Against All Odds...the Iron Range for Christ

As we are about to start the missions conference, I've been challenged about the risks we take in our own church life. What are we involved with that is "Against All Odds"?

I know, we are in the process of putting up a building. That involves risk. But beyond that, what is God calling us to do as a church? I believe that our calling is going to involve obedience to Christ in a tremendously radical way. There just isn't a way to complete the Great Commission or even reach our own community without obedience. And sometimes Jesus calls us to take uncomfortable risks.

Recently I was talking to a pastor of an established church about the need to occassionally rethink everything we routinely do as a ministry. We cannot assume that because God called us to do something years ago it is what he wants us doing today. Many times we become established in the way we do things and continue to do them because it is easiser and more comfortable than changing things. In fact, one of the problems is that the people who currently attend the church do so because thye like it that way! As a result, we do the same things over and over even after they have served their purpose or lost their effectiveness.

It's healthy to hold things up and ask "Why are we doing this?" Are we doing it because "we've always done it that way?" Is it because if we don't someone might be mad? Is it because we know for sure that God has called us to do it? Is it because it is the most effective way for us to reach and disciple the world around us?

It has been said that church plants are the most effective means of evangelism. I think that's because church plants are face to face with the reality that they must reach out...or die. Actually, that's true of any church, it's just that an established church can continue operating long after it has "died". I know that you'll agree we don't want that to happen to us.

I recently came across a blog post by Drew Goodmanson that is worthwhile reading. Take some time to read it and tell me what you think. How do you think it applies around Nashwauk Alliance? How can we become more effective in reaching people for Christ?