Making the Kingdom Tangible
Lisa and I as well as another teammate from Poznań all attended a conference with Hugh Halter and Matt Smay, the authors of the book, Tangible Kingdom. We had all been in process of learning what it means to make the Kingdom of God tangible for others to touch, see and experience. That means living as sent-ones (missional) and with the life-style of Christ (incarnational) so as to reflect His character as we go.
GEM’s leadership team attended too, so our meetings were also held in Dublin thereafter. Reaching Europe has some very challenging aspects and addressing the issues that keep Europeans away from Christ has particular significance. Europeans generally see God as judge, uncaring, or off in the distance. Intentionally putting on Christ (Eph. 4) in every relationship, whether in passing or ongoing, so as to tear down the false images of God in the minds of Europeans becomes essential. Opening up the emotional pathway to the truth about Christ and His love is as significant, if not more so today, as communicating that truth. The Kingdom must become tangible and that means touchable through us and the communities we create.
Much more could be said. As our leadership meetings continued after the conference, the guiding thoughts were passion, joy, fruit. Passion for Christ, His Kingdom and those that are lost. Joy in the things we do to make that Kingdom Tangible. And Fruit. Fruit of Christlikness in our own lives, and fruitfulness in making disciples, apprentices to Jesus.