“Send the fire!” Or: “Bless our programs!”

William Booth sang “Send the fire!” not “Bless our programs!” Which version best describes us in the 21st Century?

“Our programs we want, for programs we plead,
Bless our programs!
Our programs will meet our every need,
Bless our programs!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For power to walk the world in white,
Bless our programs, bless our programs today!”
(When William Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, wrote the original version of this song, he passionately sang: “Send the fire!” And when I took this picture a flame somehow appeared on Booth’s right hand. Can you see it? Learn more about releasing God’s fire @ http://amzn.to/1UVqyBe.) 058

Nowadays Western culture persuades people to trust in programs, procedures, policies, practicality, philosophy, professionals, and paradigms, to the point that when we perceive the presence and power of the living, resurrected Jesus, we push Him aside because we prefer our pedagogy and perceived proficiency more than the power of His presence.

–“For such a time as this” let’s put down our programs and put on the fire of Jesus. When a church (or corps) silences its most fiery, Christ-filled people, it confines itself to lukewarm mediocrity.

About Steve Simms

I like to look and think outside the box. In college I encountered Jesus Christ and I have been passionate about trying to get to know Him better ever since. My wife and I long to see the power and passion of the first Christ-followers come to life in our time. I have written a book about our experiences in non-traditional church, called, "Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible--Ekklesia." If you need encouragement, search for: Elephants Encouraging The Room and/or check out my Amazon author page. Thank you!

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