Below are 4 questions to engage a discussion about church, culture, ministry, and leadership. Think it through and share your own thoughts by posting a response!
Question #1Who are we speaking to?
Who is the audience the church is seeking to speak too? How much of what we do is really preaching to the choir – carrying on conversations with those who already think pretty much like us anyway? Are people resistant to us – or to the message?
What do you think?
BF Thoughts: While we say we are reaching out to the larger “secular” culture it seems much of our (Evangelical Church) evangelistic thrust is towards people and regions of people who believe like we do politically and socially (but perhaps not fully spiritually). No doubt these people are more receptive but are we truly engaging the culture. Check out the book “The Big Sort” with an eye toward how the Red/Blue political map coincides with the Evangelical movement in America.
Question #2 How do we convey authenticity?
How do we communicate authenticity – how does the “contemporary church” avoid coming across as contrived – a caricature of itself. We all know authenticity when we see it – but what does it look like in the Church, in Christians, in Leaders?
BF Thoughts: Nothing worse than “being fake” – If the traditional church runs the risk of becoming and antique then the “Progressive Church” runs the risk of becoming a caricature of itself. Where we accentuate the accessories of ministry – where “Hipness seems like marketing” – where “technology trumps substance” – where “music feels disconnected from worship”. With all of our accessories authenticity can seem like an afterthought.
Question #3 How do we address Politics?
Ikes – can’t believe I am even going here – so play nice! How can the church address the issues of the culture in a way that is above petty policy and candidates. How do we preserve our primary mandate of sharing the transformative message of the gospel. How is the role of the church different than the role of the individual believer?
BF Thoughts: People often object to “our” Politics (Policies and Politicians) more than our Savior – but in the midst of proclaiming “our” politics we lose the moment to declare our Savior. I am of the mind that the church is the ultimate earthly center for right and wrong – the place for moral authority – the proclaimer of the ideas that policy makers need to make their case. But let them embrace us without us endorsing them. In the end I believe the source of societal transformation is the church - If I thought it was in Politics I would have become a politician instead of a preacher. There is a valuable place for Christians to influence our society and government – but the church is not a PAC but rather God’s earthly agency for proclamation of salvation which leads to transformation.
Question #4 Where does communication count most in ministry?
Our ministry is all about “communicating” a 2000 year old message that is the difference between Heaven and Hell. How we communicate in every area of ministry makes an eternal difference – where do you see vital communication taking place in your ministry and in the Church?
BF Thoughts: In ministry work God has chosen (the foolishness of ) “Preaching” to communicate His message – so that is tops of my list. Next down to me would be “Leadership Communication” where we – receive a vision, communicate a goal, then present a plan to the goal.
Ok – take your pick – or pick them all and share your thoughts and comments using the comment feature!
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