Community Formation

Due to my schedule constraints today, I'll only be able to explore Conder's words on Community Formation. I'll have to explore his approach to Mission tomorrow. Some of the most wise - and powerful - words I've read to date regarding a community's ability to engage the emerging culture come at the close to Conder's seventh chapter. He writes, "The effectiveness of any church's entrance into the emerging culture will be characterized, at least in part, by its ability to moderate the impact of individualism in community formation" (163). I wish these words could be boldly imprinted on the front of every emerging culture resource as they capture a huge piece of the emergent experience. I've discovered to date that many folks wrongly assume the emergent experience was created as a temple for the desires and egos of the twenty-somethings. Conder's words put this assumption to rest. What I loved about Conder's chapter on Community Formation was that it blew away all assumptions folks would make about an elder who serves at a Bible Church (i.e. that they are conservative and exclusivistic). In talking about the folks in the pews at his church, Conder writes, "An advocate for the Defense of Marriage Act might be shocked to learn she was sharin a row with a gay couple that is currently seeking a civil union" (158). This was yet another reminder that post-modern faith communities bridge real differences in ways that modern churches (conservative OR liberal) could never even begin to do. How exciting!!!! Also refreshing was Conder's assertion that "the doctrinal approach to community formation doesn't work consistently" (149). He correctly - notes "there is great diversity in Christian doctrine" (149). I only wish more folks in our pews these days realized this. He then highlighted what is a foundational principle of emerging communities: "Authenticity in dialogue is an essential rule of ministry" (150). He then concluded with these words: "We must begin to develop community formation models based upon inclusion" (150). The more I read of Conder's work, the more encouraged I feel about our efforts to bring an emerging experience to Mountain View United for the principles he consistely refers to are principles that have been a part of Mountain View United's DNA from day one. In closing, I thought I would take a moment and share an experience I had last night. I was asked to speak to participants in the Odyssey Youth Group - a youth group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered youth. They asked me to address issues of spirituality. The attendees were all between the ages of 16-20. They came from a variety of social locations (Goths, preppies, jocks, etc) and faith traditions (Wiccan, Lutheran, Mormon, Atheist, Jewish, etc). What was so encouraging was how effectively the emergent principles were in addressing a group of 40 individuals who have been so intentionally - and thoroughly - dismissed by the existing church. Several of the youth walked into the conversation with huge chips on their shoulders - ready to expose the hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the institutional church that are so often denied by folks invested in the status quo. It was such a humbling experience to be a part of a real dialogue that explored their hurts, fears, frustrations, and - yes - even hopes. My prayer is that it began to open some eyes to the fact that they are indeed loved and cherished children of God. We may not have passed an offering plate or sung any hyms, but that 90 minutes was - for me at least - church in ways that is unfortunately all too rare these days. Til next time...