Minister to needs

Two ideas that have come to the surface in the SBC are the missional church model and younger leaders. It should surprise no one that they have arisen in the same timeframe. The emphasis given in Joe Westbury’s recent article in the Index (“Stained Glass and Starbucks”, Sept 29) that a “both/and approach” is needed is correct.

The view held by many younger leaders is not that we want the more mature leaders ousted and the traditional churches to go away. Rather, we simply want the reign of God to be effective in the lives of people.

We don’t care if it looks like Open Range, FBC Jonesboro, or 1027 Church. All that is needed in this day are believers living as the manifest presence of Christ in our communities. For me, that means ministering in a suburban setting where families put on a good show, but inwardly are falling apart. For you, it may mean casserole dinners with senior adults or bar-b-que dinners for bikers in south Atlanta.

The point is that we stay on the mission of seeking the revolutionary change that is wrought in a man because the rule of God has taken place within him. And we must follow in the prayer of Christ found in John 17 that we seek unity with one another so that in all things God receives the glory that rightfully belongs to Him.