Early Quotes and thoughts from our "Shared Book Reading”

The council has been reading “Power Surge” by Michael Foss. Everyone has been invited to join the reading.

Here are some quotes and thoughts from Chapters 1 – 3 for reflection.

1) In the introduction Foss discusses the “membership” model of church affiliation. Here the church lays claim to the lives of Christians. He is advocating a change to a “discipleship” model. In this model Jesus lays claim to the lives of Christians and Christian faith is demonstrated by a focus on growing discipleship. ( pg. 4 – 5)

2) “In the Protestant explosion of the 1950’s, membership implied obligation. In today’s cultural context, membership has come to imply prerogatives.” (pg. 15)

3) “Perhaps the greatest weakness of the membership model has been the loss, over time, of its vision for the mission of the church.” (pg. 16) Foss also says that “all the power the church will ever need comes from people – people whose lives are changes, people who live “in Christ”, people who live lives of disciplined discipleship. (pg. 4)

4) “Discipleship is about changing and shaping lives by the grace of God.” (pg. 20)

5) “Discipleship is a about individual Christians – and the church as a community of Christians – living in mission.” (pg. 28)

6) “Pastors are leaders, not chaplains”. (pg. 31) “Pastors become spiritual catalysts through whom the Holy Spirit encourages, equips, directs and strengthens the faith of those they serve” (pg. 32)


Here are some additional thoughts, connections:

1) On page 4 about half way down it mentions Jacob wrestling with God. The whole story is found in Genesis 32: 22 – 32. The result of this was that Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel”. A name change in Bible language means a transformation of the Spirit as well.

2) Foss speaks to the idea that "the claim of the church on people's lives" has been a standard assumption. In this new North American landscape, this claim is no longer functioning. What is needed, Foss seems to say is "the claim of Jesus on people's lives." The claim of Jesus on a life moves an individual into deeper connections with God and a discipleship style of life. I'm wondering how you might think about these two categories.

3) Over the last couple of years or so, I have been making a conscious effort to talk about “disciples” vs. “members.” I have found that effort to be quite challenging, both to my efforts at consistent language but also to my ability to be understood by a culture that largely is focused on “membership” models. I’m wondering where this language (and commitment) shift is challenging you as you read Pastor Foss’s descriptions and analysis.

If you aren’t reading “Power Surge” maybe this will give you some incentive. If you are, what thoughts are challenging your perspective of your faith? Please share you insights and growth points.