Lori's Blog

I recently read a blog by Ed Stetzer called, "Theologically Preoccupied vs. Evangelistically Fixated". You can read the original article here: http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/.

He brings up the point that too often there is a polarization between the two camps - those who keep the rules of theology and slam those who don't and those who focus so much on being "culturally relevant" that they miss the depth of the Gospel. I pose that there is a third group in this mix - the "Shape Sorters". This group can fall into either of the first two, but instead of focusing on their own platform, they obsess with sorting out Christians into one of these two groups. Unfortunately this has the result of further polarizing Christians as many feel like they have to defend themselves.

Now I have been through a transformation of style and methodology in church over the last seven years. I see the benefits, based on where I live, of doing church a little different to reach those who don't like church. However, I also believe that the Gospel, in all of it's depth, is the end goal and hope for reaching people. Kevin and I can be described mostly as theologically conservative and we don't compromise the Bible to reach the others. However, if you visit the churches we have served at, on the surface, they could appear like the ones that do compromise the Gospel and Scripture. One of my pet peeves is for people who know me to assume we have crossed over to the "Dark Side" and have lost all theological grounding. Worse, some listen to authors/pastors and assume that the broad strokes used about contemporary churches applies to us personally.

So what are we to do. Ed Stetzer makes the claim that the two extremes need to learn from one another. I agree with this. But what about those of us that are somewhere in the middle. Well, first we need to stop "sorting" each other into the extremes. The truth is that most of us do not fit into either category. Secondly, we need to be careful to whom we listen. There are writers/preachers/consultants in both camps. We need to use discernment when we read/listen/watch anything and this includes Christian authors. Unfortunately we are not always right (don't tell Kevin, because I tell him I'm always right :)). Lastly we need to examine our motives. Are we working hard to prove we are theologically sound or show off how hip we are. Either way we have lost site of the mission - baptizing and making disciples.

So, where am I? I'm a theologically sound, culturally relevant, loving, truth proclaiming, God worshiping, Holy Spirit lead, missional minded, Christ following, Christian. More importantly, I am on my knees every day seeking to follow God's will faithfully and hoping I do it right.

God bless!