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This illustration fascinates me. I do not know where this originated, but I’m glad this illustration exists because it puts the groceries on the bottom shelf.

The top half obviously is an inward perspective of church. Notice the words used: protecting, collecting, building, competing. Assets, community, organization, and culture are inward and building-centric. Resources the primary way to find security in facing the future. The risk is that people are valued only as far as they help sustain the organization. Infrastructure is king. The wheels of a church runs administratively. There is a very business-y, bureaucratic systematization about church.

The bottom half is outward is an outward perspective of church. Notice the words used: releasing, mobilizing, building, collaborating. Assets, community, organization, and culture are outward and ministry/mission-centric. Resources are the primary way to invest in the Kingdom and the future. The recognition is that the organization is valued as a tool to help people know and grow in Christ. The wheels of a church run toward ministry and discipleship. There is a very missionary movement about church.

I’ll take the bottom half, thanks!