Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God by Larry Osborne takes a hard look at what disciple is and (especially) isn't.
Here are some of the issues Osborne goes after:
* Does being a disciple mean being smart and well read?
* How relationships are different and we all don't relate to the Lord in the exact same way?
* How two people can be totally different and still please God.
* Is it a sin to be average?
* The linear model for growth doesn't fit everybody.
* Why be in a small group? (His thought on connectivity was excellent!)
* The dimmer switch principle: obeying the light we have.
* Trusting Holy Spirit to work in us.
* How God uses unlikely people.
* Can faith and doubt co-exist?
* What is zeal and how important is it?
* Why extra rules undercut true growth.
* How Best Practices can be a curse.
* Projecting your gift on everyone else (and why that's bad).
* How important is balance? (hint: it's not)
* Not trusting inner peace, results, or failure.
* The danger of turning tools into rules.
* The Potential trap.
* Overrated accountability groups meet glass house living.
* Not putting God as our number one priority (He's in the middle of every priority.)
Osborne bring quite a bit of balance to well-meaning, but often hurtful models and advice. The talks I heard at a conference were an overview of his book. While I appreciated much of what he said, I would have liked more of a way forward. There are a couple of friends that I hope to discuss this book with that would be able to give some perspective on how we view growth at our own church.
2 comments:
I'm really excited to read the book. I suppose I'll be borrowing it from PJ, which means I'll get it from you at the next meeting, hopefully - if he'll let me read it first.
I gave the book back, so you can ask PJ for now! Unless, like us, you're kinda snowed in.
Post a Comment