GlocalNet

In some of my reading lately and contacts with people globally I’ve observed that whenever there is a really big shift, particularly that changes the global equation, there is a 4 step process.  Really, there’s probably more than that but this is what I’ve observed so far.  This process always winds up redefining the church. 

First, there is a shift in the center of power due to war/conflict/catastrophe/new global invention.  Generally this serves as some kind of a globalizing agent. 

Second, there is expansion - the Gospel spreads.  Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, Rome, Western Europe, US, Korea, Asia . . . 

Theology is reshaped, new teachings emerge - it always fits into the “ancient” formula - but there is a dimension of it that has not been stressed or focused on before.
New churches emerge.  It’s like there is a convergence of time/place, passion, and theology that defines those churches.  The older churches “institutionalize” while the newer churches are younger, far more organic, creative, catalytic, etc. 

When I think of this, I’m always fascinated with the global church because we live in a time of globalization like never before.  The gospel is definitely spreading with the Asian/African church coming of age.  What are they going to teach us?  What are they teaching us now?  Only in these parts of the world, South America included, are we seeing church planting movements aggressively. 

It’s because of this, when I look at the future of the church I can’t help but look “global” to what will be.  I’ve just not seen where an apathetic church ever redefines herself for the sake of survival.