Couple of thoughts

Couple of thoughts upon which I have mused recently:

Many people use Romans 3:23 as a prooftext for total and, specifically, universal depravity. However, after studying the text more carefully, I wonder if we are using it out of context. If we are using it correctly to refer to universal depravity, then it is a parenthesis between 22 and 24. However, it seems more natural to see it as referring to total depravity without distinction rather than without exception (as is true with justification). The truth of universal depravity is really made more clearly in Romans 2:1-20. Verse 21 transitions from the nature of man to the nature of God's salvation. I want to be careful that we don't get in the habit of making right points from wrong passages.

Last week I met with the Campus Crusade representative at Butler. He is from a CRC background, and we had a really nice chat. He was describing for me CCC's new method of outreach for smaller campuses. They call it their "Catalytic" model. One man is responsible for stirring up and overseeing ministry on 30-50 campuses. One man in Flordia leads over 20 thriving ministries but does all of his ministry by email or phone, and then sees the people on one or two days a year at most. Interesting model. What do you think? Can this be an effective model for ministry?