Church as Incarnational Community...

Here are some more provocative thoughts from C. Kirk Hadaway on church....

"The church as incarnational community does not define its purpose in specific, tangible terms, nor does it confuse its structure and programs with its purpose.  By understanding that the outcome of transformation cannot be controlled, such churches focus on becoming spiritual vessels with the capacity for transformation.  They produce people who see life differently and act accordingly.  The incarnational community allows ministries to emerge that fulfill the personal missions of each member."

"The church as incarnational community is a culture of transformation where members experience God and are transformed into persons of faith."

"The task of church leadership is to spark the transformational process and then allow members to work out their own transformations, individually and collectively through emerging ministries of the church."

"Christianity is a way of liberation from a bondage that seeks to co-opt religion in order to keep people enslaved.  It is not a once a week pass from imprisonment (into God's realm) nor is it a way to make our collective prisons better places to live."

"The church as incarnational community recognizes that its purpose is not to alleviate, educate, or motivate.  Rather its purpose is to liberate."

"The way of Christ is not a way of bondage that requires us to act in a restricted and predefined manner.  It is a way of liberation that enables us to live life as God intended."