IT’S FORCED, PRESSURED COMMUNITY
Truth: It’s a privilege! We live this way because of who we’ve been made to be in Christ…it’s the expression of our new identity in Christ. Pressure? No. Theological conviction? Yes.
IT’S RIGID, LEGALISTIC AND NARROW
Truth: CG’s are about living all of life with gospel intentionality (key word). CG’s have a basic structure (identities & rhythms) but are totally flexible, tailored to each group & context.
IT’S ONE-SIZE FITS ALL, COOKIE-CUTTER
Truth: Not at all! It’s sort of like an iPad. With common “hardware” (identities & rhythms) and “software” (the gospel), each “app” (CG) is totally unique. Decentralized, creative, diverse, entrepreneurial mission…go for it!
YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY. YOU HAVE TO MEET 3 TIMES A WEEK!
Truth: It’s not about “meetings” or “have to’s”. It IS about life-on-life and life-in-community, just like Jesus did with his disciples & like the church in Acts. It’s not at the expense of your family – they ARE your extended family in Christ! – and it should be life-giving for your family. We regularly hear – “Our CG family is such a blessing…our family can’t imagine NOT living this way!”
IT’S UNSUSTAINABLE…“IT’S TOO HARD”
Truth: Is it hard? Absolutely (at times). But when it feels “too hard” we should ask, why? Living shared life brings the gospel to bear on our hearts in ways that simply can’t happen if you’re not sharing life! It’s essential for sanctification & fruitfulness in Christ. As the gospel redeems our lives, it becomes more & more life-giving.
IF YOU’RE NOT IN A CG, YOU’RE NOT DOING MINISTRY
Truth: CG’s aren’t “the” answer or “the only” way to be engaged under the great commission. Not at all! We’re just convinced it’s a simple, biblical way to actually live what we say we believe and obey Jesus’ command to make disciples who make disciples. We rejoice whenever God’s people seek to honor, serve, and obey Christ.
“I’VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR 20 YEARS”.
Truth: People don’t drift towards intentional disciple-making. Most people we hear say this are usually generically affirming CG principles but have not spent 20 years living with gospel intentionality, in community under commission, reproducing disciple-making disciples. This isn’t to say no one has been making disciples, but too few American church-going professing Christians can actually point to specific people whom we have discipled who are themselves making disciples.
MY HOUSE WILL BE DAMAGED/DESTROYED BY NAUGHTY CHILDREN, MESSY PEOPLE.
Truth: This reveals our idolatry, unbelief, and misplaced priorities in a number of ways. One reason this is false is found in the first word of the sentence. The gospel changes “my” to “His”. I’ve been bought with a price and everything I am and have now rightfully belongs to Jesus and is best used when put to use for mission. Take care of it? Absolutely. At the expense of being friends with sinners? Never. “Naughty children” and “messy people” (like you and me) need Jesus, and loving people more than things is the mark of gospel faith and disciple-making.
IT ONLY WORKS FOR PEOPLE IN A CERTAIN “SEASON” OF LIFE. (i.e. KIDS/NO KIDS)
Truth: While it will look different in different seasons of life, living as a family of Spirit-indwelt slaves sent to make disciples, is the purpose of life for those in Christ! There is no season of life that inhibits or excludes our obedience to Christ, our connection in God’s family, and our commission to make disciples.
IT ONLY WORKS FOR PEOPLE WITH A CERTAIN KIND OF JOB/FLEXIBILITY
Truth: While some factors (travel, schedule, geography) naturally effect availability, we believe God’s intention for us all is to be connected with a family under commission. It’s doable! For a good example, watch this testimony: http://www.youtube.comwatchv=Dpg9BCm1uyg&feature=player_embedded
Shamelessly taken from the brothers and sisters of Grace Covenant Church.
Gospelize Me Archive for PJ Tibayan 