Is there room for all of us?

Dear Brian, I've recently read the open letter you wrote to Chuck Colson in response to his article on post-modernism. And I just finished reading your article in Leadership Journal, "Passionate, ....". First, I appreciate very much your heart for an honest, down-to-earth, cut-the-gimmicks approach to living out our relationship with Christ. And I appreciate your concern for doing ministry in a way that meets the need of the whole person (i.e., social, physical as well as spiritual). There are certainly plenty of examples of how the Church has missed the boat on those things. But I'm disappointed in the underlying tone that comes through, at least to me, in both of the pieces you wrote. It sounds like you believe that if one does not share your views and values or come at living out one's Christianity as you do, then that one is just wrong and needs to wake up to what's actually happening. As I read the LJ article I kept thinking about those in prominent positions in America (academicians, politicians, journalists, celebrities) who regularly bash America and American values. You pointed out in the LJ article some of the failures and short comings of the American church. In the same way, the Colson letter and the LJ article came across as a kind of bashing those who don't see or do things as you would. You suggested we get our hands dirty in serving others in places of need. As I read that section, I thought of the 4 Southern Baptist church members who were killed this past week. I can think of many other situations where average Christians are building bridges to people and places where they can be Jesus to others. I think Warren was right in his LJ follow up piece. God uses all kinds of means to reach all kinds of people, not all of whom hold to a post-modern worldview orientation on things. I appreciated the things you said in "A New Kind Of Christian" about bringing people to Jesus through genunine friendships. Certainly, we have too often thought of and done evangelism from the "notch-on-the-gun-handle" orientation. But, maybe that's the point: God has used all of this - different views and values and methodologies, even some that, in hindsight, weren't too credible - to grow His Kingdom. Is there room for all of us, differences included, under His tent? I hope so.

Thanks for your note. I’m terribly sorry if my tone came across as bashing, insensitive, or harsh. I make that mistake from time to time, and I always regret it. Please know that my LJ piece was not written to start an argument with Rick (for whom I have huge respect, admiration, and love), and it wasn’t a critique of the film, which hadn’t even been released when I wrote the article. My frustration was the gimmick/slogan used to market the movie to church people. And of course I agree with Rick, and with you, that God uses all kinds of approaches. He has no choice but to use imperfect vehicles! You correctly understood my concern – that when we use gimmicks (“the greatest outreach opportunity in 2000 years”) those gimmicks turn around and use us. Again, I’m sorry about the tone.