I have been a critic of the church for almost my entire Christian life (15 years). I went to graduate school and was given the language to articulate those thoughts that I found problematic with the church. To sum up my critiques: The main problem I have seen with local churches has been their lack of cultural understating and diversity in a diverse city, their lack of willingness to be relevant to the community, their lack of willingness to raise up indigenous leaders and reach out to the community in a holistic, contextual manner (contextual meaning: based upon communities expressed needs and styles of communication & art ). About three months ago my wife and I were introduced to a church called Oasis, headquartered in Pembroke Pines, Florida through one of there pastor's named Kevin McCord (A True Brother & Breathing Administrative Pastor).

For example since we have been attending the North Miami Campus we have been blown away by the ethnic\cultural diversity found in the life of it's congregation. For example two weeks ago we were having a conversation with a family from Haiti who had made Oasis their church family due to the love they were experiencing. Then last week I was having a conversation about reaching the community with a man my age who I think was "Anglo" and who's wife was from an Island off West Africa. The first thing he said to me, "is that he has a passion to reach the neighborhood youth with an after-school program in mind". I was blown away because I had similar thoughts too.

Three weeks before that I was speaking to a woman of African descent who was from Denmark. That same day I listened to a sermon from a pastor who was from Texas, while the door greeters who smiled at me where from Latin America. It is amazing to see and feel the diversity of this church and see how they reflect the international community of Miami.

What is even more amazing is that when I conversate with the pastors about culture, social engagement, legalism vs. freedom and leadership development they are just as concerned about these issues and have been actively working to adjust themselves into all that God wants them to be for this generation and geography. There is an openness to the call of the Holy Spirit and the mission of God which demonstrates that Jesus is truly the Lord of their hearts.

When I walked into their Thursday youth service two weeks ago it amazed me to see about 100 youngsters with hands lifted up and open to the worship of Jesus. If your in the Miami, Florida area I deeply recommend you visit this church (www.visitoasis.org). As my family and I look for a home church to settle in and serve through, please pray for us that God would confirm His call soon. Pray that this church and all the Spirit led churches of South Florida would continue to address their community in relevant ways and disciple the large numbers of souls looking for Christ and authentic Christian community.