Why we do what we do

We keep talking about practices in the church. Why do we put focus on radical hospitality, passionate worship, risk-taking mission and service, intentional faith development and extravagant generosity? Is it merely because Bishop Schnase wrote this book ... or are there other reasons?

I appreciate the emphasis upon these practices because they help us be more intentional about living the Christian life. When we begin to pay greater attention to these various aspects of our faith we find ourselves being drawn closer to Christ. The practices help us experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. It does not happen all at once but over time we find our lives changed and become more Christ-like.

I do hope we never lose sight of the reasons we practice the practices! We do not ask people to practice extravagant generosity so the church can get more money. We do so because Christians are geared to give. We practice giving so we develop joy in giving. We could make similar comments about any of these practices.

It is really important to know that we practice the Christian life for growth in faith and discipleship. We don't do these things for "institutional maintenance."

But what we are really talking about here is ordering our lives so we may more effectively reach out to people and share in the process of others becoming followers of Jesus Christ. We need to realize that the world's needs are much deeper than not having a supportive fellowship to enjoy. We need to be forgiven. We need to experience grace. We need to realize that this Christian life business is even more than life and death -- faith in Jesus Christ has eternal dimensions. When we rediscover the eternal issues at stake it certainly helps us realize more fully why we do what we do. We care. We love. We want everyone to live fully now and eternally in Christ!