Wednesday, July 17, 2013

An Experiment in Being-led by God (The Presence-Driven Church)

Worship at Redeemer
I am taken by the real possibility that “church” (the people of God) can actually be guided, be led, by the Spirit of God.

If this is true, then the primary thing a pastor must do is connect with God as a lifestyle. A pastor must resolutely abide in Christ. (John 14-15)

Then, a pastor must shepherd his people into the presence of God, into the abiding relationship with Christ. It is precisely in this mutual-indwelling intimacy that the Spirit leads, loves, and heals.

For me our church, Redeemer, is an experiment in being-led by God. As this happens one result is that the people will recognize that the One doing the leading and producing the fruitfulness is not some great human genius, but the brilliance of God himself. This corporate realization will ignite worship.

Structural changes will happen as God leads, for God cannot and will not be confined within human governmental systems. The focus will be more on worship and praying and Jesus. There will less human striving and inventing. There will be intensity of a different kind than the pressure to staff programs and keep people pleased.

If something like this isn’t true, then I fear we’re just leading our own selves. I’ve personally been there, done that, and don’t want to go there again.