The late Mike Yaconelli did remarkable things in Yreka, Calif., with his "church for people who don't like church." He broke all the rules and developed (with the Lord's help) a congregation that was vibrant, Christ-centered and strong witness of the power of the Gospel.
After some thought, here's my stab at a 21st century congregation -- one particuarly aimed at meeting the needs of unchurched families overwhelmed by disease of "businessness." I'd love to hear feedback or comments....
NAME: Bread of Life / Family of God Lutheran Congregation
MISSION: To build a close-knit community of Christ's followers that will be a light to the world, while drawing us into responsiblity and love for one another.
GOALS:
1. In a morally broken world, there is no need for more "morality." (Drug dealers and prostitutes
know what they are doing is wrong.) There
is a need for more community, in order to provide love, support, accountability, forgiveness and redemption. The community of faith should serve that role.
2. Family/community is integral to faith.
3. Food is integral to family/community.
4. Hospitality and charity are integral to Christian love. ("People will never hear the Gospel over the rumbling of their stomaches.")
5. The message of the Gospel speaks louder when actions go along with words.
PAID STAFF:
1.
Bishop/Apostle - Oversees administration of Word and Sacraments.
2.
Communicator/Organization Developer - Works to ensure messages and goals are on track, facilities and resources are available.
3.
Gardener/Facilities Manager - Oversees grounds, gardens, vineyards, orchards. Coordinates volunteers in these areas.
4.
Care Center Staff - Various staff to provide/oversee care for children and adults/seniors with needs.
VOLUNTEER STAFF:
1.
Pastors - Congregation members trained to lead worship and officiate at marriages, funerals, baptisms, communion, preach the Word.
2.
Secretarial - filing, mailing, etc.
FACILITIES/PROGRAMS:
Not the traditional "church" building -- this facility will provide space for the following programs in addition to regular worship...
- Family Care - provides care/nurturing/education in a Christian setting for children while parents are working, and for senior adults with dementia (e.g., Alzheimers and other illness). I worked at a facility who did something similar and it was wonderful -- the stimulation of children was theraputic for the seniors and the children loved having more "grandparents" to read them books, hug them, etc. Some disable seniors may not be appropriate for this setting.
- Family Meals - Regular meals (not just supper - breakfast and lunch too) are provided for the families when the pick up, drop off or see their children or senior adults. The meals will begin with a short worship service and communion, followed by a shared family meals.
- Community Meals and Worship - (Volunteer) pastors, along with a small group of families/individuals, will take worship, communion and a fellowship meal to shut-ins (a la "Meals on Wheels"). These will also be provided in remote locations, to individuals in service or labor settings, or those in need (e.g., a group of migrant workers in the field) and anywhere else the congregation can share the love of Christ in a tangible way.
- Nurturing Services - In addition to a large kitchen that provides meals/bread for #1 - #3, the kitchen facilites will provide meals for poor and homeless people.
- Gardens/Vineyards/Orchards - These will provide food, juice, wine and even income for the congregations. Individuals can pay all/part of their daycare fees (which are a sliding/ability to pay scale) by working in the gardens/vineyards/orchards or doing related services (sorting/washing/packing fruit for sale). I recently came across a congregation on the West coast that seems to be supporting their financial needs (and having fellowship) by operating the orchard that surrounds their worship building.
- Worship - Regular worship (e.g., Sunday morning, contemporary or traditional format) will be provided as needed; but the goal is to make worship a part of the everyday life of families by providing it in conjunction with meals, family time, outreach.
Okay, the idea isn't perfect -- but I think the concept is there. Families are busy trying to make their mortgage payment: the idea is to help them with childcare and food preparation while integrating their faith and worship into everyday life (i.e., meals), building stronger family ties and Christian fellowship, and being salt and light to the world.
I'd love to hear thoughts from others... and what somebody else's fantasy congregation might look like.
In Christ, -Cloy
DanHead said:
No, I think you are misunderstanding my point.
(Change for changes sake or without proper solemn contemplation and need) != good
It was what I saw as a cavalier attitude about that change ("
you should try to as little of the existing "religious" culture as possible.") that prompted my reply; this attitude itself is contrary to the Confessions. Now, I may have worded my reply a little stronger than necessary, it's just that I approach things differently. The attitude I see here, appears to me to be similar to: "
let's see what all we can change and how far we can take it." While my position is, "
Without a reasonable cause nothing should be changed. In order to cherish harmony, all old customs should be observed that can be observed without sin or without great inconvenience."
All of the above are perfectly valid reasons for differing ammounts of change. If the situation is extreme enough, everything, save the proper teaching of the Word and correct distribution of the Sacraments, can be changed. But when no clear and reasonable cause is present, the burden of proof is on the person wanting to change. On the other side of the coin, if the changes are being forced, then
nothing is adiaphora.
Heh!
What should be changed for changes sake ("you should try to as little of the existing "religious" culture as possible") is a completely different question than the ontological value of the congregation, especially one who respects tradition as much as possible (without great inconvenience, of course).
We don't change for changes sake, though. Certainly not with the attitude to "try to as little of the existing "religious" culture as possible." We implement only those changes as are indeed adiaphora, and only when and if necessary.
That's my take on it, anyway.
