There is a range of opinions out there about Acts 29. Some think we are saving evangelicalism. Others think we are ushering in the downfall of Western civilization. There are those encouraged by our churches. There are those who consider us to be juveniles and theology police.
While in my experience this sort of polarization exists with any organization, my hope is that we would be a people marked by a relentless pursuit of holiness and humility.
I pray that we would be men ferociously committed to loving God, men who gladly lay down any and all their liberties if it would serve the cause of Christ in greater ways, men who don’t seek conflict but aren’t afraid of it, and men who treasure Christ and the gospel above all.
I pray that we would be men ferociously committed to loving God … men who treasure Christ and the gospel above all.
I pray that we would be men ferociously committed to loving God … men who treasure Christ and the gospel above all.
Though we’ve definitely had situations and circumstances that could have been handled differently, I’m encouraged to say that I’ve seen this hope lived out in our men and churches. To my knowledge, this network is filled with some of the most godly, sacrificial, mature men in the world.
For every story of someone handling what we believe to be biblically correct in a way that isn’t winsome or gracious or waving the flag of personal liberties instead of the gospel, I can point you to dozens and dozens who love Jesus deeply and are quietly training, coaching and planting churches that will train, coach and plant churches.
We will continue to have our flaws and blind spots like all networks do, but my deep and abiding hope is that regardless of what is said of us — even by our enemies — it will have to be said that we are men who deeply and desperately love the Kingdom of God and are walking in holiness and humility.
This post was written by Matt Chandler.
