The Revolution is here! Gorge Barna wrote REVOLUTION, Finding Vibrant Faith Beyond the Walls of the Sanctuary in 2005. This book is an honest look at the millions of Christ followers who are experiencing and expressing their faith outside of the walls of a local church. If his statistics are right (and he has an excellent track record) then by the year 2025, only eighteen years away, 70% of all followers of Christ will experience and express their faith outside of the local church.
Many pastors and church leaders have responded to this book by attacking the author and the research. But, this is one Bishop who says,
Viva La Revolucion!
I join the
Many pastors and church leaders have responded to this book by attacking the author and the research. But, this is one Bishop who says,
Viva La Revolucion!
I join the
"Millions of devout followers of Jesus Christ
(who) are repudiating tepid systems andpractices of the Christian faith and introducinga wholesale shift in how faith is understood,integrated and influencing the world."
Don't get me wrong, I love the local church. I have shepherded local churches for twenty-five years. I have been privileged to pastor a small church and a mega church, a country church and a city church and a small town church and a church in a metroplex of millions of people. I love the church. However, If the church is going to remain chained to an inflexible tradition of a past culture and imprisoned in the walls of an us against them mentality and full of professional clergy who are only interested in a paycheck then I say, Bring the Revolution on!
Recently, through a very unusual set of circumstances, my wife and I ended up in a bowling alley one Friday night where they were performing karaoke. I know you are saying bowling alley and karaoke? Don't even ask. However, I witnessed something that profoundly touched me. Every singer no matter how good or bad received shouts of encouragement from the people. I learned that there was a close knit group of people who formed the nucleus of this group and they were constantly reaching out to invite others to participate with them. They passed a hat around and everyone was giving money to help one of their friends who was going through some serious financial problems. I learned that they always sent flowers to any one who suffered a loss in their families. Watching this group have such a good time, I leaned over to my wife and said, if they offer an invitation I may join this church!
When there is more life and encouragement in a bowling alley on Friday night than most churches on Sunday morning we need a revolution!
Recently, through a very unusual set of circumstances, my wife and I ended up in a bowling alley one Friday night where they were performing karaoke. I know you are saying bowling alley and karaoke? Don't even ask. However, I witnessed something that profoundly touched me. Every singer no matter how good or bad received shouts of encouragement from the people. I learned that there was a close knit group of people who formed the nucleus of this group and they were constantly reaching out to invite others to participate with them. They passed a hat around and everyone was giving money to help one of their friends who was going through some serious financial problems. I learned that they always sent flowers to any one who suffered a loss in their families. Watching this group have such a good time, I leaned over to my wife and said, if they offer an invitation I may join this church!
When there is more life and encouragement in a bowling alley on Friday night than most churches on Sunday morning we need a revolution!
