From David Platt's new book Radical Together:And we must avoid becoming churches full of Andys-those who are constantly defending the Gospel while rarely demonstrating it. Again, for pastors and other leaders, the caution here is clear. The people you and I lead in the church will never be what they cannot see. Therefore, it is our call, not only to preach a gospel of radical grace, but also to portray a life of radical goodness. Those who espouse sound doctrine in the church should embody selfless devotion in the world. Whatever our role in the local body, you and I are fooling ourselves if our lives are lacking in love for the lost or compassion for the poor.
Radical Together, pp 36-37
2 comments:
In the words of St. Francis, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words".
:)
Mr. Platt is correct that true sound doctrine cannot be merely spoken, it must be modeled. Sound doctrine is a life example to be passed on. However the author may be blind to institutionalized church reality that a hired shepherd cannot model much of anything for men who work to meed their needs (like the Apostle Paul) and he takes is needs out of an offering plate. Almost zero example setting is part of the institutional system no matter what the intentions are. Leadership is now hired outsourcing, and no longer example setting for the men to do what the leader does. It seems a little stupid for Platt to berate his fellow clergymen, when he is a part of that system. Trying harder will not fix it.
Systemically the church MUST consume 75 - 85% of it's "giving" to buy the facilities and hired experts leaving a meager 15-25% to meet needs beyond the "givers".
Am I wrong about this in some way?
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