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What can congregations do?
They should look at their programs and ask a simple question—is there as much emphasis here on the poor as there is in the Bible? And then be prepared to change. I wish most churches undertaking construction projects would raise matching funds for evangelism and empowering the poor. That would say clearly, We're not going to be seduced.

Along with preaching and teaching on the subject, we need small-group accountability structures, because the only way we're going to resist the fundamental consumerism and materialism inherent in society is through, in effect, a countercultural understanding.

Do you see yourself as a prophet?
I don't like that term. My deepest passion in life is to be faithful to Jesus, and I'd like somehow, as God gives me grace and wisdom, to be able to persuade the church to be faithful. I'm absolutely convinced that genuine, biblical Christianity is what this desperate world needs most.

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April 28 1997, Vol. 41, No. 5