Continue reading »]]> This is one outstanding interview – a must listen to for young and old!

Steve Chong is the Lead Pastor of Kirkplace Presbyterian Church in Kogarah.  It’s awesome.  Totally new building, excellent design, powerful facilities and very thoughtful and principled use of space.  Steve Gardner and I were totally blown away.

Steve Chong is also the Director of RICE – a youth evangelism initiative which saw over 300 young men and women respond to Christ last year at the Entertainment Centre rally.

In this hilarious interview, both Steves and myself have a truly wonderful time thinking about God, His people and His work in the world.  Firstly, we get to know a bit about the history of Kirkplace – the wonderful blessing it is, yet the fear and trembling which Steve Chong feels as the one responsible for this gift.  Next, we get to delve into Steve’s life a bit – his background, and when things really kicked on for him in the faith.

The core of this interview has to do with ministry.  Steve has some paradigm-changing ideas on how to enable and equip members of church to do the Lord’s work – and it revolves around spiritual gifts and vocation.  Chong’s Triperspectival idea of gifts, need, and desires is something which seems similar to John Frame’s Triperspectivalism, so naturally, I’m drawn to it!  On similar things, see Tim Keller’s use of Frame’s Tri-perspectivalism.

Lastly, we spend some time talking about the men who have most influenced Steve.  Al Stewart, Mark Driscoll and Matt Chandler are spoken of fondly, and it is refreshing to hear about these men as fallible men like us.  Yet all three have been able to open up, share and impact Steve.  In fact, this is what Steve appreciates most about their relationships, and it’s a great thing to be encouraged by.

Have a listen.  Do learn.  And thank the Lord for the wonderful work He is doing.  Oh, and of course there’s plenty of shnouncements!

Listen:

Luther:

“Therefore I advise no one to enter any religious order or the priesthood, indeed, I advise everyone against it – unless he is forearmed with this knowledge and understands that the works of monks and priests, however holy and arduous they may be, do not differ one whit in the sight of God from the works of the rustic laborer in the field or the woman going about her household tasks, but that all works are measured before God by faith alone.”  Martin Luther from The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)