Posted by Chris on Feb 19, 2009 in
Church 
This is an entry that would be so much better if I had a digital camera. If you would like to learn how you can buy me one, contact chrismorton82@gmail.com.
Today, I spent my afternoon reading under a tree in Landa Park. It was a huge tree with massive gnarled limbs that spread out for over 50 feet past the trunk. One limb was a size that many trees would be jealous of. It was so large it had out grown its usefulness. A series of wires strung from other limbs, as well as a large metal pole and a concrete collumn held the limb of the ground.
In a post-Christendom America, Churches need to learn from this limb. Many churches today are a tangle of unneeded programs and nostaligic, expensive events, held together by a leaderless staff. They spend millions of dollars on methods that may not reach people or make disciples. Rather than a strong, vibrant church that stands on its own feet, the church is held together with wires and collumns.
What does your church really need to reach unchurched people? To help your existing members be more like Christ? It might hurt to let some of those cherished old limbs go. But imagine the type of tree you could become!
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Tags: Church, Programs, Simplicity
Posted by Chris on Jan 29, 2009 in
Church 
In the center of the ongoing conversation of what it means to be “missional” is the concept of being incarnational. Basically, what does it mean to live like Christ in our culture. The key to incarnation is answering two questions. First, what did Jesus do while he was incarnated? Second, are we doing those things today?
A few things did while Jesus lived on earth:
- Taught people
- Healed people
- Fed people
- Prayed a lot
- Hung out with people, of every stripe
- Criticized religious people
- Was killed
The Church:
- Excels in teaching
- Doesn’t do much healing…unless you’re a charismatic, but we don’t want to talk about them…
- Occasionally partners with non-profits that feed people
- Talks about praying a lot
- Is often exclusive, and has even built church growth theories on gathering exclusive groups
- Criticizes people of differing political, sexual or theological persuasion
- Occasionally faces persecution in far off corners of the world
What would you add to these lists? There are two more questions: Why did Jesus do what he did? What would he do today?
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Tags: Christ, Church, Incarnational, Missional
Posted by Chris on Jan 13, 2009 in
Church 
My church, like all churches, has some limitations based on our organizational structure. One area we are not limited in is creating a setting. The first time I walked in as a visitor, I said to myself “this is a place of peace.” The room is dark and candle lit. While we have chairs, we also have round tables and couches. When you walk in, you go through our coffee car, and then into the worship center. The purpose of all of this is to make someone, especially those with little, or bad church experience, feel at home.Good to Great taught us the importance of determining what it is that you can be best in the world at. Do you have great worship leaders? Great small groups? The best Sunday school teacher in the world? A passion for the at-risk students in your neighborhood? A unique demographic?
For us, we are the best in the world at creating a setting. What is it for you?
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Tags: Church, Limitations, Strengths
Posted by Chris on Jan 11, 2009 in
Life 
You can now find a new and improved version of my blog at chrismorton.info! The main change you will see is a new focus. Every week, you’ll find posts on these four topics: God, Life, Church and Culture.
There are also new features:
- Fund layout powered by WordPress.
- Twitter bar.
- More about me, including a bio and my resume.
- Examples of some work I’ve graphic and video work I’ve done.
- Booking and contact information.
Check it out at chrismorton.info!
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Tags: Blog, Blogger, Blogging, chrismorton.info, Church, Culture, God, Life, Wordpress
