As stated in the first “Engaging Culture” blog, it is imperative that we have a well-defined idea of culture so that our models of engagement are effective and not counter-productive. Popular definition of “culture” ranges from fad to philosophy. We need clarity.
In terms of culture, behavior is the tip of the iceberg. Behaviors are the visible outflow of values, and our values come from our worldview. Worldview is the way we filter everything around us, consciously and unconsciously. It is shaped by everything we have seen, heard, and experienced since birth.
Why is it important to understand this deeper level of culture? First, any attempt at cultural transformation will have to challenge the deep-seated roots of culture. Second, even after conversion our worldview may still be captive to the world. Third, we must understand that forms of ministry are not neutral. Our programs, techniques, and ways of speaking are perceived through a cultural lens.
Example:
A pastor wears a suit and tie – in a past cultural milieu this might be a sign of competence and professionalism. As the culture shifts, this may be seen instead as harsh legalism, or unthinking conformity. In reaction, we may decide to change to jeans and T-shirts. But which cultural values does this change in behavior reflect? In some cases, the new behavior still fits into the values of biblical Christianity. In other cases, the new behavior may reflect non-Christian ways of thinking, such as a casual view of God, or the worship of convenience over sacredness.
Engaging culture is not as simple as modernizing a worship service or a church style. Any change (or the decision to stay the same!) must be purposeful, preceded by prayer and cultural understanding. Otherwise, our language, technique or look may be affirming a very different worldview than the one we think we are teaching.
Next UP: Analyzing 3 models through cultural lens
Questions for Discussion:
1. Do you see shallow definitions of culture that cause ineffectiveness?
2. Do you have examples of change in ministry that was meant for good but had unintended consequences?
3. What tools can one use for the purpose of deep cultural analysis?
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Energizing the Church
If stale, lifeless, and dutiful drudgery were honest descriptions of our church experience I think most pastors would drown in depression. Your church experience may not be as bleak as I just described it, but according to recent formal and informal studies it is, in the minds of many, hovering close to uncomfortably cool. We’re no different than other churches. Our church has had its share of tepid zones. We have had some success in maintaining life and energy. What is it that has helped us energize the church? Simply put, we have returned to the uncluttered and basic.
First, we have returned to the priority of salvation with water baptism. Purposefully, we have moved toward those things that give us opportunity to develop relationships with people far from God and be the incarnational presence of Jesus to our community. Breaking away the crust of numbing apathy surrounding evangelism is a huge step toward energy building. When individuals are saved and the church hears their testimony (before they are baptized), it rekindles life in the people. It validates our missional efforts that we are doing the right things, that God is alive, answering prayers, and transforming lives in our midst.
Second, we have returned to the priority of individuals vitally connecting with God. People are profoundly impacted by closeness with their creator and the Son. The Bible affirms that people drawing close to God will encounter Him up close and personal. This creates spiritual energy in the congregation. Our worship services and disciple programs have come under scrutiny. What are we doing that unintentionally distracts or worst, works against people encountering God? Are our current methods really equipping people to nurture a vibrant, life long relationship with God? These are tough questions. But energizing the church takes courageous leadership.
Dr. Timothy A Hager
Senior Associate Pastor
Manassas Assembly of God
11500 New Life Way
Bristow VA 20136
703.368.2895
www.magchurch.org
First, we have returned to the priority of salvation with water baptism. Purposefully, we have moved toward those things that give us opportunity to develop relationships with people far from God and be the incarnational presence of Jesus to our community. Breaking away the crust of numbing apathy surrounding evangelism is a huge step toward energy building. When individuals are saved and the church hears their testimony (before they are baptized), it rekindles life in the people. It validates our missional efforts that we are doing the right things, that God is alive, answering prayers, and transforming lives in our midst.
Second, we have returned to the priority of individuals vitally connecting with God. People are profoundly impacted by closeness with their creator and the Son. The Bible affirms that people drawing close to God will encounter Him up close and personal. This creates spiritual energy in the congregation. Our worship services and disciple programs have come under scrutiny. What are we doing that unintentionally distracts or worst, works against people encountering God? Are our current methods really equipping people to nurture a vibrant, life long relationship with God? These are tough questions. But energizing the church takes courageous leadership.
Dr. Timothy A Hager
Senior Associate Pastor
Manassas Assembly of God
11500 New Life Way
Bristow VA 20136
703.368.2895
www.magchurch.org
Friday, March 14, 2008
Current Models of Engaging Culture
I haven’t met any minister who didn’t want to engage culture. The gospel engages. The questions is not should we engage but, “How well are we engaging culture?” Here is the first of several blogs that will look at the priority of “engaging culture.”
First - Current Attempts at Engagement
As an itinerating missionary, I see a variety of pastors and churches, enjoying the latitude the AG allows. I have noticed 3 general attempts (in varying styles & combinations) at engaging the culture.
The first is the “market model”. This model is concerned with putting the gospel in language people can understand. The buzz word is “relevant.” The motto is ‘’Say it (gospel) better!”
The second is the “revivalist” model. This model emphasizes recovery of a better era, or way of doing things or even a recovery of a better feeling. The challenge to the culture is to “get back” to something. The motto is “Say it Again (but louder)”.
These first two are often posited as “the old folks vs. the young bucks”, but my travels have proven that wrong. Often the “revivalists” have the slickest brochures and hippest sermon titles. I have been in “marketed churches” where the content of worship and preaching seemed very traditional, even liturgical. The age of the pastor has had only a small correlation.
Third is the “service model”. This trend says be more “community based” and “service-oriented.” The motto is “Don’t say it, Do it”
Each model has merit. We need for the culture to understand the gospel… We need to have an unchanging message. We have to walk the talk! But it would be a lazy approach to simply say we need to “balance.” Without a proper understanding of culture and what it is we are trying to engage and transform, each of these models could be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst. The next blog will take up the definition of culture.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you see other major models?
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each model?
3. How do the different philosophies of engagement fit together in our denominational context?
Shawn Galyen
First - Current Attempts at Engagement
As an itinerating missionary, I see a variety of pastors and churches, enjoying the latitude the AG allows. I have noticed 3 general attempts (in varying styles & combinations) at engaging the culture.
The first is the “market model”. This model is concerned with putting the gospel in language people can understand. The buzz word is “relevant.” The motto is ‘’Say it (gospel) better!”
The second is the “revivalist” model. This model emphasizes recovery of a better era, or way of doing things or even a recovery of a better feeling. The challenge to the culture is to “get back” to something. The motto is “Say it Again (but louder)”.
These first two are often posited as “the old folks vs. the young bucks”, but my travels have proven that wrong. Often the “revivalists” have the slickest brochures and hippest sermon titles. I have been in “marketed churches” where the content of worship and preaching seemed very traditional, even liturgical. The age of the pastor has had only a small correlation.
Third is the “service model”. This trend says be more “community based” and “service-oriented.” The motto is “Don’t say it, Do it”
Each model has merit. We need for the culture to understand the gospel… We need to have an unchanging message. We have to walk the talk! But it would be a lazy approach to simply say we need to “balance.” Without a proper understanding of culture and what it is we are trying to engage and transform, each of these models could be ineffective at best and dangerous at worst. The next blog will take up the definition of culture.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you see other major models?
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each model?
3. How do the different philosophies of engagement fit together in our denominational context?
Shawn Galyen
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Welcome to PotomacAG
As the creative team has been making preparations for District Council in May, we thought it would be great to hear feedback from our ministers about the themes that are shaping our plans. Our overall 2008 theme is 'Pursuing His Priorities' - and the sub-themes that have developed help focus in on exactly what the pursuit might look like.
Brenda Burns, Communications Facilitator
The sub-themes are:
- Empowering Future Generations
- Energizing the Church
- Embracing a Missional Vision
- Engaging our Culture
Brenda Burns, Communications Facilitator
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