tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26615646.post731712433699704072..comments2023-06-25T17:52:46.850+02:00Comments on Rock in the Grass (Pete Grassow): McD Christian ChurchesPete Grassowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02871713300314160309noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26615646.post-50065992400035007462007-05-08T11:30:00.000+02:002007-05-08T11:30:00.000+02:00Pete, I share your concern about the impact of con...Pete, I share your concern about the impact of consumerism on the church, and I also share your dream that people would join our communities from a sense of call and a genuine desire to serve.<BR/><BR/>But, I can't help wonder whether we blur the issue by making it a dualism. If our role is to reach out to people in Christ's name, then that reaching is an attempt to address their needs and longings. If we serve them successfully, they "consume" our service, and perhaps this leads them to join us. Then, they may make the move themselves from consumer to server.<BR/><BR/>I believe consumer culture is a reality - we can't fight it. While we don't need to pander to it, it does need to be a consideration in how we do ministry. If people are not listening we're not serving them. So, to create a space that people will come to in order to have their needs and longings met is not necessarily a failing on our part. However, once we have given them something to fill them, can we challenge them to begin to share something of what they've received. (Which, I am sure is exactly what you do in your community).<BR/><BR/>I'm reminded of the bridge on a new Tim Hughes song "God of Justice" He sings: "Fill us up and send us out." Perhaps if we can get this movement happening, we can use even "consumer culture" in service of the gospel!?John van de Laarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09379013243937260867noreply@blogger.com