Where Is It??
“Where is it? If a new thing is happening, why can’t we see it? If these new models or wineskins of church are so great, why aren’t they strong and visible now?” A friend involved in leadership of a ‘normal’ church regularly throws these questions at me. Other leaders raise the same issue in the form of a statement “when you have a church of a thousand people and are seeing hundreds saved every year, then you can critique current church structures.”
For myself, and other proponents of alternative ways of extending God’s kingdom, including house churches, organic churches, and truly missional churches, these questions are often raised by defenders of the status quo - by leaders within structured churches, as they look outside the domain of organised Christianity at the alternative forms of ‘church’ being discussed and attempted. “If what you’re proposing is so great, where is it? Why can’t we see it? Why isn’t it growing rapidly?”
These appear to be good questions, at least from the perspective of those who ask them.......
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For myself, and other proponents of alternative ways of extending God’s kingdom, including house churches, organic churches, and truly missional churches, these questions are often raised by defenders of the status quo - by leaders within structured churches, as they look outside the domain of organised Christianity at the alternative forms of ‘church’ being discussed and attempted. “If what you’re proposing is so great, where is it? Why can’t we see it? Why isn’t it growing rapidly?”
These appear to be good questions, at least from the perspective of those who ask them.......
">Read More
Labels: David Allis, ideas from the edge
3 Comments:
At July 18, 2007 12:08 PM , Brendan McNeill said...
Good article, and I agree with your initial assessment – leaders in the established system tend to ask the wrong questions.
I also agree that much of what is happening is completely off the radar both for those in the established church structures, and even for those of us outside of them. Our experience however is one of gradual growth, both in numbers and also in maturity. We are also seeing a sense of real community and interdependence being created within the church. Personally, I find this very encouraging.
One of the most discouraging things about the established church ‘model’ is that for 90% of those involved, it’s a pathway to passivity and perpetual immaturity. I believe that ‘growing disciples’ is one area that the newer models of church are better equipped to perform. A passive church will not bring transformation to our nation. Measuring ‘numbers’ on a Sunday morning can be a very poor indicator of the health of the body. It may be that they simply play the ‘best music’ or have the funniest preacher.
Yes, the focus of the new model is much more on ‘the Kingdom’ and I like that approach. Jesus did say after all, that He would build His church.
Keep up the good work!
At July 18, 2007 1:24 PM , Ron Schepers said...
Your article is absolutely true. Having spent 6 years working to build a house church network, a common question has been "so what is the church doing?" - the implication being show us your programmes, facilities, salvations etc. The truth is the house churches are doing a lot, most of it underground and relational, much of which takes time. Instead of running their own programmes, they have been encouraged to get involved and be salt in community programmes. These things are hard to quantify and don't measure up to the popular ideas of "successful ministry".
I believe it will take some time for mainstream churches to recognise house churches, missional churches and other forms. It is going to take pioneering, bold and determined leaders to persist with the alternative forms of church, to break through until the fruit is evident. it is like George Barna says in his book "Revolution", that there is an underground revolution of church going on, it is growing and will one day take many by surprise.
At July 20, 2007 10:52 AM , Lawrence said...
Hi David, I like your decision to run a blog. Discussion & conversation is good. Regarding this article, I have recently been given a book (by my Parents!!) called 'Megashift'. This book gives a lot of research & stats about 'Where it is'. It's an inspiring read! Take Care Lawrence
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