Orlando Report - Uncomfortable Questions II

>Is that your real name? (No, that is my make you laugh name)
>Are you going to eat that? (No, I put it on my plate to protect you from eating it)

No question, uncomfortable questions have a place in growing up. Why do you make those choices? Why are you doing it that way? How do you live like that?

Exponential '08. Of the many takeaways from Exponential '08 http://www.exponentialconference.com/ (A national church planting conference in Orlando) was from rock star Tim Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian, New York City). Keller addressed the recovery of the Gospel, as opposed to religion, as a key to revival. Long story short, those who have really experienced Christ are free to be criticised or asked tough questions. Why? Not because they don't care what you think. Because they are free from anxiety and fear. They have nothing to hide!

News of the Week. The Southern Baptist denomination released news this week that for the first time in over 50 years we experienced a numerical decline. Uncomfortable questions (personally and corporately) need to be asked as we look to the future.

Worse than You Think. When something so big (41,000 churches nationally) begins to fall it likely worse than you think. If I have driven off the edge of the Grand Canyon, when is my car too far over the edge to stop the fall? Uh, not very far.

Worse than You Think II. The other reason it is worse than you think is because it took us years to begin falling. Back to the Grand Canyon. Step one was my decision to drive there. That was the connecting point to driving over the edge. I could think out loud a ton about this, and will on a safe level. I have been advised to proceed with care, so I will.

Worse than You Think III. Read Stetzer's blog http://www.edstetzer.com/ (scroll down to Breaking News). Read his commentary first, then the responses. Draw your own conclusions. More coming.