I got this stat from another blog called ‘Next Reformation‘ who writes from Canada…Worth a listen and some time asking this question, “If we are really serious about blessing the world around us, are we really listening to what those further from God care about or do we just simply want to do what we care about better?”
“Studies have shown that only 10% of the non-churched population are comfortable with and open to ‘contemporary worship’ style services. (ie. Hillsong style singing - preaching etc). Yet the same study shows that up to 90% of churches are moving towards this type of service. By my calculations that leaves around 90% of the unchurched population without a church presenting the message of Jesus in a culturally relevant method for them.”
This stat could be seen as a negative thing…but I see it like this: We have much possibility for innovation in the ways in which we express the Kingdom. And if our innovations move towards blessing others there are lot of people who will be on the receiving end of the good that Jesus will do through us.
This is a thought-provoking article but I can’t help but think that we are being culturally relevant here in Happy Valley. God is sending and people are serving at ALC. When we see people turning away we’ll seek to change. Praise be to God for helping us continue to see what’s obvious. I love you and I miss you! It was great seeing you on Skype today. Maisie is SO precious!!
Justin, thanks for all the updates and your reflections this past week. You have had some ups and downs. Honestly, I am a little envious of you being back in Europe but excited about what is to come. I am going to spend some more time going through your blog more and hopefully hearing some of those messages from the CAI conference. Things like this post (as well as the others you have written) are things to think about and ponder.
I wanted to pass something along to you as well. One of our closest friends just joined CAI in Madrid working with Richard Wallace. Leah Bredehoft has been a missionary in La Coruna, Spain for a few years and now just moved to Madrid as part of CAI. She is from the Sacramento/Oregon area and we got to see stay with her when we were in Spain last Fall. So if you and Jen get the chance to meet her, she would be awesome to connect with.