Monday, January 7, 2008

Stunt Church

a Biblical thought...
As he preached he said, "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out." (Mark 1:7-8)

a Book thought...
In many churches, even small churches, we set up hierarchical structures that dampen any younger person's desire to help bring innovation and change at a higher level. (p82 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
Last night I was responsible for our 6pm service. As it was in the middle of our holiday season I took the opportunity to shape the service a bit differently. As Sunday has been approaching people asked me who was leading worship, who was preaching and when I tried to explain what I was doing no-one seemed to get it.
We set up the back hall in a round with cafe tables so no-one could sit at the back, with a centre stage so you continually needed to do circles while speaking. We had no worship music or no preacher, but for an hour and ten minutes, we shared experiences, reflected on our journeys, and spoke about our hopes for 2008 with others on our table. Some of this was done with the attention at the middle of the room highlighting certain peoples experiences but other times just around the seven tables.
Well we had over 50 in attendance and even though it was a version of stunt church it certainly kept me interested and I believe helped build our community of faith as we move closer to Him. But for those that only like church when we are facing the stage, singing songs and listening to preachers it probably wrecked their week.

Just a thought.

1 comment:

Darren Hailes said...

You and your stuntmen must be really cool people.