1954-Jerusalem or Antioch
It marked the beginning of a profound cultural shift and the gradual end of five hundred years of modern history known as “Modernity.” It caused polite society to blush in anger and teenagers to dance with joy. It went virtually unnoticed by church leaders even though it was to have a profound effect on Christianity. May 10, 1954, […]
Defining and Measuring Transformation
Over the years I’ve found that it can be both tempting and easy to get caught up in the nearly endless discussions around definitions and measurements. When it comes to church transformation in North America, this discussion too often opens as the trap of distraction. The distraction of definitions and measurements has provided far too […]
Simchurch – An Intriguing Read
I’ve found the fourth great book during my summer reading. Simchurch is the first book I’ve read on the virtual church that makes theological sense. Although the theology isn’t deep it’s deep enough to sway even the most die-hard skeptic of the virtual church – if they keep an open mind (something hard for many […]
Why Can’t It Simply Be “Church”?
I don’t know about you but I’m tired of all the crazy book titles that attach adjectives to the word “church”. I get dozens of review copies every year and lately it dawned on me that many of them the last couple of years have had “church” in the title. So I did a search of […]
Of Coaches, Consultants, and Pooled Ignorance
It happened again recently. I was in a large group of mainline church leaders who professed their interest in church transformation. We were all milling around the room waiting for the convener to launch the meeting, and the conversation was pensive. Then the “transformational church leader” stood up, thanked us for coming, and said, “We’re […]
Why I Needed a Consultant, Twice
I think most people would say I was a good leader while pastoring. All three of my churches grew while I was there. Still, twice I needed to bring in a consultant. Lyle Schaller was the first consultant. I had been at the church for eleven or twelve years after restarting the church and some […]