I entered into our PlantR meeting with John Burke with mixed feelings. On one hand, I had heard John a few times, and I knew he had some great stuff to say. On the other hand, I know that the reality of where Gateway is is very different from where most of our churches are at. Knowing this, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to connect with what he had to share. My concerns didn’t last long.
John began sharing some of his own story. He was authentic and honest about his own journey. A few of the insights he shared in the midst of that story:
Following his story, John shared his passion for leading a church. It is a passion I’ve heard him share before, and a passion that relates to the Gateway of today and any of our young churches: If you want to see the church raised up out of the culture, stop thinking like pastors who teach a church, and start thinking like missionaries. John went on to point out that it is not about the methods, but about continually asking the right questions.
What follows are the questions that John shared with us. They are questions that apply to where Gateway is today. And they are questions that can be asked by a church at any stage.
Context Questions
Who do we exist for?
Do we look messy like Jesus’ ministry? (see Matthew 9:10-13)
How will we know if we’re reaching them?
Vision Questions
Who are we becoming?
Am I living the vision?
Lead through teaching:
How can I tie this to everything else we do?
What’s the One Thing I want them to get?
What’s their resistance?
Will I lose them?
Strategic Leaderhip:
How does the mission get accomplished?
How does everybody get involved? Is it clear to them?
Multiplying Leadership:
How do non-believers become multiplying leaders?
matthew hansen said...
1I loved it! I’ve semi-known John Burke for about 3 years now, and have only grown to respect him more. He is humble, intelligent, and compassionate. Even though he is, he isn’t a celebrity…and his humility shows it. Thanks to the PlantR team for bringing John in, he’s walked in our shoes, he’s not idealistic, and can speak into our calling
09/1/09 2:08 PM | Comment Link
John Burke on Planting and Cultural Questions « Church Planting Novice said...
2[...] warmth, humility, and insight reflect his years of walking with Jesus on mission. Check out some reflections from his talk at the PlantR blog. We are also on [...]
09/3/09 8:27 AM | Comment Link
Blake McDaniel said...
3I love the missional emphasis. I struggle with the attractional methodology. Attractional churches seem to make little distinction between the purpose of the church assembled (worship, community, equipping) and the church dispersed (outreach and service). Everything is outreach.
09/7/09 11:36 AM | Comment Link