And...

Have you seen my copy of And, the Gathered and Scattered Church by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay?

It is the one with page after page of highlighted passages, stars in the margins and turned down pages.

Pastor Steve recently assigned staff leadership, as well as the elder board and elder council (made up of former elders) to read And, because the book deals with the value of both the gathered church (think Sunday morning services) and the scattered church (us modeling Jesus Monday through Saturday).

I loved what this book had to say about how the gathered and scattered church are supposed to work together, energizing one another, to make more and better disciples.

Let me share some of my favorite, thought-provoking quotes:

• The last forty years of Sunday services, biblical sermons, safe childcare, affinity-based small groups, and programs to fit any need are not producing the strain of Christians that have significantly changed the culture. (pg. 162)

• Spiritual formation (is) becoming like Jesus instead of just knowing about Jesus. (pg. 94)

• Engaging culture isn’t as much about doing evangelism as it is incarnating the presence of Christ in every relationship we form. (pg. 58)

• The only thing he’s (Jesus) is going to ask you about your performance…will be based on a simple measurement: Did you do all that you could, with all that I gave you, to make people like me?” (pg. 76)

• The (Sunday morning) gathering…should be a place to call people into a bigger story of giving their life away. (pg. 185)

And, the Gathered and Scattered Church challenged Kevin and me in ways that few books have. I would highly encourage you to read this book and join the conversation.

Blessings,
Sharon