tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post8370025815726482503..comments2008-01-24T15:05:16.929-05:00Vince Antonucci:http://www.blogger.com/profile/01577695138497215119noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-60992636628572368412008-01-24T15:05:00.000-05:002008-01-24T15:05:00.000-05:00I wanted to just leave an extension to your response to question #1. As part of your answer you use the metaphor of a coach and his/her team. Just to further that a bit (my husband would be so proud that I'm using sports to talk about spirituality!)...<BR/><BR/>The other night I was at a hs b.ball game and was sitting with a friend who happens to be a WNBA coach. Our team was having a rough time--playing against a team that clearly had more talent since we were down a few players. When it was suggested that maybe she (the pro coach) should get out there and tell them what to do, her calm response was "You can't play FOR them."<BR/><BR/>We (pastors) aren't living the daily walk with the Lord FOR our believers. But like you illustrated with a half-time scenario, a great coach is still vital. It's the discernment to know when the prod/push/celebration/encouragement is needed during those Sunday "practices" so players/believers know that when they spend time alone (be it shooting 100s of jump shots or sitting and reading/memorizing Scripture), they will be more successful on the court of life.<BR/><BR/>Ok, now this comment is it's own blog. Sorry!Kathy Cannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698789557106963850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-26115346928561878102008-01-24T09:58:00.000-05:002008-01-24T09:58:00.000-05:00Hey Jadie: I totally understand about having a hard time hearing God, I do too. But I'm pretty sure that it's my fault, not His. To that end, I am currently reading a book called, "Suprised by the Voice of God" that is all about how to listen for His voice. It comes from a different perspective than mine, but it's been really challenging and good for me. -- Don't give up on hearing from Him...Vince Antonucci:http://www.blogger.com/profile/01577695138497215119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-28603504799524345382008-01-24T09:40:00.000-05:002008-01-24T09:40:00.000-05:00Vince,<BR/>I've been reading your blog a long time. This is my first time commenting. This series has been right on target. <BR/><BR/>A quick thought about question 2: We've found that as a church in order for us to remain focused on reaching lost people, we have to spend MORE time and MORE energy on outreach than spiritual growth or anything else for that matter. If we don't, evangelism leaks out of us faster than any other value we have. Probably because it's just so hard.Jason Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14595220122246993195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-42448973286449610962008-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:002008-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00Hey Vince:<BR/><BR/>Killer series. I know it takes guts to bring up stuff like this. And it produced what blogs like this should--a lot of honest discussion to help everyone think.Aaronnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-38686346906474844672008-01-24T08:57:00.000-05:002008-01-24T08:57:00.000-05:00I appreciate you taking your time to read my comment. I apologize if I came across as harsh or too confrontational. I'm having a hard time with "hearing God" at all lately, and I've been seeking out as much as I can.Jadiehttp://www.thedoubtingchristian.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-5856472083905526202008-01-24T08:32:00.000-05:002008-01-24T08:32:00.000-05:00Vince,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your transparency and willingness to get lovingly poked!<BR/>This was a great series.LEHIGH VALLEY PROJECThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15490725404091792082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-53191133498269557192008-01-24T07:37:00.000-05:002008-01-24T07:37:00.000-05:00Hey Jeremy: More of them are "transfer" Christians, but occasionally its people who become believers in our church (which is much more perplexing and annoying).Vince Antonucci:http://www.blogger.com/profile/01577695138497215119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-41581553827683182502008-01-24T06:16:00.000-05:002008-01-24T06:16:00.000-05:00Bravo Vince Bravo! I know some on here thought I may have been picking but I knew you were a well thought out guy andhad looked at both sides. Nice series keep them comingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2253529165034405240.post-16027802340926499192008-01-24T01:15:00.000-05:002008-01-24T01:15:00.000-05:00Vince, <BR/><BR/>I have appreciated this series. It has challenged my thinking quite a bit...<BR/><BR/>I had a follow up question to your second to last question on this post. Apparently, you have (now that you've posted this series, the word should maybe be "had")people in your church who are making this complaint. <BR/><BR/>Were these people "transfer" Christians from another church or did they become believers in your church and then, over time, begin making this complaint?Jeremy Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01778420126998625079noreply@blogger.com