WV CHURCH

WV Church - not to be confused with the ever-popular VW (Volkswagen) Church - stands for "WORLDVIEW CHURCH (WV CHURCH)." This follow-up blog bounces off the earlier October 27, 2008 blog titled "Worldview."

There are some characteristcs common to churches that have a 'Jesus Worldview.'

Intentionality
Just preaching good sermons does not make people develop a "Jesus Worldview." That half-hour 'lecture' (or longer) certainly delivers information helpful to developing that worldview, but just being exposed to decent teaching doesn't get us very far. If it DID, we'd already be a transformed nation. No, a place that is developing a Biblical worldview is a place that is relentlessly implementing various elements into an intentional plan of action.

Big Picture to Details
There is a key strategy in place. They begin with a pretty clear notion of where they'd like to be in the end. Then they conceive plans that move them backward from the end point to the starting point and every point along the way.

Uncompromisingly Biblical
You would think this one might be a no-brainer, but I'm afraid not. A Biblical worldview emanates from one place: THE BIBLE.

Connected Foundations
Bible teaching is always placed in a broad context. Every element is tirelessly connected to every other element in their teaching, their strategy, their values, their mission. It's all ONE.

Total Family Involvement
Churches that have successfully developed a Biblical worldview start their people on the journey when they are only four to five years old. The moral foundations of most Americans are generally in place by age nine. Biblical worldview churches enlist the help of the entire family in the process. This is almost required. Reliance on the one or two hours spent on a church campus during the week - much of which has little do with faith development - cannot be expected to compete with the fifty or sixty hours spent per week inundated by the media as it communicates alternative worldviews.

Addressing the Competition
Many churches believe the best M.O. is to protect its followers from the other worldviews being taught out there. The most EFFECTIVE Biblical worldview churches, however, believe it is imperative that believers be informed about what the competition is offering. While some churches fear that exposure to such things will water down their impact or result in attrition, the fact is that such a view expresses a limited trust in the power of God and His truth.

Being a true follower of Christ is more than just believing in God or Jesus; even the devil meets that criterion. Being a true follower of Christ is more than just believing the Bible is a reliable document; many archaeologists, historians and scientists who are atheists believe that. Being a true follower of Christ is to believe He gave us life and purpose - the purpose of loving and obeying Him - loving and serving others - living in concert with the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

And be blessed.