My thoughts on the class session 11-7-11

My thoughts on the class session 11-7-11

The DIY Culture (do it yourself) – spiritual seeker looking to put together their own spirituality is something I am seeing not only in the younger generations but in the baby boomer generation as well.  I have friends that grew up in Christendom but now in their 40’s and 50’s reject the traditional church method and are seeking spirituality through meditation, yoga, environment and various community practices.  Some embrace the theology that God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are one and that Jesus; God’s son was the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God. But others have accepted a theology that Jesus was a prophet not Lord and that Jesus in not the only way to God.  As my friends both young and older seek to piece together a spirituality that adheres to their beliefs, I fear that some are creating a theology that justifies behavior that is unethical and harmful.  Others are actually growing in their spirituality and have experienced God in ways that have been transformational and that they probably would not have been able to in a traditional church.  As a church, we must consider that in this global information age our members will be spiritually seeking online, not just in our churches. What are ways that we can embrace and encourage without losing elements of face-to-face community?  How can we offer events that focus on spiritualty or mission as a starting place, not just community? The curation theme is one to consider. 

I enjoyed having Ian Grant share what is happening in Australia missionally and with church growth.  Hearing his church planting experience was very helpful. I love his last quote:

“You get a passion for people who don’t know Christ and do whatever the hell it takes to reach them.”