There are many days when my barrel of blogging ideas and topics is pretty much empty. Those are obviously the days on which you won’t find an entry.
On most days I can generate enough reflection and focus to bring one event or thought to the surface.
Rarely are there days like today…I have about five different directions to go and the inability to filter or patiently tuck something away for tomorrow.
At her blog, Karen Spears Zacharias interacts with an emerging Christian and Donald Miller’s new book to provide some insights regarding holiness, hope, and transformation. I especially liked this statement:
“Hope is a great thing,” I added. “But it’s like Pastor said this morning, the thing Christ offers us that we can’t find anywhere else is transformation.”
She goes on in one of the posted comments to share a good word of caution. Sometimes in our attempt to steer clear of fundamentalism, we may actually lose sight of a few fundamentals of faith.
Another direction I was interested in taking the blog today has to do with my ministry among students at the University of Cincinnati. Although we are encountering a few challenges to this ‘missionary’ adventure, some huge affirmation came my way as I was meeting with a couple of students today.
As goofy as it may sound, attempting to follow Jesus’ model of intentionally discipling a few people has not been an easy sell. Whether the ‘resistance’ comes from internal insecurity, ministry supervisors, pastoral or congregational expectations…I have to commit to the vision and strategy repeatedly.
During the lunch conversation with my discipleship group today, we read this powerful truth about Jesus:
“Jesus had enough vision to think small”
I love that statement. It is so counter intuitive. Especially in the church, at pastors’ gatherings, etc…the usual mantra is dream big, plan big, and succeed in those terms. Jesus succeeded by limiting the scope of his ministry in order to expand his impact. Being intentional with a few could lead to so much more lasting spiritual impact than we often experience in our discipling efforts.
Reminds me of some other great experiences and adventures I’ve had in ministry with just a few guys at a time (like a little campout with Witten & Scott–pictured). In all those experiences and relationships, there were a few common ingredients: intentionality, God’s Word, genuine friendship.
Chris – Have you read Donald Miller’s new book yet? You would love it. Especially given your passion for running, biking and a story. It’s one of the best books I have read in a long time. Check it out if you haven’t.