http://www.journeymanproject.org/church/willow-creeks-reveal-study-revisited/ Dispatches from the Life of Patrick Fowler: Christianity Explored Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:36:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.journeymanproject.org/church/willow-creeks-reveal-study-revisited/comment-page-1/#comment-110 admin Sat, 16 May 2009 20:01:48 +0000 http://www.journeymanproject.org/?p=214#comment-110 Good questions. Please keep in mind that the major difference between Finney and Edwards was their view on total depravity. I do not think that Willow and the majority of it's association share Finney's views on that. It would be better to compare them to John Wesley. They are not begging people to come to Jesus, and not appealing from logic alone. They give credit to and make room for the Holy Spirit. They just do not expect the Holy Spirit to have to work really hard to convert the non-Christian. They make sure that "church" is attractive to the seeker, so that they will come and hear the gospel proclaimed. They know from research and experience, that non-Christians show up on Sunday morning, so they make sure to welcome them as guests. After all, it's a lot easier for a non-Christian to have an open mind on Sunday morning, than to be open to someone knocking on their door and intruding into their homes on a weeknight. Good questions. Please keep in mind that the major difference between Finney and Edwards was their view on total depravity. I do not think that Willow and the majority of it’s association share Finney’s views on that. It would be better to compare them to John Wesley. They are not begging people to come to Jesus, and not appealing from logic alone. They give credit to and make room for the Holy Spirit. They just do not expect the Holy Spirit to have to work really hard to convert the non-Christian. They make sure that “church” is attractive to the seeker, so that they will come and hear the gospel proclaimed. They know from research and experience, that non-Christians show up on Sunday morning, so they make sure to welcome them as guests. After all, it’s a lot easier for a non-Christian to have an open mind on Sunday morning, than to be open to someone knocking on their door and intruding into their homes on a weeknight.

]]> http://www.journeymanproject.org/church/willow-creeks-reveal-study-revisited/comment-page-1/#comment-109 Jeremiah Mon, 11 May 2009 17:28:13 +0000 http://www.journeymanproject.org/?p=214#comment-109 Interesting point of view Patrick. How does Willow address issues or concepts like sin, perpituation, redemption, etc.? Also, how much of motivation for spiritual growth is the Church's responsibility versus personal conviction that would come from true life change by the Holy Spirit? As I ask these questions, I am now reminded of the philosophy of Charles Finney. It seems that Willow would fit in with a lot of Finney's philosophy for ministry. Where would that philosophy fit in with the philosophy or convictions of someone like Jonathon Edwards who would likely speak from a point of view like your professors and fellow students? Interesting point of view Patrick. How does Willow address issues or concepts like sin, perpituation, redemption, etc.? Also, how much of motivation for spiritual growth is the Church’s responsibility versus personal conviction that would come from true life change by the Holy Spirit? As I ask these questions, I am now reminded of the philosophy of Charles Finney. It seems that Willow would fit in with a lot of Finney’s philosophy for ministry. Where would that philosophy fit in with the philosophy or convictions of someone like Jonathon Edwards who would likely speak from a point of view like your professors and fellow students?

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