What is the Gospel?

I usually write about what's happening on campus. Today I thought I'd write a little about some thoughts that came out of our last staff meeting and how that is shaping my outlook for ministry here at Wayne State. It all came out of the question, "Is our Gospel too big or small?"

After reading a number of articles we gained some perspective of what was meant by these terms.

When communicating the Big Gospel, focus would be on... bigger elements. This isn't meant to convey a value judgement between big and small, but to help describe the idea. The big Gospel points the individual to the larger community and the larger mission. It emphasizes the individual's role in God's big plan. It sees things from a cosmic perspective. These aspects are positive but they contain drawbacks. Sometimes this expression can leave people feeling lost or out of touch with God. It can lack personal conviction. (As Luke said in a moment of discovery, it's "not as sword attacking." Oh Luke). There is a danger here to turn everything into the Gospel. There is a danger to lose the core of Christ's payment of our individual debt on the cross.

In contrast, a small Gospel connects with the individual's need for salvation and forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. It's clear and straightforward. It is bold and requires a personal response. It calls for a personal relationship with Christ more intimate than any that can be experienced otherwise. This approach has its weaknesses as well. It can be easy to lose sight of our role as stewards here on earth when we see our faith as simply individualistic. It can lack a view of our role in God's story and His kingdom. Sadly, it can sometimes become irrelevant.

I hope this has spurred questions in your mind as it has mine. I have taken a new look at my ministry to evaluate how well I synthesize these two approaches to God's work in our lives and in this world. It's an encouragement for some of what I'm already doing as well as a challenge for changes that can be made.

What Compels You?

In preparation for our Compelling conference, (see post below) my roommate Jon and I went on campus to interview students and find out what compels them in their lives. Jon took the responses and created this video . Check it out. The responses might surprise you.

"How's InterVarsity going?"

People have asked me lately, "How's InterVarsity going?" The consistent questions have helped me reflect and really think about that question. Here are some brief thoughts.

Small group has continued to be a weekly highlight. I'm always impressed with how students are taking time to consider how they can love their neighbors and their God. At the same time, it has been a joy to be a part of encouraging new spiritual growth and development in their lives. We're planning a mini-retreat the night of the 23rd to take time as a group to solidify our relationships and our vision for the campus. We're also looking forward to the Compelling conference November 13th through the 15th. It's a time for students from all over Michigan to gather and explore what it means to be a faithful witness for Christ in their lives on campus.

I had the privilege of speaking at our large group meeting last Thursday night. I spoke on the power of imaginative prayer and led the group through Jeremiah 30 and 31. More on that is coming in the newsletter I'll be sending out this weekend. If you don't receive it, make sure to send me your address in an e-mail at DraneMR@hotmail.com.

I remember thinking in the past, "What do staff workers really do behind the scenes?" Today was a perfect example of finding the answer. I'm working on the "Philippians" track for the Compelling conference and spent a good deal of my time preparing that today. It was wonderful to finally have a day to sit down at home here for a big chunk of time to study and plan. While studying Philippians, the students in the track will be learning the basic elements of how to prepare a Bible Study. I'm looking forward to more small group interactions that weekend.

The Drought is Over

Many apologies for the lack of communication. The good news is, there has been so much good stuff going on that I haven't had time to get to a place where I can sit down and use the internet for a decent span of time. More good news is that it looks like we'll finally be moving into the new house tomorrow. This includes regular internet access and time to actually update more often. My camera battery charger will also be arriving soon so pictures will return as well. I do take seriously your commitment and interest in this ministry and look forward to be able to keep you in the loop as much as possible.

Some highlights:

Two of my main duties, leading a freshman small group and coordinating all the small groups have been huge blessings. I'm talking, literally blessing me. It has been so fun and exciting to work with the other leaders, share ideas and struggles, and equip them to lead on campus. We certainly need prayer for God to continue moving in us and our groups.

Small group has been so encouraging. We're studying the book of Acts this semester. Our focus is to reflect the community described in Acts chapter two; a completely selfless community sharing and devoted to one-another. Last week we studied Acts 3 and looked at the healing in Jesus' name of a man crippled from birth. Among other things we talked about how God has healed hurts and disabilities in our lives and how He wants us to tell our story and be a part of His healing of people all around campus and the city. A number of students opened up about some of the pain they have experienced in their lives, how that is affecting them now as freshmen, and what God is doing through them. I cannot understate what a privilege it is to be a part of this journey with them. To be in a group that is so open and supportive of one-another is a beautiful thing to see. I thank God for what He is doing in this group and the gift it is to be a part of it.

This has been a busy week. Aside from the usual small group, large group, and leader's meeting, we have been pressing on towards our goals. We do not want to be a group that settles after the first few weeks of campus our over. Tuesday, Luke and I, along with three other students, set-up a proxe table in the middle of the dining area in the student center. This is a tool to get people talking about issues that matter to them and to God. Hopefully, it leads to a chance to share the Gospel. Our theme was "Religion: Why I hate/love it." We had a board where students could write their response to that prompt. We had a number of great conversations with students and the students working with us who were new to this type of thing caught on quickly and did very well.

Yesterday we had an open-air preaching event. The idea was to present the Gospel in a variety of mediums in a way in-which students could relate. This is especially in contrast to hateful messages proclaimed on so many campuses every year. Again, great conversations started and a number of people expressed an interest in the message and checking out InterVarsity!