URBANarmy

"So would that only be for what you consider to be heaven or are you saved for here and now? " It's been a while since I have been evangelised and I have to admit it left me feeling a little annoyed but I am trying to work out exactly why? Two well meaning young men tooled up with no doubt the latest in hip communicating tracts accosted me on the street and just came right out with it. "So are you saved?" I guess I wouldn't have minded if had they introduced themselves even in a nominal way to establish the semblance of a context. Perhaps I wouldn't have minded if I wasn't in full uniform (including cap btw!) trying to raise money to bring hope and fullness to those who experience the hell of life confronting them the moment they wake up to the moment they fall asleep. However, I smile and politely say that I firmly believe I am and I wondered whether they too were saved. "Oh yes" they smile. "So would that only be for what you ...

I couldn't help but smile and watch this more than once!!

Joel Edwards puts a compelling process of thought together in what he calls ' An Agenda for Change: Living Out the Social Gospel '. Rather than jettison the Evangelical label he argues for rehabilitation! Rehabilitating Evangelical : The Challenges: We need to humbly reassess some of our tribal theological rigidities- " If evangelicalism is to reposition itself as a transforming movement in the twenty-first century, then it is the vast majority of people in the evangelical centre who are going to take us there." We must present Christ credibly in cultures which have increasing vendettas against the idea of God in the public square - "a credible response needs to undomesticate the Christ evangelicals have held captive in fearful subcultures. We have become too comfortable with a risk-averse Christ who is not the Christ of the Bible. I’m not convinced that Jesus would be publicly identifiable with our moral agenda." We must integrate long-term thinking. -...

I've a growing fascination with the message churches portray with their posters or 'roadside pulpits'. You know the phrases we throw like incendiary devices into our communities in order to cajole, entice people. We are ordinary people trying to change the world. Join us. There is one church on the way to Thornton Heath in London that has a black 15 foot board outside their church declaring about the 'wages of sin etc...' . I should try and get a shot of it the next time I pass. I sometimes try and imagine the inevitable church council meeting that came up with the decision of what to put on the board .... "this'll get 'em" . I'm probably being really unfair and have really misjudged the church, the sad thing so have- I would suggest - the 100's even 1000's of people that pass that church probably every hour. Perhaps the eden project are on to something.

Jonny Baker snapped this picture in Eastbourne and introduces us to the concept of devangelism. Don't be too hard on the Granny - think how good you are at devangelism!!?

I have resisted the urge to point out Godtube having seen it a while back on Pernell's . The Times have run with it - here . I can't but help warn any atheists that may read this insignificant little blog, that once they watch this video, they will be able to do nothing but admit the existence of God! Be warned - you know who you are - this could change your life ;o). Godtube ............ honestly!!

There are some things that I really struggle with in the world that is defined by Evangelical Christianity. There are many theories why revival seems totally illogical in an increasingly secular and post-christian context. Not enough prayer; diluted concepts of holiness; lack of missional engagement; lack of kingdom theology; poor discipleship etc... It is time to put them all aside..! There is more chance of renowned atheist author Professor Richard Dawkins becoming the next Archbishop of Canterbury than there ever being a revival while people spend time thinking that sandals like these - or boots for the winter - leave the greatest impression. "Great for fundraising, beach evangelism and mission trips!....!" Check out the route to revival website here and please tell me it is a gag!