Why'd you have to make me cry?

I was listening to a message this morning by Rob Bell from Mars Hill Bible Church and several things really, really impressed me. This guy is serious about Mars Hill making an impact on history...you might say, on the future history of the world because of who they are in Christ. I recommend you listening to this message to catch a glimpse of what a fired up missional church can do. Go here and download "So, Anyway, Who Wants to Change the World?" It's free you just have to agree to their licensing agreement.

Let me just mention a couple of observations...

(1) The idea they have of membership being in the form of convenant is great. Honestly I'm sick of the idea of signing a card, ensuring you've been baptized "properly" and *BAM* you're a member. After this you don't have to do squat, nothing's expected of you (so it seems)...you can just come to church whenever, tithe whenever (if ever), get involved whenever you feel like it. Basically, it's all about you and your own personal desires. The church is about community...it's a body functioning together. The covenant brings along a sense of accountability with leadership (and better) other members. As a member of the body (big toe, shoulder, hang nail, etc) you are expected to do your part, knowing that you are there for that reason...to support what the body is doing -- fulfilling the Mission of Jesus Christ in the world!!

(2) The idea of Mars Hill being realistic about the world's situation and truly seeking to find ways to impact "the world" is incredible. I sat there listening to how they'd met with leaders from Rwanda and how their lead pastor met with the mayor (I think it was) of Grand Rapids just saying that whenever Jesus shows up on the scene things change...people are impacted...creation is restored. It made me cry, craving in the depths of my soul to see something like that happen here in Poland. It made me yearn to be a part of something like that myself...to lead God's people to that kind of dedication, to that kind of passion to be used by God to impact the world around them in a profound way.

(3) If you listen to the message you'll hear something amazing close to the end of the audio file. Don Golden (I think that's who it is) shares a few words at the end, one of which is referring to their "Joy Boxes" at the back of the room. These are boxes where people are asked to place their offerings. The amazing thing is that when he mentions these boxes people actually cheer! They yell out, seriously joyfully. It is something you could easily miss but which is...well I'll say it again...it's amazing! Check out their weekly newsletters if you're skeptical...their people are giving generously!

I don't want to expound further. These things are challenges to me, to us...to God's people. We're dropping the ball and enough is enough. Let's start realizing who we are because of Who we serve...and thus begin dreaming about what is possible in Him! We really can change the world!!