Indigenous versus Imitation

Do you ever wonder why we overuse the art and music of cultures and times far removed from our own to give expression to our current encounters with the Gospel?

As I visit congregations around the country, I see lots of uniformity - a kind of "generic" order and style of worship that fewer and fewer people seem to invest in.

In my home town of Cameron, MO, nearly half of the population is comprised of medium and maximum security prisoners or staff members who serve them. Our community has a regional hospital, large school system, Missouri Veterans Home and several skilled and semi-skilled facilities as well as quite a bit of retail and agri-business. One newer, local congregation worships in a country-western style that feels more indigenous than the more common blends of traditional, classical, and contemporary styles.

Whatever indigenous worship, spiritual disciplines, and mission may be, discerning who we are will be as continuous as the changes in even "stable" Midwestern culture.

How important is is to be who we are, rather than to merely imitate the forms used by other communities?

What Does God Say To You?

The following is the key question for the retreat March 15 & 16 with Alan Roxburgh and 22 NW Area leaders at Conception Abbey:


"How would God have us reconfigure, retool, and transform at our core to become more than a denominational middle judicatory; a truly helpful team of servants who broker equipping relationships with congregation leadership teams of any or no denomination who want to become mission-driven, disciple-making, transforming communities, serving with Jesus in their zip codes?"

Please reflect prayerfully and let us know what God says to you.
B R-H

Create On-line Surveys!

Need to poll your community, your congregation, your leadership team? Check out Survey Monkey: "Using just your web browser, create your survey with our intuitive survey editor. Select from over a dozen types of questions (single choice, multiple choice, rating scales, drop-down menus, and more...). Powerful options allow you to require answers to any question, control the flow with custom skip logic, and even randomize answer choices to eliminate bias. In addition, you have complete control over the colors and layout of your survey."

Wikiletics

Check out a different kind of sermon resource. Anyone might benefit from reviewing some of the shared wisdom about scripture passages on this site. www.wikiletics.com/display/WH/Home