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?
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Pursuing His Priorities
A discussion of the themes for the upcoming Potomac District Council.
-Empowering Future Generations
-Energizing the Church
-Embracing a Missional Vision
-Engaging our Culture
potomacag.org
-Empowering Future Generations
-Energizing the Church
-Embracing a Missional Vision
-Engaging our Culture
potomacag.org
4 comments:
This is a borrowed quote, but effective:
we must be incarnational rather than attractional.
Meaning, are just trying to get people in the door of our church, or are we willing to live among, share life with, become our culture, so that we can do as Paul modeled and taught that we become all things to all people so that in some way, we will reach some of them.
The most effective way to understand and engage the culture is to live among people and share life with them. I know the needs of my community because I share life with them. I understand my culture because I'm a part of it.
Additionally, I genuinely think that when we adjusts style/ methods with a pure heart, clear conscience, and sincere desire to reach lost people, we don't need to be preoccupied with what everyone thinks. Those who are busy coming up with every reason something won't work, will never try anything new.
Pat, I want to jump on and say that incarnating the gospel is priority one. And my neighbors couldn't care less if I've narrowed a model for running my church, if I'm not sharing the Christ-life in my neighborhood.
My own story had me for 6 years in a desk job pastoral role, when I realized that I didn't know my neighbors names. I was in church 6 nights a week, and had no time for the unchurched. To me the first step is not to determine a strategy; it's to get out there in the culture with the unchurched.
Interpreting culture is only useful if you're out in it.
--Ben
I agree. I have spent way too much time as a pastor trying to figure out how to do church/engage culture on a large scale (ie. churchwide outreach).
"Be the change you want to see in the world." Not a 'Christian' quote but a good one nonetheless. If I will focus on being the incarnational representative that God has called me to be, show a couple of others what it looks like, and help them to be little messiahs (Christians) then we would begin to see change. My problem is that I didn't want to waste my time on working in such a small scale. I am realizing, at least for me and our local church, doing it big isn't working.
It seems to me that Jesus worked precisely in that small scale -- He invited His students one at a time, by name. We read that Jesus 'looked in the faces of people and was moved with compassion'. We DON'T read that He looked on the size of the crowd and analyzed their culture ... He healed them, He fed them, He spoke to them face to face and He wept with them. Every time He turned around, He violated somebody's cultural crust and captured their heart.
Christ IN YOU, the hope of glory!
Next time you go to Wal-Mart, greet the person at the door, DON'T use the self-checkout aisle, look the cashier IN THE EYE and thank them BY NAME -- see what happens.
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