Regarding “they [pastors] were consistently focused on shaping their parishioners in Christlikeness.” I wonder if the problem starts with parishioners WANTING Christlikeness for themselves. We take ourselves to the doctor when we realize we are sick.
I wonder what comes first- wanting a full life and finding it in working towards Christlikeness, or wanting Christ and finding everything else as we draw closer.
I think it’s probably a bit of both. I’m also aware of the need for people to hear the gospel — many people have been evangelized to a pseudo gospel that has nothing to do with life — and see its effects in other Christians. I agree with what you said about wanting Christlikeness… God can do a lot with that desire, where it’s lacking, he cannot do much.
Regarding “they [pastors] were consistently focused on shaping their parishioners in Christlikeness.” I wonder if the problem starts with parishioners WANTING Christlikeness for themselves. We take ourselves to the doctor when we realize we are sick.
I wonder what comes first- wanting a full life and finding it in working towards Christlikeness, or wanting Christ and finding everything else as we draw closer.
I think it’s probably a bit of both. I’m also aware of the need for people to hear the gospel — many people have been evangelized to a pseudo gospel that has nothing to do with life — and see its effects in other Christians. I agree with what you said about wanting Christlikeness… God can do a lot with that desire, where it’s lacking, he cannot do much.
Thanks for the idea!