Willard: Pastors need to redefine success. The popular model of success involves the ABCs—attendance, buildings, and cash. Instead of counting Christians, we need to weigh them. We weigh them by focusing on the most important kind of growth—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, kindness, and so on—fruit in keeping with the gospel and the kingdom.
Zander: Spiritual formation needs to connect with what people are dealing with in their daily lives. For example, you tell the congregation, “We’re going to learn how to live without anxiety and fear; is anybody interested?” Most of the folks won’t believe it’s possible. You start by teaching what Jesus said about anxiety. Then begin practicing the simple disciplines that help reshape our minds. And share stories about how you’re doing through the process. We don’t start with the disciplines; we start with the real life issue.
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