Book Notes-No Perfect People Allowed-Chapter Two by John Burke
Points of Impact:
“I have since discovered that the average person has a strong perception of what Christians are against, but little of what Christians are for.”
“If the church is to have an impact on society, the first task for leaders is to understand the broader cultural context.”
“…do not try to change the culture, but rather contextualize the the message of Christ for each unique culture.”
“We must not only understand how to draw out the timeless truths of Scripture, we must understand the times.”
“Americans went out for a three decade (60s-80s) binge on self, and now our coutnry is comiting up the consequences uncontrollably.”
“A world in which God is dead leads to a casting off of moral restraints. What evolved from these generational changes can be see in retrospect as the social self-absorption of this inner-directed era at the expense of future generations and the national collective life.”
“…five main sociological struggles Christian leaders now face to reach emerging generations: trust, tolerance, truth, brokeness, and aloneness.”
Trust
“Trust is the cornerstone of relationship and faith. Without it we cannot engage others or God in intimate relationship. Trust comed from a deep conviction that I matter, that I can trust the other person because he has a genuine concern for my well being.”
Tolerance
“The attitude of the church culture will either convey the person of Christ and his attitude, which was outrageously accepting of and attractive to the “sinners” of his day, or our attitudes toward others will reinforce a stereotype that does a disservice to Jesus.”
“We can demonstrate to people how incredibly tolerant God is to not immediately punish all our sins and wrongs. In his love and mercy, he willingly overlooks how different we are from him because of the cross of Christ.”
Truth
“A natural survey taken by Barna Research revealed that only one-third of Americans believe moral truth is absolute and unchanging.”
“Fundamentally, truth is not primarily propositional, but personal. Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth…’ the best way to help emerging generations find truth is to introduce them to Him.”
“Post modern thought presents a potential greater opportunity than threat for the church, because…
- post modern thought has made spiritual pursuit culturally acceptable
- we can return to the Lord’s plan for presenting truth.
“Post modern people can best experience Christ (the Truth), through the church,(the body of Christ).”
“Christ really does convey his truth to spiritual seekers as they encounter and experience truth in us.”
Brokenness
“Nothing poses a greater challenge and opportunity to the church than the overwhelming emotional pains that drive our generation into so many addictive behaviors. If Christian leaders do not prepare and organize and pray so that healing can occur from the wounds caused by the Postmodern Experiment (the 60s-80s movement of self), we will lose a generation. Trust issues may make them cynical, tolerance issues may make them unwilling to listen; truth issues may confuse them, but acting out in brokenness will destroy them.”
“There is nothing “Free” about the Postmodern Experiment. It came with a huge balloon payment of broken lives for coming generations.”
“If you are going to minister to emerging generations, you must create a culture where broken people are welcome and healing happens.”
“…They must see the church as a lighthouse; always there to lead them into the safe harbor of God’s grace.”
“Can we lovingly accept them ‘as is’ and offer love, hope, and healing as Jesus did to “go and sin no more?” To do this, we must begin to see how we too are broken, and in needs of a Saviour. We must show others how our brokenness leads us to daily dependence on a mercuful Saviour who brings healing for our souls and hope for our futures.”
Aloneness
“We live in a highly fragmented, relationally isolated society. People move, change jobs, get divorced, commute hours each day, travel around the country weekly, then spend all their free time surfing through 1700 cable channels and millions of Internet sites, and all at the cost of relationships.”
“According to Scripture, the church is to function like family. We are to be that supportive community that extended family to one another. We have a tremendous opportunity to teach people how to live in healing, life-giving relationships with one another. No one else in society can better meet this need. I find it awe-inspiring to watch the Lord re-parent and grow people spiritually in the safe environment of the church family.”
“The challenge for leaders is first to learn how ro live in community with others, and then to provide ways to ensure that nobody stands alone.”
How are you Leigh?! It is always so good to hear from you!!! It feels like forever since I was posting here at hsb regularly. Looks like you are keeping busy & ya'll are enjoying "school" ; )
The Casting Crowns concert was SOOOOOO good…. I knew it would be but it was just really neat to hear them play, to worship with them and be encouraged. They are sooo in love with the Lord so it made for a great night!! Let me know how it goes for you guys!! I love their music and songs…..
Thanks again for stopping by, my friend!!! It was nice to be here at your blog & "catch up" and see what you've been up to lately.
In His Love,
Leslie
Hey Leigh! 🙂
Have I told you already how much I love your blog's new look?? Very cool!
Just wanted to let you know I'm passing along the "you make me smile" award on to you! Stop by & scroll down for details!
Love, Alyssa
I just fell upon your beautiful blog……… love the photo on the banner up above…. I am native to the Pacific NW — Issaquah, WA and miss the mountains so much……..
I also appreciated your post and the insightful book you are sharing with us…… I am going to try to find this one as there was very thoughts that hit home to me……..
Blessings,
gloria