Keller point 1: the church must learn to speak to outsiders
The hosts work through Keller's first point: for a millennium Western institutions instilled Christian beliefs so the church didn't have to explain itself, but now most evangelical churches can only reach shrinking enclaves because they haven't learned to communicate to outsiders. They discuss how calls to repentance require a shared view of reality, how one host translates Deuteronomy into 'Mike speak' with American town names to follow the story, and how every sermon is essentially translating the text into relatable situations. They read Keller's account of reaching young secular progressives in Manhattan by affirming their best longings and redirecting them to Christ, after Paul's pattern in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24, and one host recommends Tim Mackie's Jonah sermons to a friend reconnecting with faith.
More on Communication
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Is Jesus a good leader? The 10 qualities, part one
- Is Jesus a good leader by modern standards?
Mike runs a vague internet search for 'the 10 essential qualities of an effective leader' and the room grades Jesus. 1.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the fiance who games until 5AM
- What should the letter-writer do about her fiance's all-night gaming habit?
Mike reads a Dear LFTP letter from a woman engaged five years to Dustin, who games from 10PM to 5AM, skips chores, and gives her no attention; talking has not helped since 'he grew up gaming.'
From No. 598 · Emphasis | Accountability, Worship and Praying with Strangers
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Dear LFTP: the basement musician whose wife never asks him to play
- Am I asking too much to expect my wife to ask me to play, or should I just let it go and stop writing songs?
Mike reads a letter from a married-31-years basement musician and songwriter whose non-musical wife has never once asked him to play — he wonders if he's asking too much or should stop writing.
From No. 597 · Maybe A Word From God
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Dear LFTP: wife mocks husband's bladder problem in public
- How should I respond when my wife mocks me and my bladder problem in public?
Mike reads a letter from a man married three years whose wife calls him vulgar names in public and makes his bladder-control problem into comedy.