Churches that are Dying to Follow Jesus
What might it look like for a church to live like Jesus? Â Even as difficult as that question is, its not nearly as difficult as the next question: “What might it look like for a church to die like Jesus?”
Many churches put a lot of emphasis on the first question – but few churches are willing to ask the second question. Â As we consider the nature of the church – as we imagine the organic structure of Christ-centered community; could dying, the tangible end of a congregation’s life, actually be a central part of the mission of God?
I’m going with “yes” on this one.
I had a friend once tell me that the main reason why he can’t suffer the church, even if Jesus had some good things to say, is because the church as an organization is fundamentally opposed to the aims of Jesus. Â My friend’s problem with the church is that while Jesus propelled himself toward death, churches generally want to stay alive as long as possible - often to the detriment of what Jesus originally died for!
But what if your church saw an opportunity to help contribute to the mission of God that was so powerful, so important – that it was willing to clean out the bank, sell the property, and “die” in order to see the mission provided for?
What might dying like Jesus do for the mission Jesus died for? Â What new life might be resurrected?
As we head into the Easter season – ask yourself, as your faith community to “come die with Jesus” (Bonhoeffer). Â It may just be what leads to a harvest of new life. (John 12:24)
Steve Caballero, and 