Part-time Christians

I'm a teacher at a Christian school. I have many Christian colleagues and I have Christian bosses.

I am amazed by the quality of some of my colleagues. I work with some terrific people, all of whom would be a great asset to a church. I work with people who are competent, warm, intelligent, personable and dedicated to serving the Lord.

As I move towards full-time ministry (Lord willing), I just want to poach them.

I look at one man and think, "Come plant a church with me and be an elder, I need your wisdom." In fact, I could write a ministry dream-team from my friends and colleagues- I know some seriously gifted people.

I was speaking with one of them today about how hard he finds giving extra time to his church, due to his work and family commitments.

So, would he go part-time for the gospel?

Would you? Would you give up one-fifth of your income to give a day to your church, or another mission you have from the Lord. How could you use your gifts if you had one more day per week outside your paid work? What needs do you see at your church that you could fill? What needs do you see in your community that you could fill?

If you are a boss, would you help your Christian employees go part-time for the gospel? Having part-time staff can be an inconvenience, is it one that you're prepared to bear for the good of the gospel? Will you approach talented Christians on your staff and ask them to consider it?

Swearing

Hmmm... warning- my most sensitive (or judgemental!) friends shouldn't read on! There are swear words...

Dan.

When talking with teenagers, I've found they make a big deal of swearing. Firstly, they swear a lot, and secondly, they assume I care a lot.

I've tried to impress upon them that simply saying 'shit' isn't the highest thing on God's "Things to be Angry About" list... It's not necessarily the use of a particular swear word that brings judgement, instead, it's a lifestyle of not giving a shit about God that brings His right judgement.

Normally, I'm not up for playing the "Look how cool a Christian I am, I can swear" card, however, I've found that explaining it like that really gets the point across. Our sin isn't a naughty thing we do, it's that we live our lives with our back and bums pointing to God.

I found this video today, where a dad recounts his conversation with his teenagers about swearing. It's thoughtful and accurate, but depends a lot on the kids' prior Christian knowledge. I'm struggling to think of how to explain it to 60 teenage boys at a time- especially when most wouldn't call themselves a Christian.



Got any thoughts?