we are the outsiders

In his new book, Deep and Wide, Andy Stanley looks at the mission of the church.  One of the most thought provoking questions asked is, 'who is the church for?'  It is not a shock that in the church today even though we are full aware of why Jesus came - (to seek and save the lost- Luke 9) and those who he came to call - (not the righteous, but sinners- Mark 2), most of the way we do things is for those who are already found.  Our budgets, ministries, programs, or fill in the blank to whatever term your church may use, are all clearly around another mission; keeping those in the church happy.  The most popular Christian book ever sold, other than the Bible, is  The Purpose Driven Life.  It begins by saying - "It's not about you."  How is it that we can "know" this, but not actually practice it?

We have forgotten that it is not about those on the inside or the outside.  For in fact, we are the outsiders.  Let's stop having the conversation around reaching out or going outside of our building.  Let's begin at the source and ask the tough question - why are we doing all of this stuff anyway?  Is it for us or someone else?  Maybe if we can look a little deeper we'll ultimately discover that there are no insiders or outsiders.  We are all the outsiders.

The Outsiders - Needtobreathe

Shortfalls and little sins
Close calls where no one wins
Stand tall but running thin
I'm wearing thin
Oh, why are we keeping score?

'Cause if you're not laughing
Who is laughing now?
I've been wondering if we start sinking
Could we stand our ground?
And through everything we've learned
We've finally come to terms
We are the outsiders
We are the outsiders