Suggestions For A More Radical Christianity

As a follow up to my previous post. Here are five suggestions Dr. Rainer presented in response to the cultural trends facing the church in the U.S. These suggestions are meant to lead the church towards a more radical Christianity:

1. A broken heart for the lostness of humanity.
2. Become an Acts 6 Christian...The early church was in danger of being good instead of great. If the pastors have to do all the "church work" the church will not become great. All the church is to do ministry. Ministry is never to be "hired out."
3. Be missional and incarnational in your community. In other words Christ followers must live intentionally as if they are being sent out into the community for other people to see Christ living in them.
4. Help raise the bar of church membership.
5. Move from churchianity to Christianity. Instead of business as usual we must live differently and proclaim the radical message of the gospel.

On the surface, few churches or Christians could disagree with Dr. Rainer's message. You might even say these suggestions are no-brainers. And yet radical Christianity as Dr. Rainer pointed out is basically a heart issue. Churches cannot merely make cosmetic or programatic changes and expect an entire congregation to live out a radical Christianity. Likewise, individual Christians cannot make outward changes to their lifestyle and suddenly expect God to use them to change the world. True spiritual transformation always starts with the heart and works its way out.

As sobering as these realities are, I am not at all discouraged. And here's why...God has given Northwest Community Church all the raw materials for a life-giving, world-changing, God loving, people loving, healthy church. I am truly honored to serve alongside a team of people who are committed to live out a more radical Christianity.