A Lenten Moment

This Lent at St Paul were are seeking to spend forty days being faithful in our prayers, study, and worship. Take a Lenten moment and watch the video below.

Give it Time - Maxwell | Catalyst

A great reminder that we have to remember why we started the journey and what the destination is. Its the middle part that separates those who finish and those who quit. A great word for me!

Marty

ARTICLES: Give it Time - Maxwell | Catalyst

Book of Eli

Art conveys theology. In this upcoming movie the post-apocalyptic landscape is filled with people who have forgotten, all but one, Eli. He has the last copy of the Bible and is called by God to cross the country with it. He encounters struggles, hardship, attackers, and temptation in his effort to live out his divine calling. Here is a link to a study guide to help with discussion about this movie and its many theological and spiritual undertones.

We are Living in a Missionary Culture

We are living in a missionary culture. As the numbers of those self-identifying themselves as Christian decline it becomes more and more apparent. The Gallup data below shows a steady decline in the numbers of Americans who call themselves Christian. This only reinforces the steady drop in worship attendance and the free fall of membership in mainline churches.

It is time for us to quit thinking that one more program, one more quick fix solution is the answer, and start acting like missionaries. We must spend just as much time exegeting the culture as we do exegeting the Biblical text. Our ministries must become indigenous to the communities we serve, reflecting the spiritual needs and concerns of those outside our doors. Finally, it is imperative that we change our focus from those inside our buildings clamoring for chaplaincy to those outside our buildings facing a Christ-less eternity. A mentor of mine once reminded me that if you offend those inside the church with the way you share the gospel, they will find another church. If you fail to share the gospel to those outside the church in a way that they can embrace it, you condemn them to hell. Which is worse?

I chose to be a missionary and not a chaplain. That is why I remain:

Consumed by the Call,
Marty

This Christmas, 78% of Americans Identify as Christian

Music Matters - Andy Stanley | Catalyst

Great article about the importance of music and worship.

Marty

Music Matters - Andy Stanley | Catalyst

What Matters Now

Seth Godin is an amazing futurist and leadership author. Here is a link to his new ebook available free.

Leaders are readers!
Marty


What Matters Now

ZOE Project Hope

Speaking of Giving More...here is a video explaining Project Hope, St. Paul's Christmas Eve offering focus. More previews of whats in store this weekend at St. Paul.

Dr. Marty