to be.”
Paul broke in. “I have to admit that this is really frustrating for me, but I know you’re right. Even though we’re a relatively young church, we’re just as prone to falling into comfort zones as anyone else. I’ve always wanted us to be a church that grew with people who came to faith in our midst rather than by transfer growth. Instead, we have a church that struggles to grow at all. The people we have are great, but I don’t think I know how to help them—us—become who I believe God wants us to be.”
“I’ve got an idea about this,” said Dean. “I was reviewing my notes from the Spiritual Formation conference I went to a couple of weeks ago.” Dean attended this ecumenical conference as part of a seminary class assignment. “There was so much great stuff there about truly becoming authentic followers of Jesus. And I know we keep trying to help people with that through the Sunday messages and in our small groups.”
“Do you think we need to do more than that? Aren’t people already pressed for time? Just showing up for church a couple of times a month seems too much for some.” Gracie sounded a bit cynical, but still interested in where Dean was going.
“I don’t know about more, but maybe different,” said Dean, leaning forward in excitement. “For example, what if our small groups became places of intentional spiritual formation—real, authentic discipleship—rather than being simply places of connection? And what if our primary ‘programs’ focused on real spiritual formation before anything else—even marriages, child raising or whatever?”
“I’m assuming you mean that we should have more of a focus on teaching people to be authentic Christians—which we usually call discipleship. I’m always for that. So finish making your connection.” Paul felt a growing sense of anticipation, even though he was slightly annoyed that someone as young as Dean was coming up with these ideas.
“Well, that would help us learn more about being ‘a people for God.’ But the problem is that spiritual formation can become a very self-focused process. Unless there is some kind of outlet for our formation, then we risk stagnation.” Dean was on a roll.
Gracie broke in. “I’m a little confused here. What exactly is spiritual formation? I think I know what discipleship is, but this is a new term for me.”
“Well, in a sense spiritual formation is discipleship. It is about intentionally orienting your life around God through prayer, worship, and spiritual disciplines like fasting and solitude so that you continuously open yourself up to God and invite him to form your life.” Dean caught his breath and smiled a little sheepishly. “At least, that’s how I see it. The problem with the term discipleship is that it has come to refer to a process of learning. It is used too often to refer to the idea of being a student of Jesus rather than one really involved in the life of Jesus. Discipleship is still a good word as long as we use it right.”
“Is some kind of intentional outward service the answer to avoiding the introspection trap?” Paul sensed that something was really happening here.
“Well, I think that’s an important part. And some sort of corporate service project would be a great unifying thing for our church. But I think that a renewed look at spiritual formation can help everyone learn to see themselves as part of a larger community that is truly for the sake of the world—or, to use the nasty word: Evangelistic.”
Gracie looked skeptical. “Are you saying, Dean, that everyone has the potential to be evangelistic? Doesn’t that fly in the face of the idea that only a small percentage of any congregation is actually spiritually gifted that way?”
“What if that research is grounded in a wrong assumption?” Dean had that I’m-coming-up-with-something-nobody-has-ever-thought-of-before look on his face. “What if it defines evangelism in such a way that only the extroverts or fearless people qualify? What if that assumption—probably coming from all those spiritual gifts inventories that are floating around—is based on defining evangelism as making a presentation, getting agreement, and bringing everything to closure through a prayer of faith all in one encounter? If all that is off base, then there is the possibility that a much broader spectrum of people can be involved in leading others to faith in Jesus.”
Paul fumbled for his PDA and started making some notes. “So how would you redefine evangelism?”
Dean looked down. “I don’t have a strong handle on that yet. But I think it has to be a much more natural thing than we’ve made it to be. I think it has to pour out of our lives as we are being formed in the character of Jesus. Since we’re all wired a little differently from one another, I guess that means evangelism will look different person to person. I really believe we’ve got to help people learn how to live in such a way that their entire lives are evangelistic. I know that concepts like ‘lifestyle evangelism’ and ‘servant evangelism’ have helped along this path, but sometimes I think they still risk allowing people to remain unconnected to other people while trying to let their lifestyles and service speak for themselves.”
Paul looked up. “So evangelism, based on what you’re suggesting, is potentially the natural outflow of a life of spiritual formation?”
“I think so. I hope so. And isn’t that the kind of spiritual journey we want to invite people on?”
“I think we need to start writing this down,” said Gracie. “It’s probably going to take awhile. Can we order lunch?”
Paul waved to the waitress, signaling that they were ready to order. She was young, in her early twenties, and usually took care of the section where Paul liked to sit.
“Hi, Angie. I think we’re finally ready to earn our keep here.”
Angie smiled, and rolled her eyes in mock-exasperation. “Well, it’s about time! At this rate you may as well stay for dinner.”
“Sorry. It’s just that we’re racking our brains to solve cosmic issues. We’re on a mission from God.”
Angie put on a look of feigned interest. “So you guys are the Blues Brothers. Er, and Sister.” They all laughed.
Gracie looked up over her menu. “So, Angie—got any solutions for us?”
Angie looked down at her order pad. “Nope. No views on the God thing. So what are you going to have today?”
Suspecting they had just moved into sensitive territory, they ordered their lunches. As Angie finished up and left to place the order, another figure moved to the table.
“Hey, everybody. What’s going on today?”
“Hi, Emil. Good to see you.” Paul brightened up at Emil’s arrival.
Emil was the pub’s main bartender. He and Paul had gotten acquainted over the years and even ran into each other on occasion at a local coffee shop. Paul really liked Emil and had even invited him to church. Emil always politely declined.
“You guys look like you’re in an intense conversation today. Lighten up—this is supposed to be a fun place!”
Dean laughed and said, “Yeah. We’re here talking about church stuff. No fun allowed!”
“Ah, yes. Church stuff. Now I know why you’re intense. It does always seem like a lot of work to me.” Emil looked sympathetic.
Paul
