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 David Posthuma
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E-Ministry Happens Best In the Context of Authentic Relationships
David Posthuma @ Mar 20, 2005 11:13 PM
Online ministry is highly relational. I realize that many Boomers and Busters may find that hard to believe, but the internet is all about peer-to-peer and mentor-to-peer relationships. The use of virtual classrooms for learning communities, team-exclusive meetings rooms and community forums all assist the development of online relational community. Leonard Sweet recently reflected upon the nature of online relational community. I found his musings on Ebay to be intriguing as I also could relate to his perception of postmodern community. Read Article
Was the Jesus Movement Postmodern?
David Posthuma @ Mar 19, 2005 04:59 PM
A Retro Look at How One Ministry 30 Years Ago, Looked Like the Pomo Ideal Today
The year was 1975, and I was 12 years old. My father and mother had grown concerned about their two “young men” who often fell asleep in church. To the emerging generations of that day, church often seemed boring and culturally irrelevant. Its organ music, robed pastors, clerical collars and hymn books seemed out-of-step with reality. And so my father began a search for “something more”. Wanting to protect his family from spiritually inappropriate experiences and environments, he began to explore other churches. It was through this search that my father discovered the ministry that would forever transform my life and the life of my brother, and shape our professional ministry future.
Maranatha Ministries was an independent church plant birthed out of the Jesus Movement. It was like no other church I had ever before experienced in my young life. In looking back over my years, I have come to understand that everything inside me has been longing to revisit those three years and make them a part of my current life experience. As an active participant and promoter of postmodern ministry, I have come to realize than many of the attributes that “pomo” ministries strive for, were indeed elements of the Jesus Movement ministry that I experienced in my youth.
Cultural Diversity I will never forget the mixture of fear and excitement as I walked through the parking lot of a “
As I entered the main meeting room, I saw that the room was filled with people of all ethnic and economic status…but this did not seem to matter to anyone. I had never before been in a church with Asians, Hispanics and African Americans…and to be honest, this frightened and inspired me as much as did the bikers I experienced only moments earlier. As I watched the people mill-about (Very few people sat quietly in their seats waiting for the service to begin, only the Jesus Movement Newbies revealed themselves to the ministry participants by such stoic behavior)…It appeared to me that people were being authentic and real in their interactions. Some people laughed together. Others were crying. Still others were praying for each other…but the service had not yet begun!
It became clear to me over time, that part of the reason the ministry was culturally relevant to so many different people, was that this ministry truly valued and respected cultural diversity. Rather than try to mold a unified culture typical of so many ministries today, or giving lip-service to valuing cross-cultural ministry, Maranatha proved that it was a true cross-cultural ministry by how its people loved and cared for each other.
Cultural Relevance It was remarkable to me that so many people, from so many different walks of life, found this ministry to be culturally and spiritually relevant. Upon years of reflection, I have come to believe there were numerous factors that led to this ministry’s early successes.
The Ministry was Contemporary. Today, contemporary ministries are common place. But in 1975 contemporary ministries were very rare. I could not believe my ears when the service began with a live band! But there was one very important distinction between how worship occurred in this Jesus Movement service as compared with most ministries today…they valued worship as a fluid and participatory process, not as a highly rehearsed presentational program. In fact, there were NEVER any presentational aspects within these services at all. There was no screen up front, this freed worshippers to focus upon Christ rather than trying to keep up with the words. The worship team used their song list as a guide rather than as a script…to be honest, the worship leaders never knew exactly where the service would lead. The musicians were very skillful and could “jam” without having to follow a scripted performance of each song. It was normal for some one in the congregation to begin singing a praise or worship song, the band would quickly find the key and join in, as would the rest of the congregation. Worship in this Jesus Movement ministry was a true dialogue...horizontally and vertically.
The Leadership Believed in Mentorship. The worship team invited kids and young adults who were learning instruments to sit in the front row and play “un-plugged” and try to follow the lead of their mentors. To allow an active role in the service for kids who would definitely mess-up was remarkable and inspirational. It was more important to these leaders to invest into young people, and into the gifts God was developing within them, than to put on a perfect Sunday service presentation. Allowing the kids and young adults to learn up front during a worship service was not enough for these spiritual leaders. They also personally mentored many of us. Their mentorship not only included the development of musical skill, but also the development of our relationship with Christ. I and my brother were in awe of these young leaders, not just because of their musical skill, but because they cared enough to invest into us personally. Both my brother and I trace our commitment to full-time ministry today to those few years at Maranatha and the mentorship we received.
It was not just the worship team that believed in mentorship. The Pastor saw his role as an equipper of the Elder board. Unlike many ministries today, only those individuals who had proven themselves to be spiritually mature were permitted to be Elders. The Elders had three primary roles: 1) they were responsible for teaching the congregation, 2) they actively participated in leadership roles within the worship services and ensure that all that occurred in the service was honoring to God and His Church, 3) they helped care for the physical and spiritual needs of the congregation. While the pastor would often teach, it was just as common to have one of the Elders teach…and “teach” is the proper description…for this ministry was all about learning and apply God’s Word within each individual’s life. There were no fluffy “topical” talks. Whether it was the pastor or one of the elders, they taught to the congregation what God had been personally teaching them. It was almost an unwritten rule that a leader had to be living and applying a point of Scripture before they were permitted to teach it to the congregation. It was normal to see the pastor or elders weep in worship or during their time of teaching, as they were simply overwhelmed by God’s Spirit. This was no show or manipulative emotional appeal, but rather authentic Christian leaders living and leading in a God honoring and humbling way.
Just as the Elders were encouraged to teach publicly, they also encouraged the congregation to share how God was teaching them. Many who came forward were being mentored by the various worship or Elder leaders of the ministry. This was not a contrived “open-mic” time, but rather a time of true Biblical sharing and instruction. It was normal for lay people to walk up front, open their Bibles, read a passage, and then expounded upon the passage and shared how God was applying that passage within their life. Personal testimonies were also normative, but never contrived. Even in a church of nearly 400 people, lay participation was the expected norm. In response, the ministry leaders might begin a time of prayer for the lay person, or if appropriate, move into a time of praise and celebration for what God was doing.
The Ministry Was Anti-Institutional. There was a strong push by some factions within the body to “organize” and “build a building”, but the pastoral and elder leadership stressed that while some organization is healthy, the believer’s hope and faith should be in Christ, and not in organizational structures or buildings. Looking back, the leaders were consistent in emphasizing that the Church was the people, the body of Christ, and that no building, nor organization, could house Christ’s Church. I remembered sensing that there was a healthy pride among the leadership that they had redeemed from the culture a public icon (a party place) that typically was used for purposes that did not honor Christ. I recognize in my own life that I have adopted that same attitude. My heart sinks when I hear about another church building project. Yet my heart celebrates when I see a ministry take over a school, store-front, theater or shopping mall.
The ministry leadership’s attitude toward anti-institutionalism extended even to the point of making a strategic decision to not replace the ministry pastor upon his death, but to continue the ministry as a 100% lay-led organization. While this ideal would prove to have its difficulties in the months and years to come, and eventually the ministry did extend a call to a professional pastor, I believe the commitment to a 100% lay-led ministry was not born out of an unhealthy control issue by a lay elder board…as is so common place today…but rather out of respect and honor for how their pastor had nurtured and equipped them. I remember that pastor’s funeral. I remember the largest funeral I have ever witnessed. I remember how the pastor’s son stood before the assembly and told the people “This was not a time for weeping, for his father had lived his entire life for this moment…and he was now praising God in heaven”. He continued, “Was it not then appropriate that we on earth should also be praising Him?” He then instructed the band to lead the assembly in praise and celebration. It was the most powerful and authentic worship service I have ever experienced. I shall always be grateful to Pastor Bergsma for showing me what an authentic church and ministry could look like.
Conclusion When Maranatha leadership decided not to replace their pastor, my father was concerned about the long-term health and stability of the ministry, and we soon transferred to another church. But to this day, I long for a Maranatha within my life. When I read articles, blogs and forums about pomo ministry, it seems to me that I am not alone in my longing. The trappings of buildings, programs and presentation have caused many of us to be detracted from the person of Christ and from our fellowship with one another. As I seek to participate in the process of helping formulate postmodern ministry philosophy and technology, I hope that aspects of my past experiences with Maranatha Ministries will find new life in the future development of effective postmodern ministries….Sometimes one needs to reach to the past in order to move forward.
The e-Harvest Is Plentiful, but the Laborers are Few
David Posthuma @ Mar 8, 2005 10:14 AM
Yet, most churches are not even trying to labor in the online mission field. One recent study of church websites discovered that 94% of church websites contained no online ministry at all. These websites are merely online brochures advertising the church institution. Since when did it become more important to our churches to promote themselves rather than Jesus Christ? Those very few online harvesters, who seek to promote only Christ, are reaping a harvest that is literally 100-times greater than the harvest experienced by even our largest mega-church institutions. The Truth Media Internet Group is an excellent example of online ministry that is reaping an incredible harvest. Truth Media, a Canadian division of Campus Crusade, created ministry-only websites designed to target four distinct people-groups. Truth Media publishes their monthly statistics on their website as a wake-up call to the Church. In December of 2004, God enabled Truth Media to reap the following harvest:
In January, 2005, Truth Media experienced:
In a very different online ministry, Spencer Burke, ex-pastor of Mariner’s Church, a 10,000 attendee congregation in There are many other online ministry success stories that could be told. So why is it that most campus-based church institutions would rather help a handful of people come to Christ each year, rather than reap a harvest in the many thousands? The answer to this question is multi-faceted. Problem #1 - There is intense pressure on today’s pastors to fill the pews. Pastors are expected to be the primary leader, a strategic planner, an outstanding communicator and a highly relational servant. When pastors fail to be all these things, they often find themselves forced out of the pastorate or “called by God” to another ministry venue. These unfair and inappropriate pressures often cause pastors and church leaders to look to the latest ministry models that help increase attendance. Church institutions have devolved from an emphasis on “Church-growth” to an emphasis on “church-growth”. Once a ministry model is discovered that seems to work, church leaders are very cautious in the process of change, in part because they legitimately fear for their vocational stability. Problem #2 – Church Leaders Are Too Old George Barna recently address the issue of why so many young adults are abandoning the institutional church. Out of several observations, one primary point was that only 4% of twentysomethings were ever in any kind of leadership role. The number-one age category for leaders in our churches today is the 50 year-old spectrum. Generally speaking, people in their 50’s do not understand or value the internet. Leonard Sweet refers to people’s embrace of technology as belonging to three groups…the Natives, the Emigrants and the Foreigners. When Emigrants and Foreigners to the online culture dominate the decision-making within a church, it is no wonder that online ministry is not recognized as a high value. The Native has never known the world without the internet. For the Native, the Internet is a way of life, and they spend an average of 3 hours a day online. Natives are generally 12-33 years of age. Please read carefully the words of two Natives, from the Pew Internet and American Life focus group that depict the typical young adult’s attitude toward the internet: “I think the reason that we use the internet so well and that we know so many things about it is because when it happened, we were there. So, it’s not like it is some foreign language that we have to learn. It is something that we know, and we can apply what we know to find more things and then learn.” Another young adult states: “I think most of us are just accustomed to using it. I mean we just think it’s there for us. And, I’m not sure if I’ll phrase this right, but it’s like we’re…addicts. We need it and when you take it away it’s not…it’s a little bit harder to live without it.” For a young adult to admit that they are “addicted” to the internet and that they “Need it” is to clearly portray a cultural-shift that the Church must acknowledge. Since there is little hope of healing our young adults of their internet addiction, would it not be better for the Church to redeem the internet for the sake of Christ? Emigrants have had to adapt to life with the internet. Rather than seeing the Internet as a lifestyle, they may view the internet as a “tool”. Tools may be used or rejected based upon one’s skill with the tool and the perceived value of the tool to the ministry context. Emigrants are generally 34-50 years of age. The final category is the Foreigner. The Foreigner simply does not get the internet and has no desire to understand or value it. Even using email makes the Foreigner nervous…they would much rather use the telephone or snail-mail. While there are exceptions, most people 51 years of age and older are Foreigners to the internet. Those who are in positions of control and influence within our institutional churches are Foreigners to the internet. Without realizing it, their ignorance and lack of passion regarding online ministry is costing the body of Christ potentially millions of converts each year. Many Foreigners will likely justify their disdain for online ministry as not “relational” and may site the ineffectiveness of the church’s present brochure website. In many cases, young adults find that just like the Boomers claimed in the 1960’s and 70’s, the “older generation simply does not get it”. In April of 2004, George Barna wrote an open letter to pastors addressing this problem. Although I have quoted only a few excerpts, I encourage you to select the link to read the entire letter. Hey, fellow Baby Boomers. Can we talk? For many years, we have sweated, argued, fought, manipulated, analyzed, partnered, prayed and strategized to get our own way. We wanted the nation’s values to reflect our own. We wanted to have our fair share (or more) of the decision-making authority. We wiggled our way into key positions as soon as possible. After a period in which we said the system was the problem, we took over the system. Today, we are the system, and there are two generations following us who see that as a serious issue.
(go to http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=Perspective) Problem 3 – Satan Does Not Want the Church to Wake Up Satan cannot stop the Church, and so his strategy has always been to make it as ineffectual as possible. Regarding young adults today, and global impact, Satan’s efforts have been succeeding. As always, Satan’s strategy is deception.
Just because there is a mass-exiting of young adults from church institutions, does not mean that there is a mass-exiting from a desire to know and serve Jesus Christ. For many today, institutionalism is the problem. In fact, a 2005 focus group study conduct by CBS television polled young adults, ages 17-29, on their level of trust toward organized institutions. The result was 0% trust. Not a single young adult in the focus group held any value or trust toward organized institutions. The perception is that such institutions “use” people for the benefit of the organization and its top leaders. Over the past two decades, commercial and ministerial organizations have demonstrated their clear lack of moral integrity. In contrast, the #1 search category on the internet is “Religion and Spirituality”. People are hungry for Christ. The fields are white unto harvest, but the harvesters are few. Let us pray to the Lord of the harvest that He might send out more e-harvesters into the fields.
Paul tells us that when he was a child, he spoke like a child, but when he became mature, he put away childish things. In the 1990’s the internet was in its infancy. Email and website brochures were all that was possible…these are childish things by today’s online standards. Now the internet is in its young adult phase. It’s time to put away the childish things, and allow online ministry to mature and have its full impact upon the
E-Learning Market Growth is Incredible
David Posthuma @ Mar 7, 2005 09:54 AM
For those of us who are passionate about ministry, the growth of E-Learning expressed in terms of billions of dollars may not be immediately meaningful, however, the chart below does clearly depict that E-Learning is not a phase...it is sweeping every facit of our culture...our companies, or schools, now what about our churches?
In an era where many of our young adults to not attend Sunday School classes, and where alternative Adult Christian Education opportunities are generally lacking, should the church not also consider adopting E-Learning as the next Discipleship paradigm?
The Ooze.com Reviews E-Church Essentials
David Posthuma @ Mar 4, 2005 03:04 PM
The Internet is now as ubiquitous as Coca ColaTM or McDonald’sTM. Throughout the world the internet has been able to reach some of the most inaccessible places as access moves to satellite. We can now hear stories, both heart-warming and tragic anywhere in the world, through people accessing the internet and uploading information instantaneously from any location. Attraction & Communication I had the privilege of looking into what David and the team have created with E-Church Essentials and was excited by the system. Now even the smallest church can have access to the tools that would have previously cost tens of thousands of dollars to put together. He can be contacted by emailing malcolm@webdesignstudio.com.au The Cyberchurch Is Coming
David Posthuma @ Mar 4, 2005 03:00 PM
The Cyberchurch Is Coming:
1 (Source: Barna Research Group, Ltd., The Nation's Pews Might Be Emptying, But the Internet Is Bursting With Believers
David Posthuma @ Mar 4, 2005 02:51 PM
By Abraham McLaughlin
New Way to Preach Ministering on the Internet requires a whole new approach, one that relies on empathy and authenticity. The ability to listen and discern spiritual issues is more important than presenting doctrine clearly. By being a forum for listening as much as preaching, some say the Internet’s greatest contribution to religion will be that it boosts religious literacy: As people listen to each other, they’ll learn more about other faiths — and have to be more clear about their own. And for those who might want to venture into the online religious realm, the Web master of Microsoft’s site, Lynne Bundesen, has this advice: “They should go in with the greatest humility and not expect to sell their religion the first time they open their mouths in a chat room.” In this world, she says, “people are drawn to humility, not self-promotion." Koran Quotes
David Posthuma @ Mar 4, 2005 02:43 PM
There is no such thing as “peaceful” Islam… The compiler of these quotes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, World Religions and Education…with a focus on Islam… from Calvin College of Grand Rapids, Michigan and a Master’s of Divinity from Trinity International University. Today, we hear many politically correct references to Islam as a “peaceful” religion and that the war on terror only involves the radical element within this “peaceful” religion. However, if one takes the time to read the Koran, there can only be one conclusion: Islam is at its core a militant religion. From its inception, Islam has used warfare to propagate its gospel. It is the clear and literal interpretation of the Koran that resulted in massive warfare and the fall of the Today, the Koran continues to be at the core of 95%+ of all terrorism worldwide. If indeed we are at war with terrorists, then we ought to be informed about what the terrorists believe and why. What follows are only a few quotes from the Koran. The Surah’s (chapter & verse) reference number is provided so that you can affirm for yourself that these quotes are accurate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [ [3:151] We will throw terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, since they set up besides GOD powerless idols. Their destiny is Hell; what a miserable abode for the transgressors! The ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [4:71] O you who believe, you shall remain alert, and mobilize as individuals, or mobilize all together. (i.e., mobilize for war) [4:73] But if you attain a blessing from GOD, they would say, as if no friendship ever existed between you and them, "I wish I was with them, so I could share in such a great victory." [4:76] Those who believe are fighting for the cause of GOD, while those who disbelieve are fighting for the cause of tyranny. Therefore, you shall fight the devil's allies; the devil's power is nil. [4:77] Have you noted those who were told, "You do not have to fight; all you need to do is observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat)," then, when fighting was decreed for them, they feared the people as much as they feared GOD, or even more? They said, "Our Lord, why did You force this fighting on us? If only You respite us for awhile!" Say, "The materials of this world are nil, while the Hereafter is far better for the righteous, and you never suffer the slightest injustice." [4:88] Why should you divide yourselves into two groups regarding hypocrites (among you)? GOD is the one who condemned them because of their own behavior. Do you want to guide those who are sent astray by GOD? Whomever GOD sends astray, you can never find a way to guide them. [4:94] O you who believe, if you strike in the cause of GOD, you shall be absolutely sure. Do not say to one who offers you peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the spoils of this world. For GOD possesses infinite spoils. Remember that you used to be like them, and GOD blessed you. Therefore, you shall be absolutely sure (before you strike). GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. Higher Ranks for the Strivers [4:95] Not equal are the sedentary among the believers who are not handicapped, and those who strive in the cause of GOD with their money and their lives. GOD exalts the strivers with their money and their lives above the sedentary. For both, GOD promises salvation, but GOD exalts the strivers over the sedentary with a great recompense. (i.e., those who are militant are exalted over those who are not) [4:102] When you are with them, and lead the Contact Prayer (Salat) for them, let some of you stand guard; let them hold their weapons, and let them stand behind you as you prostrate. Then, let the other group that has not prayed take their turn praying with you, while the others stand guard and hold their weapons. Those who disbelieved wish to see you neglect your weapons and your equipment, in order to attack you once and for all. You commit no error, if you are hampered by rain or injury, by putting down your weapons, so long as you remain alert. GOD has prepared for the disbelievers a shameful retribution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Christians, too, Must Obey God's Messenger [ [5:33] The just retribution for those who fight GOD and His messenger, and commit horrendous crimes, is to be killed, or crucified, or to have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, or to be banished from the land. This is to humiliate them in this life, then they suffer a far worse retribution in the Hereafter. [ [ [ [ [ [5:77] Say, "O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion beyond the truth, and do not follow the opinions of people who have gone astray, and have misled multitudes of people; they are far astray from the right path." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [7:4] Many a community we annihilated; they incurred our retribution while they were asleep, or wide awake. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [8:16] Anyone who turns back on that day, except to carry out a battle plan, or to join his group, has incurred wrath from GOD, and his abode is Hell; what a miserable destiny! Spending Their Money to Fight God* [ [ [ You Shall Be Prepared: A Divine Commandment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9:4] If the idol worshipers sign a peace treaty with you, and do not violate it, nor band together with others against you, you shall fulfill your treaty with them until the expiration date. GOD loves the righteous. [9:12] If they violate their oaths after pledging to keep their covenants, and attack your religion, you may fight the leaders of paganism - you are no longer bound by your covenant with them - that they may refrain. [ [ [ [9:29] You shall fight back against those who do not believe in GOD, nor in the Last Day, nor do they prohibit what GOD and His messenger have prohibited, nor do they abide by the religion of truth - among those who received the scripture - until they pay the due tax, willingly or unwillingly. Blasphemies [ Upholding the Teachings of Religious Leaders, Instead of God's Teachings [ [ [ [ [ The Most Profitable Investment [9:111] GOD has bought from the believers their lives and their money in exchange for [9:123] O you who believe, you shall fight the disbelievers who attack you - let them find you stern - and know that GOD is with the righteous. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Disbelievers [11:20] These will never escape, nor will they find any lords or masters to help them against GOD. Retribution will be doubled for them. They have failed to hear, and they have failed to see. [ [ The Believers [ [ [11:92] He said, "O my people, does my tribe command a greater respect than GOD? Is this why you have been heedless of Him? My Lord is fully aware of everything you do. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [12:110] Just when the messengers despair, and think that they had been rejected, our victory comes to them. We then save whomever we choose, while our retribution for the guilty people is unavoidable. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [ [ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [25:52] Therefore, do not obey the disbelievers, and strive against them with this, a great striving. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Guaranteed Victory for the Believers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [33:15] They had pledged to GOD in the past that they would not turn around and flee; making a pledge with GOD involves a great responsibility. [33:16] Say, "If you flee, you can never flee from death or from being killed. No matter what happens, you only live a short while longer." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Guaranteed Victory; Here and Forever [40:51] Most assuredly, we will give victory to our messengers and to those who believe, both in this world and on the day the witnesses are summoned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [43:18] (They say,) "What is good about an offspring that is brought up to be beautiful, and cannot help in war?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Test for Early Generations [48:16] Say to the sedentary Arabs who stay behind (i.e., don’t go to war), "You will be invited to face powerful people and to fight them, unless they submit. If you obey, GOD will reward you with a generous recompense. But if you turn away again, as you did in the past, He will requite you with a painful retribution." [48:19] Additionally, they gained many spoils. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. [48:20] GOD has promised you many spoils that you will gain. He thus advanced some benefits for you in this life, and He has withheld the people's hands of aggression against you, and has rendered this a sign for the believers. He thus guides you in a straight path. Victory Guaranteed for the Believers [48:22] If the disbelievers ever fought you, they would turn around and flee. They have no Lord and Master; they have no helper. [48:23] Such is GOD's system throughout history, and you will find that GOD's system is unchangeable. (i.e., Islamic militantism will never change) [48:24] He is the One who withheld their hands of aggression against you, and withheld your hands of aggression against them in the valley of Mecca, after He had granted you victory over them. GOD is Seer of everything you do. The Great Prophecy* [48:28] He is the One who sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, to make it prevail over all other religions. GOD suffices as a witness. Qualities of the Believers [48:29] Muhammad - the messenger of GOD - and those with him are harsh and stern against the disbelievers, but kind and compassionate amongst themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, as they seek GOD's blessings and approval. Their marks are on their faces, because of prostrating. This is the same example as in the Torah. Their example in the Gospel is like plants that grow taller and stronger, and please the farmers. He thus enrages the disbelievers. GOD promises those among them who believe, and lead a righteous life, forgiveness and a great recompense. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [53:29] You shall disregard those who turn away from our message, and become preoccupied with this worldly life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [58:14] Have you noted those who befriended people with whom GOD is angry? They neither belong with you, nor with them. They deliberately swear lies! [58:15] GOD has prepared for them a severe retribution. Miserable indeed is what they used to do. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Spoils of War [59:7] Whatever GOD restored to His messenger from the (defeated) communities shall go to GOD and His messenger (in the form of a charity). You shall give it to the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien. Thus, it will not remain monopolized by the strong among you. You may keep the spoils given to you by the messenger, but do not take what he enjoins you from taking. You shall reverence GOD. GOD is strict in enforcing retribution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [60:9] GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors. In Case of War [60:10] O you who believe, when believing women (abandon the enemy and) ask for asylum with you, you shall test them. GOD is fully aware of their belief. Once you establish that they are believers, you shall not return them to the disbelievers. They are not lawful to remain married to them, nor shall the disbelievers be allowed to marry them. Give back the dowries that the disbelievers have paid. You commit no error by marrying them, so long as you pay them their due dowries. Do not keep disbelieving wives (if they wish to join the enemy). You may ask them for the dowry you had paid, and they may ask for what they paid. This is GOD's rule; He rules among you. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise. [60:11] If any of your wives join the enemies' camp, and you are forced to fight, you shall force the enemy to compensate the men who lost their wives, by giving them what they spent on their wives. You shall reverence GOD, in whom you believe. [60:12] O you prophet, when the believing women (who abandoned the disbelievers) to seek asylum with you pledge to you that they will not set up any idols besides GOD, nor steal, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor fabricate any falsehood, nor disobey your righteous orders, you shall accept their pledge, and pray to GOD to forgive them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [60:13] O you who believe, do not befriend people with whom GOD is angry, and who are hopelessly stuck in disbelief; they are just as hopeless as the disbelievers who are already in the graves. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [66:9] O prophet, struggle against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be stern with them. Their abode is Gehenna (Hell), and a miserable destiny. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [71:25] Because of their sins they were drowned and assigned to the hellfire. They found no helpers to protect them from GOD. [71:26] Noah also said, "My Lord, do not leave a single disbeliever on earth. [71:27] "For if you let them, they will only mislead your servants and give birth to nothing but wicked disbelievers. (i.e., Islam teaches that all unbelievers are to convert or die.) [71:28] "My Lord, forgive me and my parents, and anyone who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women. But do not give the disbelievers anything but annihilation." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [98:5] All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone, observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion. [98:6] Those who disbelieved among the people of the scripture, and the idol worshipers, have incurred the fire of Gehenna forever. They are the worst creatures. [98:7] Those who believed and led a righteous life are the best creatures. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [100:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [100:1] By the fast gallopers. [100:3] Invading (the enemy) by morning. [100:4] Striking terror therein. [100:5] Penetrating to the heart of their territory. [100:6] The human being is unappreciative of his Lord. [100:7] He bears witness to this fact. [100:8] He loves material things excessively. [100:9] Does he not realize that the day will come when the graves are opened? [100:10] And all secrets are brought out. [100:11] They will find out, on that day, that their Lord has been fully Cognizant of them. Reformation All Over Again, And Again, And Again...
David Posthuma @ Mar 4, 2005 02:28 PM
As culture changes, the ministry paradigms that we find as being effective also change. The advent of the printing press transformed the Church and helped spawn the first reformation of the church. Since that time, there have been numerous other reformations.
There was the great Awakening of the late 1700’s to mid 1800’s. The radio communication reformation begin in the 1920’s (includes television). It transformed ministry communication from merely a local paradigm to a global paradigm for the very first time in history. In the late 1960’s and 1970’s the Church experienced the Jesus Movement reformation. This reformation gave birth to contemporary worship service styles, the charismatic movement, and the rise of mega-churches. In 1970 there were fewer than 100 churches with over active 1,000 members…today there are many tens of thousands. Related to the mega-church movement, and likely a direct instigator of it, was the development of the New International Version Bible in 1976. Prior to the publication of the NIV, there was a serious theological debate regarding how to properly interpret Ephesians 4:11and 12. Tradition, along with some prominent Bibles of that time, had emphasized the role of the pastor, teacher and evangelist as being responsible for doing the work of ministry. The authors of the NIV argued that this was an erroneous interpretation, and that indeed it was God’s mandate that the “people do the work of service”; while the pastors, teachers and evangelists played a training and equipping role. Now that the Church was properly armed with a healthy ministry mobilization model, the Church began to explode with new and creative ministries. An explosion of transformational ministries that emphasized lay ministry leadership began to appear, from Evangelism Explosion, Willow Creek, Small Group/Cell/Meta-Church ministry and more. While all these diverse ministries had significant value, there existed no clear ministry philosophy for uniting and integrating what these valuable ministries had taught the Church about how to do effective ministry. Each ministry appeared to target a particular kind of person, or a particular stage of spiritual development. In the mid 1990’s, the work of Tom Patterson (Living the Life You Were Meant to Live) and Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Church/The Purpose Driven Life), was about to once again reform the Church. These men of God emphasized holistic ministry health. They stressed that the Church should not focus upon one ministry area, or one stage of spiritual development, but rather that the Church was responsible before God to provide a balanced ministry that emphasized five Biblical principles: Worship, Evangelism, Discipleship, Personal Ministry and Fellowship. They argued for a “Spiritual Formation” ministry model that would “process” people from spiritual Seeker to spiritual leader…and all the steps between. The Spiritual Formation model was a wonderful ideal. However, many ministries struggled to develop healthy leadership and structures to support each stage of spiritual development. Often, ministries would place the burden of “Spiritual Formation” upon lay small group leaders who were ill-equipped to support this overwhelming mission objective. As ministries began to emphasize Sunday service attendance, small group participation and personal ministry involvement, many churches began to see an attendance decline in traditional Sunday School and Catechism. The established educational models were now either no longer appealing, or people simply did not have enough time to “do everything”. In many contemporary and postmodern ministries today, systematic and intentional biblical instruction is virtually absent. The Purpose-Driven model by Rick Warren appeared for many churches to be the solution to failing educational structures. Yet, as ministries tried to implement the model, many were unable to maintain participation momentum beyond the 201 level. It was common for many ministries that on-campus classroom environments encouraged participation of people over 45 years of age, while those under 45 seemed to stay away. The challenge before the Church today is how to attract, Biblically train, and mobilize young adults for healthy and effective ministry. e-Church Is a Solution I believe one option for encouraging and supporting the spiritual formation of young adults and emerging generations, is the use of the e-Church. Some call it cyberchurch, or virtual church. George Barna conducted a major study of eChurch potential released in 2001. That study clearly demonstrated a huge potential for eChurch ministry. E-Church is so much more than websites…it is e-Learning, online assessments, ministry team mobilization, ministry team management and global communication. At this point, most ministry leaders object: “but our ministry can’t even maintain a decent website!” Ministry is about people, not technology. So if eChurch is to become a reality…and an effective ministry tool…it must be packaged in a manner that non-technical people can utilize. While there may always be a place for “The 1st Postmodernism...Standing on Feet of Clay?
David Posthuma @ Mar 4, 2005 02:14 PM
Postmodernism…
Standing on Feet of ClayThe Road Map The postmodern era holds incredible potential for local and global ministry. Never before have Christians been so open to personal involvement in ministry, nor has the Church been so receptive to non-traditional ministry paradigms…in particular, ministry paradigms that involve the use of technology. This “openness” is not by accident. God has been guiding the development of His Church through many historic eras and through many changes. I now believe that we are in the final era of the Church: Postmodernism. I would like to explore with the Christ community an alternative interpretation of Daniel’s vision of a statue found in Daniel 2. I believe this vision may hold an explanation of how God intends His Church to expand its ministry impact in the postmodern era. Theologians have always struggled with how to interpret the five segments of Daniel’s statue. The primary theological issue is: if the vision is interpreted from the perspective of “financial value”, then each succeeding kingdom is inferior to its predecessor. But when we look at cultural development, one is hard-pressed to say that the Western culture today is inferior to the culture of The alternate interpretation I propose for consideration does not suffer from the “degradation of society” issue, and describes for us the primary cultural trends within each era. I believe we should view the various layers within the statue as the elements that drive the social-economic engine of each era. The Era of GOLD – the root of the word The Era of SILVER- the Biblical text is clear that the dominion following The Era of BRONZE – The Bronze phase of the statue cannot reference the “Bronze Age” which occurred approximately 2,500 BC. However, according to the Trade and Environmental Database (TED), the The Era of IRON – The smelting of iron had been established prior to the Just as the era of Bronze was a mixture of philosophies and cultures, so now the era of Iron will crush and dominate all other kingdoms. With the development of the Industrial age, sociologists began to refer to countries as having First world, This “crushing and breaking” was not restricted to militarism. The dominance of the Yet it was during the era of Iron that the cultures of the earth made many significant technological achievements that helped promote the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the World. Achievements in communication and travel made this planet smaller than ever before. The Era of IRON & CLAY – This is the era on which I would like to focus our attention, because I believe it is the era in which we now exist…the postmodern age...the age of clay feet. The Era of Iron & Clay is a mixture of two societal dynamics that do not mix well…in fact, according to Daniel, after co-existing for a time, the two societal dynamics will indeed split in two…just prior to Christ establishing His Kingdom that shall never end. Iron is clearly a remnant of the Industrial age. In particular, those Second and The Hebrew word for “Clay” can also mean “dirt” or “ground”. Until 1947, the reference to “clay” could only be interpreted a “brittle” or “weak”. However, on As an example of this division: the Conclusion: So what practical value can be gleaned from this re-interpretation of Daniel’s vision? Primarily… the understanding that God has always used the significant societal and cultural stages of development to help accomplish His plans and purposes. Secondarily, that if we want to be effective and relevant within our present culture for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom, we must learn to adapt our ministry methodologies to the current cultural trend. Let’s now list how God used the cultural trends depicted in Daniel’s vision: 1) God used the Babylon Age (Era of Gold) to discipline and train His people 2) God use Persian Age (Era of Silver) to free 3) God used the Roman Age (The Era of Bronze) in which to insert Christ into this world, and to use the Roman societal structures and mechanisms to promulgate the Gospel throughout the known world. 4) God used the modern Industrial Age (Era of Iron) to shrink the world, providing advances in transportation and communication so that the Gospel of Christ could reach to the far corners of the world. 5) God is using the present postmodern Information Age (Era of Clay & Iron) to enable global communication of the gospel as never before possible. 6) Based upon how God used previous cultural eras to accomplish his plans, we can anticipate a full integration of ministry with technology in the era of pure Clay to help communicate the Gospel of Christ. If a ministry seeks to have a powerful impact within the present postmodern culture, it must adopt and adapt the very societal engines that drive the present culture, and use those same engines for the sake of the Kingdom. In the Information age, this means that it is now time to give birth to the eChurch. The Church must embrace information technology, not resist it as “non-relational”. Technology cannot, and should not, replace authentic Christ-centered relationships. However, within the Information Age, the nature and forms that relationships may take will look very different than in the modern era. Unfortunately, Iron and Clay cannot mix for long. I fear that some ministries will move forward to becoming fully “Churches of Clay”, while many more will resist change and remain “Churches of Iron”. Iron era Churches are appropriate within an Iron era culture. But such churches are wholly irrelevant to a clay era culture. How do you describe your ministry? Are you… 1) A ministry of Iron? 2) A ministry of Iron & Clay? 3) A ministry of Clay? According to Daniel, Christ’s return will follow the separation of the Clay dominion from the Iron dominion. In the short period between now and that time, what is your ministry doing to be more effective in the Era of Clay? A truly postmodern ministry will stand on feet of clay. |
