"[T]he church is evolving into a new form that is going to be less institutional and more flexible and moving into the world. For most of our congregations and denominational bodies, going out to people with the Gospel is to bring them into our buildings and make them members. We are too hung up on the numbers game. Christ told his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them everything that he had taught them. I see nothing here in getting people to get their names on a membership roll or doing anything else than giving one's life to Jesus.
What Jesus told his disciples was simple: "Follow me."
Where in that simple sentence does it say to believe X, Y, and Z?
Where in that simple sentence does it tell them to Testify? Obey? Convert?
fol·low
verb \ˈfä-(ˌ)lō\
: to go or come after or behind (someone or something)
: to go after or behind (someone) secretly and watch to find out what happens
: to come after (something) in time or place or as part of a series
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follow
No matter which of these definitions we choose, what Jesus asks is that we pattern ourselves after him, that we walk his walk, look at what he does, and do likewise.
How are we doing?
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