The WORLD As We See It
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/248
When I saw this I was just blown away. The presenter encapsulates so much of what I try to communicate with the church in the west in her perspective. We cannot afford to continue to do ministry outside the context of the world that we live in. The problem is that we are oblivious to the world. I’m convinced most western pastors struggle with this more than the people who attend their churches. I’ll go speak and pastors are inspired but not really moved that much to action - businessmen, community leaders, etc. on the other hand are saying, “Let’s rock and roll,” that’s who my network has become. Most pastors and church planters are focused on where they will meet: house, building, school, coffee shop, etc. and on the style of worship and how they gather in small groups.
Frankly, this year, the majority of my work and speaking will be outside the lines of traditional Christian pastor conferences and events. Why are pastors out of the loop on this? Because church attendance in the West, unlike the rest of the world, is stagnant or declining. So, in an attempt to “grow” we unintentionally short change our message and approach by looking in a context driven by sporadic consumerism and fads. The impact? We cannot make long term gains for the church because we are too busy trying to fill it up too quickly with customers more than disciples.
Then there are those who would build their ministries inside bubbles, when the bubbles burst so will they. Those who build their ministries on eternal, global, kingdom, servanthood-based foundations will not only last, but multiply and be the chapters in church history.
How would a “glocal” view of the world change your church?
1. WORSHIP - would always conclude with “Here am I send me.”
2. BUDGET - the biggest line item would reflect the least/poor and the farthest.
3. SUNDAY EVENT - would be more gathering for motivation/training/mobilization - than inspiration/observation/indoctrination.
4. PASTORING - Model/Mobilizer versus Preacher/Organizer
5. EVANGELISM - would be inherent in all we do - not a program or emphasis
6. DIVERSIFIED CHURCH PLANTING - would be the norm for the church, celebrating the church in all her forms and multiplying them like crazy.
7. DISCIPLESHIP - would not be a class but a life-style. It would not be measured first by knowledge but by obedience. It would not be seen in a chair but sweating in a field.
8. UNPREDICTABLE - this is all a journey so no matter what model or ministry you have, it will always need to be evolving, developing, expanding, experimenting . . . . .
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Comments
Feb 25, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Bob,
Just flat out a great post. The 8 points alone would have been worth paying admission.
Feb 26, 2009 at 12:51 AM
What's daunting to me about the lack of knowledge and ethnocentrism that has affected my generation is the fact that the root of the issue is apathy, opposed to the ability to acquire information. In an age that is more connected than ever before, citizens should be thoroughly informed on world issues and events, but instead we go straight to the Oscar's "best dressed" list on AOL.com. The problem makes me wonder how can/will young people change the world if they have no idea what is going on in it?
Feb 26, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Jill, I have found that apathy is a byproduct of the saturation of information we recieve through our perpetual connection. You want to solve the unwanted baby problem, where do you start? Do you start with explaining the value of life to 12 year olds, fighting poverty, creating paths of mobility, change adoption policy? There is a limitless amount of strategies that could be employed and none on their own will ever be successful. I think the real issue is that mobilization is slow to happen becasue leaders cannot effectively share a vision and attack plan for those things that need the most attention. People have to feel like they are making a difference to create a sustainable movement that can really take on issues that are world wide and systemic.
Be that leader Jill. Plus, did you see what Molly Cirus wore to the Oscars? BEAUTIFUL!!!!
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