I would have done this yesterday morning when it was all a bit fresher, but I couldn't get logged in to write. I woke up yesterday having dreamt a fair amount of conversations about the emergent church "movement" (those involved would rather think of it as a conversation). I've apparently had it on the brain a lot and had just finished Dan Kimball's The Emerging Church the morning before.
I had also read the first part of an article that was in Christianity Today about the emerging church that danced around some explanation of what it is, where it has come from and where it might be going (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/011/12.36.html). I finished the article in the morning and then followed a link from it to an interview with Rob Bell (pastor of Mars Hill) that had a lot of very interesting insight about preaching (http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2004/002/1.24.html).
I guess some of my response to these articles came out of what a crap week it's been with wrestling with budget stuff, ministry structure stuff and a fairly good small group meeting where we spent a lot of time trying to come to conclusions where I would rather have been captivated by the mystery of how God works. I'm so tired of trying to control everything and trying to put things in a box that is manageable so that I can be untroubled by things that are going on around me. Where mystery exists, I'd like to let it exist since part of its purpose is to remind me that God is so far beyond my understanding and to move me to awe and wonder. Not that intellectual exercise is bad. God wants to be known and we are to pursue Him in ways that lead us to a better understanding of His character and how we are to live in relationship to Him and to others. I'm just having a hard time intellectualizing everything to the point of uninspiration and am not convinced that we come to a full understanding most of the time anyway. Oh well.
Back to the articles. One of the points of the emergent article was to examine whether emergent ministry is fad or future for the church at large. The opinion that I have at this point is that whether emergent theology is a trend or the future seems irrelevant. The surest way to see the church in America go the way of the church in Europe is to do nothing. If we want to be increasingly in decline in both numbers, influence and relevance to our culture, then by all means, let us continue to do things the way we have been and try to discredit anyone who does anything slightly different than what we're doing now. We are too enamored with the trends that helped us see renewed interest in the church in the 1980's-90's and are failing to recognize the need for diversity in how we approach ministry now. I'm tired of church. That may be me speaking out of stress, weariness and frustration with having too many things going on right now, but I think at heart it is how I feel about experiencing a Christian community that doesn't resemble what God intends it to be.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Evangelism and post-Christians
I am reading the chapter on evangelism in Dan Kimball's The Emerging Church and had to stop mid-paragraph. A lot of what he is saying is confirming some of what I've been feeling in how the worship gathering/small group model that we are currently using probably will be counter to what we will need to see in any kind of post-Christian evangelism efforts. He draws some parallels between modern/post-modern approaches and the Roman approach when they first encountered the Celtic tribes. The Roman approach was to 1) present the Christian message; 2) invite them to decide to believe in Christ and become Christians; 3) If they do respond, assimilate them into the church. This is a very logical approach, but when the Romans encountered the Celts, they encountered a pagan culture that "favored a more sensory approach to learning."
If the modern church models the Romans in the example, the post-Christian culture represents the Celts. In the Roman model the logical progression was:
1) Presentation
2) Decision
3) Fellowship
The Celtic model (in contrast) became:
1) Fellowship
2) Ministry and conversations
3) Belief, invitation to commitment
What this means for us: Hanfield has had a "if we build it, they will come" approach to things. This worked well for us for awhile. We still see the worship service as the main entry point for non-believers. Once they show up, we work to assimilate them into groups. Thankfully, I think we understand that we need to get people involved in fellowship regardless of whether they have made a commitment or not, but we still tend to approach our adult groups in ways that the post-Christian would have a hard time engaging with. That's not a criticism, just an observation. Our adult groups are made up almost entirely of people with a Judeo-Christian mindset or understanding. I don't think our current groups would experience a lot of success with the Celtic model unless they really worked hard at making changes to the way they function. It is possible, but not without reimagining the purpose of groups beyond incubators for discipleship. I suspect Leanne is helping them to move beyond that in their planning.
I'm wondering if we won't experience more success in the satellite by recreating adult ministry models to where our adult groups are the first contact point for post-Christian people. Could the groups be done in a way that we begin by engaging in relationship with non-believers, learn about them, live with them, love them and let them experience community at that level as a way of introducing them to the faith before they ever set foot in a larger worship gathering? Obviously, assimilation for those that begin in the service setting is still important to consider, but what if it wasn't our primary modus operandi?
I'll probably wrestle with this some more, but it's time for lunch.
If the modern church models the Romans in the example, the post-Christian culture represents the Celts. In the Roman model the logical progression was:
1) Presentation
2) Decision
3) Fellowship
The Celtic model (in contrast) became:
1) Fellowship
2) Ministry and conversations
3) Belief, invitation to commitment
What this means for us: Hanfield has had a "if we build it, they will come" approach to things. This worked well for us for awhile. We still see the worship service as the main entry point for non-believers. Once they show up, we work to assimilate them into groups. Thankfully, I think we understand that we need to get people involved in fellowship regardless of whether they have made a commitment or not, but we still tend to approach our adult groups in ways that the post-Christian would have a hard time engaging with. That's not a criticism, just an observation. Our adult groups are made up almost entirely of people with a Judeo-Christian mindset or understanding. I don't think our current groups would experience a lot of success with the Celtic model unless they really worked hard at making changes to the way they function. It is possible, but not without reimagining the purpose of groups beyond incubators for discipleship. I suspect Leanne is helping them to move beyond that in their planning.
I'm wondering if we won't experience more success in the satellite by recreating adult ministry models to where our adult groups are the first contact point for post-Christian people. Could the groups be done in a way that we begin by engaging in relationship with non-believers, learn about them, live with them, love them and let them experience community at that level as a way of introducing them to the faith before they ever set foot in a larger worship gathering? Obviously, assimilation for those that begin in the service setting is still important to consider, but what if it wasn't our primary modus operandi?
I'll probably wrestle with this some more, but it's time for lunch.
Friday, October 29, 2004
Connecting Campuses
One of the challenges that I am seeing with the satellite campus (no matter what it looks like) is finding ways to create connection between a satellite campus and the main campus. If we don't, we may as well be doing this as a chuch plant with a short-term connection untill the plant is capable of being its own, self-sustaining church.
I think there are ways that a main campus/daughter campus partnership would be beneficial to the mission of Hanfield. It would allow us to have a presence in a location and with a specific part of the population that we do not currently have. It could also help the main campus (in the country) stay connected with some of the needs of people in Marion better. The satellite could potentially serve as a ministry outpost for the main campus in Marion as well.
I'm also wondering if we might be able to serve one another by sharing some resources. I am expecting to start with just a single service at the satellite. Who does nursery during that time? If it is someone from the satellite, they then miss out on the service. If they always attend the service, where are they serving the body? Using the nursery example, what if people from the satellite took turns helping in the nursery at Hanfield during an earlier hour and people from Hanfield helped in the nursery at the satellite? What other resources could we share in an attempt to stay closely connected to the main campus?
In terms of relationship, what about using people from each campus to give testimonies at the other campus? What about developing additional teachers and allowing them to periodically (maybe on 5th Sundays) teach at the other campus? What about using people from the main campus to partner with small groups from the satellite who are older and can share their wisdom experience with younger believers?
Other ways we could partner in more obvious ways are combined VBS programming (as much as I hate the word "programming") and other outreach events, combined teams for missions trips and enlisting skilled people from each campus when a specific ministry need arises that matches their gifting. I'm sure there are many more, but that at least gets the ball rolling.
I think there are ways that a main campus/daughter campus partnership would be beneficial to the mission of Hanfield. It would allow us to have a presence in a location and with a specific part of the population that we do not currently have. It could also help the main campus (in the country) stay connected with some of the needs of people in Marion better. The satellite could potentially serve as a ministry outpost for the main campus in Marion as well.
I'm also wondering if we might be able to serve one another by sharing some resources. I am expecting to start with just a single service at the satellite. Who does nursery during that time? If it is someone from the satellite, they then miss out on the service. If they always attend the service, where are they serving the body? Using the nursery example, what if people from the satellite took turns helping in the nursery at Hanfield during an earlier hour and people from Hanfield helped in the nursery at the satellite? What other resources could we share in an attempt to stay closely connected to the main campus?
In terms of relationship, what about using people from each campus to give testimonies at the other campus? What about developing additional teachers and allowing them to periodically (maybe on 5th Sundays) teach at the other campus? What about using people from the main campus to partner with small groups from the satellite who are older and can share their wisdom experience with younger believers?
Other ways we could partner in more obvious ways are combined VBS programming (as much as I hate the word "programming") and other outreach events, combined teams for missions trips and enlisting skilled people from each campus when a specific ministry need arises that matches their gifting. I'm sure there are many more, but that at least gets the ball rolling.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Reflections from last week
Had coffee with Jason Makowski last Friday and a lot of satellite ministry stuff and my personal burden came up. It was encouraging to see how much of what I had to say resonated with Jason as he is someone who is a great brother and also a restless soul trying to sort out how his Christianity matters to the world around him. I sense that we are kindred spirits and it was great for me to be able to share what God has been doing in me with someone that gets it.
I think that's my biggest fear as we begin to look at what satellite ministry should look like; that people won't get it and see the value of it and, therefore, will not support it. We can't hope to engage in this kind of a ministry as a church without a sense of unity and purpose to it. If we do, we will have ineffective ministry carried out by a few people who will not have the time, energy and ability to carry it out.
I am envisioning the satellite becoming a place where need is encountered at a greater level than at the main campus. I am seeing us as a network where need can be communicated from the satellite to the main campus and we can partner in addressing that need. Frankly, Hanfield is too isolated right now. It is an oasis in the desert. It's not that there isn't need, we are just removed from so much of it that it becomes very difficult to learn of it by any other way than the individual telling us what the need is. Of course, this goes back to the lack of relationship and true "fellowship" (a term we've completely screwed up) that we currently have. But when you are not so isolated and you put yourself in a place where you can develop relationship and observe someone on a more regular basis, it is easier for you to see where a need might exist before the person even tells you. Then, in the context of relationship, you can ask about the need and if there is anything that you can do to help. I see the satellite as more localized (compared to the regional focus of Hanfield) ministry that allows that regular contact with the people that we are in the body with. I am praying that it begins in such a way that there is relationship established early on and we are able to get the care part right before it gets too difficult to care for one another in any deep, meaningful way.
Well, I'm off to coffee again. We'll see what thoughts are spurred on this time.
I think that's my biggest fear as we begin to look at what satellite ministry should look like; that people won't get it and see the value of it and, therefore, will not support it. We can't hope to engage in this kind of a ministry as a church without a sense of unity and purpose to it. If we do, we will have ineffective ministry carried out by a few people who will not have the time, energy and ability to carry it out.
I am envisioning the satellite becoming a place where need is encountered at a greater level than at the main campus. I am seeing us as a network where need can be communicated from the satellite to the main campus and we can partner in addressing that need. Frankly, Hanfield is too isolated right now. It is an oasis in the desert. It's not that there isn't need, we are just removed from so much of it that it becomes very difficult to learn of it by any other way than the individual telling us what the need is. Of course, this goes back to the lack of relationship and true "fellowship" (a term we've completely screwed up) that we currently have. But when you are not so isolated and you put yourself in a place where you can develop relationship and observe someone on a more regular basis, it is easier for you to see where a need might exist before the person even tells you. Then, in the context of relationship, you can ask about the need and if there is anything that you can do to help. I see the satellite as more localized (compared to the regional focus of Hanfield) ministry that allows that regular contact with the people that we are in the body with. I am praying that it begins in such a way that there is relationship established early on and we are able to get the care part right before it gets too difficult to care for one another in any deep, meaningful way.
Well, I'm off to coffee again. We'll see what thoughts are spurred on this time.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Thought on a conversation with Ryan Fox
Had a good time sitting down with Ryan last night at Beatnik's that fueled thought that kept me up half the night (although that may have been the tall Cafe Mocha that I ordered). Ryan had approached me about mentoring him and last night was our first chance to build into that. We talked about his band, their next recording process, worship team stuff, church stuff and satellite stuff. I was encouraged by how much I had to say about the satellite resonated with him. He's definitely a guy that I want to stay in close contact with because I know he brings a solid perspective about church stuff and he's 12-13 years younger than me and will soon be a part of that target audience that we keep saying the satellite will have.
One particular thing that Ryan shared with me got me thinking a great deal. There is the beginnings of an emergent worship service once a month in Amboy at McGrawsville UMC that a lot of college age guys from Marion are going to. The pastor for that age group is a recent IWU grad, so there's not a lot of surprise that the college population would be plentiful there, but that might be a place in our own backyard worth checking out to give people a glimpse of what I'm envisioning and to help them see that it isn't just an east coast or west coast thing. I had first heard about "Encounter" last spring when Jason Makowski was having a conversation at IWU with a student while we were having coffee and Ryan said he and a few guys went last week to it. I asked him what they did in the service and he said they had a few prayer stations and a lot of music (at the appropriate volume, loud).
With this going on just over 20 miles from here I think it lends a lot more credibility to emerging worship as something that might be pursued in Marion. Here's the potential gap between what's going on there and what I'm envisioning: it seems like it might be just another place for already churched people to get their worship fix. Since everybody that I have heard about attending that service is either a student at a local Christian college or attends another church I have to wonder about whether they are impacting people with a post-Christian, post modern worldview. I don't know. I haven't done the research, called their church staff, visited a service... I just have a feeling. Now, if what they are doing at McGrawsville opens churched people up to the possibilites in other ministry approaches and paves the way for emergent ministries for the post-Christian person, then I pray that God will use them to shape this next generation of church leadership to value and pursue this kind of ministry. That is the kind of ministry that I am passionate about, not just another place where we can keep ourselves interested in worship, but a place where people experience an understanding of the love of Jesus for the first time and are supernaturally transformed into Christ followers.
One particular thing that Ryan shared with me got me thinking a great deal. There is the beginnings of an emergent worship service once a month in Amboy at McGrawsville UMC that a lot of college age guys from Marion are going to. The pastor for that age group is a recent IWU grad, so there's not a lot of surprise that the college population would be plentiful there, but that might be a place in our own backyard worth checking out to give people a glimpse of what I'm envisioning and to help them see that it isn't just an east coast or west coast thing. I had first heard about "Encounter" last spring when Jason Makowski was having a conversation at IWU with a student while we were having coffee and Ryan said he and a few guys went last week to it. I asked him what they did in the service and he said they had a few prayer stations and a lot of music (at the appropriate volume, loud).
With this going on just over 20 miles from here I think it lends a lot more credibility to emerging worship as something that might be pursued in Marion. Here's the potential gap between what's going on there and what I'm envisioning: it seems like it might be just another place for already churched people to get their worship fix. Since everybody that I have heard about attending that service is either a student at a local Christian college or attends another church I have to wonder about whether they are impacting people with a post-Christian, post modern worldview. I don't know. I haven't done the research, called their church staff, visited a service... I just have a feeling. Now, if what they are doing at McGrawsville opens churched people up to the possibilites in other ministry approaches and paves the way for emergent ministries for the post-Christian person, then I pray that God will use them to shape this next generation of church leadership to value and pursue this kind of ministry. That is the kind of ministry that I am passionate about, not just another place where we can keep ourselves interested in worship, but a place where people experience an understanding of the love of Jesus for the first time and are supernaturally transformed into Christ followers.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Dichotomy
I was wondering on my bike ride this morning how we tend to communicate the Christian walk as a dichotomous, "lost/found" with nothing in between kind of thing and how this negatively effects our ability to minister to people that don't hold that same view. I think most people in our culture who the church community would consider to be "lost" don't think of themselves in the same way. Do we promote an us vs. them mentality in some of the language that we use by drawing a clear dividing line between being without Christ and with Christ? I think most people outside of mainstream, sub-cultured Christianity would tend to see their spiritual life as a life long process without a clear arrival point. There may be points in that journey that serve as clear defining moments, but is the point of confessing Christ the "finish line"? Obviously not if you believe Scripture and all it talks about the continued growth and shaping that takes place after that confession.
That sense of "having arrived" at conversion may be one of the biggest obstacles to the Christian walk. How many of our people have stopped in their spiritual tracks because they've "made it"? How many of them are sitting around waiting for heaven instead of really believing the words "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven?" How big an obstacle will that be to reorganizing people in community if they seem content with settling for something less than all the benefits of the kingdom in the now? Will their comfort and their sense of having "got theirs" keep them from recognizing that conversion was merely an important marking point in their lives that should have changed the course of their destiny?
I'm going to keep thinking about this and about what terms we need to begin wrestling with and removing from our vocabularies so that we can engage in less divisive community with those that Christ desires relationship with.
That sense of "having arrived" at conversion may be one of the biggest obstacles to the Christian walk. How many of our people have stopped in their spiritual tracks because they've "made it"? How many of them are sitting around waiting for heaven instead of really believing the words "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven?" How big an obstacle will that be to reorganizing people in community if they seem content with settling for something less than all the benefits of the kingdom in the now? Will their comfort and their sense of having "got theirs" keep them from recognizing that conversion was merely an important marking point in their lives that should have changed the course of their destiny?
I'm going to keep thinking about this and about what terms we need to begin wrestling with and removing from our vocabularies so that we can engage in less divisive community with those that Christ desires relationship with.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Team building
This week was a good week for team building. The video "Noise" that the creative planning team chose for last Sunday was well received giving me hope that our people are more ready for change than we had originally anticipated. We also had a retreat with Chuck, Susan, Leanne and myself at Shirley's family's cabin at Lake Barbee that was a good first step toward open communication in planning future ministry and tackling existing problems.
Yesterday I mentioned to Leanne that I got copies of Dan Kimball's book Emerging Worship to both Dave Brown and Tim Helm, who I will be working with to pursue the goal of the satellite campus. My hope is that the three of us will have read and discussed the book and talk about it's possible implications for the satellite campus before we begin building the team that will be helping us. Right now, I don't think I would be able to have a constructive conversation with Dave or Tim because I'm coming from a perspective that is completely foreign to them. Reading the book will help them be able to understand some of what I'm thinking which will help us have constructive dialog about where we're headed. When I mentioned this to Leanne she said that it would probably be good for Chuck, Susan and her to read the book as well so that they have a better understanding of where I'm coming from. I told her that I had been thinking along those lines anyway as well as possibly getting it to a few key people on Ad. Council. Her comments were good confirmation to begin to move in that direction.
Yesterday I mentioned to Leanne that I got copies of Dan Kimball's book Emerging Worship to both Dave Brown and Tim Helm, who I will be working with to pursue the goal of the satellite campus. My hope is that the three of us will have read and discussed the book and talk about it's possible implications for the satellite campus before we begin building the team that will be helping us. Right now, I don't think I would be able to have a constructive conversation with Dave or Tim because I'm coming from a perspective that is completely foreign to them. Reading the book will help them be able to understand some of what I'm thinking which will help us have constructive dialog about where we're headed. When I mentioned this to Leanne she said that it would probably be good for Chuck, Susan and her to read the book as well so that they have a better understanding of where I'm coming from. I told her that I had been thinking along those lines anyway as well as possibly getting it to a few key people on Ad. Council. Her comments were good confirmation to begin to move in that direction.
Reflections from 9.24.04 prayers
As I was praying yesterday I asked God where I needed to focus my attention in my quiet time of prayer and study. I was on the bike at the time riding between Jonesboro and Fairmount at a pretty healthy pace and I was somewhat surprised at how quickly the Lord seemed to answer.
The first thing He impressed upon me was the need to continue to learn to hear His voice more clearly. It seemed somewhat humerous since I had been praying along those lines for a few weeks pretty intently and here was a clear communication about needing clear communication. I prayed for discernment to be able to tell if this was really the Lord or just my mind making a connection to a possible answer that He might give. I prayed for any other voices to be stilled other than that of God and He confirmed what He had been telling me. I'm recognizing a greater need to be Spirit-led in what I do and a need for awareness to the needs of the people around me.
The next thing He impressed upon me was the need to study Scriptures having to do with everyday living. I tend to focus on Scriptures that help me expand my understanding of God's character which, in turn, fuels my worship. What God was telling me was that the way I have been doing it is good and valuable to me as a lead worshipper for a congregation, but that if I am serious about developing more of a shepherd's heart for lost people that I need to have a better understanding of the relevance of Scripture to their everyday existence. This seems like a pretty straight ahead direction and I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in mind for me.
The first thing He impressed upon me was the need to continue to learn to hear His voice more clearly. It seemed somewhat humerous since I had been praying along those lines for a few weeks pretty intently and here was a clear communication about needing clear communication. I prayed for discernment to be able to tell if this was really the Lord or just my mind making a connection to a possible answer that He might give. I prayed for any other voices to be stilled other than that of God and He confirmed what He had been telling me. I'm recognizing a greater need to be Spirit-led in what I do and a need for awareness to the needs of the people around me.
The next thing He impressed upon me was the need to study Scriptures having to do with everyday living. I tend to focus on Scriptures that help me expand my understanding of God's character which, in turn, fuels my worship. What God was telling me was that the way I have been doing it is good and valuable to me as a lead worshipper for a congregation, but that if I am serious about developing more of a shepherd's heart for lost people that I need to have a better understanding of the relevance of Scripture to their everyday existence. This seems like a pretty straight ahead direction and I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in mind for me.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Video Venue issues & some possible solutions
I just finished reading Dan Kimball's book Emerging Worship and he cautions against a video-venue as a part of an emerging worship service. This was a bit of a blow to me since that is what we were initially planning. Kimball's sense is that video-venues can work for those with a Judeo-Christian perspective and, while it might take some getting used to, those folks will be more willing to go that route.
What concerns me is that he doesn't believe that the video sermon is in step with emerging worship values and will cause a disconnect if you are trying to use it in a community where you are trying to reach people with a post-Judeo-Christian perspective. These are people that are absolutely foreign to the things of God as expressed through Christianity and have little, if any, clue as to what happens in a church.
This is the group that my heart is beating for. I believe that there are any number of churches already in our community that are capable of reaching those that have walked away from the faith of their childhood or have had a bad experience with Christianity but are interested in giving it another shot. I see very few churches, however, that are connecting with the rapidly increasing number of people who grew up outside of the church and have never even really considered being a part of a Christian community. That is what I hope we will be. I hope we will be a place for extremely messy people to begin to find something that eventually causes them to fall hopelessly in love with Jesus.
This presents a problem with the video-venue sermon style. One reason for the disconnect with emerging worship values is that what happens in successful emerging gatherings is generated out of the worshipping community. There is much less value placed on quality and more based on whether or not we have relationship with those that are creating the services, teaching the messages and creating worship expressions with. It is much more organic than what we've experienced at Hanfield, although we are seeing moments of it there as well.
So, I'm looking for possible ways to continue to consider this as a "video-venue" church and still promote emerging worship values for those that are in that 22-35 year-old demographic.
Possible solutions:
What concerns me is that he doesn't believe that the video sermon is in step with emerging worship values and will cause a disconnect if you are trying to use it in a community where you are trying to reach people with a post-Judeo-Christian perspective. These are people that are absolutely foreign to the things of God as expressed through Christianity and have little, if any, clue as to what happens in a church.
This is the group that my heart is beating for. I believe that there are any number of churches already in our community that are capable of reaching those that have walked away from the faith of their childhood or have had a bad experience with Christianity but are interested in giving it another shot. I see very few churches, however, that are connecting with the rapidly increasing number of people who grew up outside of the church and have never even really considered being a part of a Christian community. That is what I hope we will be. I hope we will be a place for extremely messy people to begin to find something that eventually causes them to fall hopelessly in love with Jesus.
This presents a problem with the video-venue sermon style. One reason for the disconnect with emerging worship values is that what happens in successful emerging gatherings is generated out of the worshipping community. There is much less value placed on quality and more based on whether or not we have relationship with those that are creating the services, teaching the messages and creating worship expressions with. It is much more organic than what we've experienced at Hanfield, although we are seeing moments of it there as well.
So, I'm looking for possible ways to continue to consider this as a "video-venue" church and still promote emerging worship values for those that are in that 22-35 year-old demographic.
Possible solutions:
1) Use the video of Tim's teaching for an evening community gathering where we could share a meal and organize a service project around the theme of the teaching that we could engage in as a response.
Example: this weekend Tim is preaching on developing a daily quiet time. One obstacle that people face is that they are too busy. We could potentially do something around that theme as a way to help one another with that obstacle. We could encourage those with kids to watch each other's children for a half-hour each while the other spends time with God.
Example: next weekend Tim is preaching about sharing our faith. As a response, we could share our stories with one another and pray for opportunities to do so to people who don't know Jesus.
(okay, these are weak examples, but they are from right off the top of my head and we would have better ideas emerge from a planning team built around this gathering)
2) Use the video of Tim's teaching for our groups in homes. This is a possibility with a few issues:
a) not every group will probably want to use the video
b) might distract from the more intimate setting that groups would try to establish
3) Use the video of Tim's teaching for a group leader time held every week (as a solution to #2)
We know that we are going to have to create a solid support network for our group leaders. This would be an opportunity to build curriculum for the groups to discuss about the theme without the group actually watching the video. The group leader's exposure to the teaching would help them to facilitate a group meeting on the subject that Tim talked about on Sunday.
Obviously, there might be scheduling issues for group leaders, groups may sometimes spend most of their time in prayer or a service project instead of getting to the lesson, but I throw it out there as an option to consider.
I'll probably think of more ideas later. If so, I'll check back in.
Community first
It is definitely clear to me that this satellite/sister church/extension ministry... needs to be less about what we do in the context of full congregation (Sunday morning/evening) and more about what we do between large group gatherings. How are people going to be engaged in community throughout the week? Where are they going to meet? How are they going to meet? What are they going to do? How do we provide them with the support they need? Just a few of the questions that come to mind.
My hope is that we will be able to allow groups to meet throughout the week in homes, restaurants, coffee houses, bars... throughout Marion and that each group will take on the character and identity of the people in it. My hope is that the relationships that are found in these groups are among the most important relationships that exist in the lives of those in the community. I'm hoping for an Acts church feel where, yes we gather for the larger community worship, but where we are sharing life together on a weekly basis in homes, sharing meals, learning about each other, caring for each other, giving ourselves to each other.
This is what the church needs to have at its foundation. We could have the greatest experience in the world in the worship gathering but only experience safe, surface level connection with those that we are with. My dream is that we would find a deeper, more dangerous community; the kind of community that makes you willing to risk your heart and share lavishly of your love as you encounter the hurt and brokeness of real people living real life in a real, fallen world.
Lord, give us a heart for authentic community with those that You bring to us. Begin now to stir the spirits of those that will be leaders in this community. Remove from them their hearts of stone and place in them hearts of flesh that can be broken for You and can be pierced by the things that pierce Your heart. Give them new dreams of changed lives and a deep desire to risk all for You. I am trusting You to raise these leaders up. Pour out Your Spirit on them and equip them for the road ahead. Amen
My hope is that we will be able to allow groups to meet throughout the week in homes, restaurants, coffee houses, bars... throughout Marion and that each group will take on the character and identity of the people in it. My hope is that the relationships that are found in these groups are among the most important relationships that exist in the lives of those in the community. I'm hoping for an Acts church feel where, yes we gather for the larger community worship, but where we are sharing life together on a weekly basis in homes, sharing meals, learning about each other, caring for each other, giving ourselves to each other.
This is what the church needs to have at its foundation. We could have the greatest experience in the world in the worship gathering but only experience safe, surface level connection with those that we are with. My dream is that we would find a deeper, more dangerous community; the kind of community that makes you willing to risk your heart and share lavishly of your love as you encounter the hurt and brokeness of real people living real life in a real, fallen world.
Lord, give us a heart for authentic community with those that You bring to us. Begin now to stir the spirits of those that will be leaders in this community. Remove from them their hearts of stone and place in them hearts of flesh that can be broken for You and can be pierced by the things that pierce Your heart. Give them new dreams of changed lives and a deep desire to risk all for You. I am trusting You to raise these leaders up. Pour out Your Spirit on them and equip them for the road ahead. Amen
Initial thoughts
Okay. The dream has been taking shape for some time. We looked at it a few years ago, abandoned it, saw it in a new light and are now pursuing it. It feels somewhat like the girl that had a crush on you in Jr. High that you weren't quite sure about so you passed her by. Now you see her in the full bloom of womanhood and can't stop thinking about her; how you'd be a different person for her, how she might change your life, where you might live, what you might do with her... Granted, we're talking about a community of Christians here, so it does look somewhat different, but I find myself immersed in thought about this new community, what it might look like, where it might be based out of, who it might impact and how it might impact me. I'm dreaming big dreams again. I'm finding a heart for my neighbors that has been buried for a long time. I'm seeing more as a pastor/shepherd responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of people than as a worship leader charged with creating a good experience for people. This is a huge shift for me.
I'm hoping over the next few years to keep track of ideas, prayers and dreams about this new community so that I don't forget where I've been on this transformational journey to the heart of God. Here we go...
I'm hoping over the next few years to keep track of ideas, prayers and dreams about this new community so that I don't forget where I've been on this transformational journey to the heart of God. Here we go...
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