About
This blog is about Jeremiah the Christian, my struggles, victories and frustrations in following the Way of Jesus in the face of institutional Christendom.
Jesus pulled me out of hell and gave me a second life. His mission for me has been to take part in a mainline Protestant church’s transformation from institutional decline to overflowing abundant life. I am continually changed by the experience, and woefully ill-equipped to help. The good news is I’m just along the for the ride, Jesus will do the hard parts.
What’s up with the name? It’s a fragment from the Social Distortion song “Untitled” (song/lyrics). I’ve never been able to find a lot of information about that song, but it always struck me as Christian. “Untitled” was a rallying cry during some of the hardest parts of my life, which are ultimately my most treasured.
To what do you principally attribute the change in your church (other than God!)?
Spiritual growth of members (official and otherwise). People in a congregation need to be engaged in mid-week spiritual growth disciplines, such as daily prayer and bible reading, an accountability group, hands-on face-to-face mission, meditation, discovering and applying spiritual gifts, etc.
First, this creates a culture of discipleship where members can expect certain actions out of each other, which fosters trust. It also means leaders are more likely to be rigorous and faithful in their work. It’s also highly visible to outsiders (both visitors and those in contact with members in their daily lives).
Second, it creates a ferment of spirituality and a heightened sense of God’s presence. This is partly because God is being sought, so you’re more likely to take notice. It also forges a more intimate, two-way relationship with God among members.
Third (and this may be controversial), God is more apt to bless those who seek him. The parable of the talents is my favorite example, and there are many others. I believe one reason is people who come to a spiritually growing church will be nurtured and discipled far better, and God would rather see his lost children taken care of. Another would be that it demonstrates his pleasure with those who strive to be close to him.
Hope that wasn’t too long! That’s my answer to your question. What are your thoughts?
Hi, I put a partial response at the end of your new article. I do agree with you that growth foments growth. How growth happens is an interesting thing. Sometimes I think it just comes down to God kicking some folks harder in the pants. Seriously, I’ve always been on the spiritual formation track, always wanted to move forward (even through my recent doubts… see the blog) and so has my husband. But why us? Why not others (with the same intensity)? I think God just put it in our hearts to want to grow. I can’t take an iota of credit.
God hits us pretty hard sometimes. My view is, an interest in spiritual growth or formation admits a certain humility. It makes it easier to be an instrument of God.
I feel like I get in the way a lot – I over-think, speak in less than diplomatic ways, or even put up distance when I’m frustrated. Rather than me focusing on my problems, I’m learning to focus on God, his will and Word, and his blessings. You posted a similar thought on your blog.
There are other factors, too – mission outreach (a “heart for the stranger,” as I’ve heard it put) comes to mind. When you touch another person’s life though, having a deep relationship with God is often highly visible and instantly coveted. It’s like Paul and the jailer after the earthquake in Acts: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The jailer knew instinctively Paul and Silas could answer his question. If just the miraculous earthquake happened without the connection, the jailer would be dead.
Jeremiah: I rogtot: where is your church?
Metairie, Louisiana.
I don’t think I’ve said the congregation’s name out of respect, and to avoid misunderstandings between myself and my fellow members (should anyone stumble upon my blog). I prefer to talk to them directly, so it can be two-way.