Jesus Cropped from the Picture

Jesus Cropped from the Picture

theology. There can be requests for more interactive discussion rather than the traditional “man on the elevated platform.” Everyone wants the information presented in an interesting way so they can apply it easily (see Chapter 6,“Worship as Seminar”). Unfortunately, in a SLIM environment, where the individual is at the center, a pastor is constantly under pressure to meet the individual’s needs , whether it is good for the church or not. Frost and Hirsch said, “It’s very hard to have a prophetic ministry to the group that provides your salary … Leadership is thus always hostage to the reactionary groups in the congregation.” 56 An Expected Pattern A SLIMorientation expects a certain kind of preaching that “charges me up to get through the next week.” When this expectation is not met, the person leaves deflated, like the feeling one has after watching a disappointing movie or witnessing the defeat of a favorite athletic team. For this kind of listener, many sermons can be preached without much taking root in their life. Frank Viola says, “The sermon acts like a momentary stimulant. Its effects are often short-lived. Let’s be honest. There are scores of Christians who have been sermonized for decades, and they are still babes in Christ.” 57 People like this come to church for feeding and leave feeling depleted. Over time a pattern develops: expectation, disappointment; expectation, disappointment.

SLIM Christians have been oriented to this pattern, and if it happens long enough, they will inevitably leave their church and go to another

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