Can the extravagant church effectively teach about stewardship?
- Extravagant, like Solomon's Temple? Extravagant, like David's worship? Or is a more accurate phrase "excessive for the sake of effect"? I've been to some churches where extravagance is evident in their ministry efforts, the worship and the facility - and still witnessed (and experienced) true generosity and humble stewardship.

Can the pastor whose face is plastered on everything effectively teach about humility?
- Though I hear (and generally agree) with your description of the "rock star" pastor syndrome, associating a face with a name isn't inherently bad. Perhaps what you're pointing to is the excessive pastor-celebrity promotion. I can only imagine that people who had heard of Jesus heard what is the net effect of "his face plastered on everything". The difference is that Jesus made it about the message, not about his personality.

Can the church that caters to the whims and attention deficits of consumers effectively teach about dying to one’s self?
- Reaching specific demographics means knowing how to relate and communicate with that people group. If a demographic is focused on their kids more than their marriages, then placing a significant amount of effort on reaching kids is also an effective way to engage the parents who have to bring them. If a worship is authentic and vertically-focused and the message is revelatory and not merely informational, then does it need to last for 2+ hours to be effective? Or could 60 to 75 minutes be right for that local church?

Can the pastor who attracts attention with buffoonery effectively teach about matters of life and death?
- Actually, yes, but not because of the buffoonery, but because God can (and often does) use people in spite of themselves and not because of their antics. Having said that, is it wise to be about the "wow factor"? Probably not.

I appreciate your line of thinking that gives us pause to consider the efforts of the local church. In fact, I tend to agree with what you're saying; but I've also learned that God uses the foolish to confound the wise. I also have come to understand that in order to reach certain people groups - and though I may not be attracted to every kind of church - there are those being reached that I could not reach.

In the end, like you, I want to help churches be effective Keep raising good questions, Scott!

As a husband, I used to feel the self-imposed responsibility for being the provider for my home. After a season that sounds all-too-familiar to what you described above, my heart learned that I am not the provider - God is - but that he will most often use me as the instrument of provision for my family.

The pressure is off, but the responsibility to seek Him and diligently work to be an instrument of provision has changed my perspective entirely. I pray all of us (especially us men) learn to pray what you wrote in the closing of this authentic and impassioned article and find peace in all circumstances.

Finally, as a husband, let me say thank you for honoring your groom with these words: "My precious husband." It's easy in times of trial to not pray over and honor the husband when financial/job trouble happens. These words exemplify your heart for supporting and encouraging your groom. When his circumstances were not favorable, your words were.

Blessings and thanks,

Anthony

Love the insight, my bride. "Since God has given me a passion for writing, it is my responsibility – and joy – to write as He reveals." Pastor Robert preaches only from divine revelation; your writing comes from divine revelation. So proud to see your obedience.

Lub,

Your groom

Maybe it was because they did it in Glee, but on the video you shared, do the singers have to hit their marks or else? If they don't, is there some sort of brutal back stage retribution? If not, I'm not entirely sure about the "5,6,7,8, and move to stage left" thing going on.

I love blatant expressions of Capitalism, Jon! Here's to Newsies 2 and at least an opening premier in the dollar theatres. Thanks Charlie St. Cloud. Now pay Jon some more royalties.

Without a doubt, Impact would be the most important; but it first requires Support and Efficiency. However, to answer your questions, Support is most prevalent - only because many churches fail to see value beyond simply using tech as support.

...what simplifies our processes by complicating our lives.

Thanks, fellas. When you're next preaching at Gateway, I'll be sure to come up and high-five ya, Rick.

Keep killin' it for the Kingdom!

Anthony

Mark,

There are two parts to the Four C's and both are up on the blog right now. Simply type in "Four C's" in the search box up in the top right hand corner and you'll get both of them.

Thanks,

Anthony

Thank you, Drew. I hope it's obvious to all that while I've struggled at times during this journey, God gets all the credit and glory.