See this 20 minute Clay Shirky presentation Institutions vs. Collaboration . What do you think could be implications for –
1. mission?
2. movements?
3. insider movements?
4. the way church exists in the global north?
See this 20 minute Clay Shirky presentation Institutions vs. Collaboration . What do you think could be implications for –
1. mission?
2. movements?
3. insider movements?
4. the way church exists in the global north?
‘I found it very relevant for those of us who are trying to discern God’s last day model for mission. It has been my own sense by observing what God is doing globally in the Islamic context that He is using existing social networks (tribes, villages, extended families, mosques, etc.) and infusing them with the yeast of the Gospel rather than sending foreigners to plant churches that take years and might end up falling down once the foreigner returns home. I do not think that social networks is the only solution to the issues institutions are unable to resolve, but they are definitively worth understanding since they do bring a wider perspective that answers some of the restrictions we face in certain countries.’ (received by e/m from G)
‘Awesome! May be the most important thing I’ve read or viewed this whole year. It explains a lot of what the church is going through right now and what will happen in the Islamic context. Imagine God empowering social networks to finish the work. Sounds like Great Controversy! Except the house to house no longer requires physical mobility.’ (received by e/m from J)
‘I often ponder how our forefathers saw Adventism at the time of its inception, and it comes across as a vibrant movement with a message worth living and dying for, forward thinkers, deeply connected with their societies and aware of the issues of the day but with a clear frame that embraced eternity. I feel inspired by their example and I wonder if some of the fresh characteristic and vision can be better recaptured in the social networking model.’ (received by e/m)
An intriguing presentation of whats happening and the stark reality that it can’t be stopped regardless of the up and downside of collaboration. Whilst there are still positives in re to institutions, they quickly become like large ships, inflexible and hard to maneuver. Somehow, I think collaboration is a NT thought and God’s design for mission. While there are governers (used loosely and not politically) in God’s government (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers), they are so by function and not so by title. The greater goal of these men and women is to empower the people and as any true father, that his son exceed and excel him. It is never competitive, concerned about self preservation or hungry for control. This is exemplified in the life of Paul. I have noticed a restlessness that may be regarded as rebellion by church institutions but is only a manifestation of the hunger of people to move in freedom without restraints to advance the Kingdom of God. Healthy collaborative home churches (small groups and the sort) where each person is celebrated for who they are in the Body is ‘New Testament’. This is where, I believe, the Spirit is breathing life.