How to Bring Our Best When the World Is at Its Worst
September 3, 2018
Stetzer (Planting Missional Churches), executive director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, offers an expansive and articulate take on how present-day American Christians can effectively live as representatives of the gospel message. He begins with an outline of factors that have created what he calls a climate of outrage; primarily, he believes an extreme polarization of American society has occurred due to the unprecedented advancement of technology. He then unpacks four commonly held (though false) beliefs that deepen anger and contribute to further division: Christians are the worst-behaved and most offensive group of Americans; one’s personal outrage is righteous; a political candidate or social cause will be the ultimate answer to one’s problems; and mission is optional. In addressing each, Stetzer proposes methods by which evangelicals can counteract the outrage in their lives, such as refocusing on scripture and giving oneself up to God’s plan. His most helpful and elegant sections speak to the hard work of “worldview formation,” the development of an identity as an ambassador of the “kingdom of God,” and his concept of “winsome” love (curious, youthful loving). This will serve as an excellent foundation for pastors and ministry leaders looking to address the current cultural moment.