Saturday, December 5, 2009
Extra Reading
Note: I also read 200 pages from Hesselgrave's Planting Churches Cross-Culturally to complete the 1500-page requirement.
Mark DeYmaz' Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church
In chapter one, DeYmaz examines Christ's prayer in John 17 and its call for unity among all people. He uses this prayer as the foundational piece of his argument in which he believes that the creation of thriving multi-ethnic churches will allow the Church as a whole to more effectively fulfill the Great Commission. Because of my intentions to work cross-culturally in the future, I wholeheartedly agree with DeYmaz and can foresee how his ideas will play out practically in the work that I and others do with the international church.
Next, in chapter two, DeYmaz examines the pattern of the early NT Church and how its movement beyond Judaism to include Gentile believers was a turning point in its growth. Although this chapter provides a solid Biblical foundation for DeYmaz' argument, it is not particularly useful for my final paper.
Likewise, chapter three's examination of the multi-ethnic church at Ephesus under Paul's leadership, while providing a strong Biblical and theological foundation for DeYmaz's argument, is not necessarily helpful for my paper.
In chapter four, DeYmaz begins by examining the first of seven commitments that he believes are core to the establishment of a thriving multi-ethnic church: embracing dependence and trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us to establish such churches. This chapter has implications not only for multi-ethnic churches but for any sort of church plant. Dependence is vital. Nothing can be done on the strength of our action alone.
Chapter five then discusses the second core commitment: taking intentional steps that will enable the formation of a multi-ethnic church, whether it be implementing new forms of worship or instituting new practices that will allow other racial and ethnic groups to feel connected. Sometimes it also involves being intentional in our response to patiently wait on God to reveal his will and plans.
In chapter six, DeYmaz discusses the importance of empowering a diverse leadership body in order to build a healthy multi-ethnic church. This will be something important for me to keep in mind as I work to assemble a team in the initial stages of my church planting plans.
Chapter seven then examines the fourth core commitment: making an intentional effort to develop cross-cultural relationships and to participate and partner together within a heterogenous community. This commitment will be integral to my own future church plant because of the way in which it encourages the development of the plant's corporate identity. When we pursue cross-cultural relationships, we seek to establish unity and to understand the ties that bind us in the midst of our diversity, rather than focusing on those elements which separate us.
In chapter eight, DeYmaz continues his examination of the healthy multi-ethnic church by calling for the pursuit of cross-cultural competence. In this case we are to examine the differences that separate us (e.g. language, customs, etc.), with the end result of seeking to understand how we can connect to one another in the midst of these differences. Such a notion emphasizes an other-focused mentality as we work to truly know and love all of our neighbors, regardless of difference.
Next, in chapter nine, DeYmaz examines the sixth core commitment: promoting a spirit of inclusion. This chapter builds on the two before it because it is ultimately about a commitment to love one another with the love of Christ. This is, in my opinion, one of the foundational elements upon which any plant should be built, regardless of ethnic makeup or cultural diversity.
Chapter ten then examines the seventh and final core commitment: mobilizing in order to have an impact on the Church and world at large. DeYmaz argues that the multi-ethnic church is in a position to play a particularly crucial role in the growth of the Kingdom.
Chapter eleven is particularly useful for me as DeYmaz discusses the intricacies of actually planting a multi-ethnic church. I found that many of his ideas focus on the importance of being open and seeking unity above all else. Planting a multi-ethnic church requires an understanding of the unique process to which you have been called as well as a willingness to seek out relationships with an even wider spectrum of people than is typical for most individuals.
Chapter twelve does not apply to me, however, as it deals with revitalizing a declining church.
Finally, the principles for transforming a homogenous church as discussed in chapter thirteen are helpful for my own future planting plans, specifically in relation to the notion that transformation lies on a continuum. Although I of course want to constantly be open to the leading of the Spirit, I can foresee myself referring to the continuum that DeYmaz outlines on pages 180-181 as a way in which to assess the level of cross-cultural commitment that my future plant is pursuing.
Next, in chapter two, DeYmaz examines the pattern of the early NT Church and how its movement beyond Judaism to include Gentile believers was a turning point in its growth. Although this chapter provides a solid Biblical foundation for DeYmaz' argument, it is not particularly useful for my final paper.
Likewise, chapter three's examination of the multi-ethnic church at Ephesus under Paul's leadership, while providing a strong Biblical and theological foundation for DeYmaz's argument, is not necessarily helpful for my paper.
In chapter four, DeYmaz begins by examining the first of seven commitments that he believes are core to the establishment of a thriving multi-ethnic church: embracing dependence and trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us to establish such churches. This chapter has implications not only for multi-ethnic churches but for any sort of church plant. Dependence is vital. Nothing can be done on the strength of our action alone.
Chapter five then discusses the second core commitment: taking intentional steps that will enable the formation of a multi-ethnic church, whether it be implementing new forms of worship or instituting new practices that will allow other racial and ethnic groups to feel connected. Sometimes it also involves being intentional in our response to patiently wait on God to reveal his will and plans.
In chapter six, DeYmaz discusses the importance of empowering a diverse leadership body in order to build a healthy multi-ethnic church. This will be something important for me to keep in mind as I work to assemble a team in the initial stages of my church planting plans.
Chapter seven then examines the fourth core commitment: making an intentional effort to develop cross-cultural relationships and to participate and partner together within a heterogenous community. This commitment will be integral to my own future church plant because of the way in which it encourages the development of the plant's corporate identity. When we pursue cross-cultural relationships, we seek to establish unity and to understand the ties that bind us in the midst of our diversity, rather than focusing on those elements which separate us.
In chapter eight, DeYmaz continues his examination of the healthy multi-ethnic church by calling for the pursuit of cross-cultural competence. In this case we are to examine the differences that separate us (e.g. language, customs, etc.), with the end result of seeking to understand how we can connect to one another in the midst of these differences. Such a notion emphasizes an other-focused mentality as we work to truly know and love all of our neighbors, regardless of difference.
Next, in chapter nine, DeYmaz examines the sixth core commitment: promoting a spirit of inclusion. This chapter builds on the two before it because it is ultimately about a commitment to love one another with the love of Christ. This is, in my opinion, one of the foundational elements upon which any plant should be built, regardless of ethnic makeup or cultural diversity.
Chapter ten then examines the seventh and final core commitment: mobilizing in order to have an impact on the Church and world at large. DeYmaz argues that the multi-ethnic church is in a position to play a particularly crucial role in the growth of the Kingdom.
Chapter eleven is particularly useful for me as DeYmaz discusses the intricacies of actually planting a multi-ethnic church. I found that many of his ideas focus on the importance of being open and seeking unity above all else. Planting a multi-ethnic church requires an understanding of the unique process to which you have been called as well as a willingness to seek out relationships with an even wider spectrum of people than is typical for most individuals.
Chapter twelve does not apply to me, however, as it deals with revitalizing a declining church.
Finally, the principles for transforming a homogenous church as discussed in chapter thirteen are helpful for my own future planting plans, specifically in relation to the notion that transformation lies on a continuum. Although I of course want to constantly be open to the leading of the Spirit, I can foresee myself referring to the continuum that DeYmaz outlines on pages 180-181 as a way in which to assess the level of cross-cultural commitment that my future plant is pursuing.
Reflections on 12/3 Class
As we come to the end of the quarter and our study in this class, I cannot help but reflect on the power of relationships in the continual growth and creative progress of the church. Although the concept seems self-evident, I don't think that we can ever give the issue too much attention. Our class and our interactions with one another, in dialogue and in discernment together, have fleshed out for me the vital necessity of genuine community in all aspects of church planting and renewal. I am thankful for what I have learned from my fellow classmates and from Ryan and for how our work together has taught me both to listen and reflect and to engage create.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Neil Cole's Organic Church
In chapter one, Cole discusses the importance of rooting churches (especially new church plants) in a foundational understanding of who Jesus is and what he says about the Church rather than in a particular church model, style, or approach. I desire to have such a Christ-focused approach in my own plant, for without taking Jesus into account we fail to see the power that the Church has to do the work of his redemption in the world.
Chapter two was not particularly relevant for my final paper, as Cole merely tells his personal church story in this section of the book.
In chapter three, Cole debunks several of the myths that the Western Church has come to believe about itself. Of greatest importance to me is the notion that the Church is an organic movement of growth that is not bound to one location but which should rather be decentralized. This idea runs counter to the modernist trend still found in the Church that suggests remaining entrenched in order to fight against culture and thus survive.
As Cole discusses in chapter four, we must begin with one of the most basic questions when starting any new church plant--"What is church?" I recognize that I must begin my own plant with this question and also that I must be prepared for any answer that God gives me, even if that answer does not follow typical or historical church convention.
In chapter five, Cole begins to flesh out his argument that the church is organic. He does this by looking at the first in a series of three parables in Mark 4. According to Cole, planting seed is the most important step in the process. In other words, in order to finish well we must start well; we must have both good seed and good soil rather than being so concerned with the end result of the harvest. This involves neither delaying the initial steps of the planting process nor rushing headlong into the process in order to reach the end.
In chapter six, Cole examines the second of three parables in Mark 4 and makes the point that we expend too much energy on working hard and making plans (on the growing phase of his analogy) rather than allowing the Spirit to move and take care of the growth. We instead need to focus on the sowing and the harvesting steps. This chapter provided me with a perspective different from most that I have encountered in the church in the past. Such a point of view takes the pressure off of a church planter and moves the focus away from numbers and results.
Cole wraps up his discussion of Mark 4 in chapter seven with his examination of the parable of the mustard seed. He uses this parable to discuss the importance of church planting and growth and how it is vital to start small and multiply disciples who can go out and multiply other disciples (and thus eventually entire church communities).
In chapter eight, Cole breaks the Body of Christ down into its essential elements--what he calls DNA, or Divine truth, Nurturing relationships, and Apostolic mission--and how these elements interact. This chapter raised questions for me regarding what elements or core values need to be essential to any church plant regardless of context. In other words, what elements of the Body of Christ are defined by cultural context and what elements transcend even culture?
In chapter nine, Cole examines the notion that with all of the changes occurring in the Church (e.g. becoming more decentralized, having less order, being more spontaneous), we need to turn to the DNA and to what God wants for the Church rather than to our own attempts to structure it. Cole argues for the formation of an internal structure rather than the sort of external strategy that has been imposed on the Church throughout history. Such an idea affects how I will look at issues such as leadership and decision-making processes within my own future plant.
In chapter ten, Cole calls for the church to care for people, to extend compassion, and to be moved to live a life rooted in compassion just as Christ was. These ideas are relevant for church planting because they cause us to stop and consider what people groups in our communities most need help and the love of Jesus. We we reflect on such a question we are then moved to make conscious choices to act in compassion rather than merely allowing it to be an afterthought to all that we do.
Building upon such an idea, in chapter eleven Cole argues that relational community (the oikos) is the most effective way to do the work of the Kingdom and spread the Gospel.
Next, in chapter twelve, Cole examines the five principles that are crucial in planting reproducing churches: the practice of prayer, pockets of people, power of presence, person of peace, and people of purpose. Both chapter eleven and chapter twelve provide material for me to consider as I am thinking about what elements must be foundational to any church plant.
In chapter thirteen, Cole discusses the value of failure in the church planting process and of not allowing our plans and strategies to drown out the voice of God. The chapter is, in general, about Coles's own stories of failure and thus is not particularly relevant for my paper.
Finally, in chapter fourteen, Cole shares specific stories of people involved in the planting movement. This chapter was not specifically helpful for my final paper.
Chapter two was not particularly relevant for my final paper, as Cole merely tells his personal church story in this section of the book.
In chapter three, Cole debunks several of the myths that the Western Church has come to believe about itself. Of greatest importance to me is the notion that the Church is an organic movement of growth that is not bound to one location but which should rather be decentralized. This idea runs counter to the modernist trend still found in the Church that suggests remaining entrenched in order to fight against culture and thus survive.
As Cole discusses in chapter four, we must begin with one of the most basic questions when starting any new church plant--"What is church?" I recognize that I must begin my own plant with this question and also that I must be prepared for any answer that God gives me, even if that answer does not follow typical or historical church convention.
In chapter five, Cole begins to flesh out his argument that the church is organic. He does this by looking at the first in a series of three parables in Mark 4. According to Cole, planting seed is the most important step in the process. In other words, in order to finish well we must start well; we must have both good seed and good soil rather than being so concerned with the end result of the harvest. This involves neither delaying the initial steps of the planting process nor rushing headlong into the process in order to reach the end.
In chapter six, Cole examines the second of three parables in Mark 4 and makes the point that we expend too much energy on working hard and making plans (on the growing phase of his analogy) rather than allowing the Spirit to move and take care of the growth. We instead need to focus on the sowing and the harvesting steps. This chapter provided me with a perspective different from most that I have encountered in the church in the past. Such a point of view takes the pressure off of a church planter and moves the focus away from numbers and results.
Cole wraps up his discussion of Mark 4 in chapter seven with his examination of the parable of the mustard seed. He uses this parable to discuss the importance of church planting and growth and how it is vital to start small and multiply disciples who can go out and multiply other disciples (and thus eventually entire church communities).
In chapter eight, Cole breaks the Body of Christ down into its essential elements--what he calls DNA, or Divine truth, Nurturing relationships, and Apostolic mission--and how these elements interact. This chapter raised questions for me regarding what elements or core values need to be essential to any church plant regardless of context. In other words, what elements of the Body of Christ are defined by cultural context and what elements transcend even culture?
In chapter nine, Cole examines the notion that with all of the changes occurring in the Church (e.g. becoming more decentralized, having less order, being more spontaneous), we need to turn to the DNA and to what God wants for the Church rather than to our own attempts to structure it. Cole argues for the formation of an internal structure rather than the sort of external strategy that has been imposed on the Church throughout history. Such an idea affects how I will look at issues such as leadership and decision-making processes within my own future plant.
In chapter ten, Cole calls for the church to care for people, to extend compassion, and to be moved to live a life rooted in compassion just as Christ was. These ideas are relevant for church planting because they cause us to stop and consider what people groups in our communities most need help and the love of Jesus. We we reflect on such a question we are then moved to make conscious choices to act in compassion rather than merely allowing it to be an afterthought to all that we do.
Building upon such an idea, in chapter eleven Cole argues that relational community (the oikos) is the most effective way to do the work of the Kingdom and spread the Gospel.
Next, in chapter twelve, Cole examines the five principles that are crucial in planting reproducing churches: the practice of prayer, pockets of people, power of presence, person of peace, and people of purpose. Both chapter eleven and chapter twelve provide material for me to consider as I am thinking about what elements must be foundational to any church plant.
In chapter thirteen, Cole discusses the value of failure in the church planting process and of not allowing our plans and strategies to drown out the voice of God. The chapter is, in general, about Coles's own stories of failure and thus is not particularly relevant for my paper.
Finally, in chapter fourteen, Cole shares specific stories of people involved in the planting movement. This chapter was not specifically helpful for my final paper.
Reflections on 12/1 Class
Although I recognize, as we discussed in class today, that things such as the rapid rise of the social network and gaming cultures need to be both addressed and even embraced to a great extent by the Church, the future psychologist in me cannot help but lament the demise of face-to-face relationships. I think the Church needs to be acutely aware of the ways in which technology not only helps but also hinders the formation of community. We must utilize technology when it is helpful for the purposes of the Church while also continuing to cultivate the kind of connection which can only be realized in the midst of living our lives together in physical community.
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