the last thing to convert…is the wallet
sorry–few posts
Hey e-fam, sorry that I have not been blogging regularly. As I mentioned earlier, I am visiting family and friends in Australia. I have to say that it feels a little like a two week long Christmas Day!! Its pretty intense! I might be able to get to it sometime soon. I come back to the US this week but only get home by next Friday/Saturday.
the role of theology in faith
The god of whom no dogmas are believed is a mere shadow. He will not produce that fear of the Lord in which wisdom begins and therefore will not produce that love in which it is consumated….There is in the minimal religion nothing that can convince, convert, or (in the higher sense) console; nothing therefore which can restore vitality to our civilisation. It is not costly enough. It can never be a controller or even a rival to our natural sloth and greed.
- C.S.Lewis
comprehensive primer
The mercurial JR Woodward has managed to put together a very comprehensive primer on missional church here. Where does he get his energy from? One of the adantages of being single I suppose! Thanks JR.
praying for the US
No matter what I or others think about who should win the elections, this is a very significant choice that will be made in the next 24 hours. A historic and world significant choice is about to be made by the American people. Let us all pray for the right outcome.
planting the gospel
I am more and more convinced that the idea of church planting atomatically comes with some associated flaws. And these flaws are bound up with the inherited idea of church, which if unexplored, is simply reproduced without incarnational principles guiding it. I suggest that instead of useing the term church planting, how about we substitute it with ‘gospel planting’. Consider this… Read more
forge canada up-and-running!
barth on missional church
As Jesus’ community [the church] points beyond itself. At bottom it can never consider its own security, let alone its appearance. As His community it is always free from itself . . . . Its mission is not additional to its being. It is, as it is sent and active in its mission. It builds up itself for the sake of its mission and in relation to it.
–Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics IV/
a political christian?: quiz
Matt Stone posted this quiz hosted by Christianity Today recently. Given the host of comments made on my choice (if I had one!) for presidential candidate recently, I thought it might be useful to take the test. Give it a go.
two sample chapters from rejesus
As reJesus is coming out in the US in December (and elsewhere in January), the publisher have released two chapters as a sampler. I really am deeply excited about this book. Mainly because I believe it gets to the very core of missional Christianity–namely Jesus and his role in defining the movement that claims his name. Anyhow, some more endorsements have come in. Here are more of them, followed by a download of the two chapters. Read more
to choose or not to choose…
Wow! Some pretty hot responses to the last post. I have now officially had my wisdom challenged, my faith questioned, and my name forever tainted for venturing an opinion on an important subject. I am beginning to think that perhaps my wisdom was in doubt, but my love of God and my reputation as a diligent spokesman for the missional cause? C’mon guys, a little more grace and civility than that!!
“Obama or McCain? It’s a no-brainer!”
That was what our Aussie friend Sally T, who was here in the States recently, said when asked her opinion about the American presidential election. And she meant by this that Obama was the hands-down best choice. I have to be honest and say that this is what every non-American I have met in the last year says about the choice of candidates. I cannot recall even one who has pitched for either Clinton (in the primaries) or McCain when venturing their opinion. And just so that you know, I do travel extensively in the US, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Now fair enough, they don’t get to vote for either candidate, and so can be dismissed as seemingly insignificant. But Americans need to be aware that all non-Americans do get to wear American choices because the President of the US is in fact the most influential person in the world and directly affects everyone, everywhere. Please don’t forget that.
two brilliant works on missiology
I have never ceased to be amazed at the prescience of Roland Allen the great missionary thinker and activist. Seriously, these books are waaayyy ahead of their time. All interested in missional movements MUST read them. His ideas have seldom, if ever, been surpassed. So, here are two of his books as freebies online….
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the role of theology in faith
- Ed Magee said: Janet i agree with so...
- Penney Winiarski said: Matt & Janet, I...
- Matt Stone said: It is quite amusing (and...
- Janet said: "I say this because I...
- Janet said: I'd love to see the...
- Daniel Lowe said: Janet, Wow, love your...
- Janet said: Although I agree on one...
- becky said: I am not intelligent... comprehensive primer
- Johnny Laird said: Wow! What a treasure... planting the gospel
- Wayne Field said: Great quote Alan. Thanks...