New paradigms in ministry : Transforming the Church ALICT 2009 Dr Dion Forster http://www.dionforster.com

Outcomes: By the end of this session you should be able to: Share a basic understanding of the doctrine of the Church Explain the mission of the Church. Identify and understand some of the deficiencies in contemporary Church structure and practice that detract from God’s mission for the Church. Engage critically with a variety of perspectives on Church to bring renewed effectiveness and faithfulness to your ministry in the Church.

By the end of this session you should be able to:

Share a basic understanding of the doctrine of the Church

Explain the mission of the Church.

Identify and understand some of the deficiencies in contemporary Church structure and practice that detract from God’s mission for the Church.

Engage critically with a variety of perspectives on Church to bring renewed effectiveness and faithfulness to your ministry in the Church.

1. Prolegomenon – the Church Questions for group discussion What is the Church? (Theology!) What is God’s mission for the Church? Can you please list some practical examples of things that Churches should do to fulfill God’s mission in the world?

Questions for group discussion

What is the Church? (Theology!)

What is God’s mission for the Church?

Can you please list some practical examples of things that Churches should do to fulfill God’s mission in the world?

The Power of focus… Watch this video… VERY DIFFICULT! So please count carefully, how many times is the ball passed between the players (Count, concentrate, and let’s see who wins!)

Watch this video…

VERY DIFFICULT! So please count carefully, how many times is the ball passed between the players (Count, concentrate, and let’s see who wins!)

1.a. What is the Church? ekklesia – c.f. Matt 16:18 – literally an ‘assembly, group of people’ >> Denotes ‘a people’, a ‘set aside’ group of people. The early Church Acts 2:42-47. Met in homes / the marketplace Gathered around ‘discipleship’, not ‘discipline’ The word Church refers to two entities: The Church (capital ‘C’) – the Church Universal The churches (small ‘c’) – denominations, congregations, cell groups… Which Church do you think God sees as God looks at a city?

ekklesia – c.f. Matt 16:18 – literally an ‘assembly, group of people’ >> Denotes ‘a people’, a ‘set aside’ group of people.

The early Church Acts 2:42-47.

Met in homes / the marketplace

Gathered around ‘discipleship’, not ‘discipline’

The word Church refers to two entities:

The Church (capital ‘C’) – the Church Universal

The churches (small ‘c’) – denominations, congregations, cell groups…

Which Church do you think God sees as God looks at a city?

1.a. What is the Church? Cont… How can you identify ‘the Church’? The marks of the Church are: One / Holy / Catholic / Apostolic The word ‘Church’ is an English form of the Greek kuriakē , meaning "of the Lord” (The Church is most likely a shortening of kuriakē oikia ‘ house of the Lord’) >> denotes ‘a place’ (no longer ‘a people’) The Church as a ‘place’ and ‘institution’ only came into being after the conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine in the 4 th century.

How can you identify ‘the Church’? The marks of the Church are:

One / Holy / Catholic / Apostolic

The word ‘Church’ is an English form of the Greek kuriakē , meaning "of the Lord” (The Church is most likely a shortening of kuriakē oikia ‘ house of the Lord’) >> denotes ‘a place’ (no longer ‘a people’)

The Church as a ‘place’ and ‘institution’ only came into being after the conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine in the 4 th century.

1.b. What is God’s mission and purpose for the Church? The missio dei ‘God’s mission’ (please refer to Forster 2008a:71ff. ‘What is Christian Mission?’) ‘ He sent his Son for this purpose and He sends the Church into the world… for the same purpose’ ( van Sanders in Forster 2008:71) What was Jesus’ mission? cf. Lk 4:43, 4:18-19 - The Kingdom of God! Is 11:6-9, Rev 21:3-5a. God’s eternal shalom a ‘peace that passes all understanding’

The missio dei ‘God’s mission’ (please refer to Forster 2008a:71ff. ‘What is Christian Mission?’)

‘ He sent his Son for this purpose and He sends the Church into the world… for the same purpose’ ( van Sanders in Forster 2008:71)

What was Jesus’ mission?

cf. Lk 4:43, 4:18-19 - The Kingdom of God!

Is 11:6-9, Rev 21:3-5a. God’s eternal shalom a ‘peace that passes all understanding’

1.b. What is God’s mission and purpose for the Church? Cont… The Church’s mission is to fulfill Jesus’ mission! ‘ Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you’ Jn 20:21 … to “proclaim the Gospel of Christ for healing and transformation”, and to work towards a “Christ healed Africa for the healing of the nations”. Where we miss the boat… Saviour AND Lord (salvation AND discipleship) cf. Matt 28:19-20

The Church’s mission is to fulfill Jesus’ mission!

‘ Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you’ Jn 20:21

… to “proclaim the Gospel of Christ for healing and transformation”, and to work towards a “Christ healed Africa for the healing of the nations”.

Where we miss the boat…

Saviour AND Lord (salvation AND discipleship) cf. Matt 28:19-20

1.b. What is God’s mission and purpose for the Church? Cont… Ask yourself a few questions: What constitutes most of the activity and preaching in your Church? Does your Church do the same kind of things that Jesus did?

Ask yourself a few questions:

What constitutes most of the activity and preaching in your Church?

Does your Church do the same kind of things that Jesus did?

1.b. What is God’s mission and purpose for the Church? Cont… Do you find the kind of people that Jesus welcomed in your Church (i.e., people on the margins of society)? When you listen to the people in your Church, or your minister’s sermons, do they sound like the kind of things that Jesus would say? Is your Church actively establishing God’s Kingdom in your community? Are we ‘One’, ‘Holy’, ‘Catholic’, and ‘Apostolic’?

Do you find the kind of people that Jesus welcomed in your Church (i.e., people on the margins of society)?

When you listen to the people in your Church, or your minister’s sermons, do they sound like the kind of things that Jesus would say?

Is your Church actively establishing God’s Kingdom in your community?

Are we ‘One’, ‘Holy’, ‘Catholic’, and ‘Apostolic’?

1.b. What is God’s mission and purpose for the Church? Cont… Brian McLaren… What are the ‘big issues’ in No wonder the world is giving up on the Church… Our church… Our world… Music Poverty Dress Hunger Buildings AIDS Status Global Warming Etc…

Brian McLaren… What are the ‘big issues’ in

No wonder the world is giving up on the Church…

1.b. What is God’s mission and purpose for the Church? Cont… I believe that Jesus Christ started the New Testament Church… He started it as a community of men and women with a mission, a new purpose for their lives. He gathered them, invested in them, and then commissioned them to go and live what he had lived among them.

I believe that Jesus Christ started the New Testament Church… He started it as a community of men and women with a mission, a new purpose for their lives. He gathered them, invested in them, and then commissioned them to go and live what he had lived among them.

1.b. What is God’s mission and purpose for the Church? Cont… If we think of the Church as a celebration service that only happens in a building on Sundays, then Jesus doesn’t fit the model. We certainly won’t be able to call him ‘Pastor Jesus’…. If the Church is more dynamic than that; if indeed living like Jesus is how we should be and do Church, then thinking of Jesus and his band of followers as a Church community helps us have a more dynamic concept of what Church is all about. Floyd McClung in reference to his book ‘You see bones, I see an army: Changing the way we do Church’ (2008, Struik Christian publishers: Cape Town).

If we think of the Church as a celebration service that only happens in a building on Sundays, then Jesus doesn’t fit the model. We certainly won’t be able to call him ‘Pastor Jesus’…. If the Church is more dynamic than that; if indeed living like Jesus is how we should be and do Church, then thinking of Jesus and his band of followers as a Church community helps us have a more dynamic concept of what Church is all about.

Floyd McClung in reference to his book ‘You see bones, I see an army: Changing the way we do Church’ (2008, Struik Christian publishers: Cape Town).

The changing landscape of Christianity and ‘the Church’…

The changing landscape of Christianity and ‘the Church’…

Bullhorn…

Revolution or evolution? Is the Church dying or just changing? - Dr Dion Forster http://www.dionforster.com

Recap on the Church… The Church is not just an institution – rather, it is a gathering of faithful disciples. The Church refers to: The Church Universal The churches / denominations / congregations The character, or marks of the Church are: One Holy Catholic Apostolic The Church has a mission: God’s mission – missio dei Jesus mission – to establish God’s Kingdom We need to relate to Jesus as Saviour AND Lord

The Church is not just an institution – rather, it is a gathering of faithful disciples.

The Church refers to:

The Church Universal

The churches / denominations / congregations

The character, or marks of the Church are:

One

Holy

Catholic

Apostolic

The Church has a mission:

God’s mission – missio dei

Jesus mission – to establish God’s Kingdom

We need to relate to Jesus as Saviour AND Lord

The question is…. ‘ Is the Church dying… or is the Christian faith merely changing? ’ How well is your Church doing in achieving God’s mission? What are some of the struggles / difficulties / problems that we face as the Church? What are we getting wrong? Were do we miss the point? How could your discipleship help to change this situation? What can you learn and gain from your time here at ALICT in order to renew the mission of the Church?

‘ Is the Church dying… or is the Christian faith merely changing? ’

How well is your Church doing in achieving God’s mission?

What are some of the struggles / difficulties / problems that we face as the Church?

What are we getting wrong? Were do we miss the point?

How could your discipleship help to change this situation?

What can you learn and gain from your time here at ALICT in order to renew the mission of the Church?

2. A few facts about Church membership and attendance. The two most common narratives for the modern Church are decline or split… (blog post on the mainline Church from the Archbishop of Canterbury). I don’t mind Jesus, but I don’t trust his wife [bride]… (comment by a skeptical friend). I no longer go to Church… It just doesn’t seem to meet my needs anymore. The pastor knows nothing about my life and work, and the Church seems to do so little to actually change society. I’m tired of programs and courses. I need something different! I still serve the Lord, but I now belong to a Christian group at work (a Christian who no longer attends Church). 60% of all Churches in America will die out by 2050 (Peter Brierley in Gibbs & Coffey 2005:20) The long and the short of it is… Jesus needs new PR!

The two most common narratives for the modern Church are decline or split… (blog post on the mainline Church from the Archbishop of Canterbury).

I don’t mind Jesus, but I don’t trust his wife [bride]… (comment by a skeptical friend).

I no longer go to Church… It just doesn’t seem to meet my needs anymore. The pastor knows nothing about my life and work, and the Church seems to do so little to actually change society. I’m tired of programs and courses. I need something different! I still serve the Lord, but I now belong to a Christian group at work (a Christian who no longer attends Church).

60% of all Churches in America will die out by 2050 (Peter Brierley in Gibbs & Coffey 2005:20)

The long and the short of it is… Jesus needs new PR!

2. How secular people feel about ‘the Church’

George Barna The major changes in spiritual practice over the past half century have been largely window dressing. Pick a trend – mega churches, seeker churches, satellite campuses, vacation Bible school, children’s church, affinity group ministries (e.g., ministries for singles, women, men young marrieds) contemporary worship music, big screen projection systems, EFT giving, cell groups, downloadable sermons, sermon outlines in bulletins, Alpha groups. Al of the above have simply been attempts to rely on marketing strategies to perform the same activities in different ways or places, or with particular segments of the aggregate population.

The major changes in spiritual practice over the past half century have been largely window dressing. Pick a trend – mega churches, seeker churches, satellite campuses, vacation Bible school, children’s church, affinity group ministries (e.g., ministries for singles, women, men young marrieds) contemporary worship music, big screen projection systems, EFT giving, cell groups, downloadable sermons, sermon outlines in bulletins, Alpha groups. Al of the above have simply been attempts to rely on marketing strategies to perform the same activities in different ways or places, or with particular segments of the aggregate population.

A decline in Church attendance Church attendance in Britain is declining so fast that the number of regular churchgoers will be fewer than those attending mosques within a generation…. Ruth Gledhill’s report on Church attendance in the UK (2008).

Reasons for decline in membership and attendance Martin Wellings A ‘Spiritual’ understanding (when the ‘heart grows cold’) A cultural understanding (related particularly to secularization) Pragmatic reasons for Church decline No new members joining Existing members leaving the Church

Martin Wellings

A ‘Spiritual’ understanding (when the ‘heart grows cold’)

A cultural understanding (related particularly to secularization)

Pragmatic reasons for Church decline

No new members joining

Existing members leaving the Church

Church attendance by age

Church attendance by age (under 15)

What are some of the effects of Church decline? A diminished capacity to transform society and influence change (we’re loosing our saltiness, and dimming our light) A loss of credibility (we’re loosing our ‘voice’ – in England, Australia and most of Europe the Church’s narrative has almost no place in mainstream society) Diminishing financial resources to fund mission The declining Church adopts a ‘lager’ mentality (defensive of it’s position, combative of other positive contributions from secular or other religious institutions etc.)

A diminished capacity to transform society and influence change (we’re loosing our saltiness, and dimming our light)

A loss of credibility (we’re loosing our ‘voice’ – in England, Australia and most of Europe the Church’s narrative has almost no place in mainstream society)

Diminishing financial resources to fund mission

The declining Church adopts a ‘lager’ mentality (defensive of it’s position, combative of other positive contributions from secular or other religious institutions etc.)

THE CHURCH IS IN A GENERAL DECLINE (BUT, THE SAME CAN NOT BE SAID OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH!) (GRAPHS FROM PROF. JURGENS HENDRICKS,) STELLENBOSCH Enough about the rest of the world … What about South Africa?

Enough about the rest of the world … What about South Africa?

% Christians in SA: 1911-2001

Only12% - committed… attendance is only about 3% - 5%... Let’s be honest, most Churches plan to fail…. YET, the reality in South Africa does NOT reflect the Kingdom of God!

Only12% - committed… attendance is only about 3% - 5%... Let’s be honest, most Churches plan to fail….

Something is wrong with this picture! 79% say they’re Christian, but somehow the churches are not helping them to BE Church… All is NOT lost! If they SAY that they are Christian, we should help them to become what they say they are! The Gospel, and the Christ of the Gospel, have NOT lost their power! BUT, we need a ‘new kind’ of Church to do this… Our current models are not working… Here’s some data on our decline.

79% say they’re Christian, but somehow the churches are not helping them to BE Church…

All is NOT lost! If they SAY that they are Christian, we should help them to become what they say they are!

The Gospel, and the Christ of the Gospel, have NOT lost their power!

BUT, we need a ‘new kind’ of Church to do this… Our current models are not working… Here’s some data on our decline.

Christian Marketshare Mainline Denominations 1911-2001

Church membership in population groups 1911-2001 Whites Coloureds

Christian Marketshare AIC, Pentecostal, Other 1911-2001 Pent/Charismatic

What makes the AIC and American style ‘Independent’ Churches so popular? They are evangelical (even if their gospel is not entirely good news). They offer hope (particularly in addressing the most serious FELT needs of people): Prosperity doctrine offers hope in poverty Healing miracles and ministry offer hope in sickness Contextually African (in AIC’s) They have a strong entrepreneurial leadership… (see the sigmoid curve) whereas we face significant pressure to maintain our ‘culture’ (e.g., uniforms, orders of service, hierarchies) They are ‘market oriented’ (changing in accordance with needs and pressures from outside), we are internally regulated (not responding to outside pressures and needs).

They are evangelical (even if their gospel is not entirely good news).

They offer hope (particularly in addressing the most serious FELT needs of people):

Prosperity doctrine offers hope in poverty

Healing miracles and ministry offer hope in sickness

Contextually African (in AIC’s)

They have a strong entrepreneurial leadership… (see the sigmoid curve) whereas we face significant pressure to maintain our ‘culture’ (e.g., uniforms, orders of service, hierarchies)

They are ‘market oriented’ (changing in accordance with needs and pressures from outside), we are internally regulated (not responding to outside pressures and needs).

So, what’s the point!? Addressing FELT needs Meeting people within THEIR context Offering (some) solution

Addressing FELT needs

Meeting people within THEIR context

Offering (some) solution

A map of the world (land area)

The spread of wealth (a representational map)

The most impoverished places in the world (a representational map)

Christians in the world (a representational map)

A map of the world (land area)

But, is there enough for all of us?

Sustaining the world! Brown, Lester 2008 (Plan B 3.0 – Mobilizing to save civilization)

Brown, Lester 2008 (Plan B 3.0 – Mobilizing to save civilization)

Brown, Lester 2008 (Plan B 3.0 – Mobilizing to save civilization) Sustaining the world!

Brown, Lester 2008 (Plan B 3.0 – Mobilizing to save civilization)

Brown, Lester 2008 (Plan B 3.0 – Mobilizing to save civilization) Sustaining the world!

Brown, Lester 2008 (Plan B 3.0 – Mobilizing to save civilization)

Military spending (a representational map)

AIDS deaths in the world (a representational map)

The spread of wealth (a representational map)

The most impoverished places in the world (a representational map)

Christians in the world (a representational map)

What’s wrong with our method? We can be sure that it is NOT the Gospel that has lost its effectiveness (the MESSAGE, and PERSON of Christ remain valid and effective) However, we can be sure that the delivery, engagement, and support mechanisms have lost their impact. So what we need is to find a way of engaging the world in an ‘incarnational’ manner (addressing the needs of the world, from the perspective of the world), not in a transcendent manner (pressing the concerns and needs of the Church onto the world). We need a new ‘narrative’ for the Gospel. The existing still has value, but only for those ‘in the system’ (it would seem), we need a narrative that engages those outside of the system..

We can be sure that it is NOT the Gospel that has lost its effectiveness (the MESSAGE, and PERSON of Christ remain valid and effective)

However, we can be sure that the delivery, engagement, and support mechanisms have lost their impact.

So what we need is to find a way of engaging the world in an ‘incarnational’ manner (addressing the needs of the world, from the perspective of the world), not in a transcendent manner (pressing the concerns and needs of the Church onto the world).

We need a new ‘narrative’ for the Gospel. The existing still has value, but only for those ‘in the system’ (it would seem), we need a narrative that engages those outside of the system..

The life cycle of an institution (sigmoid curve).

The life cycle of an institution (sigmoid curve).

3. So, how do we turn this around? Face the facts! Denial will not serve the cause of God’s mission. Do our best to understand God’s mission for OUR context. Gain insights and expertise to help us in retooling the DNA of the C hurch for the c hurches. Have the COURAGE to make some changes (for the sake of the Gospel!) Make the most of your time here…

Face the facts! Denial will not serve the cause of God’s mission.

Do our best to understand God’s mission for OUR context.

Gain insights and expertise to help us in retooling the DNA of the C hurch for the c hurches.

Have the COURAGE to make some changes (for the sake of the Gospel!)

Make the most of your time here…

The SAME mission in an ever CHANGING world "The gospel must be constantly forwarded to a new address because the recipient is always changing his place of residence.” Graham Gray, Bishop of York

"The gospel must be constantly forwarded to a new address because the recipient is always changing his place of residence.” Graham Gray, Bishop of York

Questions, input and discussion Please share one thing that has challenged you, perhaps something you’ve learned today, a new insight, or something you’ve resolved to do. Please affirm one thing that our Church is doing well! Please highlight one thing that you would like to help change in our Church during your ministry. Any other inputs?

Please share one thing that has challenged you, perhaps something you’ve learned today, a new insight, or something you’ve resolved to do.

Please affirm one thing that our Church is doing well!

Please highlight one thing that you would like to help change in our Church during your ministry.

Any other inputs?

Some suggested reading Forster, DA, 2007 An uncommon spiritual path. The quest to find Jesus beyond conventional Christianity. AcadSA publishers. Kempton Park. Forster, DA & Bentley, W (eds) 2008a Methodism in Southern Africa. A celebration of Wesleyan mission. AcadSA publishers. Kempton Park. Forster, DA & Bentley, W (eds) 2008b What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society by Southern A f rican Methodists. Gibbs, E & Coffey, I 2005. C h urch next: Quantum changes in Christian ministry. Inter Varsity Press. Leicester, UK. Barna, G, & Viola, F. 2008 Pagan Christianity? Exploring the roots of our Church practices. New York. Tyndale Publishers. Viola, F 2008 Reimagining Church: Pursuing the dream of organic Christianity . David Cook P u blishers. Colorado Brian McLaren ‘Everything must change’, Rob Bell ‘Velvet Elvis’, ‘Sex God’, Jesus save the Christians McClung, F. 2008. You see bones, I see an army: Changing the way we do Church. 2008 Cape Town. Struik Christian publishers http://www.spirituality.org.za/2009/01/church-with-mission-or-missions-without.html http://www.spirituality.org.za/2009/03/week-in-review-catching-up-from-within.html http://www.spirituality.org.za/files/HPH09March.ppt http://www.spirituality.org.za/2009/03/emerging-church-conversation-is-church.htm http://www.spirituality.org.za/2009/03/four-helpful-and-sound-categories-for.html l

Forster, DA, 2007 An uncommon spiritual path. The quest to find Jesus beyond conventional Christianity. AcadSA publishers. Kempton Park.

Forster, DA & Bentley, W (eds) 2008a Methodism in Southern Africa. A celebration of Wesleyan mission. AcadSA publishers. Kempton Park.

Forster, DA & Bentley, W (eds) 2008b What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society by Southern A f rican Methodists.

Gibbs, E & Coffey, I 2005. C h urch next: Quantum changes in Christian ministry. Inter Varsity Press. Leicester, UK.

Barna, G, & Viola, F. 2008 Pagan Christianity? Exploring the roots of our Church practices. New York. Tyndale Publishers.

Viola, F 2008 Reimagining Church: Pursuing the dream of organic Christianity . David Cook P u blishers. Colorado

Brian McLaren ‘Everything must change’,

Rob Bell ‘Velvet Elvis’, ‘Sex God’, Jesus save the Christians

McClung, F. 2008. You see bones, I see an army: Changing the way we do Church. 2008 Cape Town. Struik Christian publishers http://www.spirituality.org.za/2009/01/church-with-mission-or-missions-without.html

http://www.spirituality.org.za/2009/03/week-in-review-catching-up-from-within.html

http://www.spirituality.org.za/files/HPH09March.ppt

http://www.spirituality.org.za/2009/03/emerging-church-conversation-is-church.htm

http://www.spirituality.org.za/2009/03/four-helpful-and-sound-categories-for.html l

it’s not just ‘tools’ … A town called Middelburg…

let’s recap… what was Jesus’ mission?

what did Jesus come to do?

the church’s mission is Jesus’ mission – the body of Christ

your mission?

βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ (the kingdom of God – the authority or ‘reign’ of God)

WWJD?

the question is…

WWYD?

‘ Send us tractors, not tracts ’ Gustavo Gutiérrez

How do you do it? There are as many approaches as there are contexts… But here are some pointers.

Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9). When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’ … .Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, … Heal the sick who are there and … tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’ Remember this!?

Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9).

When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’

… .Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you,

… Heal the sick who are there and

… tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’

S – spiritual gift: 1 Cor 12:7 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good", and v.11 "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one just as he determines". H – heart: 1 Samuel 12:20 says "... honour the Lord with all your heart." A – abilities: P – personality: E – Experiences: Romans 8:28 that "In all things God works for the good of those who love him". Rom 9:20-21 "What right have you, a human being, to cross-examine God? The pot has no right to say to the potter: Why did you make me this shape? Surely a potter can do what he likes with the clay?"

S – spiritual gift: 1 Cor 12:7 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good", and v.11 "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one just as he determines".

H – heart: 1 Samuel 12:20 says "... honour the Lord with all your heart."

A – abilities:

P – personality:

E – Experiences: Romans 8:28 that "In all things God works for the good of those who love him".

Rom 9:20-21 "What right have you, a human being, to cross-examine God? The pot has no right to say to the potter: Why did you make me this shape? Surely a potter can do what he likes with the clay?"

“ You will never find your passion until you understand what breaks God’s heart ” Lloyd Reeb

Your S.H.A.P.E God’s Power The world’s needs Where effective and authentic ministry takes place.

the hermeneutic circle

The hermeneutic circle – theological reflection (your most effective tool…)

Preaching the truth without love is like giving someone a good kiss when you have bad breath. No matter how good your kiss is, all the recipient will remember is your bad breath! - Ed Silvoso

Preaching the truth without love is like giving someone a good kiss when you have bad breath. No matter how good your kiss is, all the recipient will remember is your bad breath!

- Ed Silvoso

3. So, how do we turn this around? We must change from: Living in the past to engaging with the present Market driven to mission-oriented Bureaucratic hierarchies to apostolic networks Schooling ‘professionals’ to mentoring servant leaders Following celebrities to encountering saints Dead orthodoxy to living faith (orthopraxy) Attracting the crowd to seeking the lost Belonging to believing Generic congregations to incarnational communities. NB! NB! NB! Please read Church Next by Eddie Gibbs, and Reimagining Church by Frank Viola

We must change from:

Living in the past to engaging with the present

Market driven to mission-oriented

Bureaucratic hierarchies to apostolic networks

Schooling ‘professionals’ to mentoring servant leaders

Following celebrities to encountering saints

Dead orthodoxy to living faith (orthopraxy)

Attracting the crowd to seeking the lost

Belonging to believing

Generic congregations to incarnational communities.

NB! NB! NB! Please read Church Next by Eddie Gibbs, and Reimagining Church by Frank Viola

Some differences between established and emergent Church movements Mainline / Established Church Emergent Centralised leadership / Professional clergy (separation between clergy and laity) Organic, egalitarian governance. No separation between laity and clergy Limits certain functions to ordained / sadly renders laity largely passive (pew warmers) Makes all members functioning Priests Has a ‘go to Church’ perspective Has a ‘be Church’ perspective Prioritizes programs (frequently to educate members on efficiently and effectively maintaining the status quo) Prioritizes relationships within the community (both within the Christian community and incarnating those values into the broader community) Depends on tithing and planned giving / requires large budgets (mostly spend on buildings and pastoral staff) Requires less funding, is frequently self supporting (either bi-vocational or marketplace ministry driven) Separates Church (ecclesiology), mission (missiology) and social transformation (corporate Soteriology) Intertwines ‘belonging’ and mission. Balances personal and corporate Soteriology

New paradigms in ministry : Transforming the Church ALICT 2009 Dr Dion Forster http://www.dionforster.com

Roughly speaking, Generation Y is defined as - 2000 1977 8 31 < Birth Date between > < Current Age >

What’s happening to the human race?

How do we reach them? Traditional marketing does not work They program their media so they are off the radar Your message must appeal to M’s sense of community and trend: Belonging/community (facebook, myspace, twitter) Media has replaced the playground They spend less face time with friends and family, but interact electronically Appealing to M’s sense of community, making them feel like they belong Being part of a trend Unlike other generations who had (trends) thrust upon them (like WWII, Viet Nam, 9/11), Y needs to feel that they matter They will tell everyone they know, now!

Traditional marketing does not work

They program their media so they are off the radar

Your message must appeal to M’s sense of community and trend:

Belonging/community (facebook, myspace, twitter)

Media has replaced the playground

They spend less face time with friends and family, but interact electronically

Appealing to M’s sense of community, making them feel like they belong

Being part of a trend

Unlike other generations who had (trends) thrust upon them (like WWII, Viet Nam, 9/11), Y needs to feel that they matter

They will tell everyone they know, now!

How do we send the call to generation Y? Traditional outreach programs must be employed Schools & Universities Community centers Combined with the new media Mobile devices – cell phone, PDA, etc (Companies like Infreeda) Using new messaging tactics SMS messaging Voice messaging Facebook Twitter Mixit QIK

Traditional outreach programs must be employed

Schools & Universities

Community centers

Combined with the new media

Mobile devices – cell phone, PDA, etc (Companies like Infreeda)

Using new messaging tactics

SMS messaging

Voice messaging

Facebook

Twitter

Mixit

QIK

Why Social Networking? Connect with friends and acquaintances (NB! Remember that the message is CAUGHT not just TAUGHT – relationships are central to ministry!) Establish new relationships…networking Establish virtual friendships with others that share common goals, interests, or struggles…create support networks Share your content and message with a large number of persons instantly (twitter / facebook / QIK / Youtube) Show your support/raise money for a specific cause Get your message out!

Connect with friends and acquaintances (NB! Remember that the message is CAUGHT not just TAUGHT – relationships are central to ministry!)

Establish new relationships…networking

Establish virtual friendships with others that share common goals, interests, or struggles…create support networks

Share your content and message with a large number of persons instantly (twitter / facebook / QIK / Youtube)

Show your support/raise money for a specific cause

Get your message out!

A New Front Door Percent of Americans who have: Watched a video online – 56% Looked for a place to live – 39% Looked for Spiritual Information – 35% Read a journal of blog – 32% Tag online content – 26% Post comments on article or photo – 22% Download a podcast to listen later – 19% Pew Internet and American Life Project

Percent of Americans who have:

Watched a video online – 56%

Looked for a place to live – 39%

Looked for Spiritual Information – 35%

Read a journal of blog – 32%

Tag online content – 26%

Post comments on article or photo – 22%

Download a podcast to listen later – 19%

What are some examples? Social Networks – Facebook, LinkedIn, mySpace Microblogging – Twitter, Friendfeed Instant Message – Skype, MSN Messenger Photos – Flickr, Picasa Feed News Reader – Digg, Google Reader Blog – Blogger, Tumblr, WordPress Bookmarking – Delicious Video – QIK, YouTUBE

Social Networks – Facebook, LinkedIn, mySpace

Microblogging – Twitter, Friendfeed

Instant Message – Skype, MSN Messenger

Photos – Flickr, Picasa

Feed News Reader – Digg, Google Reader

Blog – Blogger, Tumblr, WordPress

Bookmarking – Delicious

Video – QIK, YouTUBE

Growth in social networking There was an estimated 276% increase in Facebook users ages 35 to 54 in the last 6 months of 2008 to reach a total of 7 million (according to an article in the New York Times Magazine.)

There was an estimated 276% increase in Facebook users ages 35 to 54 in the last 6 months of 2008 to reach a total of 7 million (according to an article in the New York Times Magazine.)

Overview of Facebook Social networking site aimed at networking with colleagues, classmates, and acquaintances Set up personal profile/home page “ Friends” are requested/accepted Visibility of your data is dependent on your privacy settings

Social networking site aimed at networking with colleagues, classmates, and acquaintances

Set up personal profile/home page

“ Friends” are requested/accepted

Visibility of your data is dependent on your privacy settings

Features of Facebook Status updates (“the wall”) Sharing of photos and videos Create notes (aka blogs) Email and chat functionality within site Create Events and send invitations Show your support for a cause and generate interest and donations Show your interests through membership in groups and pages Advertise and promote your business and your product

Status updates (“the wall”)

Sharing of photos and videos

Create notes (aka blogs)

Email and chat functionality within site

Create Events and send invitations

Show your support for a cause and generate interest and donations

Show your interests through membership in groups and pages

Advertise and promote your business and your product

The 3 C’s of new media Current information at your fingertips Collaborative tool to rally people together Carrier of viral content

Current information at your fingertips

Collaborative tool to rally people together

Carrier of viral content

Place in Media Mix Web Traditional Emerging News paper POS Cinema Bill Boards TV/ Radio Viral UGC Electronic Games SMS News paper POS Cinema Bill Boards Web

Doing your work for God’s purposes and blessing! Paradigm 4 - God wants us to take light into dark places, and get salt out of the salt shaker. (Matthew 16:18-19) “ Upon this rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it…” (Matthew 16:18-19). Building the Church is what Jesus does… Taking his Kingdom and gospel all over the earth is what we’re commanded to do… - Ed Silvoso

Paradigm 4 - God wants us to take light into dark places, and get salt out of the salt shaker. (Matthew 16:18-19)

“ Upon this rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it…” (Matthew 16:18-19).

Building the Church is what Jesus does… Taking his Kingdom and gospel all over the earth is what we’re commanded to do… - Ed Silvoso

Paradigm 4 - God wants us to take light into dark places. (Matthew 16:18-19) cont…. We’ve got the WRONG methodology!

Paradigm 4 - God wants us to take light into dark places. (Matthew 16:18-19) cont….

We’ve got the WRONG methodology!

Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9). When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’ … .Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, … Heal the sick who are there and … tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’ I will pay you a salary NOT to preach…

Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9).

When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’

… .Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you,

… Heal the sick who are there and

… tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’

Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9). When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’ … .Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, … Heal the sick who are there and … tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’ A quick recap…

Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9).

When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’

… .Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you,

… Heal the sick who are there and

… tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’

Who Are the Players?

“ You Can’t Save Souls In An Empty Church…”

Quick Poll: What is currently the fastest way to build a community of followers on the internet?

What Is Twitter? Micro-blogging platform Text and links ONLY for a maximum of 140 characters Everything happens in real time It’s the FUSE that explodes all your social media efforts

Micro-blogging platform

Text and links ONLY for a maximum of 140 characters

Everything happens in real time

It’s the FUSE that explodes all your social media efforts

Why Is Twitter the Fuse? It’s the easiest to learn Messages are delivered in real-time 100% deliverability Send people INSTANTLY to other places in your network Viral by nature

It’s the easiest to learn

Messages are delivered in real-time

100% deliverability

Send people INSTANTLY to other places in your network

Viral by nature

Getting Started With Twitter Get Your Own Name Write a catchy, clear Bio Customize Your Look and Pic

Get Your Own Name

Write a catchy, clear Bio

Customize Your Look and Pic

Getting Started With Twitter

How To Build Your Twitter List Follow THE RIGHT people Become a valued Tweeter Leverage the power of retweets Ask lots of open-ended question Synergize your network (The Biggie!)

Follow THE RIGHT people

Become a valued Tweeter

Leverage the power of retweets

Ask lots of open-ended question

Synergize your network (The Biggie!)

Tip #1: Follow people who recently followed your mentors and colleagues

Tip #1: Follow people who recently followed your mentors and colleagues

Tip #2: Follow people who are active at the time you follow them (60/30 Rule)

Tip #2: Follow people who are active at the time you follow them (60/30 Rule)

Tip #3: Join in on the conversations before following (up to 70% reciprocation)

Tip #3: Join in on the conversations before following (up to 70% reciprocation)

Tip #4: Follow at the right times and on the right days on the right days 1pm – 3pm and 8pm – 11pm Weekends Rule!

Tip #4: Follow at the right times and on the right days on the right days

1pm – 3pm and 8pm – 11pm

Weekends Rule!

Tip #5: Be Consistent! Follow 30 – 50 per day at first Increase to 10% once you hit 500+ No more than 150% following to follower ratio

Tip #5: Be Consistent!

Follow 30 – 50 per day at first

Increase to 10% once you hit 500+

No more than 150% following to follower ratio

Step 2: Leverage the Power of Retweets

How To Get Retweets To get retweeted, you must FIRST retweet Keep your tweets short Ask for Retweets by DM ALWAYS shrink your URL (tinyurl.com)

To get retweeted, you must FIRST retweet

Keep your tweets short

Ask for Retweets by DM

ALWAYS shrink your URL (tinyurl.com)

Step 3: Go fishing! (The Secret Power of Open-Ended Questions)

Conversation Starters “ What was your favorite holiday as a child?” “ Which do you use Mac or PC?” “ Which super-hero is most like you?” “ What do you think sucks most about ____?” “ What are you having for lunch today?” “ Do you prefer crunchy or smooth peanut butter?”

“ What was your favorite holiday as a child?”

“ Which do you use Mac or PC?”

“ Which super-hero is most like you?”

“ What do you think sucks most about ____?”

“ What are you having for lunch today?”

“ Do you prefer crunchy or smooth peanut butter?”

Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9). When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’ … .Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, … Heal the sick who are there and … tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’ REMEMBER the reason for Media is ministry!

Jesus’ methodology (Luke 10:2-9).

When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.’

… .Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you,

… Heal the sick who are there and

… tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.’

Strategic moves Move towards the message (@heinwine) Twitter Blog Content (video, e-print) GIVE IT AWAY! Consulting, speaking, secondary sales

Move towards the message (@heinwine)

Twitter

Blog

Content (video, e-print)

GIVE IT AWAY!

Consulting, speaking, secondary sales

One last example… An example from QIK.com Setting up QIK: http://www.qik.com/video/581960 Ministry and new media http://www.qik.com/digitaldion

An example from QIK.com

Setting up QIK:

http://www.qik.com/video/581960

Ministry and new media

http://www.qik.com/digitaldion

My Social Media System Social Media = A Party Your Blog = Your Home ‘ Rich media’ = The conversation

Social Media = A Party

Your Blog = Your Home

‘ Rich media’ = The conversation

“ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

New paradigms in ministry : Transforming the Church ALICT 2009 Dr Dion Forster http://www.dionforster.com