Apr

30

“They Are Worth It” - Dan Kimball

Post Category: Conferences, Culture, Makes You Think 

Dan Kimbal gave a talk at the LeadNow conference in Orlando last week that really connected with me. Dan, for those of you who don’t know, is an emergent church leader and author. He’s written some great books like They Like Jesus But Not The Church (my personal favorite), The Emerging Church & Emerging Worship.

This was the first time I had the opportunity to hear Dan live. I don’t know why but for some reason I expected him to be different - more abrasive and in-your-face. Blame it on his SoCal beach punk hairstyle.

I was impressed with his humility and genuine compassion for the lost and the churches that are trying to reach them. He shared this message with an earnest desire to see followers of Christ become relationally involved with the world around them.

His talk was a reminder called “They are worth it.” I doubt I’ll be able to convey the heart of the message with just a few bullet point notes but I’ll do my best.

THEY ARE WORTH IT - Dan Kimball

There is a certain risk to reaching those we are called to reach. Getting in trouble (a healthy, respectful trouble vs. rebellion) is a sign that we’re taking risks.

What are we risking to reach those God has called us to reach? They are worth the risk.

  1. They are worth it because God felt they were worth it. He sent Jesus to die for them to prove it.
  2. The are worth it because Jesus said they were worth it and prayed for his followers to live MISSIONALLY AMONGST them. - “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.” (John 17:15,18)
    1. Jesus never intended for us to be removed from the world
    2. Why do we spend so much time in our church offices during the week rather than being with the people we’re called to reach?
    3. Are we relationally engaged with those around us who have not come to faith?
  3. They are worth it because there is a reality of heaven and hell that we cannot forget.

“So my way of describing it is that once this life is over, people who have decided not to worship God cease to bear God’s image. The thought of an ex-human being is something that some people find shocking and horrifying. In a sense, it is shocking and horrifying. Think about people we know! I’m sure most people, unless we live in very enclosed worlds, must know some people (if we truly hold to a theology of hell) who are going there! That should give us pause. That should cause us to pray for them and to weep over them. So I don’t say this with any relish at all.” - from an interview with N.T. Wright

Share God’s love relationally
Apologetics is often misunderstood. Many people study books on apologetics as if stocking up on weapons for a fight. They do so based on 1 Peter 3:15-17 which tells us to “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you for the hope that lies within you.” The key phrase here is “everyone who asks you.” When was the last time someone asked you about your faith? They will only ask you if you have relationship.

Apr

28

Moving to a Place of Influence in Culture

Post Category: Authenticity, Church, Church Planting, Conferences, Culture 

Last week I had the opportunity to attend two fantastic conferences: Exponential and LeadNow.

Erwin McManus, one of my favorite authors and speakers, lead a session at LeadNow that really helped to cement some ideas I’ve had floating around in my head over the last couple of years.

He spoke about moving to a place of influence in the culture using the story of Paul in Athens from Acts 17. There are really 3 places we can exist in as Christians in our world today.

The first is our safe, protected Christian sub-culture with things like Christian schools, Christian music and Christian movies. We have absolutely no influence on culture in any of these areas because we’re reaching the already reached.

The second place is our workplaces and neighborhoods where many Christians venture out to during the week when they have to but quickly retreat back to the safety of their Christian sub-culture.

The third place is a place of trust and influence. You can’t force or witness your way into this place. You have to be invited in. And you’re only invited into this place of influence when you take the time to develop genuine relationships.

3 Places

“Then they took him to the Council of Philosophers. ‘Come and tell us more about this new religion,’ they said. ‘You are saying some rather startling things, and we want to know what it’s all about.’ ” (Acts 17:19-20)

Existing in the first place does nothing for the world around us. It is self-serving, spiritual narcissism that only cares about us while ignoring a world around us living without Christ. There are many who live and work in the second place thinking that simply wearing “christian tshirts” or praying over their lunch will somehow be enough to make a difference. Then there are those who realize the need to not just exist in culture but to transform it. This only happens when we develop meaningful relationships and are given permission to share what what we believe.

Obviously there is so much more from this talk that I could share. Erwin McManus is one of my spiritual heroes and I respect what he has done to influence church culture. I had a chance to meet him afterwards and let him know how much his books and messages have influenced my thought process. Definitely one of the highlights of the conference!

Apr

24

LeadNow 08

Post Category: Blog Posts, Conferences 


This has been a whirlwind week so far! I just finished the Exponential conference - which was amazing (more on that in future posts). Lots of great connections and tons of information to download.

I just arrived at my second conference this week - LeadNow 08. As with the Exponential conference I’m going to wait to blog about what I’m learning until after I get back and have time to collect my thoughts.

In the meantime you can follow along with bite-sized pieces of what I’m hearing on my Twitter feed - www.twitter.com/bradruggles.

I’ve already met some amazing people and I look forward to meeting more while I’m here.

What an amazing week!
What an awesome time to be a church planter!
What a privilege to be a Christ follower!

Apr

23

Exponential 08

Post Category: Blog Posts, Church Planting, Conferences 

Exponential Conference

I had planned on blogging every day from here at Exponential 08 but that doesn’t seem to be working out. I’ve been hearing so much and making so many great connections that it feels like my head is going to explode!

I’m going to take some time after the conference to consolidate all that I’m learning and thinking about into a couple of posts so watch for that this weekend. There are so many exciting things I can’t wait to share with you!

In the meantime you can catch bite-size snippets of what I’m learning/doing and who I’m meeting on my Twitter feed. Follow me there at www.twitter.com/BradRuggles.

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