministry. Not only in the local area but also through the whole world.
1. Following Jesus
My colleagues claim it is a calling, a word from God, or a vision of the future that God has revealed. I have never had a direct vision from God, God has not spoken to me, or even called to me verbally. No quite the opposite is true, God's word specifically states that we should Love God and our Love for Him calls us to share His love with others. The best way I can describe it is God's call is for all believers to use the giftings He has given us for His glory.
2. Indigenous Planting
We plant churches to reach the community for Jesus. The people who grew up in the neighborhood need to know Jesus, they desperately need to know Him. It is those who grew up here that will turn their lives over to Him and cause others in the community to know Him as well.
3. Proclaiming Christ and Him Crucified
The only way people can know the truth of who God is is through the proclamation of Jesus' sacrifice and His grace given to all of humanity.
4. Local Support, Global Attitude
The local church must be willing to launch and assist the planter in starting this new work. The support must be generous and exceptional. The local church must see the need for a new expression of faith and be willing to sacrifice to launch the ministry. Not only in the local area but also through the whole world.
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