When the love of Jesus Christ gripped Wesley’s heart, he knew he couldn’t keep it to himself. There had to be some way to reach the vast masses of people who would never darken a church door. Initially, Wesley was convinced the gospel could only be preached in the stained-glass setting of a church building. But with so few people attending church services, he was forced to consider other options. Reluctantly, Wesley began preaching in the open air. He would find a high spot on the edge of a city and speak to whoever would listen. Crowds of three, five, even ten thousand people would gather. Many of them were touched by the spirit of God and awakened to their spiritual state. A revival in England was born largely because Wesley was willing to take the gospel where the people were.
Roger Ross, 7 of John Wesley’s Practices Can Change Hearts Today
The Church of the Nazarene affirms and proudly proclaims its heritage as a Wesleyan denomination. And, yet, are we ignoring the open air?
Where Are The People?
Hint: they’re not at church. This isn’t news—not by a long shot. Too many churches and denominations, however, are stuck in a framework that is limiting our creativity.
To be clear, I love the “four walls” of my local church. I just watch them limit everyone’s understanding of and participating in church life.
Digital and the Damaged
Digital is no panacea. There are problems with it, as with any human expression of creativity, individuality, collectivism, and so on. I see it, though, as a bridge to a revitalized even (dare I say) resurrected faith.
There are people who were offended, hurt, harmed by people of my local church. That happens. It’s not to excuse it, to be clear.
Because I don’t have the history, I generally have no clue. Also, because it is church hurt, people are very reluctant to share it (and I have seen why as we watch social media).
Digital can bridge that.
Bridging Pain
People watched us online since we (my wife and I) came. A lot of people have watched. Some of them decided we’re safe, and have re-joined the community.
It took a lot of time, and that’s okay. Honestly, I expect a lot more time for others to recover, if they ever do.
Digital is safe for them. Of course, we desire them to fully rejoin the community, and not just watch online. Yet, would I rather they hear a sermon within their community (for that is still how many view it) context, than be completely alone? Absolutely!
Should it be more than a sermon? Yes! Should there be some sort of digital discipleship if not done in person? Yes!
Blind to the New Square
Wesley preached in open fields, open spaces, even cemeteries! Why are we so closed to the new open spaces?
I cannot imagine preaching at a cemetery, at least other than at a funeral, yet Wesley did. If he preached at a cemetery, why can we not preach in the places people gather digitally?
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