Tuesday Jul 04, 2023

Mid-Year Highlights #2 The Church Settled or Sent?

In the middle of 2023, the topic of "The Church Settled or Sent" has become the second most widely downloaded episode. Perhaps this is because Doctor Kurt Fredrickson was able to articulate what many had been thinking, or perhaps it was because the Lord Himself had already been revealing this truth. The episode's popularity could also be attributed to Kurt's ability to live out the principles he preached, as he confronted challenges without dismantling or undermining the body of Christ. His genuine love for the church radiates through his demeanour. Regardless of the cause, this episode struck a chord with Christian believers all over the world during the first half of 2023.

In this episode, Tina Waldrom speaks with Doctor Kurt Fredrickson about The Church, Settled or Sent? The Bible paints a picture of a missionary God and His people sent into a world that needs Christ. Why then does the church settle and lose its influence in the world? Why does it live settled and not sent? Kurt Fredrickson is the current Associate Dean for Professional Doctoral Programs at Fuller Theological Seminary in California, USA. Before his role at Fuller, Kurt led his church from being settled to living sent. It was not an easy road. He shares the lessons learnt.

Kurt Fredrickson is in a unique position. Previously a church pastor, he now meets and journeys with hundreds of church leaders who pass through the doctoral programs at Fuller Seminary. He knows the current struggles that leaders face. He understands the complexities of the world the church is called to, and he is passionate about the church being salt and light in local contexts. As a practitioner, he made the hard calls. He made the changes to move his church from a place of comfort to a place of discomfort. And yes, people left the church and the budget suffered. But nevertheless, he and his church lived as a sent people.

In this episode, Kurt lays the biblical foundation for the people of God living as a sent people. He talks about an eternal, missionary God, and the implications for local congregations. He is kind enough to share his own shortcomings and graceful in sharing the wisdom learnt. He talks about the people who left his church. About the financial drop that his church experienced and the cost of calling the church to deeper discipleship. Kurt, in a very frank conversation, gives some great insights on how to move a church to a place of sentness.

In this podcast episode, you will discover…