Running an errand this morning I began listening to a podcast featuring Scot Mcknight. Speaking to a group of small group leaders McKnight remarked the popular form of the Gospel we preach deconstructs the Church. He described the matter by saying our patterned description of a movement of God exclusively for you and about you strips community from the Gospel – the Kingdom of God. Scot noted this may well be illustrated by Barna’s assertion more and more find the “Church irrelvant.” McKnight describes our culture inebriated on individualism. I am looking forward to listening to the rest of this podcast and encourage you to check it out.
Thinking about this statement during the day today I could not help but think of a couple of other pieces that seem to draw similar conclusions. Natalie reflects on a post by her late father. And, Maggi Dawn writes about Christianity and Church noting the need for community.
More and more I do see the effects of a truncated Gospel.
Todd,
That’s on my ipod right now and I’ll be listening to it tomorrow. Per our conversations, I as well feel we have gotten the whole gospel thing wrong, as evidences by some polls stating that as many as 80% of Americans say they are Christians and 50% of SBC membership can’t be found.
Todd,
This was an absolutely fabulous talk. Everyone should hear this message.
David,
My thoughts too.