"CONFLICT and THE NEED FOR LOVE" -- The Agony (Ecclesiological Stupdity Sabotaging Group Development) and Ecstacy (Passionate Surrender to Christ) of Church Life


After a long weekend of church meetings that involved rear view mirroring last year and planning/strategizing for 2019, I found in my soul whole hearted agreement with these words from Bailey (about his categorizing of 1 Corinthians 11-14.)

“These seven sections are clearly a single essay focused on conflict and confusion in worship and the need for love.” 

When studying English in college, professors often stressed the importance of seeking PRIME SOURCES when conducting research. 

I can attest, as someone working in leadership at a church, “CONFLICT” and “THE NEED FOR LOVE” continue to serve as PRIME SOURCE flash points that can impede group development and, crazily, at the same time, white hot flash points for souls confessing authentic, honest, and passionate yearning for Christ and His power of salvation. 

When will I stop being amazed at how the same behaviors in my heart and in Christ’s church can be both devastatingly negative – sabotaging group development and absolutely beautiful & necessary – “LORD I BELIEVE – need for love – HELP ME WITH MY UNBELIEF – conflict.

Most of the book is yellow from highlights up to this past weeks reading/blogging point 1.4.

Here are the highlights of the highlights for me…

The fact that Paul was able to attract the attention of the philosophers of his day in Athens and was then invited to address them on Mars Hill was a stunning achievement. – Sonshine Philosophy of Ministry Strategy – BEFRIEND

Paul received a hearing, planted a seed, set a direction and moved on. - Sonshine Philosophy of Ministry Strategy – ENCOURAGE, MODEL, INVITE

Furthermore more Paul approached every person and place "in weakness," not in power. - Sonshine Philosophy of Ministry Strategy – BEFRIEND  and Staff Culture – Philippians 2:5-11 – Did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing. 

But who can understand stand the cross of "the Lord of glory"? Truly, this is a hidden mystery! Here the divinity of Christ, the wonder of his suffering and the mystery of glory revealed….. YEAH BABY!! Love that!!! – Jesus and His willingness to lay out for me/us = mind-blowing amazing amazingness!!

I don’t want to go all O.B. (O.B.= Over Blog) on this post so that’s it.

Thanks Reid for getting this organized. LOVING IT!!!

Steve

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