Summary

Michael and Jeff discuss the challenges of measuring spiritual maturity and the need for a deeper understanding of faith that goes beyond mere rule-following.

00:00 Opening

09:04 Exploring Centered Set Church Concepts

30:57 Bounded vs. Centered Churches

38:06 Leadership in Bounded vs. Centered Models

42:28 Blood, Ink, and Pencil Issues in Faith

46:54 Centered Approach to Faith and Community

50:04 The Challenge of Sin Management vs. Image Bearing

51:59 Digging Wells vs. Building Fences

The Eikon team explores the differences between bounded and centered gospels, discussing the implications of church dynamics on inclusion and exclusion. They delve into the nature of bounded churches, the judgmentalism that can arise, and the importance of fostering a community that encourages exploration of faith. The discussion highlights the spectrum of church mentalities, the impact of exclusion on individual identity, and the need for a more inclusive approach that focuses on unity rather than uniformity.

00:00 Introduction to Bounded and Centered Set Gospels

09:13 Exploring the Concept of Bounded vs. Centered Gospels

19:09 Real-World Applications and Implications of Gospel Types

29:15 Navigating Boundaries in Faith Communities

31:42 Understanding Bounded vs. Centered Gospels

36:47 The Nature of Bounded Churches

40:33 The Role of Judgmentalism in Bounded Groups

45:06 Exploring Inclusion and Exclusion

48:33 Unity vs. Uniformity in Church Dynamics

52:35 The Spectrum of Church Mentalities

57:05 The Impact of Exclusion on Individual Identity

01:01:39 Navigating Personal Beliefs in Church Contexts

01:08:35 Looking Ahead: Centered Gospels

Michael and Jeff explore the themes of living as Christians in a world that often feels like an empire. They discuss the importance of community, the call to live honorably, and the challenge of embodying the way of the cross. The conversation delves into the role of the Christian community in society, the complexities of engaging with government, and the need for humility and love in the face of cultural challenges. They emphasize the ideal of a loving, sacrificial community while acknowledging the difficulties in achieving this vision.

00:00 Introduction and Banter

06:00 The Exile Mindset in the New Testament

11:56 Living as Exiles: Identity and Purpose

18:13 The Tension of Exile: Comfort vs. Distinction

24:13 The Call to Live Differently in a Secular World

29:53 Powerlessness and the Exilic Existence

31:43 Living in the Shadows of Empire

36:51 The Way of the Cross

48:49 The Role of the Christian Community

01:00:08 Engaging with Government and Culture