Jill Pratt
December 11, 2009
Church & Mission in a Global Context, Dr. Bolger
Book Review #6
God’s Missionary People: Rethinking the Purpose of the Local Church
By Charles Van Engen
Local Churches: God’s Missionary People
Chapter 1 – A New Perspective of the Local Church
This chapter spoke to me in regards to my final paper, specifically through the quote in the concluding paragraph, “it is precisely because of being part of the universal Church that the local congregation is in mission, and as it lives out its missionary nature the local congregation discovers itself emerging to become the church,” (33). The church I grew up in sees itself responsible for sending missionaries, but not participating directly in mission, which van Engen would disagree with.
Chapter 2 – The Impact of Modern Ecclesiology on the Local Church
Van Engen’s idea that the disciples’ identity as witnesses to the gospel is what would always be bringing them closer to who God made them to be helped me to see another side of being a witness to Christ (42). If it is acceptable to personalize this message, then not only does God want this for our lives, but in so doing the actions we take are not just to spread the gospel, but also work to heal our identity in Christ.
Chapter 3 – The Essence of the Local Church in the Book of Ephesians
I liked the point about God being the builder of the Church, through the Son and Holy Spirit (49). Often I feel overwhelmed at the thought of the frail, broken church. This is peace-giving to recognize- that God is working to unify the Body of Christ, and not merely his followers.
Chapter 4 – The Essence of the Local Church in Historical Perspective
The idea about the church feeling tense in regards to what it is today and what it really should be is interesting in light of the class discussions (59). So much of what the church does today seems to be in the pursuit of doing things the “right/best” way. This is good of course, but it seems like many churches are going about it in ineffective ways, seeking to be what humans think it should be and not what the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit say it should be.
Chapter 5 – Restating the Missionary Intention of the Local Church
I think Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s statement about the church perfectly sums up one of the major problems with churches today (74). The inward focus prevails so heavily, despite efforts to expand outward, such as through “missions.” The small outward gestures often seem to only be a band-aid. The part about church growth was also interesting, as I have often gone back and forth about its importance or sign of a healthy church (81). I still cannot decide.
Local Churches: A New Vision of God’s Missionary People
Chapter 6 – The Purpose of the Local Church
The discussion of koinonia and the churches charge to love relates to another key issue with the church: it does not know how to love. Loving someone means knowing what a person needs and then supplying it. If I need food but you give me a new TV, it is not the best way to show me love. Perhaps my own biases are clouding my perception here, but the issues related to outward focus and the church seem to be that the church is confused about how to love those outside the church appropriately.
Chapter 7 – The Local Church and the Kingdom of God
Having taken a course by Van Engen previously, I appreciated revisiting his exposition of the Kingdom of God. Particularly, the way he lays out Israel’s role within Missio Dei and the Kingdom of God is helpful for me. It reaffirms a Biblical perspective, something I need reminding of as my concentration is in Islamic Studies, and Israel is often the topic of conversation.
Chapter 8 – The Role of the Local Church in the World
The description of the church taking its cues for action from Christ was a clear way to refocus the Church’s often-misunderstood role in the world. Sadly, I feel that it is almost impossible today to receive the healing that the Church is called to provide. This is because of a strong culture of “perfection” that is found in the Church. Healing cannot begin when everybody is happy and healthy, at least as it appears on the outside.
Local Churches: Becoming God’s Missionary People
Chapter 9 – Missional Goals in the Local Church
When I read about the systematic approach to diagnosing a church, I couldn’t help but think back to the early church. For some reason this approach seems too reliant on human understanding and not on the Holy Spirit. Of course the development of such tools is no doubt helpful, but it still seems a bit counterintuitive to the spiritual nature of following Christ.
Chapter 10 – Missionary Members in the Local Church
The “Santa’s Helpers” syndrome rang true for my own church experience (153). It seemed ironic too when thinking of pastors being served, when their role is naturally to serve. Unfortunately as well, it is those who assist in church that should be out of church doing ministry. The diagrams- (the Bottle-Neck Model and The Servant Model) were helpful for visualizing the models as Biblical and otherwise.
Chapter 11 – Missionary Leaders in the Local Church
The topic of leadership style is so important in this book! I come from a background where pastors are appointed at a church and then stay there until they retire- with no regard to what is needed. This is a problem with the style of one head-pastor church leadership. There needs to be more flexibility without risking church division and conflict.
Chapter 12 – Missional Administration in the Local Church
Again, I was excited to read about the spiritual aspect of administration, as this is an area I have found myself in professionally, although a bit reluctantly. This is a subject I need to study further, but having this chapter as a resource is personally helpful. All parts of the body have a purpose!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Day 20 - last day of class
The video on Pentecostalism and the Azusa Street Revival was informative and solidified my reading for today's book review (I read "Global Pentecostalism"). I still feel a bit uneasy about some aspects of Pentecostalism, not because I disagree with them, but because I do not fully understand them and have yet to experience them- such as speaking in tongues. I am also a bit unclear about being "Baptized in the Spirit." From the description it seems like everyone who accepts Christ should experience this. But the video made it sound like something else. More investigation needed on my part...perhaps in a Pentecostal church.
Great class...thank you!
Great class...thank you!
Book Review #5 - Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement By Donald E. Miller & Tetsunao Yamamori
Jill Pratt
December 2, 2009
Church & Mission in a Global Context, Dr. Bolger
Book Review #5
Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement
By Donald E. Miller & Tetsunao Yamamori
Chapter 1 – Global Pentecostalism: An Emergent Force within World Christianity
The Pentecostal church is completely foreign to me, a Norwegian Lutheran from Seattle. This book was incredibly eye opening to God’s work through the Pentecostal movement around the world and particularly that of Progressive Pentecostalism. It is amazing to learn about global movements that are not even on my radar, and to recognize that my spiritual worldview is definitely not the only one and that so many others are effectively communicating Christ’s love. I was glad to read the thesis, that, “some of the most innovative social programs in the world are being initiated by fast-growing Pentecostal churches,” (6). In chapter one I realized that while the church in Western Europe is declining, the church in the Southern hemisphere is growing, which means that God is still at work in this world, and although Western Christians are lamenting their losses, the South is celebrating its’ gains.
Chapter 2 – Progressive Pentecostals: Ministries, Beliefs, and Motivations
The discussion of helping people on an individual basis, versus advocating for systemic change makes sense, as the diversity within the Pentecostal movement is varied. The stories were admirable, but seemed out of place within my understanding of Pentecostal Christians. To give out food to the poor and not preach surprised me.
Chapter 3 – Building a New Generation: Programs Serving Children and Youth
Again, I was further surprised to read that in the research done in regards to children, there is much emphasis on the community and changing systems. The example of the rites of passage in Nairobi showed that a church has managed to replace less desirable cultural aspects with spiritually and culturally appropriate ones. In this case it solves for one very tragic problem- that of female genital mutilation. The church did not advocate for a law to be handed down to ban the practice, but instead offered a more desirable ritual to take its place.
Chapter 4 – Practicing the Faith: Transforming Individuals and Society
I was moved by the account of St. Stephen’s work in Hong Kong. For a group of people to resist structure and organization and simply be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading anew each and every morning is a testament to the incredible positive work of the way many Pentecostals live out their faith. If all Christians woke up each morning and asked themselves what the Holy Spirit was leading them to that day, what would social justice work look like? Have the rest of us missed the boat on the way to planning meetings and fundraisers? Because God can do anything through willing vessels, is human interference slowing down his work, or does his work just look radically different depending on the place? Additionally, I loved the aspect of community in the treatment facility, as it seems like an ideal place to give and receive love.
Chapter 5 – Encounters with the Holy: Meeting God in Worship and Prayer
This chapter highlighted for me the diversity of God’s Creation in human beings and our connection with the divine. It seems anti-spiritual that there is such discrimination among Christians regarding personal worship practice. It should also be noted that often times Christians are most critical of people close to them who differ. Why is it that we can be ok with differences in spiritual practice across the world, but not across the street? I have realized through this text that there is a lot I should make an effort to learn about in regards to Pentecostalism, for my personal spiritual betterment.
Chapter 6 – Born in the Image of God: Democracy and Upward Social Mobility
The latent effects of Prosperity Gospel intrigue me as they are outlined in this book. It made me wonder if this strand is more Biblically based when it is preached to people who are sincerely in need, and not so appropriate when it is a part of rich American churches. Maybe there is no difference, but it seems a little crazy to preach prosperity to a bunch of overfed, over consuming people who are in debt because of greed and gluttony. Whereas it makes sense that the natural effects of this flavor of theological emphasis would be good for those who are truly in want.
December 2, 2009
Church & Mission in a Global Context, Dr. Bolger
Book Review #5
Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement
By Donald E. Miller & Tetsunao Yamamori
Chapter 1 – Global Pentecostalism: An Emergent Force within World Christianity
The Pentecostal church is completely foreign to me, a Norwegian Lutheran from Seattle. This book was incredibly eye opening to God’s work through the Pentecostal movement around the world and particularly that of Progressive Pentecostalism. It is amazing to learn about global movements that are not even on my radar, and to recognize that my spiritual worldview is definitely not the only one and that so many others are effectively communicating Christ’s love. I was glad to read the thesis, that, “some of the most innovative social programs in the world are being initiated by fast-growing Pentecostal churches,” (6). In chapter one I realized that while the church in Western Europe is declining, the church in the Southern hemisphere is growing, which means that God is still at work in this world, and although Western Christians are lamenting their losses, the South is celebrating its’ gains.
Chapter 2 – Progressive Pentecostals: Ministries, Beliefs, and Motivations
The discussion of helping people on an individual basis, versus advocating for systemic change makes sense, as the diversity within the Pentecostal movement is varied. The stories were admirable, but seemed out of place within my understanding of Pentecostal Christians. To give out food to the poor and not preach surprised me.
Chapter 3 – Building a New Generation: Programs Serving Children and Youth
Again, I was further surprised to read that in the research done in regards to children, there is much emphasis on the community and changing systems. The example of the rites of passage in Nairobi showed that a church has managed to replace less desirable cultural aspects with spiritually and culturally appropriate ones. In this case it solves for one very tragic problem- that of female genital mutilation. The church did not advocate for a law to be handed down to ban the practice, but instead offered a more desirable ritual to take its place.
Chapter 4 – Practicing the Faith: Transforming Individuals and Society
I was moved by the account of St. Stephen’s work in Hong Kong. For a group of people to resist structure and organization and simply be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading anew each and every morning is a testament to the incredible positive work of the way many Pentecostals live out their faith. If all Christians woke up each morning and asked themselves what the Holy Spirit was leading them to that day, what would social justice work look like? Have the rest of us missed the boat on the way to planning meetings and fundraisers? Because God can do anything through willing vessels, is human interference slowing down his work, or does his work just look radically different depending on the place? Additionally, I loved the aspect of community in the treatment facility, as it seems like an ideal place to give and receive love.
Chapter 5 – Encounters with the Holy: Meeting God in Worship and Prayer
This chapter highlighted for me the diversity of God’s Creation in human beings and our connection with the divine. It seems anti-spiritual that there is such discrimination among Christians regarding personal worship practice. It should also be noted that often times Christians are most critical of people close to them who differ. Why is it that we can be ok with differences in spiritual practice across the world, but not across the street? I have realized through this text that there is a lot I should make an effort to learn about in regards to Pentecostalism, for my personal spiritual betterment.
Chapter 6 – Born in the Image of God: Democracy and Upward Social Mobility
The latent effects of Prosperity Gospel intrigue me as they are outlined in this book. It made me wonder if this strand is more Biblically based when it is preached to people who are sincerely in need, and not so appropriate when it is a part of rich American churches. Maybe there is no difference, but it seems a little crazy to preach prosperity to a bunch of overfed, over consuming people who are in debt because of greed and gluttony. Whereas it makes sense that the natural effects of this flavor of theological emphasis would be good for those who are truly in want.
Day 19
Today's class was eye opening as I had no idea that the Puritans felt they were the rightful inheritors of the land- America- and that they drew parallels between themselves and the Israel of the Old Testament. The discussion shifted my whole understanding of how America as it came into being. The myth of a "chosen people" strongly resonated with the subconscious feelings I have had about the U.S. through growing up here.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Day 17
Today exposed aspects about my denominational heritage. I didn't realize that Luther was not aiming for revolution, but for reformation, (I even felt this way despite the term "Protestant Reformation") and did not set out to split the church, but rather to make the Catholic church more like what he thought it should be.
I was surprised to learn that what began with the Protestant Reformation has been identified by some throughout history as the individualization of Christianity. I had never heard that view before and would like to learn more about it.
I was surprised to learn that what began with the Protestant Reformation has been identified by some throughout history as the individualization of Christianity. I had never heard that view before and would like to learn more about it.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Day 16
I was really excited to learn about New Monasticism in class. I've been interested in ideas connected to it, such as community living (my husband and I are currently living in Fuller's intentional community, Allelous). I liked what Shane Claiborne said in the interview we watched:
"Let’s stop complaining about the church we’ve experienced and become the church we see in scripture."
Something I have noticed in the past several years is Christian friends becoming disgruntled with the church so much that their frustration also bleeds into their faith and they end up walking away from God altogether. Thinking Christians should first take a look at the situation for what it is- sinful people who don't have it all together. Instead of relying on others, people should also take ownership of their worship experiences and spiritual development.
"Let’s stop complaining about the church we’ve experienced and become the church we see in scripture."
Something I have noticed in the past several years is Christian friends becoming disgruntled with the church so much that their frustration also bleeds into their faith and they end up walking away from God altogether. Thinking Christians should first take a look at the situation for what it is- sinful people who don't have it all together. Instead of relying on others, people should also take ownership of their worship experiences and spiritual development.
Book Review #4 - "Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community In Postmodern Cultures" By Eddie Gibbs & Ryan K. Bolger
Jill Pratt
November 18, 2009
Church & Mission in a Global Context, Dr. Bolger
Book Review #4
Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community In Postmodern Cultures
By Eddie Gibbs & Ryan K. Bolger
Chapter 1 – A Brief Look at Culture
All throughout this chapter I repeatedly expressed my delight at reading my long felt but never fully expressed thoughts about my own church tradition, with “Amen!” I will be wrapping this book up for Christmas and giving it to my father to read, in hopes that he will no longer identify the problem with the church today as rebellious youth who don’t care about God or the “older generations.” I now regret my guilt over my wavering support of my home church or “institution” I would say, and am proud of my younger, high school self that ventured out in search of a meaningful spiritual experiences through church. I recognize now that it was not because of a lack of faith, but because of my commitment and passionate faith that I was dissatisfied with the faith expression I was brought up in.
Chapter 2 – What Is the Emerging Church?
This chapter resonated with me, in terms of the idea of labels and associations. The term Evangelical is helpful to group a certain type of Christians who share similar beliefs, but beyond creating organization for convenience sake, I prefer not to be labeled. The notion that labels characterizing different groups of Jesus followers could insight turmoil and hostility among such people seems counterproductive. I agree that the discussion in itself is “boring,” (36). Christians should strive to forget the human-constructed particulars and focus more on Jesus.
Chapter 3 – Identifying with Jesus
Going back to what struck me in chapter two, John Campbell of Seattle sums up how I have been feeling lately in my own understanding of what church is, especially throughout this course (47). The description of missio Dei and the centrifugal nature of emerging churches brought me back to a course I had with Dr. Van Engen, and led me to wonder if this is an accurate description of the majority of emerging churches (50). I have attended some churches that seem to be inward focused, working on and crafting spirituality for all who are inside of it. But perhaps the ones I have experienced were in the stages of shedding off and deconstructing the old notions of church, and therefore in the beginning stages of participating in God’s mission outwardly. Lastly, I wonder if it is correct to say that what the Emerging church does not offer, is what the Evangelical church does: “a reductionist, individualized, and privatized message,” (63).
Chapter 4 – Transforming Secular Space
It was funny reading this book, because the more quotes I read, I realized that I have been to all of the churches in Seattle that are mentioned. Which led me to realize two things: first that I am definitely comfortable with some aspects of Evangelical worship practices (but not with Evangelical preaching) and secondly, that the Emerging churches in my hometown of Seattle are great but perhaps not the best fit for me. This led me to understand even further about my own spiritual practice preferences, such as my desire for worship in a small group of people who share life with me outside of church.
The topic of secular space is quite interesting to me as I studied abroad in Cairo, Egypt, where all space seems to be permeated with God in some way or another. I felt God’s presence in the public sphere more closely in Egypt than I do in Seattle and now Pasadena, which I attribute to the religiosity inherent in Muslim (and Christian) Egyptian culture. Also, the idea about reclaiming popular culture and pointing it to God is incredibly important, as non-believers should not have to learn a “church” culture just to understand and participate in the place where the gospel is directly communicated.
Chapter 5 – Living as Community
The section “A Family, Not an Institution,” reminded me of the church I grew up in (97). After reading chapter one I felt like the only people who are still attending are there because of institutional loyalty, but after reading this section it seems that the reason for the continued bond is due to its family-like nature. To me, growing up and to this day, church means family. Perhaps that is why when I attend a church that has incredible teaching and even great ways of worshipping, I do not feel at home unless my inner core of best friends also attends. In Seattle that is what ended up happening last year when my six closest friends and I decided to attend a big church that was relevant to us in teaching and worship, but go as a smaller community, together. Community is what emphasizes the feeling of worship, evidenced by the fact that I am incredibly lonely in my home church when I do not attend with my friends. Karen Ward highlighted this feeling perfectly when she said, “Because God is the source of all relationality, to focus the church on relationships is to be Christian at the core,” (102).
Chapter 6 – Welcoming the Stranger
I like the emphasis put on the Eucharist, as outlined in this chapter. I will never forget a professor I once had who said, “I don’t feel like I have fully worshipped until I have taken the Eucharist.” Once I paid attention to how I felt after the Lord’s Supper, I too identified with that same statement. Singing songs is not the best way for me to connect with God, and sometimes even proves to be something I really do not enjoy and choose not to participate in during church services. The Eucharist, incorporated with hospitality, is something I greatly appreciate. I love the idea of sharing a meal with the Eucharist highlighted at some point, which also leads to the leveling of status of the participants around the table. I also agree with the quote that talks about God and Christ being a part of other faiths and how that affects how Christians see other faiths and faith adherents (133). The time I have spent with Muslims has been incredibly formative of my own faith, but I would not have experienced such formation if I had been focused on church and not kingdom (132).
Chapter 7 – Serving with Generosity
The discussion of marketing and spirituality was fascinating. The idea that pastors and church staff must interact with newcomers to a church in a specific way in order to get them to move onto the next phase of becoming a Christian sounds un-Christian when compared to the message of the Gospel. I’ve felt guilt over the years from my time “church-shopping,” but it makes sense now why I would feel the need to shop, as churches market themselves to Christians, vying to lure the most people. Church shopping is a natural reaction to the marketing tactics employed by a group of people trying to sell something.
Chapter 8 – Participating as Producers
This chapter touched on the issue of contributing to worship, rather than merely being a recipient of worship (158). This point is also one that caught my attention during the first day of the course. It put words to what I have been dissatisfied with in my own worship experience. I am fine to go and sit in a pew and listen to a good sermon, but I would really rather not be forced to sit around for all the other stuff that does nothing to connect me with God. I am reminded of my favorite worship service of all time, which took place outside of Cairo, Egypt at a Coptic retreat center. Everyone sat on cushions or small stools on the floor, facing the front of the church, which was actually a dome with a growing tree at the altar. The only light came from candles and everyone had several feet of space around them. One by one, people spontaneously began praying, speaking or signing one at a time (all in different languages), each expressing his or her praise and worship to God. All participated, without a single instruction from a leader. It was all worshipping God, in community, yet individually connected through personal worship. I would buy a plane ticket to Egypt for nothing more than to experience this kind of worship again.
November 18, 2009
Church & Mission in a Global Context, Dr. Bolger
Book Review #4
Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community In Postmodern Cultures
By Eddie Gibbs & Ryan K. Bolger
Chapter 1 – A Brief Look at Culture
All throughout this chapter I repeatedly expressed my delight at reading my long felt but never fully expressed thoughts about my own church tradition, with “Amen!” I will be wrapping this book up for Christmas and giving it to my father to read, in hopes that he will no longer identify the problem with the church today as rebellious youth who don’t care about God or the “older generations.” I now regret my guilt over my wavering support of my home church or “institution” I would say, and am proud of my younger, high school self that ventured out in search of a meaningful spiritual experiences through church. I recognize now that it was not because of a lack of faith, but because of my commitment and passionate faith that I was dissatisfied with the faith expression I was brought up in.
Chapter 2 – What Is the Emerging Church?
This chapter resonated with me, in terms of the idea of labels and associations. The term Evangelical is helpful to group a certain type of Christians who share similar beliefs, but beyond creating organization for convenience sake, I prefer not to be labeled. The notion that labels characterizing different groups of Jesus followers could insight turmoil and hostility among such people seems counterproductive. I agree that the discussion in itself is “boring,” (36). Christians should strive to forget the human-constructed particulars and focus more on Jesus.
Chapter 3 – Identifying with Jesus
Going back to what struck me in chapter two, John Campbell of Seattle sums up how I have been feeling lately in my own understanding of what church is, especially throughout this course (47). The description of missio Dei and the centrifugal nature of emerging churches brought me back to a course I had with Dr. Van Engen, and led me to wonder if this is an accurate description of the majority of emerging churches (50). I have attended some churches that seem to be inward focused, working on and crafting spirituality for all who are inside of it. But perhaps the ones I have experienced were in the stages of shedding off and deconstructing the old notions of church, and therefore in the beginning stages of participating in God’s mission outwardly. Lastly, I wonder if it is correct to say that what the Emerging church does not offer, is what the Evangelical church does: “a reductionist, individualized, and privatized message,” (63).
Chapter 4 – Transforming Secular Space
It was funny reading this book, because the more quotes I read, I realized that I have been to all of the churches in Seattle that are mentioned. Which led me to realize two things: first that I am definitely comfortable with some aspects of Evangelical worship practices (but not with Evangelical preaching) and secondly, that the Emerging churches in my hometown of Seattle are great but perhaps not the best fit for me. This led me to understand even further about my own spiritual practice preferences, such as my desire for worship in a small group of people who share life with me outside of church.
The topic of secular space is quite interesting to me as I studied abroad in Cairo, Egypt, where all space seems to be permeated with God in some way or another. I felt God’s presence in the public sphere more closely in Egypt than I do in Seattle and now Pasadena, which I attribute to the religiosity inherent in Muslim (and Christian) Egyptian culture. Also, the idea about reclaiming popular culture and pointing it to God is incredibly important, as non-believers should not have to learn a “church” culture just to understand and participate in the place where the gospel is directly communicated.
Chapter 5 – Living as Community
The section “A Family, Not an Institution,” reminded me of the church I grew up in (97). After reading chapter one I felt like the only people who are still attending are there because of institutional loyalty, but after reading this section it seems that the reason for the continued bond is due to its family-like nature. To me, growing up and to this day, church means family. Perhaps that is why when I attend a church that has incredible teaching and even great ways of worshipping, I do not feel at home unless my inner core of best friends also attends. In Seattle that is what ended up happening last year when my six closest friends and I decided to attend a big church that was relevant to us in teaching and worship, but go as a smaller community, together. Community is what emphasizes the feeling of worship, evidenced by the fact that I am incredibly lonely in my home church when I do not attend with my friends. Karen Ward highlighted this feeling perfectly when she said, “Because God is the source of all relationality, to focus the church on relationships is to be Christian at the core,” (102).
Chapter 6 – Welcoming the Stranger
I like the emphasis put on the Eucharist, as outlined in this chapter. I will never forget a professor I once had who said, “I don’t feel like I have fully worshipped until I have taken the Eucharist.” Once I paid attention to how I felt after the Lord’s Supper, I too identified with that same statement. Singing songs is not the best way for me to connect with God, and sometimes even proves to be something I really do not enjoy and choose not to participate in during church services. The Eucharist, incorporated with hospitality, is something I greatly appreciate. I love the idea of sharing a meal with the Eucharist highlighted at some point, which also leads to the leveling of status of the participants around the table. I also agree with the quote that talks about God and Christ being a part of other faiths and how that affects how Christians see other faiths and faith adherents (133). The time I have spent with Muslims has been incredibly formative of my own faith, but I would not have experienced such formation if I had been focused on church and not kingdom (132).
Chapter 7 – Serving with Generosity
The discussion of marketing and spirituality was fascinating. The idea that pastors and church staff must interact with newcomers to a church in a specific way in order to get them to move onto the next phase of becoming a Christian sounds un-Christian when compared to the message of the Gospel. I’ve felt guilt over the years from my time “church-shopping,” but it makes sense now why I would feel the need to shop, as churches market themselves to Christians, vying to lure the most people. Church shopping is a natural reaction to the marketing tactics employed by a group of people trying to sell something.
Chapter 8 – Participating as Producers
This chapter touched on the issue of contributing to worship, rather than merely being a recipient of worship (158). This point is also one that caught my attention during the first day of the course. It put words to what I have been dissatisfied with in my own worship experience. I am fine to go and sit in a pew and listen to a good sermon, but I would really rather not be forced to sit around for all the other stuff that does nothing to connect me with God. I am reminded of my favorite worship service of all time, which took place outside of Cairo, Egypt at a Coptic retreat center. Everyone sat on cushions or small stools on the floor, facing the front of the church, which was actually a dome with a growing tree at the altar. The only light came from candles and everyone had several feet of space around them. One by one, people spontaneously began praying, speaking or signing one at a time (all in different languages), each expressing his or her praise and worship to God. All participated, without a single instruction from a leader. It was all worshipping God, in community, yet individually connected through personal worship. I would buy a plane ticket to Egypt for nothing more than to experience this kind of worship again.
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