God's mission is an adventure

Too often, we settle for being religious instead of responding to God.

Alan Kreider and Eleanor Kreider, in a book called *Worship & Mission After Christendom*, explain the problem:

"As we worship God, we experience what Gerhard Lohfink calls 'de-idolizing.' With new alertness we see the tools and instruments, the forces and institutions that cast God in our own image and 'whose exacting demands elude scrutiny and technique'—and whose unwitting instruments we would be if it were not for worship… Jesus' response to the Jerusalem temple was similar. In it he found a worship system that was functioning efficiently but actually was blocking God's mission."

It's easier to sing a song than worship God. It's easier to read this lesson than engage with the Holy Spirit's work in your spirit. It's easier to complete a program about God's mission than to participate in God's mission.

**It's easy for a religious system to function efficiently but block God's mission.**

But this entire experience is meant to point beyond itself, directly to God. I don't want you to be conformed to my vision or to any ministry, but to experience the fulfillment of your life purpose as you respond to God's uncommon pursuit of you.

So many churches and religious organizations want their members to fit in. But I want to help you fly. For instance, it might mean you never participate in another online course again because you now realize you need to start a ministry where you live. And your commitment to go and follow God is more important than completing any program.