“My primary assessment would be because American Christians tend to be incredibly self-indulgent so they see the church as a place there for them to meet their needs and to express faith in a way that is meaningful for them … I think the bottom line really is our own spiritual narcissism. There are methods and you can talk about style, structure and music, but in the end it really comes down to your heart and what you care about.” - Erwin McManus
I think great design influences today’s consumer culture to take steps toward Christ. Great design of facilities, services, series, children’s programming, videos, graphics, printed material and websites can inspire our community to sit up and take notice. It says we have something important to say. It says we are serious. It says our message is important. It says that the life changing message of Jesus is worth our best.- Tim Stevens, Leading Smart
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.” - Sir Winston Churchill
“Do not believe that he who seeks to comfort you lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life has much difficulty… Were it otherwise he would never have been able to find those words.” - Rainer Maria Rilke
You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do. - Henry Ford
You show God you love Him by loving your neighbor as you love yourself…We are called to love recklessly. - Brady Nemmers, youth pastor at Ada Bible Church
Natural devotion may be enough to attract us to Jesus, to make us feel His irresistible charm, but it will never make us disciples. Natural devotion will deny Jesus, always falling short of what it means to truly follow Him - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, January 4
Christians who defend a religious tradition are similarly dismissed. And why shouldn’t they be? The world doesn’t give a hoot about Christianity, and they will not give one until they perceive that Christians care more about all people than their own interests. - Dr. Joel Hunter from this month’s Relevant Magazine article (Thanks Tim!)
