Weekly Update// Pastor Chris

Dear Asbury Family,
Last Sunday in worship I preached from Hebrews 5:11-6:3 and referred to Peter Pan Christianity (PPC). In a nutshell, PPC is when we resist spiritual growth and thus remain in the same place we were when we initially followed Jesus. 

 In truth, PPC affects all of us to a degree, but it especially affects those of us who may not be aware of the signs. What are the signs of Peter Pan Christianity, and how do these signs differ from authentic discipleship? Here’s a list I’ve put together. Keep in mind this list is not intended to be exhaustive. However, it should help us discern whether we are on the right track.

1.       Peter Pan Christians do not incorporate spiritual practices (prayer, Scripture reading, acts of service) into their everyday lives as Christ-followers. 
Mature and growing Christian embrace spiritual practices.  
 2.       Peter Pan Christians do not make corporate worship a priority. 
Mature and growing Christians are intentional about attending worship.  

3.       Peter Pan Christians do not give financially to their local church. Or, if they do give, it’s usually random, unplanned, and inconsistent, which means God gets the “last fruits” instead of the “first fruits.” 
After a great deal of prayer and consideration, Mature and growing Christians carve out a portion of their income and give regularly to the cause of Christ in their local church. These Christians recognize that Jesus meant it when he said, “Where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  

4.       Peter Pan Christians treat the church like a consumer. They use statements like, “I need to be fed” or “The church needs to serve my family and me.”  
Mature and growing Christians say things like, “I am called to serve God through the church.”  

5.      Peter Pan Christians do not see their faith as an integral part of who they are as people.  
Mature and growing Christians allow their Christian faith to spill out and influence every area of their lives — their marriage, finances, parent their children, how they perform their job, how they relate to other people, etc.  

 6.       Peter Pan Christians avoid spiritual conversations.
Mature and growing Christians are not afraid to talk about spirituality in a loving and Christ-like way. They also regularly extend invites to those without a church home to worship.   
In my message, I shared the story of Community of Hope United Methodist Church (located in Loxahatchee, FL) to highlight how PPC weighs down local churches. However, when discipleship becomes the main focus, local churches thrive and become a beacon of hope in their community.     
I truly believe God has great things in store for us at Asbury if only we will say, "NO!" to PPC. So, by God’s grace, let’s say, "NO!" to PPC. Let's pursue spiritual maturity. Let’s embrace discipleship. And let's live into the plans God has for us. 

Blessings,

Chris