Performative or Transformational? (#1011)
It was a tale of two cities over consecutive weekends that got this conversation going. Wayne shares about his experience with former 2x2 members in the South, and then he went with Sara to their 50th college reunion at Oral Roberts University. As Wayne processes those experiences with Kyle, they find themselves contrasting performative Christianity to a doctrine or program and a transformational journey that comes from an ever-deepening engagement with God's love. As part of that conversation, they read through Psalm 15 as it describes the company of the just, where God wants to make his presence known.
Podcast Notes:
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As someone who has been a part of the 2×2 group almost my entire life (I still participate on a limited level), I am thankful for the way you are coming alongside us in this very difficult time. I do have to say that when I listened to this podcast, red flags popped up everywhere in my heart when you described how our North Carolina brothers and sisters approached you when you walked into the door. I wasn’t there so I may be misreading what I heard, but what you described may actually be an extension of what 2x2ers have come to know as “worker worship.” We practically grovelled at their feet. Unfortunately, though some may have, I don’t ever remember any of them saying what the angel said when John fell at his feet to worship (Rev. 19:10): “Don’t do it! I’m a servant just like you.”
I’ve listened to many of your podcasts, both with Brad Cummings and with Kyle Rice, and even though you admit to craving the limelight in your earlier days, now you often say “It’s not about Wayne.” Thank you for this! Father is teaching us 2x2ers, past and present, to pour out all our affection on HIM, not human beings. Old ways of thinking, relating, acting, and reacting die hard, especially toward someone we may perceive as a leader or “further down the road” than we are. Father is so patient!
Thanks for your comment, Lisa. I can assure you, however, there was no “worship” or goveling in it. That’s what touched me about that time. I just sensed honest, sincerity, and openness of heart from a genuine place of gratitude.
I love how God is at work here and that we are all learning not to exalt any human, but to see Jesus in each other and celebrate him.
Thank you, Wayne! I hope you & Sara are having a great Thanksgiving.