http://spirited.net.au/dean/2008/09/10/theology-of-a-wired-church/ from the notebook of a circuit rider Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:41:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://spirited.net.au/dean/2008/09/10/theology-of-a-wired-church/comment-page-1/#comment-3 On the Tip Of My Tongue… | Youth Ministry Blog Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:05:28 +0000 http://blogs.spirited.net.au/dean/2009/02/16/theology-of-a-wired-church/#comment-3 [...] am reminded of how others have tried to answer the question on their blogs… (Dean Tregenza: Theology of a wired church? and Virtual Church / Shane Hipps Interview: Virtual Church / Pomomusings: “I can?t believe [...] [...] am reminded of how others have tried to answer the question on their blogs… (Dean Tregenza: Theology of a wired church? and Virtual Church / Shane Hipps Interview: Virtual Church / Pomomusings: “I can?t believe [...]

]]> http://spirited.net.au/dean/2008/09/10/theology-of-a-wired-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2 Paul Durwin Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:49:43 +0000 http://blogs.spirited.net.au/dean/2009/02/16/theology-of-a-wired-church/#comment-2 You sound a true note about culture and technology. No longer can the church as we know it continue to exist as if it was in 1950 or even 1970 with only the remaining parishioners that were members then. Culture moved on, music moved on, science, business and media moved on, people changed. But the church seemed frozen in its ways just shortly after WWII. As culture around it morphed to what it is today, denominational churches "kept doing what they always did" so it is no surprise "they got what they always got" a status quo inside the church. They circled the wagons and refused to do anything different, with the exception of the evangelical movement. So today I sit in what was a 50 member church just two years ago that in 1989 had 215 members on a Sunday morning. In experiencing a renewal and rebirth after loosing a long time pastor to an accident, we chose a forward thinking pastor from the other end of the United States, from Arizona all the way to the Northeast & Massachusetts (USA) and now have over 100 in services Sunday, many small group ministries birthing, a contemporary guitar band and singers (who regularly appear on local TV as an acoustic group)along with the traditional organ music, but more modern and rousing. We are updating our web site for seekers, heavily using e-mail and occasionally using video projection and major sound reproduction and amplification in services. It isn't your grandmothers church anymore. But then doubling the attendance with young couples, singles, and even a new 70 year old member with lots of 50's and 60 year olds who have returned shows what can be done if you realize your true mission IS MISSION and not a comfortable country club. Difference matters, Bold is required. Be edgy, creative, lively, but always true to the word of God in Jesus. It is working for us, it can for others too. You sound a true note about culture and technology. No longer can the church as we know it continue to exist as if it was in 1950 or even 1970 with only the remaining parishioners that were members then. Culture moved on, music moved on, science, business and media moved on, people changed. But the church seemed frozen in its ways just shortly after WWII. As culture around it morphed to what it is today, denominational churches “kept doing what they always did” so it is no surprise “they got what they always got” a status quo inside the church. They circled the wagons and refused to do anything different, with the exception of the evangelical movement. So today I sit in what was a 50 member church just two years ago that in 1989 had 215 members on a Sunday morning. In experiencing a renewal and rebirth after loosing a long time pastor to an accident, we chose a forward thinking pastor from the other end of the United States, from Arizona all the way to the Northeast & Massachusetts (USA) and now have over 100 in services Sunday, many small group ministries birthing, a contemporary guitar band and singers (who regularly appear on local TV as an acoustic group)along with the traditional organ music, but more modern and rousing. We are updating our web site for seekers, heavily using e-mail and occasionally using video projection and major sound reproduction and amplification in services. It isn’t your grandmothers church anymore. But then doubling the attendance with young couples, singles, and even a new 70 year old member with lots of 50′s and 60 year olds who have returned shows what can be done if you realize your true mission IS MISSION and not a comfortable country club. Difference matters, Bold is required. Be edgy, creative, lively, but always true to the word of God in Jesus. It is working for us, it can for others too.

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