[Today is the first installment of a once-a-week addition to our blogumentary: "My Thoughts" posts are a taste of other peoples' voices along the journey; they're written by folks who are partnering with us in building The City Church, to explain some of why they resonate with the vision.]Bobby Vaughn is the Church Planting Director for NorthWood Church in Keller, Texas under the leadership of Bob Roberts, Jr. NorthWood Church is one of The City Church's partner churches, and was declared Outreach Magazines #3 most church-planting church in North America (here) in 2007.
I live in a world where new churches are popping up on a daily basis. In some ways, I’m separated from reality because, to me, it seems that we have A LOT of churches starting. What do we need more churches for? What good are the ones we have now doing? Well, there are some churches doing a world of good both locally and globally. Sadly, however, that is the exception to the rule so it seems.
What about churches that care about social justice issues, human rights, and just plain love people regardless of their religious backgrounds? Where is that church? I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with Ben quite a bit the past few months and I’m proud to say that The City Church is going to be that kind of church.
So what makes that kind of church different from what’s already out there? First, we train our planters to not just start a church for their community, but also for the world. We have a “glocal” perspective – global and local at the same time. You see we are more connected today than ever before in the history of the world. Internet, communication, travel, the world is on our front porch! It’s about loving the people next door to you and the people in other nations we can share our time, talent, and finances… not to mention, of course, Jesus.
Another thing that makes that kind of church different is the fact that “professional” ministers can’t do the job. I’m not saying they won’t, but I am saying that the general public, through their domain (vocation, talent, hobby) have more influence to change the world than a seminary-trained pastor. We believe in releasing the God-given passion and ability within people to effect change within society. It’s all about your calling in life.
Don’t think you have to sit around and assume that the world doesn’t need your help, because they’re standing outside right now begging for it! Just down the street or across the ocean, let’s engage society in such a way that people can see the love of Jesus. So, it’s your call. Are you going to change the world, or sit on the sidelines and let it change you?
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For more information on domains, engagement, and the world please visit www.glocal.net or read Transformation: How Glocal Churches Transform Lives and the World or Glocalization: How Followers of Jesus Engage a Flat World by Bob Roberts, Jr.
3 comments:
Ben and Bobby,
I am fired up about the Church in Fort Worth. And, Bobby, I love that the Church in Fort Worth cares deeply about the Church universal.
Looking forward to helping in any way needed, Heather and I are praying for you...see you Tuesday.
Jim
"the general public, through their domain (vocation, talent, hobby) have more influence to change the world than a seminary-trained pastor."
As a seminary-trained layperson, I struggle with this--not with the concept (I wholeheartedly agree), but with the implementation. I struggle on two fronts:
1- How can I, in my regular life (which is in a bit of a Christian bubble), influence the world?
2- How can I as a lay-minister, train and equip other believers to influence the world?
For me, the mental intention is there, but the realized intention is a bit weak. It's on my mind a lot these days.
Laura,
You're not alone in that thought! Most people think, "How can do this with my job?" I would highly recommend reading "Transformation: How Glocal Churches Transform Lives and the World" by Bob Roberts and also "Glocalization: How followers of Jesus engage a flat world" also by Bob Roberts. Both those books are an excellent resource on how the everyday person can use their passions to change the world! It can, and IS being done by people just like you right now!
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