Methods

I've been reading through the book of Acts the last few days--felt God calling me back to Church roots.  One thing stuck out to me today.

Paul used a lot of different methods and venues to communicate Jesus to people.  I started doing a short inventory in my head and I realized he was constantly "innovating" in his communication approach and the places where people would gather to listen to him. 

A short list of some of the Jesus venues:

• down by the river in Philippi (was Lydia Matt Foley's great-great...grandma?)
• in synagogues
• in a philosophy debate center in Athens
• in a school (of Tyrannus)
• at the gates of Lystra  (the city hall of the ancient world)
• in jail
• in the marketplace of Athens
• in the temple courts of Jerusalem
• on a sinking ship
• at the dinner table of governmental leaders
• almost in a sports and theater stadium

Impressive.  And a reminder that innovation is old school.  Being flexible, following God's leading, taking opportunities and running with them, never letting "we never did it that way before" be in charge of decision-making, always looking for a "best fit" environment that will help people hear and respond to Jesus--that seemed to be Paul's M.O. 

I'm pretty challenged by that.  I'm afraid we're not innovative and flexible enough in our effort reach and connect with people to communicate Jesus.  I feel like I often get stuck in what "we already do" rather than throwing out the play book and trying things that God seems to be working through.  I need  to pray through this to understand what it means but it makes Paul my hero all over again.

Comments

[Mo]

As the internet kidz would say these days, Paul is made of awesome!