I was driving all over south Dallas, past bars, drug dealers, prostitutes, and alcoholics, and I was filled with fear. But none of those verses came crashing into my mind. However, part of being a congregation that lives by faith is constantly dying to ourselves. Our property, finances, and leaders belong to you. If you need us to wipe it all out and start afresh to show us again that you are our God, then do that, Lord.
Love is the context for all mission.
Structure must always submit to Spirit. Relevance to culture is not optional. Creativity is the natural result of spirituality. The second part of our mission is to be known by love. This has been a huge transition for me personally.