July 18, 2007
Out of Context: Mark Labberton
"This disparity between economics and justice is an issue of worship. According to the narrative of Scripture, the very heart of how we show and distinguish true worship from false worship is apparent in how we respond to the poor, the oppressed, the neglected and the forgotten."
-Mark Labberton serves as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, California, and the author of The Dangerous Act of Worship—Living God’s Call to Justice (IVP, 2007). Taken from the Summer 2007 issue of Leadership journal. To see the quote IN context, you'll need to see the print version of Leadership. To subscribe, click on the cover of Leadership on this page.
Posted by UrL on July 18, 2007
Comments
Not to minimize the need for reaching the poor but the heart of true worship is more about God than anything else. How it is expressed, is in the presenting of ourselves as living sacrifices. To narrow it down like this comment does is too narrow of a clasification. The man who sets his heart to serve in the nursery is no less worshipping through service than the one who feeds the homless every week.
Posted by: leoskeo at July 19, 2007
Pastor Mark is right in his concern for our current economic system and justice. I would suggest that he lead by example and examine the assumptions that require "normal" institutional churches to devote only 16% of it's giving to go out the door. This is according to Leaderships own chart on "normal church" giving. From my study of the Word there is an economic system presented for 100% of giving to go out the door to help the poor and reach all nations. It only requires reading the NT without institutionalized assumptions. American believers do not need 74% of their giving to fund ministry to themselves to help them grow up. They like it this way, but God did not ask for it this way. The change is a complete systemic change. God can pull it off only if Mark and others are willing to let Him work it through them. The positive change in impact the household of faith would have on the world would be immense.
Posted by: Tim at July 19, 2007
i think, even taken out of context, this pastor seems to get the pt of much of the "minor" prophets, and of course Isa 58. there is no question in my mind that where you find justice and mercy, so you will find worship. because worship isnt about how well you sing songs, but how well you are obedient to God. (check out the definition of the Hebrew word, it indicates bowing before God, ie placing oneself in obedience to our Lord)
peter
Posted by: pbandj at July 19, 2007
The comment about giving is so right on. Until the Western church is ready to put its money where its mouth is it doesn't have a leg to stand on. We spend all the money on ourselves. Our nice programs, large staff and big buildings. If the leadership of the church isn't setting an example in their giving, then why should they ask their flock to give sacrificailly? The flock will only go where the sheperd leads.
I am not commenting directly to Pastor Mark, his church or his book, I am simply making a statement about Tim's comment.
Posted by: chris at August 14, 2007