“The most significant sociological phenomenon of the first half of the 20th century was the rise of the corporation. The most significant sociological phenomenon of the second half of the 20th century has been the development of the large pastoral church — of the mega-church. It is the only organization that is actually working in our society.” — Peter Drucker, as quoted by Rick Warren at the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life’s biannual Faith Angle conference on religion, politics and public life, May 23, 2005.

Okay, let me unpack something I have been thinking about for a while. I went to hear Steve Timmis from The Crowded House yesterday at a event Hamo put on. I went to hear him because I think he is an excellent bible communicator. He is, and I enjoyed greatly his biblical exegisis, stories and general teaching. It was great that Hamo and others could bring him over.

Steve was pushing that the small/house church way of doing something is the most effective missional approach. It is not. In fact it seems to me that Steve is benefiting from something we all know to be true. A church plant will experience the most growth in its first couple of years. Also a small group of authenticity is very attractive. These are not really biblical reasons so much as sociological ones, people are attracted to something new, people crave community. So what, mega churches know that too, which is why they emphasise small groups. Steve implied that small house church was better than more traditional church because people there actually cared for each other. Well…great. But a larger church can and many are, just as authentic. They care for each other through small groups as well.

In fact Rick Warren says this, “The small group structure is the structure of renewal in every facet of Christianity – including Catholicism.“

Church is not about this method being better than that method, it is about embracing what is effective for Christ.

It was exciting to hear how Steve and The Crowded House network of churches have led people to Christ.

However my personal belief is that a large, motivated, inspired and cared for community of people can do far far more to reach the community and have a significant impact, than a small struggling group of people. I might even argue that such house methods might be seen by a significant group of people as ‘weird’ or ‘cultish’. But you know what? I don’t care what method you use, and I think many of these emergent types are doing an effective and passionate ministry.

Its time for us to embrace the personality type, the gifting, the wiring God has given us, and allow others to do the same. And recognise that very often the reason we do things the way we do is because of these reasons.

Church is meant to be fun, seeing what others are doing for Christ is meant to be fun.

May we shout for joy when we hear of your
victory,

flying banners to honor our God.

Connolly believes we can advance to the next level and dispatch of Geelong.
With Bell and Hedland back, I am inclined to believe him.
One of the best games of last year was when we stitched up the Cats down at the Cattery.

Come on Freo!!

“Baptists-We’ver never met a fight we didn’t like”

I spent my young years in a Baptist Church. I have heard, and could even sense at that young age, that those members meetings were awful at that large traditional church. Dysfunctional, controlled by a few squeaking worms, gatekeepers.

I did not become a Christian till I had gone right away from the church.Then I spent my early formative Christian years at Albany Church of Christ, with Pastor Mark Randell as my Pastor. He was a exciting and brilliant communicator. I still have some of the tapes from his messages on Jesus. Unfortunately it all went pear shape for him at some later part of his life. Yet his life, message and methods inspired mine.

All that to say that although I am a Baptist Pastor, and am in fact the chairman of the Baptist Pastors Association (much less impressive than it sounds), I dont really consider myself a Baptist. I am a Christian. My denomination happens to suit me, and at the moment the WA denomination is going through some significant and good changes in philosophy and practice.

But that whole thing about Baptist and fights is changing. The traditional Baptist model and perhaps more importantly method of congregational government is open to abuse, mistrust and can lead to inneficient churches lacking purpose and direction.
I believe in the Spirit speaking to and through the body of believers. But I also believe in leaders leading. I think we see this tension, paradox in the scriptures.
The trick is applying the “speak the truth in love” principle with the “without a vision the people perish” principle and the “It seemed good to the Church” principle.

Who would be a Pastor eh?

The house is ours in about 12 hours……

We take possession of our new house today. The people we bought it off, and have been renting if off us for the last few months are moving out.

Tommorow a good mate is polishing the floors for us, that will take two days, and then the house will need to ‘sit’ for a week.

Then on the 24th the bathroom renovator is moving in, and we are forking over some hard earned cash for the bathroom reno, including a spa/bath/shower combo. This photo is the before shot. The roman bath is going, in fact everything is going. All the tiles, floor and wall are GONE. The vanity GONE, the toilet, GONE. All replaced with…..you guessed it, federation style. And if you did not guess that, you dont know my wife.

All very exciting. Mind you I am pretty grateful to still be in this house for the next three weeks, what with the heat, and the pool out the back. This pool has been wonderful over the summer.
My son has learnt to swim! I am so proud of him, and it has been a great place to live.

” My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks– it was the sound of a great celebration!”

What a beautiful mind picture, and yet sad as well. That at one point he was part of something wonderful, and then, his heart breaks, as he realises he is not experiencing that anymore.

Headed off to Subi with about 15, 000 other footy fans to see Freo beat the Colliwobbles.

Tough game, much tougher than last week against the weagles. Collingwood had come to play and win, despite leaving Rocca and Buckley behind.

Most impressed with Sandilands again, hit touch work to Haselby, Crowley and J Carr was exceptional.
Good to see the PAV back, had a solid game.

But the Wiz was great, hard working as always with 5 goals as his reward.
The whole team came right in front of me at 1/4 and 3/4 time. Could see the whiteboard. If I can work out how to get these photos off my mobile, I will post the pictures.
Also really good to see Rooky Duffield have a real impact. Will be a great player.

Letters to the West, this Saturday, page 21

“In what hasn’t been a great couple of weeks for the image of AFL football, a good news story (patron Cook repays debt to footy report 2/3) must have brought some welcome relief to the games administrators. Congratulations to Troy Cook on his appointment as patron of the Kulunga Research Network and to Dr Fiona Stanley for having the discernment to choose a Docker for the role. “