As many volunteers will be joining us in our team efforts this May through July, some thought might be given to “success measurement”. Culturally, we may be conditioned to consider success as “bigger & better”. Two hundred years ago, this way of understanding success would be referred to as “empire building”. New Testament empire building images usually relate to the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God into the principality of Satan. And certainly in this case, bigger is definitely better. But notice in Jesus’ metaphors… in regards to church growth, spiritual maturity, and well-being, there is an absence of empire building imagery. Rather, He uses imagery of planting, healing, & husbandry. These images depend on indigenous principles and sustainable practices. Thus, “bigger” – if not sustainable – is not better; …and “better” – if not capable of growing naturally in the environment – is not even workable. Perhaps a better benchmark for success in these areas would be “what I leave behind that is healthier than when I came”. As the Good News is for all, so churches and the redeemed individuals that make up those churches must be able to experience this kind of “good health” in indigenous and sustainable ways.
“That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.”
Psalms 67:2 KJV
Pondering what is truly “best” in this environment,
Brian, Sondra, Noah, & Bryson
Pictured: Sondra’s chocolate chip cookies prepared over open coals. (She assures me that less is healthier!)
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