GlocalNet

I will sometimes hear someone talk about how the church is defined and being rewritten in the context of “postmodern” issues.  That is true for the American church, but not the global church.  Much of the global church is “pre-modern” and definitely where the worlds greatest church planting movements are is “pre-modern” longing for modernity!  If postmodernity is the rejection of all the enlightenment answers, then I would say “pre-modernity” is the longing for development and survival more than a philosophical view of life. 

The entire value structures and goal of the pre-modern and post-modern are totally opposite - which may be why we don’t have church planting movements in the West.  Risk, simplicity, reproducibility, hope amidst poverty and hardship versus a postmodern world of disillusioned security, complexity, niche “christianity” are opposite - and you could on, which would be quite fun, listing the differences! 

Those churches that are in pre-modern and emerging modern societies still have older, clearer, and simpler values - but they are connecting with a connected and wired world in powerful ways.  I am convinced, they will be the ones to complete the Great Commission - to bring it home.  For the masses to be reached - there must be simplicity and truth.  Without simplicity you limit those who can participate.  Without truth you have no message.  In our complex market driven western church niched one model for all mindset - I don’t see it happening here.  UNLESS, we can connect in meaningful ways with the global church. 

It will not be done in mass - there is too big of a value gap between the two.  It will take fine weaving and a willingness to go slow at first (something we Americans love!) if not restart a time or two, for this to happen. The reality is, if the global church is seeing explosive growth and vibrancy and we in the West are not, perhaps it’s time for us to get in line with the global church.  I believe this is the “Global Reformation” that the church in the West is headed to.  Be clear, the church in the East and South is not reforming - it’s exploding - but for us in the West, it will be a reformation.  Some of it will be theology, but as I’ve spoken at conferences, etc. it won’t be a radical theology shift like that of the first “reformers” but of a simple, clear, core theology that we explain to those that don’t follow our faith in such a way that followers of Jesus can explain it - not just theologians. 

Thus, the implication is - that the way it will happen is through young pastors and churches connecting with the global church.  BUT, that connection won’t be for the West to help them reach their own, but for the Rest to help us in the West get in line with them.  The good news is, anyone can do that - the bad news is, very few will.  The good news is, the younger generation is far more global, this is why Zogby has labeled them not “millineals” but “1st globals” and those 30 and under - I’m supper excited about - especially church planters because they are already thinking outside the box.  The shift will move from learning fast growth, or niche marketed unique approaches here in the West to being mentored, trained, taught by pastors, churches and leaders in the faith globally.  How can that happen?

First, you need to begin to read on the global church.  Here are some books I’ve read that are really good.  The Next Evangelicalism - Soong-Chan Rah, The Next Christendom - Philip Jenkins, The New Shape of World Christianity Mark Noll, The Future of Faith - Harvey Cox, God Is Back - Mittlewait?.  Visit global church web-sites - they have them! 

Second, connect with a global church after doing some homework.  If you need help you can email me - I’d be glad to connect you with someone you can learn from.  When you do, don’t explain your situation, etc.  Be quiet and listen and ask lots of questions.  What are the values?  How did the church grow?  What is the story of the pastor?  What is the story of the members?  What is their context?  What are the challenges and how do you face them? 

Third, anywhere you can - go and hear global pastors and leaders (not just pastors) because there will be emerging themes and values present in all of them.  Do your homework - just because a church is “big” or “novel” doesn’t mean it’s making disciples. 

Fourth, implement one thing that you learn from the global church.  Begin to talk to your people about what God is doing around the world and how we need to get in line.  If you do it all at once - it won’t happen.  It you gradually do it it can. 

Fifth, build a relationship with a specific church and pastor and let them mentor you.  I have 3 or 4 global people that mentor me and one pastor in particular that has helped me a lot.  You should expect resistance - if I’ve learned anything I’ve learned there are two American cultural sins that are killing us more than the rest.  Sin #1 is individuality that builds life around me instead of the community - both for leaders and followers.  Sin #2 is pride and arrogance that we can’t learn from anyone else. 

It will be hard - so why should we even mess with that - why not just try to keep experimenting and doing our own thing in our own culture and context and get to the world thing later?  Two reasons, if you don’t connect with the world - you aren’t going anywhere - no movement has here in the U.S.  So it’s not about them slowing you down - it’s about them “saving your church.”  Second, I guess there is no need to be concerned or connect with the church globally - except for that little thing called the Great Commission - we need them, and they need us.