Jesus Cropped from the Picture

More Identity, Less Method

With its faithfulness to the Kingdom Story, an identity based on Sacred Roots can liberate the Traditional Method to greater fruitfulness, shift the paradigm for the Pragmatic Method so it can innovate appropriately, and anchor the Emerging Method so it can contextualize in missional community. Forging an identity based on the Church’s Sacred Roots allows churches to: Disengage from the cultural forces causing the American church to decline Re-connect to their historic, Sacred Roots Retain their distinctive heritage and expression Plant churches in indigenous cultures Become People of the Story in their theology, worship, discipleship, and outreach, to the glory of God.

The purpose of this book is not to fix the church, but to bring greater honor and glory to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May he no longer be cropped from the picture of his own Story .

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever. Amen

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