Many agree that there are monumental changes taking place right now in the world and in the church. Because of this we believe a whole new way reaching the community will soon emerge.
In tune with this we are in the beginning stages of developing a holistic outreach approach called Total Community Solutions.
We welcome your input and participation. Maybe you are a church who is "planting your flag" to become a church without walls for your city. We're looking for churches to become a field research site and a potential model to inform others.
To help begin the dialog we're finding that the best way for people to identify and clarify these emerging paradigms with their own heart and vision, is to offer some contrasting ideas for consideration:
declining / emerging
church speak - human voice
clubhouse church -- church without walls
build-the-church focus -- transform-the-community focus
of the world, but not in it -- In the world but not of it
inreach/outreach -- "with-reach"/ "among-reach"
fearful of differences -- honoring of and dependent on diversity
culture of arrogance -- culture of blessing
each to their own -- reconciled community
independent assemblies -- the church of the city
empire building -- empowerment and release
clergy/laity split -- priesthood of every believer
build a church -- build people
vertical structure -- horizontal network
recruit to the inside -- commission to the outside
assembly-bound worship -- worship evangelism
performance -- participation
departmentalized ministry -- holistic family and community
protect what you have -- risk for greatness
spend -- invest
work harder -- leverage more
raise money -- create wealth
addition -- multiplication
program --- purpose
short term attendance -- community legacy
domain of the sacred -- God's rule in every sphere of life
target segmented group -- create holistic community
dominion -- commonwealth
image of community -- authentic community
resigned to follow trends -- called to create the future
my agendas -- God's dreams
my church -- Christ's kingdom
This list is by no means definitive, it's open ended. From the unique perspective of your own experience I know you can add your own, and I hope you do.
Please participate in the ongoing dialog, for the task has just begun.
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Coming > Next Steps: Experiential Understanding
To receive regular intallments of the Steps to Total Community Solutions and enter the dialog fill out the Request Information form and check the TCS box.
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