GlocalNet

I’m often asked myself, “how did I get so “global?”  The answer is simple.  First, I became obsessed with the Sermon on the Mount and the Kingdom of God; you can’t get into that stuff and not be global.  Second, I began to realize that the Kingdom of God impacts our view of evangelism and engagement.  Is it just people being reconciled or is it all encompassing?  The answer is obvious, which led to an understanding of the comprehensiveness of the Gospel and redemption of all things.  Third, I began to travel the world and see different cultures and how they worked.  This was huge.  Had I not done this, I could have done the first two parts, but this never would have led to our Church and me personally, doing the kinds of things we are doing.  It’s one thing to read, think, and have your heart softened.  BUT, when it’s engaged with the world, well, there are no words to put it into reality.  Those of you who have been there know what I’m talking about.  Fourth, I came to know religious leaders and diplomatic leaders who were not of my own faith.  I grew to like them and became friends with them, even if they didn’t agree with my faith. That has made all the difference in the world.  It has made me sharpen my faith and even understand my faith in ways I never would have.  Without all four of those steps we would not, and I would not be doing the kinds of things I am. 

So many want to re-invent the church, yet I see little evidence of that beyond the style of worship and the place of gathering.  Nikki and I were on a plane this week on our way to DC for some meetings and I was just lamenting to her, “why don’t the guys in their 30’s do this stuff?  It’s so open.  They are so “contemporary” yet default to such old school when it comes to global engagement?” The more Nikki and I talked, the more I concluded that it’s not really about the American churches understanding of globalization and engagement.  It’s about something even deeper.  It’s about society and pastors and churches knowing how to relate to society.  Most do not.  For all the “missional” talk that goes on, little action is really taking place.  Where “action” does take place it begins to redefine church pretty fast and doors are opened pretty fast. 

I am optimistic about those in their 20’s.  They are more civic minded and more global.  My son at his globalartinferno.org is not just talking but actually trying to do business with Vietnamese painters.  He grew up hearing about all this and wants to practice it.  David Grubbs, with GoHub.org is doing the same thing in social networking and volunteerism.  I see some pastors in their 20’s, starting to move out. I’m so proud of Vista Church just starting in the metroplex, from day one, moving out to Nigeria.  Hands down, the best responses I get from my books are from college age people and 20’s, business leaders, and diplomats!  How ‘bout them pastors?  I really think the world is having one conversation while the church is stuck in “pew talk.” 

In the past, say 100+ years ago, the church forced globalization in the spreading out of missionaries, etc.  That meant pastors were at the forefront, pastors such as A.B. Simpson, E. Stanley Jones, and a whole list of names that were out there.  Who are they today?  Today, those that would drive “global” issues are not pastors seeking to share good news and serve humanity, but business leaders and technology leaders.  This isn’t bad, it’s just devoid of faith leaders.  Maybe this isn’t bad.  Maybe the lay leaders will jump out there and everyone play ball and sooner or later pastors will wake up to a new and different world!  We’re too busy with our churches I guess.