Emergent Conversation: Paradigm Shaping and its Effects
The emergent conversation has reshaped my church paradigm—so much so that I'm now an erratic participant with little passion to re-engage in the prevailing ministries of the current church model. In many ways it is the result of an awareness of the ever-widening gulf between the church and its host culture.
When I reflect on the effects these changes have had, it upsets my psyche to think I might have disappointed some or that I may have taken on the image of someone with little determination to finish what I have started.
posted by Fred Peatross @ 8:59 AM
3 Comments:
I can relate heavily to what you are saying. It creates a personal tension, because most of the personal and financial support I might have to try something new exists in a world I'm coming out of and have less and less desire to interact in.
As I was with your post of November 20, I am at a loss for words. Steve then and john now have shared their sympathy for your quandry more adequately than I can, since I have no pulpit.
Let me just ask: Does this have to be an either/or question? Can you integrate your new paradigm into your old commitment? Do one or both of them exclude each other? Can you persuade the audience of the old commitment to see the value in the new paradigm? Can you still see some value in the old?
Is there only one way to look at the faith ... for you; for them?
Is God too small to work through both?
I have wondered onto your blog with a shared interest in Postmodern ministry. I am doing full time ministry at a Christian High School in Atlanta, GA via Martinsburg, WV (go Bulldogs). I would be interested to hear just what your new paradigm looks like? My blog site, www.emergingcommunity.blogspot.com particularly the post "Bang the Earth is Round"
Sincerely,
Tyler Durden
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