Yesterday, in following the (in)famous pastor Mark Driscoll on twitter, I received the following:
acts29 RT @PastorTullian A hearty shout out to @PastorMark & @acts29 They continue to be a huge encouragement as we replant Coral Ridge. (emphasis added)
You see, before the 36-year old Tullian, Coral Ridge was once led by the late D. James Kennedy.
No culture warrior himself, Tchividjian seemed like an unnatural replacement for Kennedy. Yet in January 2009, Coral Ridge and New City proposed a dramatic plan: If the two churches could agree to merge, Tchividjian would become the senior pastor. If not, he would happily remain the pastor of New City. As the churches completed their merger March 15, Tchividjian inherited a high-profile opportunity to work out his vision for an unfashionable church. (read full article, emphasis added)
I’m so encouraged by this whole thing of replanting for two reasons: 1. Without changing the message, there comes a time when we need to change our methods to reach the world around us. Pastor Tullian knows this. 2. And partnering with the pioneering efforts of Acts29 Network is awesome in this respect to replant Coral Ridge. And of course Mr. Tullian knows that some are going to object.
Here’s the grind: it’s time to get beyond organized, institutionized church and simply become unfashionable as we seek to do church.
We need more replants!
Amen & amen! I’m in the midst of this sort of thing (on a MUCH smaller scale) too. Trying to organize a change in the methods of a church that is used to doing things in a certain way is very very difficult, and the conflict can get ugly. But, if our heart’s desire is to be kingdom people, we MUST take the challenge!
Kevin,
That’s awesome! It’s all about the kingdom and getting our people to see that. But I’m encouraged that you’re heading in that direction, though in a small way.
T.C.R,
You don’t believe Acts 29 is:
“organized, institutionized church”
Just ask anyone who questions Mr. Driscoll friend and ask Viola 8). They would be extremely institutionalized, they are just the new wave of instituionalization. Either way I am excited to see that the great divide over this Coral Ridge thing seems to have a conclusion may not be the one the dividing sides wanted but hey, it is good either way.
Lionel,
Each local church has to be organized to some extent, but I’m not too sure I’m speaking to the extent of some denominations.
TCR,
Everything that every is has organization
) ; however, I was responding to the “unfashionable” comment Acts 29 is extremely fashionable, to their constituentcy, just a different fashionable than that of the old PCA.
Lionel,
Ah. Perhaps we need a working definition of “unfashionable.” What does an “unfashionable church look like? I do see your point.
In today’s Church market I would even argue that Acts 29 is much more fasionable because it appeals to the 18-40 year old professional/artsy/hip group.
Well, someone has to reach that demographics, and Acts 29 is going a great job at it. I’m thinking of contextualizing the message. We’re living in different times – perhaps that’s that “unfashionable” effort.
I guess I am the old school dude because often times I feel they “over” contextualize to the point where I think their exegesis is a bit shaky.But that is because maybe I am too fashionable 8: I guess whatever works, but I often wonder why they pick on Olsteen so much his contextualization isn’t much different he just isn’t a Calvinist
Well, I think your concern of “over contextualizing” is legitimate. I was just part of a Leadership conference a couple of weekends back and one of our speakings, Acts 29, is church planting in North Hollywood. Now, doing church there, from what he shared, calls for serious contextualizing.
Osteen waves too much. Perhaps this is because of his lack of Calvinism.
I tried to meet him when I was in Houston so I could share the Doctrines of Grace, needless to say it didn’t happen. That is because he is running away from the truth LOL
Well, you’ll have other opportunities. Most think he’s more of a motivational speaker than an actual gospel-man.