the journey

Institution or outpost?

His article begins like this:

Are we an institution that needs to be preserved or a vibrant outpost of the kingdom of God? That's what church leaders have to keep asking.

When institutional concerns are paramount, then preserving the status quo and making the clientele happy drives all decisions. Experts are brought in to preach the institutional mantra: "slow change, slow change, slow change." Cantankerous people run the show with their objections. Meeting consumer demands (with the members as the consumers!) rather than forming people as disciples becomes the preoccupation.

But when the spiritual leaders figure out that they are not an institution to be preserved but a body of believers who are following the way of Jesus, then missional--rather than consumer--concerns drive decisions.

As you can see, the ClubMed vs. FedEx dialogue continues...

To read more, follow this link.

The Present Future

Wow. I just finished reading Reggie McNeal's The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church. His differientation between club/member churches vs. missionary churches (sounds like Club Med vs. Fed Ex, right?) is insightful. Here are a few examples taken from page 132:

Prayer
Member: Praying for members, church program needs
Missionary: Praying for unchurched, outreach efforts

People
Member: Recruiting members into church activities
Missionary: Deploying into community

Time
Member: Finding time for church activities
Missionary: Creating time for mission expression

Money
Member: Raising money for club activities
Missionary: Channeling money to mission initiatives

Well, you get the point. I'm sure this won't be the last time you hear about this book! Because it's must reading for anyone serious about reaching pre-Christians in our postmodern world! It's that important!

Temple vs. missional spirituality

Temple vs. missional spirituality. Member vs. missionary. Club Med vs. FedEx. Same stuff, right?

Canadien resident Len Hjalmarson has some interesting things to say about this subject in an article published in the August, 2004 edition of Next-Wave. I enjoyed his use of the scene from "Chicken Run" to make his point about freedom.

Follow this link for the complete article.

Is 100% FedEx advisable?

Several of you have commented on yesterday's sermon dealing with Club Med vs. Fed Ex. I'm glad that it stirred up some reflection and meaningful discussion.

Listed below are a few random thoughts on this subject:

1) I'm not sure that being a 100% FedEx church is advisable or even attainable, especially if members have been exposed to Club Med thinking for any length of time.
2) By saying that we're FedEx, that does NOT mean we've overlooked the importantce of self-care, vacations, personal/spiritual renewal, etc. (i.e., a few of ClubMed's best traits!). Because personal renewal and self-care are essential to healthy (whole) lives.
3) I'm NOT suggesting a condescending "we're better than them," us vs. them, mean-spirited mentality either. Because most of us have ClubMed blood flowing through our veins & an "I'm better than you" mentality would be wrong and sinful, not to mention hypocrital.
4) One of the dangers of giving something a descriptive label is that labels can stick forever, and we end up giving up on people (because we've pigeonholed/stereotyped them), stop praying for them, and ultimately think we’re better than they are. And that’s definately NOT my intent. My intent is to present a trend that current writers are seeing– a trend I’m seeing too. And I sense it's a trend you've experienced.
5) Maybe it’s better to look at it this way: What DOMINANT trait do we want to have? The trait of pampering entitled, card-carrying members? Or the trait of sending missionaries into Cleburne (yes, missionaries in our own community!) and into the world?

Who is this for?

This whole Club Med vs. FedEx church thing has grabbed my attention. I guess because it hits home in many different ways.

Henderson isn't the only one writing about his phenomenon. Reggie McNeal is observing this needed shift in world views (and practice) too.

So, here's another thought-provoking quote from McNeal's "The Present Future."

"When I finished speaking, a man approached me as a deacon in his church. He said, ‘From now on, when some idea comes up for something to do at our church, I am going to ask the question, Who is this for?’

Who is this for? may be a good way for you to begin your own journey from member (hear *Club Med*) to missionary (hear *FedEx*). Think about your life, your money, your time, your talent, and your commitments. Who is this for? Is the answer club members or people who do not yet know Jesus?” (page 68).

Let's talk about Club Med & FedEx tomorrow morning.

Club Med or Fed Ex?

I tend to hover around (and read) about a dozen different web sites including: Relevant, Next-Wave, Easum/Bandy, etc., because they force me to be creative and to view church (and the world) through the eyes of post-modernity (and Jesus).

Today, I landed on Off-the-Map's site and found the following article. Interesting stuff. To whet your appetite, I've included their opening paragraph below, and concluded with a link to the complete story. I hope it challenges your thinking, and actions!

Jim Henderson, co-founder of this site, asks:

"Club Med are destination resorts located in exotic places around the world. They exist to pamper the lucky tourists who can afford their services. Fed Ex is a delivery system of trucks and planes. Their sole purpose is to deliver stuff on time and intact. At Fed Ex, the only time they’re happy is when the parking lot is empty.

My Question: Church -- Club Med or Fed Ex?"

Click here for the complete article