Target
One of the lessons I've learned this year is that the more influence you exert the larger the target on your back :)
As God gives Theaterchurch.com a larger platform, we seem to be a blog target from some people who don't like what we're doing. I sometimes wonder if they've ever been to NCC :) I wish they could attend one of our baptism services or experience communion with us. Would they still attack what we're doing? It seems like there are a few bloggers who are always trying to point out what they think is wrong with everyone else. It seems like they are really targeting churches that take relevance seriously. And we do :) Irrelevance is irreverence.
Those attacks used to bother me much more than they do now. Now I sort of take them as compliments. A recent site blasted ten churches including Willowcreek, Fellowship Church, Life Church, Granger Community Church, Seacoast, Northpoint, and NCC. It's an honor to be part of that group :)
Here's a thought. If someone who is wrong compliments you take it as an insult. If someone who is wrong insults you take it as a compliment. Call it spiritual judo :)
I really try to keep evotional.com positive. That's why I'm not even posting their websites. Myself and other NCC staffers and leaders have tried to initiate email dialogue with those who seem to be targeting us, but to no avail.
There is so much to do! The harvest is ripe. And we have nothing better to do than point out what we think someone else is doing wrong? Come on, folks! We're on the same team :)
I do think "attacks" can serve a positive function. They keep us humble. They keep us circumspect. They force us to look in the mirror. And they help us remember why we're doing what we're doing.
I just feel bad because I think the energy used to make unfounded criticisms could be redirected and used to further God's Kingdom.
As God gives Theaterchurch.com a larger platform, we seem to be a blog target from some people who don't like what we're doing. I sometimes wonder if they've ever been to NCC :) I wish they could attend one of our baptism services or experience communion with us. Would they still attack what we're doing? It seems like there are a few bloggers who are always trying to point out what they think is wrong with everyone else. It seems like they are really targeting churches that take relevance seriously. And we do :) Irrelevance is irreverence.
Those attacks used to bother me much more than they do now. Now I sort of take them as compliments. A recent site blasted ten churches including Willowcreek, Fellowship Church, Life Church, Granger Community Church, Seacoast, Northpoint, and NCC. It's an honor to be part of that group :)
Here's a thought. If someone who is wrong compliments you take it as an insult. If someone who is wrong insults you take it as a compliment. Call it spiritual judo :)
I really try to keep evotional.com positive. That's why I'm not even posting their websites. Myself and other NCC staffers and leaders have tried to initiate email dialogue with those who seem to be targeting us, but to no avail.
There is so much to do! The harvest is ripe. And we have nothing better to do than point out what we think someone else is doing wrong? Come on, folks! We're on the same team :)
I do think "attacks" can serve a positive function. They keep us humble. They keep us circumspect. They force us to look in the mirror. And they help us remember why we're doing what we're doing.
I just feel bad because I think the energy used to make unfounded criticisms could be redirected and used to further God's Kingdom.
6 Comments:
Well, allow me to just pay you a compliment and say that I think you're doing a great job! Keep up the good work.
I'm pretty sure I'm right, but if I was wrong, I'd insult you just to make sure you received the encouragement!
:)
Batt,
Hey man, great post! No one told me that when I began blogging that I would be a target! OH WOW!
Keep up the awesome stuff--I hope to see you in May!
P <><
Thanks for the laugh Johnny :) And thanks for the encouragement Perry!
Seasons Greetings Pastor Mark,
This is Pastor Mike Honer, founder of Pillars of Fire Ministries located in Waldorf, MD.
I was reading your "Target" blog and I must say that God is awesome (as we both know), because it was just a few days ago as I was in prayer and meditation that I saw you in a vision with a huge target being displayed on your chest, and on your back.
Of course seeing this I immediately went into intercession on your behalf. I know we haven't met as of yet, but we do have a lot in common in the spirit.
Please check out our ministries website when you have a moment, and again, know that I'm praying with you, and when it's time, I do look forward to our meeting.
Stay encouraged, and know that God is getting ready to deliver some incredible power-gifts to you come 2006.
Warm Wishes,
Pastor Mike Honer
Pillars of Fire Ministries
www.pillarsoffire.net
1-888-709-4090
Our church has been one of these targets lately. Our church is considered a "mega-church" and we are not having service on Chirstmas Sunday. Our pastor has really been under attack. I love your comment on the more influence you exert, the larget the target:) Seems to be right on the money.
dj
What I find interesting is that it used to be that division within the church was primarily theological divisions. It now seems that there are serious methodological divisions.
One way or the other I have a simple premise: we need lots of different kinds of churches because there are lots of different kinds of people.
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