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Subject: Conversation 1
Time: 3:21:00 AM EDT
Author: kpchprather4
Music: Enya-Once You Had Gold
Really, this is conversation two, because this conversation took place tonight, a day before the one listed below-but this conversation has much to do with the one that I wrote about (see below), that it makes much more sense when read in this order.
Tonight, I had the privilege of having dinner with one of our visiting Southern Baptist (he and his wife) on the Riverwalk and it too was just a fascinating conversation. And, in case you read the third Blog entry, this gentleman did not fit the stereotype, just in case you were wondering.
Tonight I met with a man who wants to better understand how to utilize the Blogosphere to get a message out-a message of reform, a visionary message, a message calling us as Southern Baptists back to who we are, a missional people-a man with a passion and a vision and a strategy that was simply compelling and at the end of our two hour visit-I wanted in on what God was and is doing in his life.
His name is not important for me to relate at this time-though to me and many others he is very special. He is someone well known in Southern Baptist life, an author, a former missionary overseas-a man who pursues God and has this incredible desire to see Southern Baptists be known more for their Christlikeness than their contentiousness, more for being on mission than being institutionalized. He is concerned that we might be more devoted to programs than reaching people. More devoted to sacrosant traditions and hierarchies than Scripture. He has a heavy burden for reaching this emerging postmodern generation because he sees the handwriting on the wall-unless they are reached, the state of Christianity in America does not look good. He wanted to talk about the usefulness of the Blogosphere to connect with people and start sharing this vision God has given him.
I am not at liberty to divulge his name. Some of you may know of him, some of you may not, but at this point, his identity is not the point-it is his intention-what God has placed on his heart. That is the thing.
He desires to impact our convention as well as our world. I will leave it at that at this time. He is interested in learning more about the Blogosphere and how this wonderful tool can be used to connect with people-to share what God has given him, to put certain items on the 'table' for discussion (items that NEED to be discussed) because he sees a denomination that needs to be awakened, needs to reform, to change and a culture and world in desperate need of Christ.
BTW: If you are one of those "heretic hunters" he's not talking about changing theology-his concern is that we have lost our way in who we are as Christ followers, concerned about the program driven, political machinery of our convention-concerned that we have forgotten we have always been a Great Commission people and need to truly return to that, and I fully agree with what God has placed on his heart.
I love his passion. I love his vision. I love the strategic thinking. I love the faith. I love the hope.
I love the humility.
I have not given you much in terms of specific details. I can only say at this point that he has ten very specific things he wants to introduce, or better yet, re-introduce into the Southern Baptist conversation-and it is long overdue. It is needed. And he wanted to talk about Blogging.
I am not an expert Blogger as you know. But he is gracious enough to read my ramblings and so we had fellowship, a meal and a great conversation. His passion became my passion.
You might think that such a man, concerned with "getting a message out to a lot of people via the Internet"-far more people than I reach with my little endeavor here, is motivated because he seeks power or prestige or position. You would be wrong. Remember how I said his humility impressed me? Check this out:
He said the issue wasn't really if he became prominent or gained some office-the issue was that these 10 specific issues be placed on the table and discussed. The Kingdom was and is more important than him pursuing any kind of personal kingdom. That is what struck me.
A passion so great you can't contain it. And yes, it is a Scriptural, God-honoring and God-saturated passion.A passion so great you have to share it with as many people as possible because you know it is a right, noble and good passion. One that honors the King.
And as we were talking, and he mentioned this postmodern generation and his concern for them and how we had to stop being so concerned with the political machinery and once more become passionate for the people Christ is passionate about (paraphrased), I thought about my conversation with my young postmodern friends last night.
There are hungry and passionate and visionary people of all ages. They see things as they are and they cross reference them with Scripture and they say, "There is so much more that we are missing out on-we can't continue to "play" church-or "play" Christianity.
Perhaps, as he continues to pray and work through these issues, he will go "public"-and I promised that if/when such a time came around, I would do all I could to help get the word out-to be a resource to him in whatever way I can-even if all that I can do is link his upcoming blog and or website (with his message) to my little Blog.
I just find it interesting that for two consecutive nights, I met with people 23 years younger than me and then maybe 20 years older than me-and there were commonalities-a sense of urgency, a sense of passion, vision and a burning desire to see God do great things.
God is not "dead" in America. His Spirit has not stopped working in our land or among the people of God. There is this growing "tribe" of people who can no longer remain silent, sitting in pews and just "doing church" and propping up programs. They see a culture to engage and a world that needs Christ and they want to follow Him wherever He leads, regardless of the cost. It's not about them, it's about the King and His Glory and Honor.
And for these reasons, I am blessed. Two great conversations two nights in a row-two holy conversations two nights in a row. Two Kingdom conversations two nights in a row. Two authentic conversations-and one Holy Passion.
Yeah. I am encouraged and blessed. I pray we all awaken to what the Spirit of God is doing and desires to do in our midst. It is far greater than our finite minds can imagine.
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sunday night, a friend ive met once in person, but talk a lot online, he lives in austin, he called me...at 1:15 am. he was so excited because he was finally getting involved in a college group up there who was going through the word of God and struggling w/ it and praying and that night he led the group in prayer for the first time (he's a relatively new believer) and he KNEW God was there, and it excited Him so much he wanted to talk to me about it. i love that so much. i also notice that the times when you start getting excited for God is when the evil one attacks and tries to break you down from that any way he can. knowing God is there and loves me no matter how many times i screw up though...well its beyond words.
6/12/07 12:40 PM
yes, the enemy attacks-and probably will after such a time. but you are right. we do have assurances and the promise of His presence. that is beyond amazing.