Ridgell's Originals

 I travel to a lot of different churches in a lot of areas, so I get this question quite often.

What is going on in Abilene?

My first response is to tell them how excited I am about what God is doing at Hillcrest where I am.  Lots of Kingdom growth.  Evangelism.  Harvest of souls. Then they get to the real question:  what is going on with (fill in the name of the congregation or college).

So I tell them.

First I say that I don't know because unless they are asking about Hillcrest, I probably don't have a clue.  And I am sure too busy to try and find out.  Oh, and I believe in congregational autonomy so it is not really my business.

Then I tell them since I am not an elder at the church they are asking about then I really am not responsible for what they do, so...

And finally, even if they are doing something I do not think is healthy or even the right decision.... well I might be wrong.

I don't go there.  It is their business.  I am not sure what is going on and I might be wrong about the issue.  

Let me be clear.  I think I have a solid Biblical view about any number of things.  But everyone does not agree with me.  And I am sure that goes both ways.

Then I ask how that church responded when you talked to them about it?  Usually ends the conversation.

Or I ask if they believe in church autonomy?  Another conversation stopper.

Finally I sometimes give my stock answer.  I may or may not agree with everything every congregation or college in Abilene is doing.  But I sure hope they all talk to everyone they can about Jesus.  I hope they all baptize dozens, hundreds, next year.  Because there are a lot of lost people in Abilene.

God will sort it all out.  If they are way off base, they will not last long.  

Just like your congregation.    

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM