kolmapäev, juuni 03, 2009

"help find you some church or ministry ... where you’ll be more comfortable"

"And to my Salvationist brothers and sisters who may be trying to move the Army in directions of liturgy, greater formality, a more “stained glass” setting, communion, more relaxed standards, or a mega-church mentality, may I lovingly set this idea on the table…? Could it be that the Army just might not be right for you? Please understand I’m not criticizing or condemning! I know full well that we aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Truth is we’re really more of an “acquired taste.” I’m simply suggesting that perhaps we work together to help find you some church or ministry – complete with the elements, practices, “look,” and “feel” you’re wanting –where you’ll be more comfortable, and not as frustrated."
quoted in http://www.armybarmy.com/blog.html

I personally would add -- those who have zero interest in the poor, in evangelism (this means that we actually have to spend time with SINNERS!), who only want a nice quiet peaceful place to worship and sing their nice familiar songs, who can't stand to be around someone who is drunk or smells bad or is homeless, who believe in "I sin every day" and refuse to believe in holiness, who after years of soldiership still aren't sure if they're saved, who will not read the Bible or pray or testify, who have plenty of money for their own wordly pursuits but none for Kingdom advancement, who think the 11 doctrines are optional (9 or 10 is good enough!) -- if you feel like it's time for you to start looking for a new church, my only response is OKAY!

More from the original article at http://www.armybarmy.com/JAC/article10-61.html (I highly recommend you read the whole piece):

"the kind of people we intentionally sought out (the marginalized, the cast-off, those who were in some way broken, ignored, despised, or who would fit into no other church system)"

"What I do find highly disturbing ... is the strengthening push – here in the West, anyway – for us to become more of a “middle-class,” suburban church. If some had their way, they would ditch the urban Army model where we intentionally go out searching for and bringing in those who have been written off by other churches. Instead, they would have us settle into well-placed bedroom communities where we could turn our attention on the comfort and care of folks who “look like us.” Tell me…where is it written that we are called to be more concerned about those we’ve already got, than we are those who are still missing and in danger?"

Universalis