The students dialogued on what they loved and hated about several catagories. Included were Christianity, Church and religion. They got some interesting responses, some of which are included at this link.

I think it mirrors what is being said here and in UnCHristian.

Yes, I think it is very possible that we have created a generational black hole. As to “what happens,” you know that there is no escape from a black hole, once you are sucked into its gravity field.

Moreover, I am afraid that the process and results go beyond Baptists to the church in the west. It may be that a remnant survives, but I think the rest is done for and the hope of the body of Christ for the future may very well lie with the church in the east.

Sorry to be dark, but I am afraid we are not working in a Christian nation, but what is potentially the largest mission field on earth, right now. If we don’t start acting like it, we may not even be around to be a witness in our own nation.

I don’t mean to be negative. In fact, I don’t think I am being negative, just assessing honestly. Negative would come out as hopeless despair. Rather, I have a plan to turn the ship around – or at least be a vital part of what survives into the next century in reaching the lost of our very secular nation for Christ.

First, we cut the baggage. Next, we start going where the lost are to have conversations with them about God. Simultaneously, we are going to have to start making real disciples via deep personal relationships within the church, so they have something to say in those conversations. Finally, we need to release every Christian to be the missionary God ordained them to be when He saved them. Of course, through all of it, we are going to have to pray diligently. That’s not an add on, but a vital part of each and every step.

It’s not a complete plan, nor is it fleshed out very well, but it is representative of the core values that I think we are going to have to have.

Just for what its worth…

Thank you for responding to my request about Frank. He is a wonderful Educator who worked and retired from the BGCO about twelve years ago.

And thanks for your imput on the purpose statement. This was the first time I have commented on this blog.

I am sorry I was late getting back to you. My son and his wife came in today for Thanksgiving, and I sort of asked and ran away. My wife had a many “honey dos” for me to get done.

Phil.

I have that book – skipped ahead to chapter 4 of UnChristian past it, but hope to go back soon.

Joe,

Thanks. I pray all is well with you and your family this Thanksgiving.

Phil,

I am afraid I don’t know Frank, so I am of no help there. I have only been in Tulsa a year and a half. Still learning who everyone is.

As for the purpose statement, I have found a list of core values to be more clear. Usually a purpose statement has phrases that need to be broken down and explained for the full meaning to be understood – which is necessary for it to be truly adopted. Core values are more self explanatory and are not truncated to a phrase.

I’m afraid that’s all I have time for.

Art

What a great video. It has alot to say to us as a church.

I too am reading through the book “UnChristian”, I got it at catalyst in early October.

Thanks for the great post and for challenging us, we need it.

I am working on our church Purpose and Mission statement. The above description of Asbury caught my attention. We keep enlarging our mission and purpose statement. I know we are in both the salvage (reaching the lost) and the reclamation business (reclaiming those that fall through the cracks), but so far our best purpose statement is “We exist to make him known” using II Corinthians 5:14-21; our mission statement is “To know him (discipleship) and to make him known” (evangelism/missions) using Philippians 3:10.

Any help would be appreciated.

Only By His Grace,
Phil Ratliff, pastor
Alameda Baptist Church, Norman.