Model One: Preach the truth. Be exclusive. Vote Republican. Evangelize the 'ol fashioned way. Stay away from the evil world. Spend as much time as you can with other like minded Christians, read the Bible and talk about how bad the world is.
The result - A few disciples, but they truly believe. Mostly inbred with little impact in the community. Many tithe. Depth and commitment to God and His word. People who are unafraid of the Gospel.
Model Two: Seeker sensitive. Be inclusive as possible. Secretly vote Republican, but Democrats are probably okay too. Some tithe. Evangelize by being nice and inviting people to a safe church where no one gets offended. Go into the less happy world briefly but come back to get more good feelings. Spend most of your time with like minded Christians and talk about Oprah.
The result - A larger number of followers (by comparison to Model One) but not much depth. Many don't know why they believe, other than that it makes them feel good and God is pretty neat. Revolving door problem. More service to the community in order to bring more people into the non-offending church on Sunday. Commitment to God...and Oprah, cause she's pretty neat too.
Model Three Missional. Be inclusive by living in the world of the outsiders. Politics doesn't matter as much as social justice and the environment. No one tithes but all give. Love everyone without question. Model Jesus, the way Jesus obeyed His father in being in intimate relationship to the outsiders. Don't invite them to church, but go be Jesus to them in their own spaces. Spend some time with like minded Christians on a regular basis to seek God, love Him, and build communitas. Spend more time with those who wander in darkness. Love them radically and sacrificially.
The result - The reality of Jesus is enhanced through how we live our lives. Diesm dies. A higher calling over politics and soundbites are demanded. Tithes are done away, and an entire giving lifestyle appears. A walk in daily repentance and humility springs up. Lives outside the commune-church walls are touched deeply. The kingdom is advanced as a mustard seed becomes a tree.
Which model do you want to date?
