Bob Roberts On 9 Things He's Learning And Unlearning

I thought that this article was really good from the latest Leadership Magazine. The theme of the entire magazine is on Missional Christianity, which obviously seemed interesting to me. Anyway, a missional leader named Bob Roberts (wasn't that the name of that movie where Tim Robbins plays a politician? Anyway...) talks in the magazine about 9 things he's learning and unlearning. They resonated deep within me, so I thought I would share them:

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I'm learning...that mission begins with Christolaogy not ecclesiology. Following Jesus leads us to mission, which leads to churches gathering.

I'm unlearning...my assumption that starting churches naturally leads to mission. It doesn't. Churches default to self-focus unless a commitment to be like Jesus in the world comes first.

I'm learning...that being glocal means decentralizing power, decision making, information, al of it. The kingdom of God means ministry opportunities are available to almost everyone.

I'm unlearning...the American church's traditional focus on a super-star speaker, worship leader, educator, and shepherd, which serves mainly to attract spectators rather than igniting the power of everyone else.

I'm learning...that we serve not to convert but because we have been converted. We serve because Christ has changed us and made us servants to people who are hurting and lost.

I'm unlearning...the assumption that "Christian" is defined primarily as acknowledging a moment of conversion. Becoming a follower of Jesus depends on what happens after that.

I'm learning...to love people, which means to see them healed, educated, and given the same opportunities that we have.

I'm unlearning...that the Christian faith is all about heaven. I believe the church has denied the future by just waiting for the Second Coming. We need a story that includes the future.

I'm learning...the kingdom will be established not by human power or entertainment, but by realizing God's concern for humanity and the whole of society.

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