My thoughts on the last class session - 11-28-11

My thoughts on the last class session – 11-28-11

We had a guest speaker, Jim Milly, Presbyterian USA – Bridges Nurturing Leaders for Christ-centered Communities.  I agree that the church in North America is at a tipping point and can no longer operate with a business model because it is not working. Jim suggests approaching the church as a community center.  To be able to do this, we need to learn what missionaries learn and understand the community in which we want to reach, even here in the US. 

• ·      Plant yourself (where you chose to live is very important)
• ·      Dig for the gospel (learn the language of the people we are serving)
• ·      Water the community
• ·      Tend the growth (disciple)
• ·      Gather the harvest (public worship)
• ·      Replant (send out more leaders)

I appreciated his definition (12 elements) as to what a Christ following community looks like, however emphasizing that Jesus is the core of everything we do and it is our job to connect people to the Holy Spirit.