Drive Conference 2006

I like the term "resonance."

Tesla claimed to have created a simple mechanical machine that leveraged resonance to create earthquake like effects on large structures. Over time imperceptible tremors would result in catastrophic vibrations that had the potentional to not only shake a skyscraper to the ground, but (according to Tesla) if used properly could even split the core of the earth. While no one has been able to achieve such an effect--theoretically it is possible.

I find myself resonating with the principles that I learned at this year's Drive Conference at Northpoint Community Church. It is my hope and prayer that the resonance of these eternal principles will ripple into the churches of the world and break down the structures that are obstacles for unchurched people to get to God. That means, I believe that the systems in most of our churches are putting barriers in front of people who want to get to God. That means that the church, created to be the body of Christ, created to build a bridge to God and turn on lights, created to do what Jesus did in the world, the pillar of truth is currently failing.

I am convinced that the systems of the North American church are preventing us from fulfilling the Great Commission. Our systems are the reason why 10,000 Southern Baptist Churches--a denomination that has historically focused on evangelism--baptized fewer than 7000 people last year. That is less than 1 person per church. It is why 100's of churches close their doors every year despite locations in growing communities. It is why, every Sunday, 1000s of people pass by our church on their way to the beach or the mall and never think about going to church. Systems are the reason why the church has diminishing impact despite great visions, great teaching, dedicated prayer and large faith. Our teaching, vision, prayer and faith fail because our systems betray our cause.

In Psalm 106:4-5 David desires to be present when God's salvation comes. He looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God. He says, "God, when you do it, when you save your people, when your Kingdom comes, I want to be there." Like David, I want to be there. Here's the difference. David could only hope for the future coming of the Kingdom; he could only hope for what was to come. For us, the Kingdom has come. Jesus embodied the Kingdom and he opened it up to the spiritually impoverished, the meek, the opppressed. The Kingdom has come, but it has not come into many of our churches. The church is not the Kingdom. There are people in the church that are in the Kingdom. . . . but by and large our churches do not reflect the kingdom. Kingdom churches cannot be ignored, because Jesus Christ could not be ignored in His own time. I want to be there when it comes. I want to be part of a ministry that is dedicated to being part of the Kingdom's coming in the lives of the people of our community. Lord, I want to be there. I want to be there when your salvation comes to your people. I want to be with people whose hearts beat in rhythm with Kingdom growth, Kingdom impact, Kingdom living and transformed lives.