Looks Like

Tullian Tchividjian post:  Gospel-Centered Church Life

Here is a great word from Michael Horton regarding the relationship between the inner life of the church and effective outreach, taken from his book A Better Way:

John Calvin’s Geneva was a model city, historians say, in part because of the effectiveness of its restored diaconate (deacon board). As refugees fled persecution from all over Europe and arrived in Geneva with nothing but the shirt on their back, the deacons in Geneva established an enormous network of service institutions. With each office performing its function well, the church in Geneva was a powerful witness in a difficult period of history, and Christian leaders came from great distances to experience and take the model back to their own countries.

Leaving the inner city has been a trend among evangelical churches. Yes, there are notable exceptions, and among these are strong churches with a faithful preaching ministry, a wise ruling ministry, and an effective diaconal ministry. Examples of the latter include services to AIDS victims, soup kitchens, thrift stores, medical clinics, schools, and other ministries of mercy. As these offices are performed according to God’s revealed will, unbelievers cannot help but see the kavod–the weightiness–of God among us, even through the weakness of the church.

A renewal of the inner life of the church–from worship to teaching and church discipline–is the most pressing need today, not only for the church’s own health but for genuine outreach to take place.

As I was reading Mike’s words, I thought of three pastors in particular who gave their lives for cities: John Stott, James Boice, and Tim Keller. All these men, at different times and in different cities, led (or, in the case of Tim, continue to lead) church’s that embody Mike’s exhortation. I’m so grateful for the faithful who have gone before us, showing us what Gospel-centered church life looks like.