Early this year I read Total Church: A Radical Reshaping around Gospel & Community (Chester & Timmis).  This book has furthered my growth in understanding what a gospel-centered church should look like and be about: PEOPLE, not a place; COMMUNITY, not a corporation; MISSION, not maintenance.

I could go on, but I simply want to share a few excerpts from this book to encourage and challenge us as Grace & Truth continues moving towards what God has created the church to be.

“Over time churches seem to acquire committees, meetings, programs, and traditions, none of which may be wrong in themselves, but which cumulatively move the church from mission to maintenance mode. Time and energy are spent making the institutions function.  The legacy of many churches is thus absorbed in maintaining the legacy of a program of activities and church buildings.  Roles exist that have to be filled. The life of the church is geared around maintaining its structures and programs. We need to shift into “mission mode.” People are beginning to say we need “missionary theology” rather than a “theology of  mission.” Mission can no longer be looked at as one branch of theology. All theology must be missionary in its orientation.  We need the same reorientation in churches.  We are in a missionary situation, and all that we do must be missionary.” (page 86)

Look for more powerful quotes from this book in upcoming days. Perhaps they will inspire you to give this challenging book a read as well.

Mike