The Fine Line [between where we are & ought to be]

The fine line between being in but not of the world can often feel like a tight rope. Lean too far in one direction and we're out of touch. Irrelevant. Too far in the other can be a slippery slope that leads to compromised values and stumbles in our faith.

How much is too much?

I had the privilege of getting to know Kary Oberbrunner recently and was just wowed with his passion and humbled by the opportunity to get a sneak peek of his soon-to-be released book, The Fine Line.

Kary has a compelling story that drew me in, challenged my thinking and didn't let go.

He's also captured the attention of the big dogs; a few of whose thoughts you can read here, here and here. [You can find the entire list of tour stops here. Definitely worth checking out] But of course the best thing is to get copies for you and your team at a pre-release steal.

Here's just one of the many snippets that captured my attention:

• "Knowingly or unknowingly, when we fail to define relevance, we sidestep accountability. For how can we be accountable if we haven't defined relevance? ...Relevance is a tricky thing. We can't self-profess our way into it; we have to earn it. Relevance is something others believe about us, not what we believe about ourselves."

.: Food for thought ::.

As leaders of ministries, it seems this tension is even more apparent in
how we reach people. Where does the line get drawn?
What filters do you use to ensure your church is "in"
but not "of" the world? How far has that line been pushed?

Comments

[brewster]

ok, i am going to have to grab this book.

[Ted Egly]

Great food for thought!

[Jenni Catron]

Sounds like a good one! Can't wait to read it!