The title of Newsweek's April 13,
2009 cover story by Jon Meacham says it all: "The End of Christian
America." Jon Meacham, the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer made it
clear that he was not saying the Christian God is dead, rather, that Christians
are exerting less force in America than ever before. "While we remain a
nation decisively shaped by religious faith," writes Meacham, "our
politics and our culture are, in the main, less influenced by movement and
argument of an explicitly Christian character than they were five years
ago." Even if we only partially agree with Meacham's observation,
two questions must bubble up in the minds of Christians today:
- What does the Christian mission
look like in 21st century America?
- How does the Gospel go forward in
a pluralistic, postmodern, post-Christian society?
In his book The Next Christians,
Gabe Lyons promotes "restoration thinking." "Restorers
seek to mend earth's brokenness. [The healing process] begins now as we
partner with God. Throwing seeds of restoration, they believe others will see
Christ through us and the Christian faith will reap a much larger harvest"
(47). The Next Christians, the Restorers, engage rather than condemn, offer
grace rather than judgment, chose courage over comfort, and honor faithfulness
over reputation.
Are you intrigued yet? Here
are two links with more information regarding the book The Next Christians.
- Here's a brief promotional video
about the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftuj0Xr_uXk.
- Here's the "Next
Christians" website, which includes a few more videos, information
about the author, and an excerpt from the book: http://nextchristians.com/
Are interested in being one of
these "next" Christians? Are you interested in changing the negative
perception of Christianity by living a life that is faithful to the Gospel, yet
credible and coherent to your friends and neighbors? Or perhaps you disagree
with all these ideas but still wonder what it means for you to be a Christian
in the 21st century? If any of the above is true, then join a small
group!
- Sign up online www.fumcb.org or fill
out a form available at FUMC and The Open Door.
- A limited number of small group
discussion books, The
Next Christians, are available in the Church Office (during
the week) and in the Atrium at FUMC (on Sunday mornings).
- Small Groups begin the week of
August 24th.
If you have any questions, please
contact Rev. Stacee at sgehring@fumcb.org
or 332.6396.
Peace and Love!
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