I would say: ” Things are pretty crazy around here. Our pastor of 38 years is retiring in three weeks after an amazing ministry of faithful service. And now we have a 30 year old pastor who will be carrying on the mission in new and bold ways. It will be challenging, exciting, and probably a little scary. I can’t wait to see what You have planned for us next Lord!”
I would say “great for the most part… Except this weekend that one pastor, who’s messages are always full of condecending sexist bull thinly veiled as really bad jokes, is speaking. I was going to bring a friend and go again today (even though I already went last night) but I’m going to go hiking with my friend instead because I don’t want him to subject him to the pain of sitting through the sermon of ‘that one pastor’… is that bad?” I’m pretty sure Jesus would be cool with us hiking instead!
I would say, “What are you doing here?…that’s weird..I thought you were coming on like a horse n’stuff.” And He would forgive me for not acknowledging His question cause He knows I’m part A.D.D.
I would be excited to say I have been asking the same question myself and I think maybe we are moving in the right direction. We are called a Church of Christ so legalism plays a role in everything that goes on…and our church is MOVING AWAY FROM LEGALISM! It’s awesome and amazing to see the Holy Spirit moving in our church!!! Cool Question!
Wait, I’m confused. Is Jesus asking me this at “da club” after he just finished scratchin some wicked freestyle beats? That would be awesome.
I digress… I guess my response would be the same either way. I’d tell him.. “Ya know Jesus, I could easily tell you all that I think is wrong with my church and how we do or don’t do ministry based on my own interpretation but in reality I have to be honest and say I see lives being changed. I see people every week turning their lives over to you. I see you working in our midst. I see redemption and grace and it looks good. Yes, I wish we were doing more but instead of pointing my finger at anyone else… I hope I am pleasing you by doing my very best to make a positive contribution to Your church.”
I would say “were doing you proud” sending thelargest representation of people internationally to glorify Him and while were not perfect were trying our hardest to reach out to the masses before his big return. I would ask Him can you PLEASE hurry and take us home!!!
I think He would be disappointed in us for not being passionate about reaching the lost and for not using the resources that He has blessed us with to further His kingdom.
Since when was Jesus terribly concerned with the health of the institutional church? Seems to me his concern has always been more about the kingdom of God and the body of Christ than with weekend attendance numbers…
Well, I know I could find examples of pretty much anything You would hope to see and we could celebrate those, but I also know that I could find examples of everything You don’t want to see. We are sinners leading sinners. Could I be doing better? You bet! As long as there are people who don’t know You and don’t believe that You died for them, we aren’t doing our jobs well enough. As long as there is still sin in my heart, I will never be doing well enough. I often get it wrong because of my own choices. Thank You for forgiving me from that. My heart is changing and I try every day to get a little better at what You did so perfectly. My shame doesn’t lead me any more, my desire for You does my Lord. That desire doesn’t make me perfect and it never will, it just makes me more needy of You.
Now, If you don’t mind, Unless you plan to get on stage, would you like to volunteer in Waumba land?
Right away it would be obvious that it isn’t MY church. I suppose I could still say that things or OK or great or so-so or terrible, but i suppose it wouldn’t matter what my answer was. He would be compassionate of my ignorance and say something to make sense of the crazy encounter.
“I would try and explain it to you right now Jesus, but to avoid any chance that I would exaggerate anything to make everything seem all right, thus giving you the opportunity to point out my foolishness I won’t. We just want to follow you and we’re trying really really hard to do that, so while I got you right here, why don’t you just tell me where to step next.”
I’d say, “I’m starting to think we’re sacrificing authenticity for coolness. Having non-Christian hipsters on stage participating in ‘worship’ is starting to make me feel lied to. Aren’t there enough Christian hipsters out there to do the job?”
First off I would know He would be asking to see how I would respond. Would I go negative and start griping to Him or would I find the things to tell Him that were indeed good and reflected Him.
Where I go to church I see a body trying their best to serve God and reach people for Jesus. I see a church that could justifiable take all the money given to build a facility to house the 5000 plus people that attend.Especially since we have long since been able to accomidate all the people. A building project that has been in the process for over 4 years but instead of just doing that, this body starts an inner city Dream Center in a 50 yr old building. Instead they start a campus in Mozambique Africa and Swaziland Africa. I see a body of believers that are led to believe it’s not all about them, it’s about others, it’s about serving, reaching, building and giving to others so that they come to know Christ.
Dang Jesus, sometimes you are so focused that you, like, ask the weirdest questions.
Seriously, you have got to stop playing!
Really though,
It’s tough right now, we’ve got heavy stuff to carry and we can’t do it as good as you could. Like where in all my pastor training did it teach me how to deal with this kind of stuff. I could really use your help right now Jesus.
Jesus…is that really you man? Cause seriously…I thought you’d be taller…and way prettier.
(seriously now)
I’d tell him that I’m blown away by the changes that he’s been making in me through the church. I’d tell him that the church is the most alive and vibrant that it has ever been. And I’d tell him how greatful I am to be a part of what he’s doing!
I’d tell him I sometimes worry we put on a good show and that we certainly know how to draw a crowd, but that we aren’t as focused on making disciples as we should be.
I would say tell him, “Hey Jesus, we’re doing this plant like the two-thirds of you told us to. It’s going slow, but it’s going. It’d be great if you’d come speak at one of our start-up team meetings. I think you could really inspire our team, and give them that second wind. What do you think?”
Well, Jesus…we try so hard to get it right sometimes that we end up getting it wrong. Sometimes we’re thriving and active in Your Kingdom. Sometimes we’re aloof and distracted. We’re human, as You know. You planned on that one, so I’m sure none of this is a surprise to You. We’re working out our trust in You and learning how to do life together. We’re grateful that You offer a lot of grace and mercy…You know more than us how much we need it.
Umm Pretty good but there is some leadership issues that I really don’t understand. Is he right or is he right? Do you lead like this or like that? Please help with some of this confusion
Well, Jesus, a you know we haven’t actually had “church” yet. But things are great. Oour team is already finding ways to help eople in our community. We’re already seeing peoples lives changed. Annd everyone is wants to help! All this and we haven’t even had our first service yet! You’ve been blessing us a lot lately with peopple to support us through prayer and finances. Thanks a ton! I can’t wait to actually hold our first public service. It’d be great if you could show up.
I would say, we have an awesome Pastor that is truly lead by you and your holy spirit, thank you for calling him into the ministry. Is there any way you can swing by service tonight and teach, I’m sure our Pastor would have no problem.
I would have to say…for the first time since we started attending a year ago that our church is under spiritual attack…both the church as a whole and the church as His people. For the first time this weekend I questioned if this was where God wanted me to be, because a division is close. My heart is broken thru this.Keep us in your prayers.
I go to that little church around the corner from Buckhead. I think we’re working hard at making a place Jesus would want to walk in to. I wrote about our church this week. Please check it out, kristyblack.wordpress.com
Oh man. I just left a church so I don’t “have” one. I played on the worship team as a guest at one this week though and it was fantabulous. I’d say all in all, His Bride looks pretty hot when she’s reflecting His glory. There’s a couple of bros and sisters out there that have a scar or two, but I’m pretty sure he finds them adorable. I on the otherhand would love to help em with some “plastic” surgery every now and then.
hmm I would say that we are learning how to love people, and there are many areas that our church focuses on well. But, and this is different for the youth ministry, which is more progressive, but our Senior Pastor is older, set in his ways and really harping on things that to me don’t belong in the pulpit. I know, it is an opinion thing, and we aren’t leaving over it, I am way too involved in youth ministry. But our music is good, if sometimes a little more TBN than I’d like. But our youth worship is David Crowder Band all the way. Love that.
PeterG just about summed mine up, but he missed it by 50 years.
We’re rather stuck in 1945-55. We’ve totally missed the boat – as far as most of the adult congregation is concerned. The kids are “getting it” – and they’re only about 5 years behind.
We’re trying, but it’s like trying to cram a camel through the eye of a needle.
RAIN IT DOWN
I would say: ” Things are pretty crazy around here. Our pastor of 38 years is retiring in three weeks after an amazing ministry of faithful service. And now we have a 30 year old pastor who will be carrying on the mission in new and bold ways. It will be challenging, exciting, and probably a little scary. I can’t wait to see what You have planned for us next Lord!”
I would say “great for the most part… Except this weekend that one pastor, who’s messages are always full of condecending sexist bull thinly veiled as really bad jokes, is speaking. I was going to bring a friend and go again today (even though I already went last night) but I’m going to go hiking with my friend instead because I don’t want him to subject him to the pain of sitting through the sermon of ‘that one pastor’… is that bad?” I’m pretty sure Jesus would be cool with us hiking instead!
one more thing… I would tell Jesus to thank our Father that this pastor only speaks a few times a year!
I’d say “You know better than I do. You tell me… What are we doing wrong/right?”
I would say, “I don’t know, I haven’t been in over a month because I didn’t like how it was doing.”
I’d say the “church” is doing fine. It’s us leaders who see how much better it could be and are trying to get them to feel like it’s not always fine.
But he’s probably been hearing that a lot over the past 2000 years.
Or maybe it would be more accurate to say we’re trying to show them there’s something way better than “fine.”
I would say, “What are you doing here?…that’s weird..I thought you were coming on like a horse n’stuff.” And He would forgive me for not acknowledging His question cause He knows I’m part A.D.D.
Is He walking up to me at church to ask? I’d ask Him if He wants to go to Sbucks, grab a macchiato and talk about it.
i’d tell him that CCB is doing pretty good.
we have a diverse crowd where everyone feels loved and comfortable.
we try hard to do that matthew 22:37-40 stuff but we want to do better.
I would be excited to say I have been asking the same question myself and I think maybe we are moving in the right direction. We are called a Church of Christ so legalism plays a role in everything that goes on…and our church is MOVING AWAY FROM LEGALISM! It’s awesome and amazing to see the Holy Spirit moving in our church!!! Cool Question!
What, is this a test? You tell me. Sneaky omnipotent Deity asking me trick questions and all.
Wait, I’m confused. Is Jesus asking me this at “da club” after he just finished scratchin some wicked freestyle beats?
That would be awesome.
I digress… I guess my response would be the same either way. I’d tell him.. “Ya know Jesus, I could easily tell you all that I think is wrong with my church and how we do or don’t do ministry based on my own interpretation but in reality I have to be honest and say I see lives being changed. I see people every week turning their lives over to you. I see you working in our midst. I see redemption and grace and it looks good. Yes, I wish we were doing more but instead of pointing my finger at anyone else… I hope I am pleasing you by doing my very best to make a positive contribution to Your church.”
I’d say, “Don’t you already know?”
If say,”isn’t it your church?”
I would say “were doing you proud” sending thelargest representation of people internationally to glorify Him and while were not perfect were trying our hardest to reach out to the masses before his big return. I would ask Him can you PLEASE hurry and take us home!!!
We love you, Lord, and we’re trying to be like You.
I’d have to say I am my church God, because where I live, I’m not welcome in theirs.And I’m doin’ ok!
After excusing myself to change my underwear, I’d answer, “You tell me. Do we look like you?”
Joni…perfect!
I think He would be disappointed in us for not being passionate about reaching the lost and for not using the resources that He has blessed us with to further His kingdom.
Good thoughts.
But are WE not the church?
I know the church is HIS, but WE are His bride.
How are WE “doing” as the Capital “C” Church?
Since when was Jesus terribly concerned with the health of the institutional church? Seems to me his concern has always been more about the kingdom of God and the body of Christ than with weekend attendance numbers…
Well, I know I could find examples of pretty much anything You would hope to see and we could celebrate those, but I also know that I could find examples of everything You don’t want to see. We are sinners leading sinners. Could I be doing better? You bet! As long as there are people who don’t know You and don’t believe that You died for them, we aren’t doing our jobs well enough. As long as there is still sin in my heart, I will never be doing well enough. I often get it wrong because of my own choices. Thank You for forgiving me from that. My heart is changing and I try every day to get a little better at what You did so perfectly. My shame doesn’t lead me any more, my desire for You does my Lord. That desire doesn’t make me perfect and it never will, it just makes me more needy of You.
Now, If you don’t mind, Unless you plan to get on stage, would you like to volunteer in Waumba land?
wow this is tough.
Right away it would be obvious that it isn’t MY church. I suppose I could still say that things or OK or great or so-so or terrible, but i suppose it wouldn’t matter what my answer was. He would be compassionate of my ignorance and say something to make sense of the crazy encounter.
wouldn’t He already know?
We need more of you and less of us.
But when was the last time we stopped asking God things He already knew?
this is a depressing question.
“I would try and explain it to you right now Jesus, but to avoid any chance that I would exaggerate anything to make everything seem all right, thus giving you the opportunity to point out my foolishness I won’t. We just want to follow you and we’re trying really really hard to do that, so while I got you right here, why don’t you just tell me where to step next.”
I’d say, “I’m starting to think we’re sacrificing authenticity for coolness. Having non-Christian hipsters on stage participating in ‘worship’ is starting to make me feel lied to. Aren’t there enough Christian hipsters out there to do the job?”
First off I would know He would be asking to see how I would respond. Would I go negative and start griping to Him or would I find the things to tell Him that were indeed good and reflected Him.
Where I go to church I see a body trying their best to serve God and reach people for Jesus. I see a church that could justifiable take all the money given to build a facility to house the 5000 plus people that attend.Especially since we have long since been able to accomidate all the people. A building project that has been in the process for over 4 years but instead of just doing that, this body starts an inner city Dream Center in a 50 yr old building. Instead they start a campus in Mozambique Africa and Swaziland Africa. I see a body of believers that are led to believe it’s not all about them, it’s about others, it’s about serving, reaching, building and giving to others so that they come to know Christ.
Seriously? Jesus? Hello?
Have you not been paying attention?
We talk about this all the time, man.
Dang Jesus, sometimes you are so focused that you, like, ask the weirdest questions.
Seriously, you have got to stop playing!
Really though,
It’s tough right now, we’ve got heavy stuff to carry and we can’t do it as good as you could. Like where in all my pastor training did it teach me how to deal with this kind of stuff. I could really use your help right now Jesus.
No playing…
your grace is sufficient.
DEREK
Jesus…is that really you man? Cause seriously…I thought you’d be taller…and way prettier.
(seriously now)
I’d tell him that I’m blown away by the changes that he’s been making in me through the church. I’d tell him that the church is the most alive and vibrant that it has ever been. And I’d tell him how greatful I am to be a part of what he’s doing!
I’d tell him I sometimes worry we put on a good show and that we certainly know how to draw a crowd, but that we aren’t as focused on making disciples as we should be.
“Wassup, JC! Hey man… I mean… God, come check it out this Sunday… would you like to preach a series for us?” :0)
I would say tell him, “Hey Jesus, we’re doing this plant like the two-thirds of you told us to. It’s going slow, but it’s going. It’d be great if you’d come speak at one of our start-up team meetings. I think you could really inspire our team, and give them that second wind. What do you think?”
Then I’d ask him to throw a football with me.
http://www.vagabondrunn.wordpress.com
I would tell him we are doing great, if only we were in the context of 1990! Then I would say sorry for being so sarcastic!
I’d say something like:
Well, Jesus…we try so hard to get it right sometimes that we end up getting it wrong. Sometimes we’re thriving and active in Your Kingdom. Sometimes we’re aloof and distracted. We’re human, as You know. You planned on that one, so I’m sure none of this is a surprise to You. We’re working out our trust in You and learning how to do life together. We’re grateful that You offer a lot of grace and mercy…You know more than us how much we need it.
i’d take out my headphones and tell him that kristian stanfill was just saying some great things about him.
then i’d say, “we’re trying to stretch everybody and transform this to a place where people who don’t know you can meet you.”
then i’d say, “nothing is greater, brilliant creator, friend of mine.”
Umm Pretty good but there is some leadership issues that I really don’t understand. Is he right or is he right? Do you lead like this or like that? Please help with some of this confusion
Well, Jesus, a you know we haven’t actually had “church” yet. But things are great. Oour team is already finding ways to help eople in our community. We’re already seeing peoples lives changed. Annd everyone is wants to help! All this and we haven’t even had our first service yet! You’ve been blessing us a lot lately with peopple to support us through prayer and finances. Thanks a ton! I can’t wait to actually hold our first public service. It’d be great if you could show up.
I would say, we have an awesome Pastor that is truly lead by you and your holy spirit, thank you for calling him into the ministry. Is there any way you can swing by service tonight and teach, I’m sure our Pastor would have no problem.
I would have to say…for the first time since we started attending a year ago that our church is under spiritual attack…both the church as a whole and the church as His people. For the first time this weekend I questioned if this was where God wanted me to be, because a division is close. My heart is broken thru this.Keep us in your prayers.
I go to that little church around the corner from Buckhead. I think we’re working hard at making a place Jesus would want to walk in to. I wrote about our church this week. Please check it out, kristyblack.wordpress.com
Oh man. I just left a church so I don’t “have” one. I played on the worship team as a guest at one this week though and it was fantabulous. I’d say all in all, His Bride looks pretty hot when she’s reflecting His glory. There’s a couple of bros and sisters out there that have a scar or two, but I’m pretty sure he finds them adorable. I on the otherhand would love to help em with some “plastic” surgery every now and then.
Tim
hmm I would say that we are learning how to love people, and there are many areas that our church focuses on well. But, and this is different for the youth ministry, which is more progressive, but our Senior Pastor is older, set in his ways and really harping on things that to me don’t belong in the pulpit. I know, it is an opinion thing, and we aren’t leaving over it, I am way too involved in youth ministry. But our music is good, if sometimes a little more TBN than I’d like. But our youth worship is David Crowder Band all the way. Love that.
PeterG just about summed mine up, but he missed it by 50 years.
We’re rather stuck in 1945-55. We’ve totally missed the boat – as far as most of the adult congregation is concerned. The kids are “getting it” – and they’re only about 5 years behind.
We’re trying, but it’s like trying to cram a camel through the eye of a needle.
I would probably (like His own disciples of His day) say something I thought was really smart, but in the end made me look really dumb:
In my most “know-it-all” voice I’d say two things:
1. We’re doing great in the areas of business management, skill performance, and commercial success.
2. We’re doing terrible in the area of interpersonal health, public relations, and social justice.
Then Jesus would make me feel foolish by asking me:
“You’re right. That is an accurate description of yourself.”
sorry God. I know we were supposed to of already left.