Creating a culture of challenge
I have been reading a book that has really challenged me in how I do ministry, it is called "No Perfect People Allowed" by John Burke. He asks the following question,"How willing am I to adapt my cultural comforts to be able to create a culture of dialogue for those who do not hold my cherished beliefs? Am I comfortable if they hang out and question and doubt in my church, small group or ministry.
It is amazing how God allows us the opportunity to live out some of the things he challenges us with. This happened to me yesterday. I was talking with a group of teens and two new people came into our discussion. I was sharing some basic biblical truths and each time I did, this one girl would say, "I don’t believe that. You cant prove that. You can’t say that the only people going to heaven are those who have Jesus in their heart." On and on it went.
My first reaction was to go on the attack and challenge everything she was saying. I wanted to be sure to prove I was right and she was wrong. Then I remembered the book I was reading and the challenge to allow others to come and question and respect their world view. It doesn’t mean I agree with her, it does mean I make sure I keep the door open for dialogue. For the next 30 minutes her and her friend asked some very challenging questions,
You know some of the questions and statements she was making are the same ones many people are asking outside our safe Christian walls. I think more and more we need to see things from the non Christian perspective so we can better know how to meet them where they are.
How about you, are you creating a culture that allows those who differ from your Christian views the opportunity to find the answers to their questions?
