Preacher on the Run…

Stories are fascinating. They draw us in. They enamor us. Stories compel us toward compassion and action. They often teach in a far more effective way than any didactic monologue ever could. The greatest teachers of history knew the power of story. Your favorite high school teacher, that college professor you had, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa, and even Jesus Himself, all taught using stories.

Jesus had an entire category of teaching he utilized to make a point. These stories were called parables. Some of the most influential and well-known teachings from the life of Jesus are parables. The Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Lost Sheep, and more. All of these stories are famous and likely without looking them up and reading them you can recall the point of the story. That is the beauty of parables.

Justin Gravitt’s teaches makes an important observation and point in his “Modern-Day Parable for the Church – Organizational Babies“. The story draws you in. The analogy is not lost. The point is well made. However, the parable may not be as encouraging as you’d hope. Instead of a feel-good story, Gravitt’s parable points out a major flaw that has existed in the church for the last few decades. A flaw that actually has abdicated the meaning and purpose of the church to match a more business-like approach.

What do you think about Gravitt’s analogy? He is seeing a widespread reality or just a myopic view of his experience? I tend to agree with Gravitt’s point, in an effort to mass-produce disciples, the church has coopted its mission from something relational to something far too industrial. How have you seen this in your own life? In your church? How have you seen spiritual parenting done well?

As always I’d love to hear from my readers. Shoot me a comment below or email me via my contact page. Also, be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Until Next Time,

^{Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash}