... newest American fad or inspirational model?
Irish church leaders and mission workers from Greater Europe Mission came together in Dublin for a two-day seminar with American authors Hugh Halter and Matt Smay in April. Exploring principles from “The Tangible Kingdom” and their newest title “AND – the gathered and scattered church”, they challenged people to create incarnational communities.
Despite an unexpectedly extended visit to Ireland thanks to a certain Volcano in Iceland, Hugh and Matt appeared unfazed as they took time out to share their thoughts with VOX readers:
We are trying to express that the culture has changed so that the past focus of church does not fit the new context.
We are not saying let’s not do church. We believe that the church is still God’s primary means of reaching culture. Most existing churches want to be missional but they simply don’t know how. The church [as a whole] is not connecting with the culture and we are not representing Jesus well.
If people think the church is working, they do not want to look at new ways of doing it. We need honest critique of the church. The goal is not de-constructing church but re-constructing church. For us, that is loving the church.
Our story is how our church formed by not ‘doing’ traditional church. We lived as a missional community and people were coming to faith, so eventually we had to form a church.
We believe the Kingdom of God becomes tangible to those around us when we integrate three essentials:
• Inclusive community – living among and building deep and lasting relationships with those around us (whether or not they know God).
• Communion with God – helping people connect with God through worship, prayer and scripture.
• Mission – blessing our community, the maginalised and those in need.
Jesus could have become king and changed the whole Jewish nation but instead he chose 12 men and changed history.
Our intent isn’t to try and figure everything out for you, because we don’t have all the answers. We don’t care if your context is mega-church, house church or whatever-church. We don’t think it matters.
In the Irish context you might want to ask questions like:
• Why are we not good news?
• What would be good news to the Irish?
• How can we set Jesus apart from religion? How do you help people to make the kingdom tangible in a religious context?
The VOX verdict?
Hugh Halter and Matt Smay come across with refreshing humility despite their excitement and passion about the model they are ‘living out’ in Colorado. They are deeply rooted in American culture and some of what they say needs to be filtered through that reality; you may laugh at the idea that four years is considered ‘long term’ ministry.
However, there is still much of relevance, inspiration and challenge for us in Ireland. Check out “The Tangible Kingdom” and it’s sequel for yourself and let us know what you think!
To join The Conversation... add your comments and questions below.
great to see this article in the VOX! need more of it.. I agree with what they say but in Ireland we are aware of it but often use traditional language to explain it. Inclusive community, communion with God & misson are so important in our churches & being the church. However our churches tend to be very event orientated places, we plan it and then expect people to come or be invited. This is fine but I believe is not enough, the reality is no matter what kind of event we put on the majority of people will never enter the four walls of our church.
ReplyDeleteTo set Jesus apart from religion is tricky, but beginning with long lasting relationships with no agenda is the start. Through relationship and allowing people to ask questions, we can then give a balanced / correct understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. For Christians to be open, attentive, loving, a willingness to learn and an ability to have a laugh are all important.( I COULD write more here)
The good news is still great news, but raising your hand in church & saying a prayer is not enough; how does the gospel relate to the environment, politics, human trafficking,religion, the recession, college life, etc etc. How does the gospel affect them personally & the culture they are in.
It is good to know that there are people there who are thinking what i am thinking! People who could see beyond the pulpit and 4 walls of the building (church). A community where there are several churches and pastors/ priests, yet the community cannot feel the impact means that something is not right. Jesus and his disciples were only 13 in number and we are still reaping the 'dividends' of their work. If the christians of today are the followers of Jesus (bearing in mind His ministry here on earth)and his disciples, what are their legacies or what have they got to show? Why is the community not feeling their impact despite their number? How inclusive is the christian community with their outside community. How do they bless those who are not identified with their beliefs and culture, those who are marginalised or discriminated against? How do they show racism a red card even in reaching out to the outside community? Was Jesus and His disciples confined in the church building? There is need for checks and balances. Amaka
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree with most of the summary of the book outline, I think the biggest problem is not our involvement in society, but the contents of "good news."
ReplyDeleteMany evangelicals today have watered down the "good news" in order to not offend the group targeted. With that they are able to do a lot of "good works," but the majority of the Irish population has no idea that their improved lives still lead to a lost eternity.