Response to Shaping of Things to Come posts
Again, a wonderful and varied approach to the same book. I greatly enjoy hearing the different perspectives.
Cranston seems to be our voice of moderation. He is excited about the Emerging Church possibilities but his context has him needing to implement them within a traditional structure. With this is his excellent balance in understanding that not all churches will become shoe selling venues or pub gatherings. Frost and Hirsch too easily dismiss the traditional structures which are in fact doing very good work in people's lives. Indeed, as they note throughout their book the ideas seem to be good, but have yet to really be transformational in many cases. Many, many people are in fact transformed within the standard structures, so Cranston is right to warn us, not sounding cynical at all, instead revealing his experience. I would suggest, however, that while the A personality may always rise to the top and take over, such people are not always the wisest, most discerning, or even the best leaders. Yes, there will always be the trend of such people coming forth, but part of the pastors job in my estimation is following Jesus in bringing people to leadership who may need a bit of prodding and training at first. Such people bring unique gifts to the table which may otherwise be overlooked to the detriment of the community.
Drew once again reveals his community as already within the goals of the Emerging Church, and reflecting much of what Frost and Hirsch emphasize. It is interesting to me how much a simple change of self-understanding makes. At the Well people understand themselves as missionaries, with this changing every response, certainly even subtle ones. I am left wondering, however, if there are still aspects the Well can better develop. Are there critiques Drew has, which may help spur his church onwards even farther?
Cranston is working in a setting now trying to see how Emerging concepts can be implemented. Drew is discussing a setting where they are part of the DNA of the community. With Samuel we hear what it is like to be within a setting entirely non-Emerging. I feel for him, and I know what it is like to have a sense of what needs to be done, yet blocked by those above from moving in that direction. They are in full an expression of Christendom. I'm curious how Samuel is feeling about this internally and in connection with his own calling. Over and over again we have heard how those with Emerging conceptions just can't work for very long within contexts that are so against these concepts. It's too hard for the emotions and for the soul. Yet, Samuel is doing just that, and likely this class, with the readings, has made the challenges even more distinct. So, I am curious about where he is at, how he is thinking, if he has any thoughts of response within his context. We know his church is an expression of Christendom... so now what?
Sadly, our feminine presence within the group had circumstances beyond her control which prompted her to drop this class. I for one valued her contributions and pray that whatever the situation is that God will bring peace and healing into it and will resolve it soon and thoroughly.
Cranston seems to be our voice of moderation. He is excited about the Emerging Church possibilities but his context has him needing to implement them within a traditional structure. With this is his excellent balance in understanding that not all churches will become shoe selling venues or pub gatherings. Frost and Hirsch too easily dismiss the traditional structures which are in fact doing very good work in people's lives. Indeed, as they note throughout their book the ideas seem to be good, but have yet to really be transformational in many cases. Many, many people are in fact transformed within the standard structures, so Cranston is right to warn us, not sounding cynical at all, instead revealing his experience. I would suggest, however, that while the A personality may always rise to the top and take over, such people are not always the wisest, most discerning, or even the best leaders. Yes, there will always be the trend of such people coming forth, but part of the pastors job in my estimation is following Jesus in bringing people to leadership who may need a bit of prodding and training at first. Such people bring unique gifts to the table which may otherwise be overlooked to the detriment of the community.
Drew once again reveals his community as already within the goals of the Emerging Church, and reflecting much of what Frost and Hirsch emphasize. It is interesting to me how much a simple change of self-understanding makes. At the Well people understand themselves as missionaries, with this changing every response, certainly even subtle ones. I am left wondering, however, if there are still aspects the Well can better develop. Are there critiques Drew has, which may help spur his church onwards even farther?
Cranston is working in a setting now trying to see how Emerging concepts can be implemented. Drew is discussing a setting where they are part of the DNA of the community. With Samuel we hear what it is like to be within a setting entirely non-Emerging. I feel for him, and I know what it is like to have a sense of what needs to be done, yet blocked by those above from moving in that direction. They are in full an expression of Christendom. I'm curious how Samuel is feeling about this internally and in connection with his own calling. Over and over again we have heard how those with Emerging conceptions just can't work for very long within contexts that are so against these concepts. It's too hard for the emotions and for the soul. Yet, Samuel is doing just that, and likely this class, with the readings, has made the challenges even more distinct. So, I am curious about where he is at, how he is thinking, if he has any thoughts of response within his context. We know his church is an expression of Christendom... so now what?
Sadly, our feminine presence within the group had circumstances beyond her control which prompted her to drop this class. I for one valued her contributions and pray that whatever the situation is that God will bring peace and healing into it and will resolve it soon and thoroughly.
posted by Paddy O @ 8:33 AM
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