Churches used to relate by sections, districts and dioceses. Now, they relate through ipods.
I can have a quick conversation with another minister, and determine within a few minutes how much we will relate to each other by asking a few simple questions about what music they prefer, and which preachers they listen to on itunes. Most of the time, another minister’s dress will be a dead give-away also (I know that is very superficial, but it is generally the truth). Bonds are formed first through these common affinities; doctrine is discussed later. I am not claiming this is always good, but it is just the reality.
It’s good that ministers and churches have a wider scope of friends to choose from, and that the basics of Christianity is the basis for these new avenues of fellowship. Appreciation has replace the distrust that used to exist because of difference in theological nuances. Now that the Christian “network” has expanded to an open, intra-denomination participation; the old, closed in, denomination-based networks seem more and more irrelevant. Denominations aren’t needed to network ministers and churches. We are doing it ourselves.
Well done.
By: Phil on March 23, 2010
at 2:22 pm
Aaron – Couldn’t agree more. At denominational functions I find myself reticent to engage, thinking, wow…we just don’t think alike. I have to fight arrogance and a superiority complex though (the Gospel demolishes superiority, and I can hear Rick Warren saying “I can learn from anybody”
). Nonetheless, right on. Here’s a group that started along these very lines. The guy who leads it (our age) did his dissertation on Post-denominational Networks. http://www.ecclesianet.com Great missionally minded people.
Peace.
By: Scott Marshall on March 23, 2010
at 3:10 pm
Great to have your comment’s Scott. Reading your comments help validate what I sense in other young ministers. I agree – we have to be humble enough to learn in any environment. I look forward to checking out the web-site you recommended. Stay in touch.
By: aaronallison on March 23, 2010
at 9:38 pm