Here are a few questions that have been sparked by my reading of chapters 9-12 in Flickering Pixels by Shane Hipps.
As future leaders in the church, how do we attempt to engage our congregation members in face-to-face communication and highlight the importance of community in a world that is quickly becoming more and more individualistic and is immersed in virtual communication (chapter 10)?
Conflict has such bad connotations in our world today. How do we help the church accept conflict and "acknowledge together that conflict is a normal part of our life in the church" (127)?
1. While I think we do need to work to engage our members in face-to-face communication, I don't think we need to convince them of their need for it. Many studies (that sounds so 'cliche'--I don't have stats for them, or references...but could probably find them if you wanted me to) reveal that people CRAVE community today. As immersed as individuals may be in "virtual community", I think they recognize that, in some ways, virtual community just doesn't quite 'cut it'. I think we will need to be creative in coming up with ways for people TO engage with each other (and to be comfortable while doing it), but I don't think we need to convince them that it is important.
ReplyDelete2. I believe it's important to pull out examples from scripture where people disagreed, and where they came up with a mutually agreeable way to live. I think we could also use examples from scripture (and history) about communities living together with one another, in close proximity, and acknowledge that anytime you are in that kind of relationship with one another, there will be disagreements (just like their are disagreements in families, and among siblings!)
3. I think I agree. God doesn't call us all to agree on everything all the time (just as God does not call us to all be the same kind of person, think alike, or serve alike), but God does call us to always be in respectful relationships with one another.
I think these are all really good questions Cassandra, and I like how you brought them into the context of congregational ministry.
ReplyDeleteIt is a challenge to bring people into face to face communication these days, and I think it'll really be challenge in some congregations that may draw from a wide geographic area. Talking about it is a good way to start, and lifting up the need for community for us to use all the God-given ways we have to communicate with one another, always keeping in mind that looking into the eyes of another, and reaching out to touch them can not be replaced by other means. I so think it is something we will need to continually raise up in our committee and council meetings so that all of the leadership of the church can model and encourage and be aware of the dangers of slipping into consistently using what are the fastest and most convenient modes of communication but also the most impersonal.
I think that your question about conflict touches on what is a real sore spot for a lot of congregations. As Christians, what are we told about conflict? We can certainly take our cue from the scriptures. Then, as pastors I thnk it will be important to keep abreast of what is happening in the congregation and to be proactive in dealing with conflicts that arise. How conflict is dealt with often starts with the pastor, and we can't be too thin-skinned, but deal openly and honestly.
And yes, I do agree with how we deal being most important
I'm going to go the circular-thinker route and not answer in order. I think that your third question actually helps answer your second question. Figuring out how we disagree and how we should disagree is perhaps one of the first steps of living with conflict. Acknowledging that everyone will probably never agree on everything(or even anything, for that matter) is one of the first steps to living with and through conflict. I think that we are very fortunate here to be able to draw on the Lutheran tradition of living in paradox. It might be a good place to start. Simul iustus et peccatur ;)
ReplyDeleteOkay, on to question 1. I often struggle with this idea myself. I think that just providing face-to-face communication and community is probably the first step to getting others to understand its importance. I don't think that technology should be ignored. In fact, it might even help facilitate that conversation and community. For example, churches may use a website so that people in the area can know when services and other occasions are and feel comfortable going to that community. Anyone who might visit would at least know they won't be awkwardly entering as the last hymn is sung.
I think technology is also extremely valuable when members of the community have to be absent. Emails, blogs, or newsletter articles help the church stay up-to-date with those absent so that meaningful conversations can happen when they re-enter the immediate community.
And don't even think about using the word "fight." That's just about the worst think you can do. Disagreeing might top the list. Just for that, I'm going to disagree with you. That how we disagree is somewhat postmodern...OUT OF TIME
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