An interesting quote from one of my "tours" around facebook! Harry Robinson had a wonderful metaphor for the church. It was that of a shepherd maintaining his flock: he could either build a fence to keep them in, or build a pasture with plenty of water and nourishment to make them want to stay The other thought comes from an email I received about our upcoming denominational assembly in Turkey in 2010. W. Ward Gasque (a heavy weight in Biblical Studies) is taking a tour group through Turkey. That's good information, but it was the way he signed his name that got to me. Remember, this is a biblical scholar whom I have read and admire (great textbook on Acts!), but he had no official affiliation with the workings of the Alliance. Here is his quote in the email sent out. Since I am a relative newcomer to the Canadian Alliance as far as membership is concerned (though I have been linked with the Alliance as a Staley Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at CBC/CTS, assisting in the education of numerous Alliance pastors and scholars, and, on occasion, preaching), some of you may not know me. For the past two years I have been honored to serve as the English Ministries Pastor at Richmond Chinese Alliance Church. As you may or may not be aware, I was a co-founder of Regent College. There's more, but it just struck me that a Chinese Alliance church was able to enlist Dr. Gasque's services. This is probably based on friendships and other factors. Nevertheless, I'm wondering if I sometimes overlook people who would love to be coming alongside things that I think God is calling me to just because they may be busy, or currently engaged in their own pursuits, or seemingly out of my league? Just some thoughts!!
