Missing repentance

I've felt like something has been missing lately. I can't say for sure when it started, but I think I've finally discovered what it is.

I think I shared before about being asked to be on the 'preaching team' at church. The first time the six of us gathered together, the pastor led us through some key words he wanted to make sure we understood the definition of (or, at least, his definition). The words were: GRACE, RELATIONSHIP, PARTICIPATION, LOVE, and SIN. He also wrote out what he believes is the primary task of preachers.

I have to admit, I left that meeting with somewhat of a sour taste in my mouth, because it seemed we were being told what to believe. Over time it hasn't really gone away, but now it seems more like an 'incompleteness' than anything.

I have mostly been troubled by the preachers primary task (according to the pastor). He cited Mark 1:14-15, "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.'"

Now, I have no problem with this text. In fact, I couldn't agree more that it helps define the primary task of preaching. What concerns me is what we were told this means: "To proclaim the gospel of Jesus in love and invite people to return to active participation in the family of God!"

I do have to admit, maybe it's just semantics. Perhaps I am reading too much into things. It might just be me! Maybe "invite people to return" is another way of saying "repent." But... if I'm honest, I don't think that's the intent. It just feels... lacking.

Deep down, I suppose I just want the repenting part emphasized more. Yes, there is the inviting people to believe the good news, but we should also be challenging people to repent! THAT is what I want to hear someone say. It is surely grace that saves us, but the Arminian in me says we must ACT on the grace of God; we must ACCEPT it, and TURN from our sinful ways. It is this action - this repentance - that leads us to being active participants in the family of God!

In my mind, if there is no repentance, then the Good News is just... hanging out there. It might be good, but it doesn't do us any good unless we ACT ON IT and turn TO IT!

I don't know... like I said, I'm probably making something out of nothing. It's likely just the wording that bothers me. Yet I also feel like not emphasizing repentance is what leads to a lack of accountability among our group. It's sort of like, "It's all good; there's no need to change." And I think that is 'missing the mark.' Which, by the way, is what SIN is. It's falling short; an incomplete gospel; and it leaves people missing the joy of salvation.


Anyway... I'm just writing out some thoughts here. Putting my feelings on paper, so to speak. I really don't want to make a fuss. Yet, after my devotions this morning, I kind of wonder if maybe that's what I'm supposed to do. Is it really more that I don't want to create conflict - because I don't want to have to deal with it - but maybe I'm actually supposed to? ...I don't know...

Just thinking.