You may have noticed (ahem) that we have not had a Hineni meeting for quite some time. At first, I was waiting until October, now I am waiting until after the council retreat Nov. 16, but really I have a confession to make.
Confession: I'm feeling a little discouraged by the book, The Externally Focused Church. I haven't actually gotten more than halfway through, so I know it's not fair to make a judgment yet. And it's a good book. So why am I feeling this way? It's because there are a lot of examples in the book of what other churches are doing, and they sound like more than we could hope to do. It's discouraging.
"Compare and despair." That's what a favorite author of mine says and that's what I try to remember. And there is truth in the book:
One of the most effective ways to reach people with the message of Jesus Christ today is through real and relevant acts of service. Honest, compassionate service can restore credibility to the crucial message we have to share. To tell the truth, we must show the truth. (p. 11)
For the most part, though, our churches have forgotten to show God's love. And all too often, what we show doesn't match up with what we tell. (p. 12)
As we've all heard many times, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." (p. 12)
I read an article lately where the author said we should talk less about discipling and more about being a friend. I like that! When I'm talking to someone, I'm not real clear on how to disciple, but how to be a friend to that person -- that I can figure out. I've been thinking a lot about this. How can we as a church be better friends to others, to each other, to ourselves, to our community?
We will meet again, and we'll keep talking about "Here we are, Lord, ready and willing to do your will." Please pray. For me, each other, and the church.
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