Tamie Harkins has written a very thoughtful blog post for the Fund for Theological Education. http://www.fteleaders.org/blog/entry/20-steps-to-a-renewed-church/

Harkins is a young adult leader with something to say.  Renewing the church is about keeping “the main thing, the MAIN thing!”  Too many of us are chasing the latest fad trying to discover a “market niche” or a “target market” to which we can relate, reach, grow.  But, Harkins reminds us that renewal is simply about being church!

To be church, we must be “in Christ!”  I know that sounds silly, but too many of us are running ourselves sick trying to BE Christ!  Church is not about the next marketing scheme, web presence, or strategic plan.  Church is not about committee meetings, multisite events, or hip gatherings. 

Church is about living with intentionaliy IN Christ.  Our worship, service, discipleship, our faith, flows from that intentional relationship with Christ.  Slow down, spend just two minutes focusing on Christ.  Put down your mouse, close the web, turn off your music, and just focus on Christ for two minutes.  I wonder if you can; I wonder if I can!

Join me at the Spiritual Formation Retreat, June 20-22 in Tampa prior to the General Assembly!  Chris Webb, president of Renovaré, and I are leading. Learn more and register online