The Revolution of Relationship Continues - Willow Creek Repents?
November 5, 2007 by Randy
Filed under Christianity, Church, Current Affairs
Read … Willow Creek Repents?
A couple of years ago, maybe even three, the word “Revolution” kept getting thrown around in my mind and spirit. After prayer and reflection, plus confirmation from other Christians, it seemed that the Lord is doing a revolution in relationships, especially in the Western Church. People are growing tired of the next “it” programs, workbooks and the “celebrity” of Christian leaders and teachers. In a world increasingly fragmented by warring worldviews and technology … we are yearning for authentic relationship with God and others. We want to see the Golden Rule (my paraphrase: to love God with our whole being and love others as ourselves), in practical and relational terms.
I love Willow Creek Church. Always have. Still do. But I love them more for seeing where they went wrong and humbly (very publicly) adjusting. The only good leadership is humble leadership so I respect them more for the redirections they are making. We will see what happens and hopefully the spiritual fruit will greatly expand and deepen the family of Christ.
Technorati Tags: Christ, Christianity, God, Humility, Relationships, Repentance, The Golden Rule, Willow Creek
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This is very interesting. I love it and I am also seeing a similar change and humility coming from my own church. It feels less cluttered.
Less cluttered in what respect?
There is something simple about meeting for prayer, and spending time in the word together. Sometimes all the programs, workbooks etc. feels like clutter (for me at least). It’s more than I need and I find my attention pulled in so many different directions.
As an example: one Sunday I was in charge of the background music while people came to participate in communion. I had a beautiful medley of choruses and hymns all picked out and I played them to the best of my ability. Then I pulled out the hymn ‘Near the Cross’. But all I played of that hymn was the melody. A single voice began to sing along and then another. It was completely impromptu and a moving of the Holy Spirit as the whole congregation sang in unison ‘Jesus keep me near the cross’. I will never forget that experience. Of all the hymns and choruses I had played, the Holy Spirit moved through the simplest and barest of melodies. He spoke through me best when I didn’t try to elaborate.
Sometimes I wonder if all the programs and workbooks are us trying to elaborate for the Lord. The Lord still uses it, as I believe He used my medley of hymns and choruses. At what point is elaboration pulling attention away from God? The things that pull my attention from Him are what I experience as clutter. The more ’stuff’ I have to wade through to find His message is what I feel as clutter.
I don’t know if I’ve explained myself well. Am I making any sense?
(sorry, this is long)
You made perfect sense. I completely understand and agree. Beautiful example as well.
Thank you.