I love the humble clear-headedness of Carson's limitations to the reach of The Gospel Coalition:
But when it comes to overseas chapters, we won't do that. I'm sure that in due course there will be The Gospel Coalition Network: Czech Republic. But we don't want to go in that direction. First, we don't want to project one more instance of American hegemony. Second, we realize that institutionally we're pretty committed not only to knowing the gospel well, but also to thinking through how to articulate it here in our space and time.
How on earth can we possibly have the pomposity to claim that we know how to do it best in Hong Kong? We recognize that those things are going to have to emerge from those areas. (from Christianity Today)
This puts words to my grave discomfort with Mars Hill Global.
6 comments:
I understand. I have felt this discomfort keenly, so many times, when everyone goes for whatever new thing, which may not survive being transplanted.
But it is "what happens", isn't it?
Even your quote says "I'm sure that in due course there will be The Gospel Coalition Network: Czech Republic," seeing it as inevitable, despite saying he won't do it. "I'm SURE..."
Aussies start churches in the US, UK, etc, as well.
It's human nature to think a good thing will be good everywhere. I came to Oz to be part of a church plant from the US. Lots of people got saved that are walking with God still. And I am really grateful for the things I learned, changes made.
If the leaders are awake, these things morph in their new settings. If not, they die.
It's sad to someone as sentimental about culture as I tend to be, but, due mostly to media saturation, our national identities are all growing more similar anyway.
Cling to what is good, reject what is unbiblical, American or not.
I'm not sure I've really said anything, but - hey - that's blogging.
I also have grave concerns about it and I'm a Mars Hill member. I don't like the direction it's heading
Man that Carson guy is fully WISE.
I don't think its fair to generalise like this.
I am a member of a church that has planted churches all over the world with huge success. We do our best to make sure that the church is lead by locals for locals and once up and running, the Australian participants slowly withdraw until the church is fully run by the people of that country.
If church planting around to world works and brings the gospel to millions of others, why is this a bad thing?
The bible tells us to spread the good news but statements like your post are giving the impression that we should only do this within the confines of our cities or our countries.
Not at all, anon.
I think you'd find that the author and commentors would give a hearty hurrah for what you and your church are doing to proclaim Christ crucified and risen to the nations.
The discomfort lies mostly with the method Mars Hill Global proposed to use. The idea is to show video of Pastor Mark preaching in Seattle to the satelite campuses around the globe. Thus, you have a congregation in Singapore watching what is intended for and in the context of Seattle.
Ah, my apologies, I misunderstood. Then I agree that I do not like that proposition. And it surprises me that Mark would endorse that as he has always preached about the importance of churches emercing themselves within the local culture. How do you do that across a video link? Dumb idea!
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