Discovering My Discontent
Ok…here it is…I am going to start blogging. I will talk about everything in my life…my struggles, victories, ministry, family, and maybe even my golf game (the short game needs some work, OK, a lot of work).
Last week I finished reading Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels and I have been struggling with the concept and reality ever since. Sunday evening I spoke at the church about the subject…and tried to let people see the struggle in me. The fact is, I have been discontent for a long time…discontent with the Church. Not just our church but The Church, you know, God’s Church. It seems so clear that we should have more of an impact in the world around us but more often than not the impact is hard to see. I am wondering how many more families I see broken up by sin before I will reach out and help them, or how many hungry children have to die before I am motivated to give. What will it take for us to reach the place that we will actually get up and do something?
Hybels talks about the story of Moses…(I always thought the burning bush was his “calling” point) but Hybels points out that it was the discontent/frustration/anger that motivated Moses to actually do something about the captivity, (Exodus 2) he responded when he witnesses the beating of one of his fellow countrymen…it was when he was so discontent with the reality that he responded to do something about it. What will it take for us to respond to the world around us?
I am discontent…
Hey buddy,
I enjoyed the first post. I need to read the book.
I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts.
Jonathan
Reading from The Communicator sent me to the internet to find you where I discovered I had found you quite a while ago. At that time, I was struck by the comments and their familiar ring. Today I am more significantly moved because I am doing something a little different but for the same reasons.
I have been assigned to a church in Maine’s largest city. The church has no congregation which does not concern me much. I hope to make the church a community Center church and I believe through caring, sharing ministries there will be those who want a spiritual core for themselves.
It’s what I learned on a trip to Kosova ten years ago, watching how we start our ministry in the field, move there, live there, love the people there, help them as they need help, listen to their stories. Then, and only then, will there develop study groups, worship times and the development of spiritual walking to reach others.
Why am I writing if I already get this? I am concerned lest my apparent assurance is mistaken. Some leaders who watch want a core group first, studying and organizing to support the church and the pastor, then eventually offering an activity or two.
While I don’t disagree on that as a comfortable start and a wise option, I would like to know if you or anyone reading this has successful experience to support an alternative plan?
I believe out of our community events and activities will come those who want to worship together. That would grow a church of people who already know how to continue the process and reach out to others.
How likely is this plan to fail or succeed? There’s no significant money in this kind of start-up and there is no one to tell me how it may turn out on the other side. All I know is this seems to be the way Jesus would do it. It doesn’t feel right to do it the historically normal way.
My convictions lead me down this path. I just don’t like the thought of convincing so many to let me do it this way and then facing a dire result in another year. Do you know where something like this has been tried stateside and it produced believers, disciples and witnesses?
Thanks,
PG