I read an interesting online article from Christianity Today. It's by Brian McLaren, but although that cries out 'emerging stuff', it's something that's relevant to all churches. He talks about the glamour associated with high-tech church. Like multiple venues using video technology, tv broadcasts and any form of communication that does not rely on the actual presence of the preacher. And he mentions the lack of glamour associated with pastoral caring. The one-on-one loving of people. Gifted preachers and communicators gain high profiles, but gifted pastors are pretty invisible to the world at large. And yet we have to ask ourselves which Jesus would have been.
There is so much pressure in the world to be great, famous, better than the next person. Like Rob Bell says in 'Velvet Elvis' - superpastor. There can be no question though, that Jesus' call to us is to love one another. And that is a personal thing. There is a place for 'virtual reality' as we stay contextually relevant, but the challenge is to maintain an awareness of the real reality which is loving real flesh and blood people.
4 comments:
Yup.
But the glitz and the glamour is so seductively enticing.
And yet we have to ask ourselves which Jesus would have been.
I was wrestling with this the other day looking at the church and the system of church. Struggling with how pastors have become CEO's etc and guess where my Bible literally fell open--Jesus washes the disciples feet. If I may be so bold to say at times I feel she is corrupt. I have a very different view of church it is like on the tip of my tongue and then it flies away.
becky
Thanks Becky and Pete. I guess many of us are looking for a better way of doing church. Becky - when you can find the words, please let us know how you see it!
it may take awhile chasing GOD is chasing GOD.
becky
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