There's significant unrest regarding the mission of the workshop. Back in the Bus Ministry heydays such offered tangible/visible direction to place our soul winning wares. Since then, so many have been looking for their place to land in serving. I am asked year by year why we don't seem to have a direction. I translate that into, What are you going to do to give us something as concrete as the Bus Ministry was?
Our direction has evolved over these many years. While it is most appropriate, it is understandably confusing. I cannot speak for Garnett's leadership on this; only myself for the years when we have the workshop. Our goal is one: truly, honestly, simply, profoundly....JESUS. If we will grow in Jesus, we will grow in evangelism, in prayer, in Spirit, in commitment. But Jesus seems to fail to land in the minds of many who inquire because he is invisible. They seem to want a sidewalk and a statement to memorize. Why is this?
I think it's because we have been strong on Church and weak on of Christ. If one were to enter the Kentucky Derby with these horses: Bellamy Bible, Name of Jesus, Darting Doctrine, Baptism Beauty, Running Three Times A Week, Huff-N-Puff, Restoration Rosie, and Organized Oswald, which horse would win according to the members' conversations? If we monitored lunch discussions or Bible classes, which of these horses fills our speech? I'm saying Name of Jesus would stumble at the gate for many members. Others would see him finish fourth. To win, place or show? Fortunately, there would be some.
The direction of Tulsa's workshop is Jesus. Bus Ministry was not our hope. Those who believed such may find themselves critical and disgruntled with the rest of us. Jesus is it! We are targeting him. We want to lead our people to more prayer, more security, more unity, more contentment, more life, and more evangelism. This will only happen through more of Jesus. May we stay in this derby.....and win!
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.....I Corinthians 1:30-31.
Jesus is all of this to us and for us. We are none of it any other way.
12 comments:
Terry - thanks for yet another powerful blog!
As I stumble along my journey, trying hard to live in His Grace, one scripture from John's gospel is my mantra: Jesus said '...if I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me...'
You are dead on to suggest that our focus be Jesus. Thank you for the reminder... please keep reminding.
Terry, I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday... between us we probably have about 50 years of 'ministry' experience. His has been more full time, mine has been more volunteer.
Our discussion turned to One Thing... and we talked about how exciting it is to live in THIS age. Mostly because of the way God seems to be moving us toward unity. Many things are happening today which are long overdue... Christians are seeking common ground, letting go of some long-held traditions which have divided us.
In an effort to strip it all down to the basics, (and lift up the name of Jesus to their community)the congregation where he worships and preaches is trying a revolutionary idea: they have decided that, for the summer, the 'ministry' which their 'church' does will come directly out of their small groups, and NOT be associated in any way with the building...
That's right, for this summer, they will no longer have organized Bible classes, cry rooms, or 'corporate' worship... they will meet in each others' homes, study God's word, hear testimony, sing, pray, and celebrate communion within the context of their 'home churches'...
Any giving, sharing, spending or benevolence 'programs' will be dealt with in these small group settings... they will 'do' visitation, brothers' keeper, etc. within the house church setting...
...and simply lift up Jesus.
The effort is ingenious, I think. They are aspiring to be just Christians... they want to divorce themselves from the notion that 'church' or 'church work' or 'Christianity' is about programs or bound to the walls of their church building...
I told you it was revolutionary... you're probably thinking (like I did): "those people are crazy!"
Which is probably what they said about the early disciples of Jesus... you know, the ones described in our New Testament...
Terry,
Great post.
I believe that the Church of Christ needs to focus on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I would love to see a Tulsa Workshop where that is the focus. I believe that we have in the COC ignored the power of the Holy Spirit in ministry especially to the lost. In order for true revival to take place in our churches we must involve the Holy Spirit and the gifts to work within us. I believe we have allowed maybe hermanutics or preachers or fear to limit the Spirits working in our lives. If we really let it do what it can we will never be the same. The question is: Is the COC ready for something like that to happen? Are we ready for God's annointing power in our churches and in our ministry in reaching the lost?
Preacherman,
How did you like Roger Thompson's classes on the Holy Spirit this year?
Right on, Terry! No other one or thing commands such an emphasis as Jesus Christ!
Terry, thank you for your zeal in re-directing our minds in the right direction...towards Christ.
While I have no problem with the direction of the workshop, I DO struggle with "evangelism" and wonder how I can do it more effectively. The great thing about the Workshop is that it provides encouragement on this front as well as solid Biblical teaching!
While some may be blasting the Workshop directors, I hope others are just asking because they are revealing their own personal struggles to share Christ.
Personally, I think that I have just forgotten how to make friends and how to be a good friend.
Keep directing us toward Christ, and keep encouraging us to plant seeds!
I think you are right, Terry, the Workshop, or any other Christian event for that matter, is doomed to eventual hopelessness if Jesus isn't the center of the event.
People need to know Jesus does care for them, for their deepest needs, and the best way to let them know that is for us to be their examples of his love and compassion. If the Workshop and the Body of Christ all over the world does that, it will thrive.
Terry, I appreciate your thoughts and echo others who have commended you for the direction in which you are pointing -- toward Jesus.
Thanks and keep it up.
TR, I applaud the effort to make JESUS the focus of present and future workshops! With HIM as the theme, how can it be anything but a blessing!?!?
Thanks for the role you play in that.
DU
Terry, thank you for your focus on Jesus. A lot of times we buy into the distractions of life, church, and just being "busy" that we miss the One whom we are serving. I see myself so many times in the shoes of Judas when Mary anoints Jesus. He is sitting right there and yet I miss Him.
We have begun using a new "mission statement" here at our congregation and it has been a blessing. Our mission statement is this: Experiencing and Expressing Life in Christ.
Thank you for your ministry to all of us in this blog.
Terry,
A preacher I know describes himself saying those on the left think he is too conservative and those on the right think he is too liberal, so he must be ok somewhere in the mddle.
I too applaud the focus on Jesus. The role of the Holy Spirit is also vital as is next years focus, our conection to the Lord through prayer.
My experience has been those who are concerned with the direction of the workshop are concerned about leanings. Are we moving too far left or do we need to move right.
It constantly amazes me how for a 'non-denominational' group we are so lock step. The workshop, Memorial and Garnett are all autonomous from any other church. The questions are two, are you comfortable with what you are offering? And, do you think people will follow where you are leading? Aren't these traits of a good leader?
James
I don't know how anyone could fault you for this focus ... but I'm sure there will be many! Press on!!!
If Jesus is suppose to be the focus of our lives, how can the workshop be anything less. You do an amazing job. May God continue to bless you and all of those who organize the workshop. I think it's headed in the right direction!
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