Thank you for this interview. Regarding thoughts JMC shares of cultural Christianity burning up: In Dallas, Texas the threat for this flaming consumption comes from as much inside the churches as outside. Patterns of tribalism and high control leadership are pushing people who desire to walk with Jesus in healthy fellowship out of community because of unscriptural requirements (i.e. signed membership documents as requirement for participation in Biblical community), abuse of authority, and people in roles of leadership who speak words but do not follow Jesus in their words. Having lived in both Portland (and at Solid Rock for a season) and now Dallas, although the greater cultural climate was harder in Portland, the fellowship of believers was much more transparent and authentic.
thanks Andrea for your insights here- have you seen people give up faith over this? or do they sign agreements and dont follow them (i.e. a contract to abstain from alcohol but drinking anyways)?
@@JoannalaFleur Yes. The element of cultural Christianity in society can be super complex to this saved former heathen. At least in Portland, it was much clearer who was who. The Jesus followers knew they were following and many were saved out of the culture at large and chose to walk with Him. Here in Dallas, "being raised in the church" looks like so many different things in terms of practically walking with Jesus. I would still choose a biblical foundation for a child for sure but for many, their upbringing served more as a vaccine against Jesus than support for a life with Him. Add to both imperfect church and then on top of that intentionally toxic church and well, it can be quite the adventure! What I love about people like John Mark is the faithful courage demonstrated here of transparency to not shy away from the hard parts of his story. As Jesus followers, we should be able to be honest about who we are and who He's making us to be. That is the hope of grace and transformation which draws the unbeliever to Him. Sadly, the pressures of "the ministry" and wounds from sheep can tempt people in roles of "leadership" to look for ways of mitigating that messiness through high control practices disguised as genuine faithfulness. When that happens, sheep are wounded. Add to that that many churches here function on an American business model, valuing expansion and growth over shepherding and caring for sheep. I love what JMC shares about living in community. It's incredibly beautiful when done well. Sadly, in the above scenario, it can also provide information which can be leveraged against the person who shared in authenticity, sincere honesty, and trust. That was rampant at the church we left last March. In Portland, there was a spectrum as well. I think it's the human condition and why we need Jesus so much. I'm thankful for his and his father's insight and plumbline teaching of the word and the desire to "love not just in word or tongue but deed and Truth." What he shared is refreshing and evidence of a dynamic, inspected walk with the Chief Shepherd. We shouldn't look like we did 10 or 18 years ago and, God willing if we're not in heaven, we won't 10 years from now either. This was a great listen. Thanks for the work you are doing. I'm sad Canada has become so hostile and am praying in the crushing the fragrance of Jesus is so amazingly inviting to those who don't yet know He is good. Cheers!
Thank you for this interview. Regarding thoughts JMC shares of cultural Christianity burning up: In Dallas, Texas the threat for this flaming consumption comes from as much inside the churches as outside. Patterns of tribalism and high control leadership are pushing people who desire to walk with Jesus in healthy fellowship out of community because of unscriptural requirements (i.e. signed membership documents as requirement for participation in Biblical community), abuse of authority, and people in roles of leadership who speak words but do not follow Jesus in their words. Having lived in both Portland (and at Solid Rock for a season) and now Dallas, although the greater cultural climate was harder in Portland, the fellowship of believers was much more transparent and authentic.
thanks Andrea for your insights here- have you seen people give up faith over this? or do they sign agreements and dont follow them (i.e. a contract to abstain from alcohol but drinking anyways)?
@@JoannalaFleur Yes. The element of cultural Christianity in society can be super complex to this saved former heathen. At least in Portland, it was much clearer who was who. The Jesus followers knew they were following and many were saved out of the culture at large and chose to walk with Him. Here in Dallas, "being raised in the church" looks like so many different things in terms of practically walking with Jesus. I would still choose a biblical foundation for a child for sure but for many, their upbringing served more as a vaccine against Jesus than support for a life with Him. Add to both imperfect church and then on top of that intentionally toxic church and well, it can be quite the adventure! What I love about people like John Mark is the faithful courage demonstrated here of transparency to not shy away from the hard parts of his story. As Jesus followers, we should be able to be honest about who we are and who He's making us to be. That is the hope of grace and transformation which draws the unbeliever to Him. Sadly, the pressures of "the ministry" and wounds from sheep can tempt people in roles of "leadership" to look for ways of mitigating that messiness through high control practices disguised as genuine faithfulness. When that happens, sheep are wounded. Add to that that many churches here function on an American business model, valuing expansion and growth over shepherding and caring for sheep. I love what JMC shares about living in community. It's incredibly beautiful when done well. Sadly, in the above scenario, it can also provide information which can be leveraged against the person who shared in authenticity, sincere honesty, and trust. That was rampant at the church we left last March.
In Portland, there was a spectrum as well. I think it's the human condition and why we need Jesus so much. I'm thankful for his and his father's insight and plumbline teaching of the word and the desire to "love not just in word or tongue but deed and Truth." What he shared is refreshing and evidence of a dynamic, inspected walk with the Chief Shepherd. We shouldn't look like we did 10 or 18 years ago and, God willing if we're not in heaven, we won't 10 years from now either.
This was a great listen. Thanks for the work you are doing. I'm sad Canada has become so hostile and am praying in the crushing the fragrance of Jesus is so amazingly inviting to those who don't yet know He is good. Cheers!
We'll look back at these sorts of discussions in a few years and cringe...
Exactly
tell me more? :) value your perspectives here!