In relation to the previous post I wrote (Cooking Class)...
"An exposition, no matter how true to the text, will die away ineffectively in a vacuum, if there is no possibility of a responsive echo from those who hear it."Karl Barth
I've recently been focusing my attention on the need for a consistent obedience-based congregational response. In structuring the ministry there is a tendency to overemphasize how much and how to deliver the content. We place high efforts in packaging and deploying the words but we often fail to lay out a framework that encourages, monitors, enables and enhances obedience in the disciple. We toss up the application points and hope that it lands on the fertile surface of their will. Although diligence in teaching and explaining the word of God is key, creating a system or environment that fosters digestion and obedience should have equal consideration and attention.
I've been attempting to place a greater weight on obedience in my community group and I can see that this shift is not an easy one to make. I think by nature consumption is easier than application. Applying God's word takes courage, time, and discipline. It's not easy to bring God's word full circle. I think that's why many of us leaders don't take the time to foster a structure that emphasizes this unpopular half. Environments that expect a response are not popular. Settings that challenge sin or requires accountability don't rank high among the masses. I think that's why we unconsciously default to the easier half of packaging and deploying. It's clean, it's easy and no one gets uncomfortable.
Over the past few years I have been challenged to step back and wait for a response. Instead of filling the void and silence with my own thoughts, jokes, examples and prepared teachings, I've taken a more conscious effort to let the awkwardness ride. To stop compensating for an inactive audience and to start letting the silents reveal our true state. It isn't easy, but its definitely necessary in being a responsible leader... a leader who values the state of the disciple more than his/her popularity.
"Simply to live by the scriptures as you understand them. Simple, but revolutionary."A.W. Tozer
Profound. I reverted back to Jesus' explanation of the parable of the seed sower. Important enough to mention that this was the only parable Jesus decided to explain to His disciples. If the teacher/speaker/preacher, whomever it may be, acts as the farmer and scatters seed(words) in hopes that one may fall and bring about change. What if no seed fell anywhere that had potential to bring its intended purpose? That Sunday service would have been served better in bed or perhaps on the golf course.
ReplyDeleteLuke's rendition of the parable had the best finishing narrative. The seed and its fruit are cultivated by PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING. That understanding goes beyond the 45 minute sermon, as Jesse described prior. Patience, I believe, is developed by empirical evidence and trust in that what we have learned will manifest itself true when the time comes. I reference to when Jesus sends out the seventy disciples and they come back with reports of casting out demons. They heard and saw Jesus who gave them authority to do the same. Simple, yet profound.
Every seed must be developed while hidden and downward creating a root that can withstand the thorns of this world.
I second Jesse's thought in a different manner in that, can one powerpoint/keynote application point substantially change the course of ones discipleship?