Thursday, October 02, 2008
Something Old
Russ Smith at Eagle and Child looks at recent "trends" and wonders where we are going
Though I think virtually any ordained pastor will disagree with me, community, not preaching, is the primary mission of the church. It is, I know, the only thing that can build a church into more than a revolving-door magical entertainment. Entering into the church community is the first time we make the step from hearing the message to living it. It is in community where we find accountability, and to which we make commitment.
There is a reason Jesus picked 12 not one.
Are you building community in your church?
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The idea....that old, tangible, solid, non-digital vintage things might be making a comeback. Could this signal hope for the traditional church...hope for organs, pews, stained glass, and buildings that look like they've been around for a century or more? More or less.Interesting - ramifications Russ sees:
But remember the caveat in the quote above....vintage material coming back into mode is more than likely a "remix"...not a slavish imitation of the past but an appropriation of past images, styles, and concepts and presented in a way that honors the past, but is also cool in the present.
Interesting points....but I think they're woefully inadequate. My perception is that younger generations are yearning for authenticity and relationships. Therefore, my take is that the types of things that are on the way back in:I can say this - I see these things happening in my church and my neighborhood, after a fashion. Home-cooked meals - not really, but fellowship activities where food is provided, on the rise. There is indeed a longing for community, but it seems to be community without effort. Dinner parties, no - meeting at a restaurant, yes.
Neighborhoods (the kind where you spend time with your neighbors .... you linger in conversation in the front yard)
- Home Cooked Meals (anything that takes more than three steps to prepare)
- Home-made music/arts/crafts
- Entrepreneurship
- Community-building organizations (bowling leagues, supper clubs, civic organizations....but again, the organizations that will benefit will be the ones that learn how to remix their tradition rather than insisting on slavish continuity)
Though I think virtually any ordained pastor will disagree with me, community, not preaching, is the primary mission of the church. It is, I know, the only thing that can build a church into more than a revolving-door magical entertainment. Entering into the church community is the first time we make the step from hearing the message to living it. It is in community where we find accountability, and to which we make commitment.
There is a reason Jesus picked 12 not one.
Are you building community in your church?
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