tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17279588.post116172786378055636..comments2023-10-27T08:44:56.668-05:00Comments on Oversight of Souls: Andrew Blackwood on OutreachRay Van Nestehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05871695572227993190noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17279588.post-1161805246369863242006-10-25T14:40:00.000-05:002006-10-25T14:40:00.000-05:00While I would nto say an event is in itself bad, w...While I would nto say an event is in itself bad, we certainly are on the wrong track when events becoem ourprimary or standard means. <BR/>Blackwood, in th epiece mentioned goes on to say:<BR/>“I believe that the work of revival, under God, depends mainly on the local church…” (291)<BR/>And:<BR/>“I also feel that we accomplished most by what the Westminster shorter Catechism calls ‘the diligent use of the outward and ordinary means of grace’ than when we resorted to special methods.” (297)<BR/><BR/>Outward and ordinary means is exactly what you are talking about Joel. We have too often shifted our focus to 'special methods' rather than the regular daily work.Ray Van Nestehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05871695572227993190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17279588.post-1161799936877346852006-10-25T13:12:00.000-05:002006-10-25T13:12:00.000-05:00I've been thinking this over a bit. It seems that ...I've been thinking this over a bit. It seems that if we truly believe that conversion should take place in the context of relationships within a community of faith, then what are the ramifications for evangelism? Perhaps our evangelistic efforts should be less event based and more community based. Instead of inviting strangers to an event, we should invite our acquaintances to friendship and from there to a place within a community. In that context they could experience not only personal salvation but also understand what it means to live out your salvation. Come to think of it, that is how I have brought people to Christ in the past.<BR/><BR/>Hmmm. I've got more thinking to do on this.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10593292323644117795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17279588.post-1161787610989246232006-10-25T09:46:00.000-05:002006-10-25T09:46:00.000-05:00I agree Joel. Of course there is no telling where...I agree Joel. Of course there is no telling where one might be when one is converted, but the norm is that one would at least hear the gospel from a believer who is rooted in a specific church. This situation is part of the larger "rootlessness" of our society which no doubt ties into our overblown individualism.<BR/>In fact, Blackwood addresses some of this as well.Ray Van Nestehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05871695572227993190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17279588.post-1161784828926524992006-10-25T09:00:00.000-05:002006-10-25T09:00:00.000-05:00Good point Ray. However, I feel that many Evangeli...Good point Ray. However, I feel that many Evangelicals have gotten off on the wrong foot by beginning their walk with God outside the context of the church. The model is, first, you "get saved," then you look for a church. The church is almost an afterthought to the whole conversion experience. We end up with churches filled with believes that have tenuous ties to each other at best.<BR/><BR/>To me, salvation is found within the context of a community of faith. Baptism should be a community exercise, not just about the individual and his personal salvation.<BR/><BR/>I find it interesting that in Revelation, Jesus renders judgment on the churches, not individuals. While I do think that we will be held accountable for our individual lives, we will certainly also be held accountable as communities. If judgment is about our community, should our salvation not be also about our community? The ministry of reconciliation is not just about us and God, it's about reconciling us to each other as well.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10593292323644117795noreply@blogger.com