Gospel thoughts

Just watched a video clip with Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Highlands Village, near Dallas.

Here are some thoughts (some of mine and some quotes from Matt) for your consideration:

1. We have too much emphasis on information and not enough on transformation. The church has been too much about “width” and not depth. Depth is being obedient to what we         know from Scripture.

The Gospel is about transformation, not information.

The key is being obedient to what has already been revealed to me.

When I don’t apply what I know, what the Lord has revealed to me:
        * I kill my intimacy with God
        * Destroyed the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through me

1. 2. There is a total disintegration of real authenticity & community in our churches.


2. We need encouragement and rebuke on a regular basis.

        Rebuke is never received well - it is either received in shame or defense by discrediting the one who brings the rebuke.

        We’re not encouraged when we NEED to be encouraged and we’re not rebuked when we NEED to be rebuked.

3. We have an absolute lack of building an authoritative church.

1. Too many pastors are cowards hiding behind their position.

4. We think that size has something to do with success.

5.We have taught our people that spiritual growth & formation happens quickly. It doesn’t. It takes place at a crawl!

Spiritual formation is a LIFELONG process! Every “baby-step” forward is progress. We won’t be completely spiritually healthy until the day we die, the Lord kills us or comes back for us.

Ouch. This is what I like about Matt. He tells it like it is. He has always spoken the truth in love. And he’s solid theologically - not bad for a guy who didn’t attend seminary!