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This week I heard that I have been selected to give a paper at the Evangelical Homiletics Society in October 2009. The Conference Theme is: "Promoting Community through Preaching."
So, erratically (!), through these next few weeks I want to sketch out my paper called: "Exploring the architecture of community formation." It may sound odd to use the word "architecture." In fact, it runs slap into the dire danger of people describing church entirely by architecture. "I go to the church on the corner of Main Street and Fourth Street - you'll know it? It's stone, with a tower." No, the church is never the building.
But I want to use the metaphor of building for good reasons:
First, it's biblical. Building is one of the most powerful metaphors for the church in the New Testament.
Second, it's structual and visual. An architect designs a building to fulfil a purpose - to move off a blueprint into solid construction.
Third, it requires building skills, energy and the right materials to develop.
Fourth, it's a work still in progress. As a massive project it is inclusive and continues to grow.
Fifth, it speaks loud and clear of community formation.
Notice I begin my title: Exploring! Look out for future blogs!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day - 29 years on
In church this morning we were reminded of debts we owe as children to our mothers. My mother died 29 years ago from an accident falling downstairs on the day after Christmas. Only 57 years old, she was bright, (in intellect and personality), loving, encouraging, supportive and creative. And much more! But two things particularly struck me as I sat in church. About her spiritual gifts to me. As a deeply spiritual woman she had devotional depths, yet a down-to-earthness filled with life and humor. Two spiritual gifts stand out:
TIME - on countless long walks with the dog she would patiently, sensitively, let me open up on where my life might go. I never appreciated just how much time she was giving me, nor the powerful spiritual dimension of these hours. I can still hear her voice asking about what I thought God was calling me to be, and what gifts I thought I might have. I recall really wanting to share with her. And her quietness (for 95% of the time), and her insights. "You know, Michael," she once said, "I can see you one day teaching young people preparing for ministry." Really?
COURAGE - of course mothers can speak directly to us (like noone else!) when they are concerned. But, for my mother, the key issue was how closely I was walking with Jesus Christ. What were the qualities of my private relationship with Him? On one notable occasion, when she stayed with us during my first couple of years in the ministry, she chided me about my apparent lack of quiet time with God. She rightly perceived my busyness for God was in danger of burying my core relationship with Him. It takes spiritual courage in a love that notices important things to challenge others like that.
This Mother's Day I give thanks for my mom who gave me spiritual gifts of time and who challenged me (like noone else!)
TIME - on countless long walks with the dog she would patiently, sensitively, let me open up on where my life might go. I never appreciated just how much time she was giving me, nor the powerful spiritual dimension of these hours. I can still hear her voice asking about what I thought God was calling me to be, and what gifts I thought I might have. I recall really wanting to share with her. And her quietness (for 95% of the time), and her insights. "You know, Michael," she once said, "I can see you one day teaching young people preparing for ministry." Really?
COURAGE - of course mothers can speak directly to us (like noone else!) when they are concerned. But, for my mother, the key issue was how closely I was walking with Jesus Christ. What were the qualities of my private relationship with Him? On one notable occasion, when she stayed with us during my first couple of years in the ministry, she chided me about my apparent lack of quiet time with God. She rightly perceived my busyness for God was in danger of burying my core relationship with Him. It takes spiritual courage in a love that notices important things to challenge others like that.
This Mother's Day I give thanks for my mom who gave me spiritual gifts of time and who challenged me (like noone else!)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Worship repercussions (9) - Divided Churches
Another big issue that emerged from recent blogs concerns:
DIVIDED CHURCHES.
Leslie really made me think (Worship Conflict, April 2): "Division can't be cured by putting everyone in the same room and singing the same songs.....unity and community have to be about something much deeper - share values, purpose and mission." He suggested that different worship styles based on stylistic options could be compensated by shared ministry and small groups. He welcomed diversity of multi-congregations and multi- small groups as long as they share the same mission.
Here is a bigger issue than worship styles. Churches sometimes have divided services because of building size. I know of churches which have outgrown their building but have two or three identical services at different times on Sunday (or even Saturday evening). So the division isn't caused by music! Yet, the question about what keeps such multi-congregations unified is complex. Leslie suggests shared values, small groups and mission hold people together.
However, sometimes (more often?) it's the Senior Pastor, or the Worship Team, or lively programs integrating different age groups. In fact, the different congregations do seem to act as different churches. Meaningful relationships can only occur in smaller groups, but how often do these intentionally connect people who come at 9.00am with those at 10.30 am?
Somehow it seems of different order when churches divide not because of building size, but by decisions within the congregation to separate, whether because of music or anything else. Yes, people may be able to "relax" and "worship more easily" - and, indeed, the church can grow. But cannot the diversity of God's people ever be present by the mutual sharing of every part of the act of worship? Is not being the body of Christ so important that it dominates all else, including music choices?
I know this subject of divided congregations raises much more than this. But I still feel(as someone who loves music) that music has been allowed to become too important!
DIVIDED CHURCHES.
Leslie really made me think (Worship Conflict, April 2): "Division can't be cured by putting everyone in the same room and singing the same songs.....unity and community have to be about something much deeper - share values, purpose and mission." He suggested that different worship styles based on stylistic options could be compensated by shared ministry and small groups. He welcomed diversity of multi-congregations and multi- small groups as long as they share the same mission.
Here is a bigger issue than worship styles. Churches sometimes have divided services because of building size. I know of churches which have outgrown their building but have two or three identical services at different times on Sunday (or even Saturday evening). So the division isn't caused by music! Yet, the question about what keeps such multi-congregations unified is complex. Leslie suggests shared values, small groups and mission hold people together.
However, sometimes (more often?) it's the Senior Pastor, or the Worship Team, or lively programs integrating different age groups. In fact, the different congregations do seem to act as different churches. Meaningful relationships can only occur in smaller groups, but how often do these intentionally connect people who come at 9.00am with those at 10.30 am?
Somehow it seems of different order when churches divide not because of building size, but by decisions within the congregation to separate, whether because of music or anything else. Yes, people may be able to "relax" and "worship more easily" - and, indeed, the church can grow. But cannot the diversity of God's people ever be present by the mutual sharing of every part of the act of worship? Is not being the body of Christ so important that it dominates all else, including music choices?
I know this subject of divided congregations raises much more than this. But I still feel(as someone who loves music) that music has been allowed to become too important!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Worship Repercussions (8) - Music, music, music
I am grateful for the comments on recent worship blogs (as well as private emails). Let me focus on a couple of specific issues raised. I admit I don't have reflective answers to the questions I want to raise. First:
Music, music, music.
In response to Worship's Inclusiveness (6) one person wrote about music resonating with the soul, another about the need to be inclusive. Yet another said they were tone-deaf, so the whole debate seemed irrelevant! The more I think about music's role in contemporary worship, the more I see how some people have to be careful in music leadership. Let's place four attitudes towards music on a scale of 1 to 10. At both ends there are difficulties.
1. DISINTEREST. Friends who are tone-deaf fit here, but this raises important questions about how else the liturgy ("work of the people") may involve them. How vital is participation in prayer, Scripture, Lord's Supper, and preaching for genune opportunity to belong. (1 & 2 on scale).
2. NEUTRALITY. Those who have no particular interest in music and go with the flow. (3 & 4 on scale)
3. ECLECTIC. Those who are enthusiastic about music and commit themselves to a wider range of musical styles. Intentionally, they embrace differences. (5,6 & 7 on scale).
4.FOCUSSED. Those who are totally committed to one style of music and find it difficult to listen to any other. (10 on scale).
Now, noone should underestimate the major issues at either end of the scale - those for whom music is unimportant, or all-important! Somehow, room must be found for the tone deaf, while encouraging those who are neutral to realize music's possibilities for worship. But major work has to be done with the totally focussed, who may be in danger of hi-jacking the agenda. The eclectic option may sound rather weak, but actually speaks volumes about seeking to appreciate what other people experience in different kinds of music while learning how to respond positively.
Recently, my son "treated" me to half an hour listening to his Ipod tunes. Frankly, I had never heard any of the artists or their music before. But I realized how much they mean to him and I sought to enter in. And I know his thoughtfulness, when he puts on classical music for me. Its a small (familiar) example. But I do think it says something about avoiding extremes to exclude others.
Music, music, music.
In response to Worship's Inclusiveness (6) one person wrote about music resonating with the soul, another about the need to be inclusive. Yet another said they were tone-deaf, so the whole debate seemed irrelevant! The more I think about music's role in contemporary worship, the more I see how some people have to be careful in music leadership. Let's place four attitudes towards music on a scale of 1 to 10. At both ends there are difficulties.
1. DISINTEREST. Friends who are tone-deaf fit here, but this raises important questions about how else the liturgy ("work of the people") may involve them. How vital is participation in prayer, Scripture, Lord's Supper, and preaching for genune opportunity to belong. (1 & 2 on scale).
2. NEUTRALITY. Those who have no particular interest in music and go with the flow. (3 & 4 on scale)
3. ECLECTIC. Those who are enthusiastic about music and commit themselves to a wider range of musical styles. Intentionally, they embrace differences. (5,6 & 7 on scale).
4.FOCUSSED. Those who are totally committed to one style of music and find it difficult to listen to any other. (10 on scale).
Now, noone should underestimate the major issues at either end of the scale - those for whom music is unimportant, or all-important! Somehow, room must be found for the tone deaf, while encouraging those who are neutral to realize music's possibilities for worship. But major work has to be done with the totally focussed, who may be in danger of hi-jacking the agenda. The eclectic option may sound rather weak, but actually speaks volumes about seeking to appreciate what other people experience in different kinds of music while learning how to respond positively.
Recently, my son "treated" me to half an hour listening to his Ipod tunes. Frankly, I had never heard any of the artists or their music before. But I realized how much they mean to him and I sought to enter in. And I know his thoughtfulness, when he puts on classical music for me. Its a small (familiar) example. But I do think it says something about avoiding extremes to exclude others.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Beyond Pulpits and Pews (2)
The Ministry Growth Seminar yesterday, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, lasted 3 and a half hours, and went out by satellite and internet streaming to an estimated 25,000 pastors and leaders right across the world! It was overwhelming (especially for a non-technie like me) to see the rows upon rows of transmitting equipment and electronic wizardry - with blinking lights and lit-up screens. Fortunately, for those of us who had to preach there was a live audience who gave us personal focus when we stood in front of the cameras.
I am immensely grateful to the organizers for the prayerful ways they had prepared the whole project and for their superb planning on the day. In question times, leaders were able to interact across the world. Powerful voices from Africa and Jamaica contributed in my session. We await further stories of responses but I am so grateful and humbled to have tasted something of the world church in an unforgettable day. What opportunities technology gives us, and how responsible before God we need to be in using it for Him!
I am immensely grateful to the organizers for the prayerful ways they had prepared the whole project and for their superb planning on the day. In question times, leaders were able to interact across the world. Powerful voices from Africa and Jamaica contributed in my session. We await further stories of responses but I am so grateful and humbled to have tasted something of the world church in an unforgettable day. What opportunities technology gives us, and how responsible before God we need to be in using it for Him!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Worship matters (7)
I am racing (puff...pant) to complete my material for the Ministry Growth Seminar down in Tennessee on Tuesday (April 22). Many of you will sympathize with my trying to meet conflicting deadlines, and understand why this is a holding blogpost! When I return I want to respond to comments made to my worship blogs 5 (April 2) and 6 (April 12). Several have posted online and others have made personal remarks by email. I really appreciate the insights expressed.
Several big issues have been touched on that really matter. I look forward to a breathing space in a few days. Please be patient with me!
Several big issues have been touched on that really matter. I look forward to a breathing space in a few days. Please be patient with me!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Beyond Pulpits and Pews
Next Tuesday, April 21st 2009, I am taking part in the Ministry Professional Growth Seminar which is broadcast by satellite and internet to thousands of pastors all over the world. Entitled: Beyond Pulpits and Pews, apparently, many thousands have signed up on ww.ministerialassociation.com. (It's free to register!) I shall be one of four speakers who include the redoubtable Fred Craddock - a most significant figure in the preaching world.
Challenged to speak to pastors about mission, I am focusing on Luke 4:14-21. Many see this as a key mission statement for the church today - it's global, subversive, impossible without Jesus, yet possible with Him in Nazareth...and our places. It's going to be a demanding day because, after each address (the organizer calls them "prectures" - half preach/half lecture), questions will be taken from pastors all round the world, and answered by a panel. What an opportunity to encourage leaders!
As always, I am grateful for prayer support from my internet friends.
Challenged to speak to pastors about mission, I am focusing on Luke 4:14-21. Many see this as a key mission statement for the church today - it's global, subversive, impossible without Jesus, yet possible with Him in Nazareth...and our places. It's going to be a demanding day because, after each address (the organizer calls them "prectures" - half preach/half lecture), questions will be taken from pastors all round the world, and answered by a panel. What an opportunity to encourage leaders!
As always, I am grateful for prayer support from my internet friends.
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