Comments on Chapter 9 by Terry
Page 1. Several aspects of the “no cost, free gift” and “event theology” hit home with me. As I observe my life and those saints around me I notice that little emphasis is placed upon sacrifice, study, diligence, and work in the faith. Our Christian lives resemble a series of experiences rather than a pattern of growth. We speak of this great event or that thing that happened or this new system. “You should go hear speaker X, s/he will change your life.” “This X series is wonderful.” “You have to be a part of the X Crusade.” Rarely do I hear people speaking of growth in their lives through Bible study, prayer, disciplined sacrifices—ME INCLUDED.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s concept of “cheap grace” comes to mind as well. By “cheap grace” Bonhoeffer meant grace without contrition or repentance, grace without obligation, grace without discipleship. He fully understood that grace cannot be earned but it is freely received. However, Bonhoeffer points out that grace without commitment results in a weak and ineffective disciple. James puts it this way, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20) That’s pretty blunt, especially for Americans. It is too easy to think “I give a little in the offering plate, attend church, and that’s just right for me.” What are the ways that God wants to lead us in our culture as disciples so that we are not conformed to the pattern of thinking in our world (Rom. 12:1-2)?
I was quite struck by Lee’s writings on selection for discipleship. Disciples self select and then disciples are chosen. To an extent we have these two selection processes at Trinity, but are we doing enough? Should we be changing what we do?
Both selection processes cost something. They will take a new commitment, more time, more expense, and giving up of something else.
Self Selection:
Do we have ample opportunities for people to self-select ways in which they will learn more about God and grow in their faith?
Are there opportunities for children, for young adults, for those who work during Trinity class times, for those who cannot get away from their homes due to illness, for busy parents, etc.
Selection by others:
Do we in place selection of disciples for further growth and ministry?
Who makes that selection and when or how are they made?
How are people chosen for ministry positions?
How are those in ministry positions aided in their spiritual growth?
Terry
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s concept of “cheap grace” comes to mind as well. By “cheap grace” Bonhoeffer meant grace without contrition or repentance, grace without obligation, grace without discipleship. He fully understood that grace cannot be earned but it is freely received. However, Bonhoeffer points out that grace without commitment results in a weak and ineffective disciple. James puts it this way, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20) That’s pretty blunt, especially for Americans. It is too easy to think “I give a little in the offering plate, attend church, and that’s just right for me.” What are the ways that God wants to lead us in our culture as disciples so that we are not conformed to the pattern of thinking in our world (Rom. 12:1-2)?
I was quite struck by Lee’s writings on selection for discipleship. Disciples self select and then disciples are chosen. To an extent we have these two selection processes at Trinity, but are we doing enough? Should we be changing what we do?
Both selection processes cost something. They will take a new commitment, more time, more expense, and giving up of something else.
Self Selection:
Do we have ample opportunities for people to self-select ways in which they will learn more about God and grow in their faith?
Are there opportunities for children, for young adults, for those who work during Trinity class times, for those who cannot get away from their homes due to illness, for busy parents, etc.
Selection by others:
Do we in place selection of disciples for further growth and ministry?
Who makes that selection and when or how are they made?
How are people chosen for ministry positions?
How are those in ministry positions aided in their spiritual growth?
Terry
posted by Dr. Keith G Edwards at 4:26 AM
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