FREEEEEDOM! A New Generation of Christian.

This is a continuation (after a long break) of my series on a New Generation of Christian. Starting with Character, I continued with Courage and Security. Next in this series of attributes that I think are necessary for a new generation of Christians, is Freedom.


 

I was recently talking to some church leaders about church planting. They had an ambitious vision to begin planting churches in their region and we were brainstorming about how church plants should look and feel. At one point, the discussion turned to doctrine and whether the new churches would necessarily be a part of the mother church’s denomination.

We realized that constraining new churches to carrying a denominational title could restrict their interaction or impact. It was simply a fact that with a name, people would have a expectation of a similar style of worship and service. It could act as a barrier, albeit artificial, to reaching more with the gospel.

Braveheart Mel Gibson "FREEDOM!"

 

We acknowledged that while sticking to our core Christian beliefs, we wanted freedom in expression, style, and *gasp* interpretation of non-core beliefs.

Know what is at your core.

I think these days we are getting back to the basics; we are searching out the words of Christ and the example of the early church to create new churches that are closer to the original version. Centuries of tradition, autocratic legalism, and cultural influence have added layers onto the original that just weren’t intended.

Know your non-negotiables.

So instead of making a carbon copy of any one church, let’s start with the basics and put it in whatever style is needed to reach a community or culture. We’re talking style here, not doctrine. Your non-negotiables, those values and beliefs that you will not budge on, will stay the same. Once you have those set, your outer shell can look like a house, a chapel, an auditorium, a cafe, a bar, or a business.

Where will you make your stand?

Please don’t fall on your sword for something petty. Don’t ruin an opportunity or a relationship over an interpretation question or an opinion. Stand on a firm foundation and seek to find ways to reconcile differences, not amplify them.

Be free to serve others

Remember, freedom doesn’t mean we build on any and everything. Freedom isn’t anarchy. It’s built on a relationship with Christ and a willingness to serve.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, to serve one another humbly in love.

What do you think? Do you agree with this tactic in planting churches?