December 27, 2007
Top 10 Posts of 2007
A year ago on this blog it seemed hard to imagine that 2007 would surpass 2006 in traffic and participation, but that is exactly what happened. Thanks to the thousands of Ur-banites that read this blog everyday and drive the conversation, 2007 has been the best since Out of Ur launched in ’04. Thanks for sharing your time and insights with us. You've made this blog an engaging place to discuss the intersection of ministry, culture, and theology.
Here are the top ten posts from 2007. These were not determined by the editors, but by Ur’s visitors. These are the posts which received the most traffic and provoked the most comments.
ONE
Willow Creek Repents?
Why the most influential church in America now says "We made a mistake."
TWO
Heresy on Tour?
Popular pastor/author Rob Bell’s controversial message: God loves you.
THREE
Gordon MacDonald's 2008 Questions
FOUR
Willow Creek Repents? (Part 2)
Greg Hawkins responds with the truth about REVEAL.
FIVE
So Many Infant Christians
Why are we so good at leading people to faith and so bad at prodding them to maturity?
SEVEN
Goodbye Religion, Hello Spirituality
Is there a place for the Christian "religion" in the 21st Century?
EIGHT
Thus Saith the Radio
Does Christian radio have more influence over your flock than you do?
NINE
Alien Nation
One pastor’s perspective on the immigration debate—and immigration opportunity.
TEN
A Former Pastor Goes Church Shopping
And he wrestles with the advantages and disadvantages of mainline and nondenominational churches.
Posted by UrL on December 27, 2007
Comments
The Church, just like the business community, is so focused on what I call "task excellence" that it misses God's call to connect with Him and with each other in what might be referred to as "relationship excellence." Task excellence has become an idol.
We must do more to create a Connection Culture. It will come as no surprise to readers of this blog that a connection culture is based on Judeo-Christian character values. Striking the right balance between task and relationship excellence is the challenge every leader faces. Do you keep the church member in the choir who is just an average singer? Do you keep the church administrator who is beloved by congregrants but doesn't do excellent work? I would love to hear any thoughts readers have on this issue.
Posted by: Michael Lee Stallard at December 28, 2007