Edited by author 09-27-2005 05:09 PM
Unfortunately, the clip wasn't long enough to really know what the speaker was trying to say, other than what is currently being done is insufficient today. But he also indicates he believes the the Great Commission is some how outdated. I don't accept the premise that the Bible, and especially the instructions of Jesus Himself, are outdated. It concerns me greatly that this appears to be the premise this entire "movement" is based on. I really liked the idea and the way it sounded (that is Ordinary Attempts), until I heard this clip. I don't think God made any mistakes, although I do think the speaker made a few exegetically. The Great Commission is not to go and make converts but to make disciples. Conversion is only one step on this path, albeit the most important.
I hope someone will respond to this message

Steve you are correct! The instruction of Jesus is never "outdated". Be a disciple and the conversion will follow!

I agree with the speaker....we need to know where "The Great Commission" as we know it and have been taught it comes from. I'm not talking about Jesus' words...I know where that is...but the term and how/when/where/by whom it was coined.

I have also been troubled by the inadequacy of the "depository Gospel" I grew up being taught about in the church (i.e. you deliver it, and if they don't accept it, too bad and so sad!). When Jesus gave His "Go into all the world..." instructions, He was sending His disciples to give the Gospel to people who had never heard it before. This message of Christ - not needing to appease multiple gods and not having to earn your way to heaven- was revolutionary to the hearers. But going door-to-door in my little town is not the same thing. As someone who grew up in the church, left, and came back on my own terms, I tend to think any of my neighbors who aren't in church have a good reason not to be! Perhaps they have been hurt by Christians or grew up in a legalistic environment they don't wish to return to; perhaps they subscribe to a different religion; perhaps they are tired and don't want to go and listen to a sermon on one of their days off. Whatever the reason, I don't feel I have the right to "intrude" without being invited to do so. I don't want to open the door to "missionaries" that want to share their own religion with me and my family! How dare I do this to others, then?

 I have gone off topic a bit, but what I'm trying to say is that my town HAS the Gospel. Does that mean I'm done fulfilling Christ's commands? I don't think so. So what's left to do? I guess I think Jesus Christ would develop REAL RELATIONSHIPS with people around Him before He'd go knocking on their door, scaring the crap out of them, and delivering His three points.... I didn't hear the rest of this message, but just reading the term "The Great Connection" was so validating to my experience and feelings; it's a term I've been subconsciously searching for to describe what I believe.

I'm excited to learn more...thanks for this. :)