Tim Keller | Gospel-Centered Church & Evangelism

2013 VISION New England – REFLECTION #1 | PASTOR Tim KELLER

My collection of reflections from 2013 continue. So here is the next phase of feeling compelled to share some of what I'm learning with you.

After the Thriving Summit in Philly with Eric Mason and crew, Saturday, October 26, I spent some time in Lowell, MA, with my wife, some of our friends in Emmaus City, and Tim Keller.

Each of the posts in this three-part series will include a summary and reflection on each of the main sessions. I won't be able to cover everything that was shared or discussed. But if you'd like to listen to what Dr. Keller had to say for yourself, here are the video and audio links:

– Gospel-Centered Church and Evangelism video or audio
– Gospel-Centered Church and Discipleship video or audio
– Gospel-Centered Church and Justice video or audio

If you want to hear more details about what I thought, feel free to drop me a line. For now, here is a first taste of what was served in Lowell by Keller.

Dr. Tim Keller | Saturday, October 26

Romans 15:1-3 – Gospel-Centered Church and Evangelism

Living engaged, vulnerable lives will help create an evangelistic dynamic in your church culture. Every conversion should be seen and celebrated as the miracle that it is.

Three ways to do this are:

1. Connect the gospel to its implications

– The gospel eliminates pride: there should be a deference and respect with whoever you are sharing about Jesus with

– The gospel eliminates fear: your identity is based in who you are in Jesus Christ and you cannot lose His approval

– The gospel eliminates pessimism: the Scriptures tell us that no one seeks after God, everyone is hopeless, which means we can and should have hope for everyone.

– The gospel eliminates indifference: if you're really enjoying the love of God and His grace, you will ache to share Him with others

With all of the above understood, sharing the good news of Jesus will never look or sound like "I'm right, you're wrong, and I love telling you how and why."  

2. Support avenues of lay ministry throughout the entire church 

– Organic: People involved and participating outside of "programs"

– Relational: People involved and participating in informal connections with people inside and outside the church

– Word-oriented: People continuing to learn more about the story of Jesus so they can help others learn

– Spirit-active: People taking the initiative to engage and walk in step with the Spirit   

Ex. Married couples willing to work through marriage issues and adjustments with younger couples

Ex. Experienced follower of Jesus walking alongside a young believer in learning more about prayer together 

With this dynamic, a ministry community meeting for a church will involve pastors, deacons, lay leaders, and lay ministers sharing stories of what the people of the church are already doing. 

3. Create a culture of gradual inclusivity

There needs to be 2-way relational integrity. Some practice their faith in public only with other people who share their faith. Others are private with their faith, but are actively involved in their communities.

Encourage people to take steps towards where they are weak. Christ did not live to please Himself. We must not be the church just for those who are in it.

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please Himself ..." – Saint Paul (Romans 15:1-3)

How do we be the church for our neighbors? Being the church where we are can involve different levels of interaction.

– A Level: Believers and unbelievers serving together in the town or city

– B Level: Enjoying together a cultural event that provides discussion about life topics

– C Level: Becoming part of a group due to shared interests 

– D Level: Creating a safe or "third place" where spiritual matters can be discussed

– E Level: Inviting people to join together weekly to learn about Jesus and how the Bible tells His story

– F Level: Presenting the gospel simply and clearly  

"Make good men and women wish Christianity to be true, then make it so." – Pascal 

Don't do friendship evangelism. Be a great friend, pray, and don't hide how Jesus impacts every area of your life. 

The stories that most people want to read or watch on screen most often involve:

– Stepping outside of time
– Loving without end
– Connecting with beings who are not human
– Escaping death
– Triumphing over evil    

If Jesus is who He says He is, then what we desire as humans is true. 
 
Check back next week for Reflection #2 | Tim Keller – Gospel-Centered Church and Discipleship 

– Sully

Curiosity piqued? Something inside you being stirred? Go ahead and connect.