Nearly ten years ago, while taking a class in London, I met Dr. Daniel Strange. In the years since, Dan’s become a good friend. But I distinctly remember meeting him then because he introduced me to an idea that’s been foundational for how I talk about the gospel—the good news of Jesus’s death and resurrection—ever since.
Dan’s taught me how the gospel is “subversive fulfillment.” In his own words, that means:
The gospel is the subversive fulfillment of the culture… it subverts in that it confronts, unpicks, and overthrows the world’s stories. It calls for new ways of looking at the world because the old ways are so useless and harmful… However, the gospel fulfills in that it connects and is shown to be worthy of our hopes and desires.
If you’ve been around the Redeemer Network of Churches for any length of time, you’ll recognize this way of talking about the gospel as being foundational for everything we do. In respectful and winsome ways, we are always trying to show our city how the gospel critiques and comforts, confronts and connects.
I’m thrilled that Dr. Daniel Strange is one of our guest speakers at our conference this weekend. If you’ve already registered, you’re in for a treat. If you’ve not yet registered, there’s still some space for you to do so. I’m very much looking forward to this time together as we grow in our ability to share the gospel as subversive fulfillment today.
With hope,
Pastor Bijan
Friday, October 17, from 7 to 9 pm
Saturday, October 18, from 9 am to 12:30 pm
Talking About Jesus Today
This conference will combine teaching with discussion and practical exercises, all designed to equip you to winsomely share your faith with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. In addition to Rev. Dr. Bijan Mirtolooi, we have two guest speakers joining us for this conference. Dr. Daniel Strange from the UK is a gifted writer and speaker on the topics of engaging culture and sharing our faith. Jennifer Chan is a New Yorker and Redeemer West Sider whose passion for Jesus and sharing her faith is contagious. We hope you can join us for our fall conference, as we seek to talk about Jesus today. Click here to register.
Upcoming
- Oct 15 | Kids’ Community Group Begins
- Oct 17/18 | Talking About Jesus Today
- Oct 19 | RWS Membership Class
- Oct 19 | WSY Discipleship Groups Return
- Oct 20 | Faith & Work 101
- Oct 23 | Sing, Play, Speak
- Oct 25 | Manuscript Bible Study Training
- Oct 26 | Spiritual Practices: Evangelism
- Oct 31 | Candy Handout
- Oct 31 | WS Youth Halloween Hoedown
- Nov 6 | Redeemer Network Prayer & Praise Night
Get Involved
RWS Job Opening: RWS Spiritual Formation Manager.
Listen to songs from Redeemer West Side Music.
Join the 20s & 30s group on Wednesday nights.
Volunteer with West Side Youth on Friday nights.
Subscribe to our Neighborhood Engagement Newsletter.
HFNY: Network Talks: Responding to Food Insecurity Together (Tuesday, October 28).
HFNY: Find a place to volunteer this fall; HFNY’s list offers opportunities across the five boroughs.
