REFLECTIONS FROM ▶ GREG'S MESSAGE ON 8/4/24
Are You Contagious?
Consider these two important questions: Are you contagious? And if so, is that a good or bad thing? When it comes to contagious faith, the answer depends on what you're spreading.
Self-reflection question: Do you have a contagious faith that others would want to catch?
The answer depends on what you have. If you're spreading hope, love, and kindness, then having a contagious faith is definitely a good thing.
Meeting Craig McConnell
In 2008, Pastor Greg met Craig McConnell, who became a dear friend and mentor for eight years until his passing in 2016. Initially meeting at a Wild at Heart boot camp, Greg didn’t immediately connect with Craig. However, over coffee at a Starbucks on Garden of the Gods, Greg realized Craig was contagious—in the best way possible. Craig had something special about his contagious faith that was incredibly appealing and left a lasting impression.
Self-reflection question: What qualities do you admire in others that you want to cultivate in your own life?
Too often, church people aren't contagious in this way. This is an area where we need more contagious faith.
The Story of William Tyndale
In the 16th century, English scholar William Tyndale translated the Bible into English, making the message of Jesus accessible to everyone. You might think this would be celebrated, but it got him into trouble with the religious establishment of his time. He was executed for making the hope of Jesus understandable for adults and children alike. This serves as a harsh reminder of how religion can sometimes get in the way of contagious faith.
Self-reflection question: How can you make your faith more accessible and contagious to those around you?
Do We Look Like Jesus?
Too often, people who claim to follow Jesus don't actually look much like Him. This is something that needs to change for our faith to become more contagious. Erwin McManus, a hero to many, once said, "The diminishing influence of the American church on society is not because fewer people are going to church; it's because of the diminishing influence of Jesus on the people already in it."
Self-reflection question: How well does your life reflect the teachings and character of Jesus to foster a contagious faith?
Prioritizing People Over Prerequisites
In Acts 15, some early church leaders were trying to put barriers in front of Gentiles who wanted to follow Jesus. They wanted to make it difficult for outsiders to belong. But Peter, Paul, and Barnabas stood up and said, "No way! God is moving among the Gentiles just like He did with us."
Are people doing the same today? Are prerequisites and preservation being prioritized over people? The religious spirit loves barriers, but the Holy Spirit includes everyone, which is the essence of contagious faith.
Self-reflection question: Are you unintentionally creating barriers that keep others from experiencing a contagious faith in Jesus?
The Difference Between Institutions and Movements
When the church becomes an institution, it loses its impact and contagious faith. Institutions are about maintaining the status quo, while movements are about change and reaching the outsider. Jesus unleashed a contagious, revolutionary movement fueled by the Holy Spirit, not a static institution.
Here's what sets movements apart and makes faith contagious:
Movements are fluid and dynamic, embracing change, which enhances contagious faith.
They unite around a common vision, not rules and requirements.
They focus on people outside the walls, not just those already inside, promoting contagious faith.
Self-reflection question: Are you more focused on maintaining comfort or reaching out to others in need to spread contagious faith?
Why Churches Do What They Do
Many churches design their worship styles to be relevant and relatable, aiming to create a contagious faith. Whether it's the lights, the sound, or the occasional secular song, it’s all about connecting with people where they are. Churches are not just here to preserve traditions but to reach out to those who feel disconnected from church and foster a contagious faith.
Self-reflection question: How can you make your faith more relatable and contagious to those who may feel disconnected from church?
The Challenge of Being More Like Jesus
Jesus prioritizes people over everything. He doesn’t just care about church people or straight people; He cares about all people, demonstrating contagious faith. People of faith must do the same. Churches are full of imperfect people, but many are committed to making Jesus accessible to everyone and spreading contagious faith.
This is why some churches started initiatives like COSILoveYou and why they do what they do in communities everywhere. They want to change what people think when they hear "church" and "Christian" in a good way, promoting contagious faith.
Self-reflection question: What steps can you take to prioritize others and reflect Jesus' love more clearly, fostering contagious faith?
Conclusion
Followers of Jesus need to be more like Him. The religious spirit is something that must be fought against to allow people to truly experience Jesus and develop contagious faith. Let's be contagious in a good way, spreading hope, love, and the life Jesus has for everyone.
Final self-reflection question: How can you be more contagious in your faith, spreading hope and love to those around you?
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