On Tuesday of this week I had lunch with Brandon Thomas. Brandon is the at Keystone Church in Keller, TX. We talked about a lot of things, but one thing we both are passionate about is the purpose of the church. One thing that makes Keystone and Lifeway different from many churches is our position on the purpose of the church. The prevailing model of the church says, "the church exists to teach, equip, and care for the believer, and to evangelize the lost." I told Brandon, "I believe that definition is dangerously close to being right. At this point Brandon chimed in with, "I tell our people to accept that definition of the church is to tell our grandchildren, 'You can go to hell.'" He is so right. The prevailing model of the church lends itself to a, "the church is here for me", mentality. Sure we say, "...and evangelize the lost", but so often we never get around to doing it because we have too many needs of our own that keep getting in the way. If, however, we accept what I believe is a Biblical model of the church that church is made up of believers who exist to reach those who do not know or trust God then we derive many benefits from belonging to such a church. We, like members of our human body, are nurtured, equipped, cared for, and experience tremendous community and discover incredible significance.
We can't afford to get this wrong - better yet - our grandchildren can't afford for us to get this wrong.
"If we give up our life for his sake AND THE GOSPEL'S we will find it (life)", Mark 8:35 (emphasis added).
Make the most of this summer. Invest in some one you can invite to church and ultimately to know Christ. Invite them over for a cookout or take them out for ice cream. Earn the relationship and the right to be heard and invite them to church.
