Source: PODCAST 132: Altar Live: Stopping Church in Isolation by Meeting Your Online Attenders

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by Craig Etheredge: The greatest hindrance to living outward is focusing inward.

Not long ago, I sat in a restaurant with my friend, Greg, as we caught up on all the happenings in our families. I have known Greg for many years, stretching all the way back to when he was a student in high school. I know his parents well, and both are wonderful, godly people. Greg and his family are active in our church and fully engaged in ministry. They have a pioneer spirit and love Jesus with all their hearts.

As we talked, the conversation turned to living on mission with Jesus. After a moment of silence, Greg confessed, “The thing that keeps me from sharing my faith more is that I’m selfish. It’s not that I don’t know what to say — honestly, sometimes I just don’t want to get into a conversation.”

Craig Etheredge, author of this article, is one of the speakers at this year’s National Disciple Making Forum. Learn more and register here.

My friend’s brutal honesty shines a spotlight on the reason most of us do not have more spiritual conversations. It’s not that there is a lack of people who need Christ. It’s not that the Gospel has somehow been drained of its power. It’s not that the Spirit is no longer prompting believers to speak about Jesus. Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that often we just don’t want to reach out. It is easier to stay to ourselves, focus on our lives and our responsibilities, and cocoon in our world.

We live in a culture that is becoming increasingly isolated. We get up early and go to the gym with our ear buds in so we don’t have to speak to anyone. We stop for gas at the local convenience store and pay at the pump. We grab something to drink at the grocery store and choose the self-checkout line. We venture to work and head straight to our spot. Throughout the day, we post, text, chat and tweet. We “like” and “share” the things we see on social media, but we seldom have personal conversations with anyone. After work, we head home, driving alone in our car as we listen to our favorite tunes, and then pull into our garage so we won’t have to make eye contact with our neighbors. Even at home, families sit in separate rooms watching TV, playing video games or scrolling through media — but rarely talking. Then we hit the sack (while our smart phones recharge until morning), so we can be ready to do it all over again.

You may think I’m exaggerating, but honestly think about this. When was the last time you went out of your way to start a conversation with someone you didn’t know? Chances are good it’s been a long time.

While our culture has all the technological possibilities of connection, we are more disconnected than ever before. That reality is both a dismal admission and an incredible opportunity. It’s dismal in that God created each one of us to live in community, and it is not good for us to be and live in isolation. It is an opportunity because all around us are people desperately looking for true friendships and longing for true connection.

Now more than ever before, people are open to those who will reach out and care about them with genuine love and concern. The question is not, “Are people open and searching?” The question is, “Are you willing to reach out?” Remember, God has called you to go on mission with Jesus. He has placed you right where you are — in your office, school and neighborhood — so you can shine His light to the people around you (Matthew 5.14 ESV). You are strategically placed to be a difference maker.

But as you close out this week, ask yourself the following questions:

Are you are willing to make a difference?
Are you willing to linger at the school and strike up a conversation with other parents?
Are you willing to go deeper than surface talk with your neighbor?
Are you willing to stop and pray for that client who is struggling through a divorce?
Are you willing to take that friend to lunch and care about his or her needs?
Are you willing to intentionally pray that God would draw your lost friend to Christ?
Are you willing to carve out time in your schedule to make a list of people you care about who are far from God, and ask God to help you reach out to them?
Are you willing to put yourself to the side so God can use you to reach someone with the Gospel?

This was originally posted here. Reposted with permission.

Written by Craig Etheredge

Craig is a gifted communicator, author, and Bible teacher. Craig and his family moved to Colleyville, Texas in July 2007 to serve as lead pastor of First Baptist Church where he currently serves. In addition to leading the local church, Craig is involved in the local community serving on the Board of Directors for Baylor Hospital, Grapevine, Board of Directors of Christian Counseling Associates, Mission Board SBTC, Chaplain for the Colleyville Police Department, and football chaplain for Birdville High School. He has a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Craig met his wife, Liz, in the fifth grade and they have two daughters, Leah Beth and Abbie.

Source: What’s Holding You Back?

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by Jim Putman: Family… that word probably brings many thoughts to your mind. You may have memories of fun and loving holiday times together with lots of food and laughter. Or you may be one of the many people that have memories of bitterness, conflict and broken relationships. Some may even have no family memories; and spent your life dreaming of what it would be like to have one. Whatever family experience you have had in your life, when you become a follower of Jesus you are adopted into a new family, and you become a child of God. All of a sudden, you become FAMILY with other believers! And, like most families – it comes with its share of struggles.

God has given us each other as a spiritual family for several purposes. One is that we need never feel alone here in this world, even though we know it isn’t our home. Another is that we have each other to give and take support when we are in need. Because of this, even if your biological family has not been loving or supportive you will have a spiritual family that can fill in those gaps in your life.

Jim is one of the speakers at this year’s National Disciple Making Forum. Learn more and register here.

Sounds great, doesn’t it!? The only problem is, this spiritual family is also filled with people. And wherever there are people, there is the potential for conflict. Because, well, because we are human! The Holy Spirit is changing us to look more like Jesus, but that is a process and we all fail at times. Sometimes we hurt each other in this family. Sometimes we get hurtand we want to isolate and protect ourselves. And most of the time we would rather keep our church family at arm’s length. We are afraid to be vulnerable, afraid we will be rejected if we share our ugly parts.

According to the plan God has for His children and His Church – we don’t get to choose isolation. In fact – isolation is Satan’s plan because he knows it is where he can work best, where he can hurt both God and us.

There are Four Environments where we need to spend time with our spiritual family according to what God has laid out for us in His Word. If you are engaged in all of these environments:

One on one time with Jesus.
A spiritual friendship with one or two people where you feel safe to confess sin.
A discipleship group of around 12 people.
Worship as the church body, as well as working corporately within our gifting as a team.

The two things that are integral to each of these environments are God’s Word and relationship.

Unfortunately, the only one of those environments most Christian’s are involved in is the weekend service. Weekend Christianity will NEVER be enough to mature you spiritually! You cannot fit all God knows you need into 1 ½ hours a week.

You also cannot grow and mature without relationships. Where else do you get to practice all of the things God calls us to be as His children?  How do we learn that love is patient and kind if we are isolated from each other? How do we developthe fruit of the Spirit if we never have a chance to display kindness, gentleness, and self-control?

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  Phil. 4:9

I want to challenge you to make your spiritual family a priority in your life – these four environments need to be reflected in your calendar and your schedule. Time every day with God – 2 or 3 friends that will hold you accountable – A weekly small group – and lastly, coming together weekly to worship and serve with your local body of believers.

If we follow the design that God intends for his children, we will be able to grow to the full potential he has for us. And our lives will reflect the richness and joy that being a follower of Jesus brings. When that happens, people can’t help but notice a difference between the world and us and want to know more about becoming part of our family!

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possesions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” Acts 2: 42-47a

Written by Jim Putman

This was originally posted on Jim Putman’s blog here. Used with permission.

Source: The Dangerous Trap Of Isolation – And How You Can Avoid It

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