Jesus’ message offended people. Most churches seem to strive for the opposite.

Be less of a politicians. That is the message.

What can the church learn from THAT? How about encouraging people who have the buzz of the message of God in their lives to spread that, in entrepreneurial ways? Interesting untraditional usages of church space? Technology experiments? And simply put, maybe doing a little more to get out of the mortar and do more mission and face-to-face or fingers-to-keyboard exchanges and being what we notsocrazy Methodists describe as being connected? To be able to exchange a concert recording for another, you have to actually talk to someone and get to know their collection and interests, and more importantly, sometimes be willing to get something unfamiliar to you, offered freely as a gift. What a great way to describe the gospel’s message?!

As a gift, and something I’m proud of, go check out the Bela Fleck and Flecktones recording from the Riverbanks Zoo. It was a special night, one I’m proud to have recorded, and glad to have witnessed in person. Perhaps others will find how awesome this group of musicians is, and use this sense of “viral” sharing of music to virally spread the Word, too. Please note that I receive no benefit here, just want to share some awesomesauce.

Final note, Seth Godin talks a lot about the concept of the culture and lifestyle of “gifting” in Linchpin. It’s highly recommended reading. The church could learn a few things there too.