Thursday, June 12, 2008

Roaring Lambs

This morning, I picked up my copy of Bob Briner's book Roaring Lambs. Once again, it ambushed me with both passion and truth. Below is an excerpt from chapter 1. It's lengthy but well worth the read.

...despite all the fancy buildings, sophisticated programs, and highly visible presence, it is my contention that the church is almost a nonentity when it comes to shaping culture. In the arts, entertainment, media, education, and other culture-shaping venues of our country, the church has abdicated its role as salt and light.

Culturally, we are lambs. Meek, lowly, easily dismissed cuddly creatures that are fun to watch but never a threat to the status quo.

It's time for those lambs to roar.

...My point is really quite simple. Look around you. Can you honestly say that Christian influence is felt in Hollywood? That a Christian presence is evident in the major art galleries and museums of our land? That when you turn on the television you are aware of an underlying foundation of Judeo-Christian values in that medium? That as you pick up the morning newspaper you see objective (not favorable, just objective) treatment of religion in your community? That when you browse through the best sellers at the airport bookstores you will find even one novel written by an active, church-going, born again Christian?

Do you honestly believe that our big churches and highly visible Christian leaders have brought about a movement that is taken seriously in this country?

We feel we are making a difference because we are so important to ourselves. We have created a phenomenal subculture with our own media, entertainment, educational system, and political hierarchy so that we have the sense that we're doing a lot. But what we've really done is create a ghetto that is easily dismissed by the rest of society.

...I'm afraid many in the world view us as a flock of lambs grazing in the safe pastures surrounding our churches that have been designed to blend right in with the neighborhood landscape. We're good neighbors. We look like everyone else. And except for Sunday morning, we follow the same patterns of behavior as those who have little or no interest in religion. Our lives are divided into sections labeled religious and secular, and neither category seems to affect the other. Consequently, our religious views are not taken very seriously.

I have a number of friends in network television, the business community, newspaper journalism, and the arts, and I've learned two things about them. First, they have little to do with Christianity, but second, they are consumed by their pursuit of success. What this has told me is that if I want to reach them with the Gospel, the worst thing I could do is invite them to church or "witness" to them during a break in the board meeting. On the other hand, if I want to point them toward the Savior, I need to make sure my professional behavior is stellar. I need to make the best presentations, close the most successful deals, deliver the greatest product I possibly can. To them, my work is a reflection of who I am.

...We need to reclaim the territory, not in a triumphalistic sense but out of a strong conviction that this is where we belong. Our churches are growing. Our colleges are full. Subscriptions and sales are up at our magazine- and book- publishing companies. And our broadcast media continue to bring our own music and teaching into our homes. In short, our subculture is healthy. It doesn't need more attention. It's the world that needs help.

It's time for the lambs to roar.

What I'm calling for is a radically different way of thinking about our world. Instead of running from it, we need to rush into it. And instead of just hanging around the fringes of our culture, we need to be right smack dab in the middle of it.


Can we hear the voice of the Spirit here? This is what I've been talking about. Dream big! Act now! Stand out! Be the miracle!

Watch out for my new initiative DreamBigRevolution! A community and a movement that seeks to nurture, inspire, and equip shining stars for the Kingdom of God.

9 comments:

Josef Zabarte said...

Hey bro,
This sounds like a great book. I hope this first chapter is indicative of the rest of the book. I think I'm going to order this from the US, can't seem to find it here in my neck of the woods. In the meantime, would you mind if I copy this and post it in my multiply site? I have a lot of people that read it and I know this will bless them. See you soon bro.
Joey

Pastor Mark Juane said...

Absolutely bro. Just mention where you saw the quote. :-)

Anonymous said...

Mark...this is very insightful to say the least. It gives cause to ponder and I will definately seek a copy of this book. Thanks for the quote.

DR

Pastor Mark Juane said...

You're welcome, Darrin!

Unknown said...

Hi Mark,
Thanks for this. I have been having the same feelings for some time now and I'm glad that someone has verbalized it so well. The church can't be living for itself. It's got to go out there and give life where it's needed. He couldn't have said it better and in a more piercing manner. Will be sharing this with my students.
Thanks again and God bless you more!
Roce (Anog)

Pastor Mark Juane said...

[The church can't be living for itself. It's got to go out there and give life where it's needed.]

Absolutely!

I think this is a most timely message for Jesus' Church especially in the West and in Western-influenced nations. Why have Jesus followers stopped being culture shapers?

Jon Juane said...

AAAAAMAZING! i want to roar

Anonymous said...

Hey Ptr. Mark

I just want to thank you for letting us know about our generation, it is a very very big impact to our spiritual life, now i can say that I am a son of God and as a Son of God; I must act like him to stand out to everyone.

Thank you for making our youth congress different. right now all YFJC are Unite as one to do things better and to spread the word of God to other people, who are in needs. Their Puwet keeps on burning.

God Bless

Water Rugby next time you visit here in the phil.

- Jay Are [Young Friends of Jesus Christ]

Pastor Mark Juane said...

Jon: Bring it... everyday!

Jay-Are: Keep it buring! :-) I'm up for a game of water rugby when I get back!