Want Church Quote by James MacDonald
““Most of what is wrong in horizontal church flows from attempts to get green apples interested in Jesus. Green apples are very articulate about that they do and don't want in church. They don't want to hear about money, because that is one of their idols; they don't want to be told about sin, because that assaults pride; no interest in pressure to decide for Jesus, because that threatens their autonomy. Sadly when church becomes what green apples must have or they won't come. It ceases to be what it must be for God to attend. Church needs to be offensive to green apples or it can be helpful to those who are ripe.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: “Green Apples” by James MacDonald, 2015
Church must prioritize God’s purpose over catering to the unripe, who resist spiritual depth and autonomy.
In simple terms: Church should focus on God, not on pleasing the unripe.
Key Takeaway
Serve God, not the unripe.
Themes
church
spirituality
authenticity
mission
Mood
challenging
reflective
Type
theological
provocative
When to use this quote
- pastor training
- church planting
- outreach to skeptical audiences
- leadership development
Key Concepts
evangelism
cultural critique
spiritual maturity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can churches balance truth with hospitality?
- What defines “ripe” versus “unripe” believers?
A Different Perspective
Unripe individuals may feel alienated, reducing attendance.
