So not that our youth guy Tom didn’t have enough adventure spending a night on the streets (or at least part of a night) with the youth of New Hope…he was up bright and early and let me know Gordon MacDonald would be at ATS today…Gordon spoke about having a Christian Worldview {A worldview is a set of presuppositions (or assumptions) which we hold (consciously or unconsciously) about the basic make-up of our world. –James Sire}… something that our society is slipping from more and more each day. So here is the brief synopsis for those who love to dig in…
1. God is the author of creation.
a. Creation is designed to reflect His nature and glory.
b. All things belong to Him.
c. We are stewards of creation.
2. All of human life was/is designed to live in communion with God and according to His purposes.
a. We are to be in His family.
b. We are to serve in His household.
c. We were meant to reflect His splendor.
3. Creation (and humanity) are damaged/broken through the effects of evil.
a. The result is ambient violence and abuse of power.
b. Result: humanity is “enslaved”.
c. The ultimate consequence is a form of condemnation.
4. God has set into motion a redemptive effort.
a. Jesus is the agent of redemption.
b. Grace, not retribution is God’s intention.
c. Freedom is the highest way of life.
d. Faith is the way to redemption.
5. The Church is designed to be God’s corporate witness and servant to the world.
a. We are in community.
b. Our brand is Christ-like love.
c. We are called to be noble servants doing the world of Christ.
6. We are called to live/work in the world, and our model of life is stewardship.
a. We are called to be generous.
b. We are to be faithful.
c. We are to be worshipful.
7. There is life beyond death, and it is identified with heaven.
a. An ageless, timeless experience.
b. A life of discovery.
c. A life of solidarity.
Where we might be heading?
1. Church movement in North America will change in organizing principals, practice.
2. Theology will be taking dramatic turns in the road. (Franciscan Perspective)
a. Concern for creation.
b. Expansion of sanctity/life issues.
c. Compassion: weak/poor/marginalized.
d. Servant emphasis.
e. Community/relationships/movement.
f. Prophetic voice in to systems/structures.
I told ya…you have to dig…this is not fluffy stuff. Now what will we do with this…???
Blessings and peace today!
PS: 41 people and many who could not make it at our first Ashland Launch Team informational meeting last night @ New Hope…too cool. God continues to blow me away…
