Jesus Cropped from the Picture

Chapter 12: SLIM’s Shaping Forces

T HE YEAR 1975 was a pivotal year in my life. I graduated from Norris Junior High and entered North Bakersfield High School. I began a weekly discipleship meeting with our high school youth leader, which helped me grow in my faith like never before, and I emerged as a student leader in the campus ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

It was also in 1975 that Diana Ross asked the musical question, “ Do you know where you’re going to? ” Churches concerned about the perceived decline of Christianity in America are asking the same question today.

They are at the proverbial crossroads: they can go north, east, west, or south, but they cannot stay where they are . Many perceive that if they choose wisely, they can stem the tide and restore their church to vibrant faith. But if they choose poorly, they may actually make matters worse . This part of Jesus Cropped from the Picture represents the shaping factors of SLIM as I understand them frommy life as a believer since 1975. It also outlines three forms of SLIM as I see them in the contemporary American church.

Three Forms of SLIM Independent of each other, David Wells and Robert Webber described the manifestation of three prevailing methods that I am

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