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Faith & Cultureby Rod D. Martin
November 12, 2006
My friend Andrew Sandlin writes on his blog this morning:
The problem with the “covenantal” churches is that while they have fine, upstanding children (externally, at least), they have an abominable track record at evangelizing the world (“That’s the Arminians’ job; they win ’em; then we steal ’em”).
The problem with the “missional” churches is that while they do a great job of evangelizing (for the short term, at least), they have an abominable track record at nourishing covenant children (“Let’s treat ’em like little pagans so we can really evangelize ’em later”).
For a stark alternative to both of these travesties, hear my sermon “Jesus, Children, and the Missio Dei.“
I have to say: this is the stereotype (and certainly one I’ve bought into aplenty), but I’m not sure how true it is, at least regarding the latter group. I think there are certainly a lot of churches that fit this argument, and I’ve complained about them endlessly. But in fact, we see more and more churches (and many of them BIG churches, which will annoy Reformed folk too) that are doing just fine in discipleship, even (and especially) among the young.
All of which says that a missions-oriented people is not likely to remain oblivious over time to discipleship issues, since those issues dictate the “profit margin” (please forgive my term) on their missions efforts. I think that lesson has been learned very well among many evangelicals — certainly many Baptists — and that tendency is growing, in some places dramatically.
Alas, the same cannot be said for the hyper-covenantal. If anything, the tendency there seems to be finding new externals to control, as if grace were an incantation. And I fear that the result will be similar to that in all the nations once ruled by Calvinists, from Massachusetts to Scotland to Holland to South Africa. An undisciplined but regenerate heart is still regenerate, and the Holy Spirit will work in it and through it over time, regardless of our opinions or of such deficiencies as may well exist. But an unregenerate heart filled with externals will subvert the church and ultimately, given opportunity and numbers, smash it.
As Andrew points out, balance is needed. Some are finding it, and praise God for them. The future depends on what He’s doing in their midst.
Rod is one of our nation’s leading minds. He’s smart, original, and very committed—a combination that one rarely finds.
Rod Martin and [former Howard Dean campaign manager] Joe Trippi are America’s two foremost experts on online politics.
Rod Martin is a Reaganite-Thatcherite conservative…[and] a man who has spent much of his life ministering to and working for the benefit of others. I know Rod as an advocate for freedom, a leader who understands the real changes we need in Washington, and who has the drive and ability to make those changes happen.
Rod Martin is the kind of dynamic leader who has the knowledge, ability and experience to lead us successfully into the 21st Century. His vision for America is compelling.
Rod Martin literally wrote the book on excellence. Humble yet brilliant, a man of love and compassion, with penetrating clarity he illuminates the world around us, and we are both stirred and enlightened.
Rod Martin is a born leader and an outstanding political mind. Anyone who takes him on is going to have a serious fight on their hands.
Rod Martin is a man of uncommon vision and character. Ever since I first worked alongside Rod in the early days of PayPal, I’ve been struck by his powerful vision for the future. Rod understands the intersection of technology, politics and culture in a way that few others do.
Rod Martin wears with uncommon grace an uncanny ability to link his vigorous faith to the practical challenges of both the business world and the political arena. Yet the respect he shows for others carries a warmth and modesty that are both too rare among those who are strong advocates of feisty positions.
America badly needs more leaders who really get the future. We need more Rod Martins.
Rod Martin is a modern day philosopher-statesman. He is a capitalist intellectual, a conservative iconoclast, a gentle adversary and a kind prophet. He inspires us towards a fresh national vision built upon the original founding principles.
Rod Martin is not only effective and efficient, but he is also perceptive, wise and gracious. He gets things done. He is a great friend and a great ally.
Rod is one of the sharpest, most gracious men I know, and one of the most gifted political thinkers today. His ability to analyze issues and communicate thoughtful insights on them have earned him the respect of people across the political spectrum.
I am proud to have been Rod Martin’s friend for a quarter century, and I can tell you that he is one of the finest men and most outstanding leaders in our church and in our country today. He has a knack for turning everything he touches to success.
Rod Martin is a cornucopian entrepreneur and eutropic thinker whose influence radiates through an array of companies, institutions, movements and churches. A renaissance American, he is also a prolific friend of freedom and faith around the globe.
If Rod Martin represents the next generation of leaders, America has nothing to worry about.
A leader and a servant, in public life and in private, Rod Martin strides at the top of his profession, and has nowhere to go but up. He is in the truest sense of the word ‘outstanding’.
Rod Martin is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished thought leaders today. He is a wonderful mentor, a humble role model, and a deep inspiration for the next generation of scientific innovators and entrepreneurs.
Rod’s achievements pale beside his character and his brilliance. He sees what others can’t. He leads when others won’t.
Rod Martin is one of America’s finest young minds.