Monday, October 19, 2009

Interrupted

I read this great book last week that chronicles the journey of Austin New Church. It's special to me because one of my friends, Tray Pruet, has been part of the staff from the beginning - and I also know Jen Hatmaker who wrote the book and whose husband Brandon is the lead pastor of ANC.

Most importantly this book is special because I've watched these folks up close and they are doin' it!

In Interrupted Jen, challenges many of our assumptions about what it means and looks like to 'do church.' And then through the journey of ANC, she paints an awesome picture of what the compassion of Jesus looks like. Jen speaks honestly about their ongoing struggle to break their me-first mentality of spirituality, and to understand how to really love and serve people in South Austin.

You know, if we're honest, we really struggle at sharing the Kingdom with people around us. Just look at our lack of folks (at Oso Creek) who have given (re-given) their lives to Christ over the past couple of years.

I challenge all of you Creekers (and everyone else) to get it (click here) and read it. Ask God's Spirit to blow in new ways that we might be willing to whatever is necessary to live for the Kingdom of God.

1 comment:

Tray said...

John,
You know a picture is worth 1000 words, so a video must be way more than that.....check out this promo video....and get the feel of what God is up to at ANC...and the heart of its people.
Love how God INTERRUPTS our lives. It's not always easy, it's not always pretty.....but it's right.
Thanks for the shout out!

http://vimeo.com/5065290