A new kind of Christian
Posted by: Pastor Dave on Fri May 30 2008
I've been toying with the idea of keeping a blog for a while now. I've never been one to be good at keeping a journal, but I thought I should write down some of the things I'm processing right now, and maybe that will help me, and maybe somebody else along the way.
As I prepare to teach a Sunday School class on "Emerging Church" (I know, you can't get much broader than that), I have emersed myself into contemporary voices on postmodernity. Emerging Church simply refers to a new pardigm for church ministry that flows in response to culture's paradigm shift from "the modern age" to postmodernity.
Simply put, we're in for some radical changes in ministry in the years to come. As a Pastor, I'm responsible for making sure that I'm using the resources God has given me to make the church I'm leading as effective as possible to reach the culture that is around us. Emerging Church and Christianity in postmodernity flies in the face of everything I've ever been taught by my Sunday School teachers, by the college professors, or by my own mentors for ordination in The C&MA. At first glance, some of this stuff even looks like heresy, and to admit that I'm even leaning this way would probably make some of the guys on the Licensing and Ordination Committee for our district consider revoking my license!
Then at the same time, I can't help but think, for all of its paradoxical complexities, ministry in postmodernity is where its at.
To be frankly honest, I've struggled with what is the next step for our church, yes, the church whose website you're now surfing! The more I've waited on the Lord, the more I keep coming back to the fact that the normal "mold" or "model" for how we do church is broken. It almost seems as though what has worked in the past no longer applies...and those of us who are desperately trying to hold on to the old mold of doing things, and just getting tired of holding on and losing a battle we can't possibly win.
Out of this struggle for a new model of ministry, I'm excited about what is to come for Christ Community Church. As I work with Pastor Bill, the Elders, and the CE Committee of our church to reinvent how we do church at Christ Community, I know that God is in this, and as we seek to make--what at first glance--appears to be radical, sweeping changes, that in reality the changes aren't that big at all.
Why do we have to be so afraid of change? Change is good. Uncomfortable sometimes. But good. And I'm so thankful for a congregation who loves me, and is willing to get on board with a crazy, young pastor, filled with zeal, and ready for a fresh wind to blow through our ministry.
In the end, its all about community--folding people into the community. I love the focus Emerging Church places on community. As I delve into this new class on Emerging Church on Sunday, my prayer is that we will be able to grasp some of its truth--to give it a chance--and to see how we can implement some of these new ideas to reach DeLand with the gospel message.
As the title suggests, these are just some of my ramblings...feel free to comment in the forums section. I love suggestions...but be nice!
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Discussion: A new kind of Christian |
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Hey there! Are YOU willing to be a "new kind of Christian?" And what in the world does Pastor Dave mean by "postmodernity"? Say what!
Yep, I believe Pastor Dave is right on. We all need to study our own culture or should I say our multi-cultural community. This is very evident in all of our neighborhoods! We are in the 21st century, afterall, and in order to be relevant spiritually to a 2000 something people, well, what would you suggest?
How about some action on this Blog? What do you think? Are you praying about how to reach our world with the one real answer to it's troubles and questions? What idea(s) has the Lord placed in your mind regarding Christianity today?
Let's keep in mind, though, that no matter whether we have fresh ideas or whether we are content with the "same old, same old", the major key is that we, as individual believers, talk, act, and interact with all people in a way that reflects the drive, compassion and touch of Jesus. Remeber 1 Peter 3:15, 16: "exalt Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak evil of your good conduct in Christ will be ashamed of slandering you."
Dear Lord, as we move on into the 21st century, keep our minds and hearts tuned to You, that we may sense Your Vision for our Church and for our roles in serving you and reaching people as the Holy Spirit moves in us.
Glenn Merrill
Glenn A. Merrill
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