Christianity for the Rest of Us - Review

Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass was published in 2006 by Harper San Francisco. Bass is a well known author, speaker and thinker among mainline protestants. Christianity for the Rest of Us is a result of a three year study that was “designed as an in-depth ethnographic investigation of vital, healthy, viable and growing mainline Protestant congregations through field research across the United States” (Bass, Christianity for the Rest of Us, 295). Within these congregations, Bass sought “to discover whether a common pattern, language, and spiritual logic were taking shape in a variety of congregations in different parts of the country” (Bass, 4).

In the first section, Bass addresses the question “What happened to the neighborhood church” (Bass, 13)? She addresses shifts that have taken place in society and within local congregations in the United States over the past 50 years. This background sets the stage for the particularities of renewal within the churches studied. Each of ten “signposts of renewal” among the congregations are addressed with concrete examples from local communities. These signposts of renewal include: hospitality, discernment, healing, contemplation, testimony, diversity, justice, worship, reflection, and beauty. Finally, Bass uses the metaphor of shifting from tourist to pilgrim to address the potential for individual, communal and world transformation.

This book is a well written mix of individual examples and big picture topics. There is a concreteness to each of the signposts of renewal as they are all grounded in particular examples from local congregations. Bass does not provide a detailed blueprint for change, but instead paints a vivid picture of what the experience of vitality looks and feels like within a local congregation. Bass writes for a particular audience - liberal protestant congregations - and at times is a bit harsh on those outside of this group.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those thinking seriously about renewing the mainline church. Church leaders, pastors, and mainline Christians looking for renewal within the church would enjoy this book.

Bass, Diana Butler. Christianity for the Rest of Us. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2006.

young pastors’ network

I heard about the young pastors’ network yesterday and am thinking about putting in an application. From the website:

Young Pastors’ Network

…a partnership between the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and Ginghamsburg Church.

The Young Pastors’ Network is designed specifically for high capacity clergy within the United Methodist Church who are under the age of 35. Network candidates must be nominated by their bishops based on each candidate’s potential and drive to serve as a future leader of a large membership church within the annual conference.

Another project with great potential for renewal within the denomination. This is really exciting! It feels like the movement of God’s Spirit.

United Methodist Young Clergy

If you are a young clergy person in the United Methodist Church, I want to make you aware of these links and upcoming video project (Project started by Jenny Smith):

• http://www.umcyoungclergy.com/
• UMC Young Clergy on Facebook
• Filming a documentary on UMC Young Clergy on Facebook

If you are a young United Methodist clergy in Kansas make sure and check out:

• Kansas UM Young Clergy on Facebook

I am excited about the potential for renewal within the United Methodist Church and I believe that projects like this - grassroots and potentially viral - can help make a positive impact.

Emergent Church - Does anyone care?

I really resonate with Jared’s post - Emerging Boredom. I have lost a lot of enthusiasm for what has variously been known as the emerging movement, emergent, emerging church - whatever terminology you wish to use. I have tangibly seen this transition in my annual goals which included reading books and visits to churches who would claim to be doing church in a new way.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am passionate about renewal within The United Methodist Church and within the church universal. However, I have lost interest in particular authors and the emergent, emerging, emersion “brand”. This has partially been influenced by my friend, Ben, but I have also seen the development within myself over the past 18 months. I am more excited about solid leadership and renewal of the fervor and discipline of early Methodism within the denomination and throughout the state of Kansas (my particular context).

What do you think?

Influencing the United Methodist Church

Last week one of my colleagues asked, Are you comfortable with the influence that The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has on the United Methodist Church?

Yes, I am comfortable with the influence that Resurrection has on the denomination. I think that Resurrection seeks to represent the extreme center in the United Methodist Church and within the religious dialogue in the United States. I think that this is a voice that is desperately needed within the denomination and a voice is able to speak in meaningful ways to those outside the denomination - both non religious persons and those of other denominations. I believe that Resurrection is thoroughly Christian, Methodist and Wesleyan and I feel great about those influences shaping the denomination.

However, I also recognize that there are many churches and leaders across the world that are working for renewal within The United Methodist Church and within local churches. I think that Resurrection has a lot to learn from others as well. I think that the denomination is healthier with many congregations and leaders actively seeking and working toward renewal.

Every day that I am at church I pray for spiritual revival in Kansas, renewal within The United Methodist Church, wisdom and endurance for delegates to General Conference and Resurrection’s purpose, vision and journey. I believe that all of these can be and are influenced by the others and I hope to be a part of God’s work in this place and time.

• What do you think about all this?
• Do you think that Resurrection has an influence on the denomination? If so, is it an appropriate level?
• What congregations do believe have significant influence on The United Methodist Church?
• What individuals do believe have significant influence on The United Methodist Church?
• What other topics did I leave out of this conversation which need to be addressed?

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday - the beginning of the season of Lent. As we begin this season, I want to give you two invitations.

Worship at the Ash Wednesday service tonight at 7:00 PM. This service is a time of reflection, renewal and repentance.

Pray and read scripture each day in preparation for Lent using the Lent Devotional Guide. You may be able to pick up a copy after the Ash Wednesday service or you can subscribe online at this address - http://lentdevotionalguide.wordpress.com/