Off-Road Disciplines: Spiritual Adventures of Missional Leaders - Earl Creps
Creps' book is just a little too cute for its own good. I realize that he is attempting to take us off the beaten-path, but his disciplines are hardly disciplines in the classic sense of the word - not even by a long-shot. At the end, his book reads more like an analysis of the failings of the church than a practical book of helpful disciplines for Christian leaders seeking to minister in a relevant way in the contemporary culture. With that said, there are some helpful insights. Creps challenge leaders to realize that instead of looking for a better tool, better model, better technology, or better program, we must realize that personal transformation is the best ministry tool we possess. He wrestles with how we measure spiritual effectiveness in light of Jesus' call to store up treasure in heaven. He invites us to wrestle with the tension of participating in our culture while also critiquing it. "Paul, the apost who wanted to be 'all things to all men,' for example, chastised the Corinthian church for permitting immorality 'of a king that does not even occur among pagans'" (111). He reminds us that though professionals write theology, it is amateurs that implement it (125). Thus, one great struggle of the church is the battle between "irrelevant theorists vs. mindless practitioners" (129). First and foremost, we should not pursue novelty at the expense of fidelity. If we choose to reflect the heart of Christ, we must be willing to die for the good of others - both personally and corporately. Can we say, "If the choice is between the mission and the organization... I choose the mission"? (172)