The Case for Sacrificial Service seems Crystal Clear

Lee Strobel wrote “the Case for Chirst” along with several other books on Christian apologetics. How long will it be until churches push this message forward? Frances Chan a mega church pastor in California recently spoke at the Catalyst conference in Atlanta, GA and Zach Exley covered it here.

We love the poor: People around the world desperately need aid (Romans 12:13).

We love Jesus: He says that He is the One suffering (Matthew 25:35-36).

It’s best for us: We’ll be more joyful if we give rather than receive (Acts 20:35).

It affects unbelievers: They are impacted when they see good works (Matthew 5:16).

It models Christ: Laying down our lives is how we imitate Christ (1 John 3:16-17).

We gain eternal rewards: God rewards those who care for the poor (Matthew 9:21).

If that’s not the message of social justice, I don’t know what is…

I’m curious if a world of overcommitment, opulence, and disneyland of media fantasies has taken hold of this message. I’m curious if repetition or re-framing. While I’m hopeful, I wonder if the very way we do church and are Christians has to change. The ways we do community, our identities, and our faiths seem to hang in the balance. While I’m momentarily skeptical, I believe there is a change in the ideological tenor of Christian living. I think a lot of folks, especially young folks, want to help but don’t know where to plug in. (that seems to be the message Andy Stanley spoke to at Catalyst) I also suspect they want to have options and not be forced into a one-size fits all “this is our program take it our leave it” evangelical launch.

In what way can the internet make connecting to service opportunities easier? What are examples of “successful” Christian service (individually or organizationally)? The I Need to Change series looks promising and I’ve experienced the empirical service results of “effective” small groups. (hat tip to Tony Morgan) I wonder if the recent Catalyst Conference, CCCD Conference, and the launch of UnChristian all together will turn the tide a bit?

thanks to wise acre for the flickr photo