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“In the post-lockdown world, healthy churches are likely to be almost reconnecting at ‘full strength,’ again depending on size and circumstances. Our small group is able to hold services (somewhat reduced in frequency) in conformity to distancing recommendations. If we were larger, we would do as we hear of others doing, holding multiple “spread out” services so that we can persist in gathering together as the Bible calls us to do.” - Don Johnson

Discussion

Fri, 07/17/20

His idea is a formula for liberalism. No thanks

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Fri, 07/17/20

Don, all I see there is that a guy who pastors a church with a different model than yours has suggested building into people instead of church buildings. What are you referring to when you suggest it’s a formula for liberalism?

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.

Fri, 07/17/20

[Bert Perry]

Don, all I see there is that a guy who pastors a church with a different model than yours has suggested building into people instead of church buildings. What are you referring to when you suggest it’s a formula for liberalism?

When I read the article, I didn’t see the author suggesting that we build into people instead of buildings. I read it as suggesting that we build into people instead of the “tired” model of meeting together corporately as a church. We need “new frameworks” and new technologies” so that people are equipped simply to “love people authentically and supernaturally.”

Fri, 07/17/20

His article is vague and could mean just about anything. I don’t know what he’s saying. The entire thing is written in abstractions.

Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.

Fri, 07/17/20

These seeds are a new generation that see race, the stewardship of the planet, Jesus, life, the death penalty, global collaboration, creativity, diversity, and politics differently. They are a new group of ethnic and cultural minorities who have become the majorities in our cities. Diverse leaders will emerge that will be younger and more in tune with what has been growing underground. What they find of great value may be more in tune with the Jesus we read about in the Scriptures than the current heroes of the church.

…

It’s a time to honor the past but also to ask God for a new set of eyes to see new leaders and new frameworks, a new set of ears to hear new songs and new languages that he’s created.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Sat, 07/18/20

Don, Kevin, but is that equivalent to theological liberalism to see things differently? If you see any change as equivalent to liberalism, I guess it would be, but if I restricted it to true infringements on the five fundamentals (plus the Solas and the Apostles’ Creed), I’d need a lot more evidence to prove that. Personally, I think that the “conservative” branch of fundamentalism has, sadly, done a lot better at creating buildings and programs than at building up people. Gibbons has, at at least a very broad level, a good point.

Now maybe when Gibbons fleshes things out, we would indeed find that he’s motivated by a desire to, say, reject the authority of Scripture, but until he does, I think it’s out of line to accuse him of anything beyond having a slightly different model of ministry than our “tribes” possess.

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.

Thu, 07/23/20

I love that Dave makes people uncomfortable. His book “The Monkey and the Fish: Liquid Leadership for a Third-Culture Church”, was eye opening for me, though we may disagree in some areas, it was a interesting read for me and challenging. Dave grew-up in an IFB church in Arizona and attended BJU at a time when being multiracial was difficult. His view of a third away is enlightenment for me, especially in our current environment. With COVID, and racial unrest, his ideas of moving away from a weekend-centric culture and budget in our churches might be beneficial for church leaders to consider.