How do we win people for Christ, gather people from the community in to a place, teach sound doctrine and convince people that Jesus is true, real, relevant and alive today?
Quick digression .... as a noted 'Hillsong-basher' I have just been sitting in a seminar on contextualization and a discussion of how Hillsong is highly effective in understanding the culture, sociology and lifestyle of the North-West region of Sydney. It was noted, as I have personally stated at length in the past that Hillsong's weaknesses lies in their over-realized eschatological doctrine and prosperity doctrine.
We contextualize! Of course. What does that mean? I mean really how do we make the gospel of Jesus Christ real, relevant and edgy for our cultures?
How do we link praxis with good theology?
Why can't church have a style and atmosphere like Hillsong but the teaching and doctrine of a good Sydney Evangelical Anglican church?
Why can't Christians in Anglican churches have the same positive outlook as Christians who are part of the Hillsong network? Is there something wrong with being excited about Jesus?
How do we give a vision for a deeply experiential Christian lifeQuick digression .... as a noted 'Hillsong-basher' I have just been sitting in a seminar on contextualization and a discussion of how Hillsong is highly effective in understanding the culture, sociology and lifestyle of the North-West region of Sydney. It was noted, as I have personally stated at length in the past that Hillsong's weaknesses lies in their over-realized eschatological doctrine and prosperity doctrine.
We contextualize! Of course. What does that mean? I mean really how do we make the gospel of Jesus Christ real, relevant and edgy for our cultures?
How do we link praxis with good theology?
Why can't church have a style and atmosphere like Hillsong but the teaching and doctrine of a good Sydney Evangelical Anglican church?
Why can't Christians in Anglican churches have the same positive outlook as Christians who are part of the Hillsong network? Is there something wrong with being excited about Jesus?
whilst maintaining a sound reformed theological doctrine?
Picture standing on the first tee at the local golf course with the Big-Bertha - how do you hit the church plant sweet spot? ... slow backswing, keeping the eye on the ball, quick controlled swing and solid complete follow-through ... then look up to see the ball 276 metres down the fairway!
Hillsong comes close but misses the slow back swing (doctrine) ... Sydney Anglicans fail with the quick strike (no direct application). Hillsong hits the ball long and gets excited; Sydney Anglicans slice it and land in the rough and get a little dazed and confused and hence are not really excited about life! Hillsong fails to teach the key skills of the game (doctrine) so they seek a new course ... the Anglicans provide a solid and challenging course but there is no soundtrack to create a great backdrop to excellent drives off the tee.
Dan Bidwell's addition (paraphrased): 'Sydney Anglicans lay up short of the hole and are willing to take the extra shot to be certain.' Dan as a candidate of the fine Anglican institution is willing to take the outrageous stance of taking a risk! Well, at least he states he 'has been encouraged to shun the classic Anglican lay-up!' (off the record of course)
There is the challenge.
How do we get excited whilst remaining reformed?
It's a great challenge.
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