January 11, 2009

Why Churches Die

I'm in an interesting read right now. Why Churches Die, by Mac Brunson and Ergun Caner. I have much to still digest and consider on many of their positions but this one quote has me in deep consideration.
Every church has three animals in the flock:
sheep, goats and wolves.
The job of biblical leadership is simple:
Love the sheep.
Convert the goats.
Kill the wolves.
-anonymous-
Environmentalists may take issue with such a statement like this, but consider it with me. isn't the book of Jude all about the identify and ridding the church of a lethal poison? Peter goes into great detail to identify the false prophet (wolf or 'lion') to help the church remain healthy.
What poisons are keeping the church chronically ill? (feel free to sign your comment as 'anonymous' if it helps speak boldly)

I hold that we would have to walk with extreme caution with a thought like the above statement. If we don't we may shoot sheep and goats alike while trying to protect them. (I'm speaking metaphorically about shooting them by the way.) But seriously why doesn't church leadership exercise biblical protection of the church for the health of the church?
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4 comments:

  1. LanceJanuary 14, 2009

    Paul,
    The Peacegiver is a fantastic book that uses Old Testament stories to explain how Christ's sacrifice applies to us in this day. It teaches of how God's love is not just for the sinner, but also the sinned against - the victim. It also teaches of how His forgiveness allows us to forgive others. I really think you would enjoy it. You can get it on Amazon (by James Ferrell).

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  2. UnknownJanuary 15, 2009

    Lance, thanks for the extended description of 'the Peacegiver'. I enjoy reading what others in Twin Falls are reading and thinking. Have you ever heard of a book entitled 'More Than A Carpenter' by Josh McDowell? I have an extra copy of it if you ever want to read it. Come visit our church some time, 204 Eastland Drive North. Twin Falls.

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2009

    Love the sheep. Convert the goats. Kill the wolves. Wow I'm afraid to often we (the church leadership) do wound and even kill the sheep and goats while leaving the wolves to run free. I will ponder this thought. Thanks for the book recommend.

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  4. UnknownJanuary 23, 2009

    Hey Christy,
    I'm only about six months late on this, but, congratulations on your wedding this past summer.
    'Why Churches Die' is a good read. And what an amazing responsibility upon the church to do right with all isn't it?

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