The High Impact Church: A Fresh Approach to Reaching the Unchurched
Linus J. Morris
Zondervan (1993)
Thesis and Argument of the Author:
Morris provides a practical roadmap of an integrated church model usable by new churches or by those interested in the revitalization of existing churches for the purpose of making a community impact through reaching and disciplining the un-churched. The intentionality of the model, which is principal centered, strives to make a societal impact in our communities and throughout the world.
How the chapters present the argument of the Author:
Easy straight forward reading, highlighted comments, graph and charts make this an easy to devour book packed with concepts and practical suggestions. Morris’s methods look at a combination of spiritual leadership, group dynamics, service ministry and meaningful worship while connecting through the Holy Spirit to do what God expects the church to do within our communities.
The book is divided into four parts that walk the reader through the process of reaching the un-churched. Beginning with a discussion of need whether it is a dying church, a lack of relevancy or simple out of the box thinking, he offers pathways for change. He then looks at the core and substance of the high impact church, its spiritual vitality. Morris continues to focus on the church suggesting it being purpose centered, values driven and vision directed. He identifies churches focused in this direction will become what he describes as a high-impact church. Lacking a purpose centered approach Morris explains churches slip into becoming focused on people (social issues), programs, property and problems (131). The last section focuses on the exterior view and seeker oriented approaches and how to address plateaus that are encountered. Each chapter is followed by questions allowing for personal reflection on what has been offered. Morris uses an approach that is biblically based, contemporary in nature and carries threads of practical application which can be transferred in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
In the section on strategic steps to reaching the city, Morris discusses Type A & B unbelievers, those near and far from salvation, or open versus negative towards salvation. To reach these folks Morris suggests the key is to first build relationships and then move towards meeting their felt needs. A common theme in building community and following the manner in which Jesus taught, caring about the people individually and personally and addressing their felt needs.
Transferable principles that can be applied to my context:
As I began to read, I was skeptical as to how this book could apply in my context since I do not plant or pastor a church. Each chapter became a teaching tool overflowing with ideas, and applicable concepts that can be used in many ministry settings. This was a surprise for me.
Morris suggests that a loss of purpose causes a church to loose vitality and often it dies (130). I heard this reflected in Ron Ruthruff’s lecture about the street youth he ministers to and it is often seen in individuals who are struggling and have lost their purpose for which God made them. Once found they flourish, so it is for individuals, churches and people.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Renewing the City: Reflections on Community Development and Urban Renewal book report
Renewing the City: Reflections on Community Development and Urban Renewal
Robert D. Lupton
InterVarsity Press (2005)
Thesis and Argument of the Author:
Lupton provides an opportunity to revisit the book of Nehemiah using biblical and historical accuracy while bringing in the current day situations of folks concerned for their community and passionate about the neighborhood and the people in it. He argues we can use the decisions and leadership of Nehemiah, who very effectively rebuild the ancient city, which are completely applicable in urban ministry today. He takes us through a parallel journey of restoration of community both past and present and compares them through a biblical and historical and personal lens.
How the chapters present the argument of the Author:
Lupton presents the information in a unique story format artfully bringing together the biblical narrative of Nehemiah and the teaching method of midrash, illuminating and animating the scriptures, while providing textural references to bring it to life. Using his story and life experiences, Lupton offers the third leg of the story telling stool. Part one contains thirteen chapters which recounts Nehemiah’s story, a man employed within the government who requests a leave of absence, secures a government grant, organizes the largest volunteer mission project in biblical history, transforms a dangerous ghetto into a secure city, and then repopulates it by enticing suburbanites to move in (p). This is an amazing story for anyone in urban ministry.
Part two holds eleven chapters taking several issues from the Nehemiah story and interleaves them with biblical and historic references and also with contemporary experiences and stories from Lupton. A leader defined by the contrasting gifts and abilities between Ezra and Nehemiah illustrates how important these differences often can be when working together using a common vision for God’s purposes. Gentrification with justice (without displacing the poor) identifies the importance of building community and communication paths which include the poor in their own community decisions being careful not to inadvertently cause harm. Allowing the poor to participate in and benefit from the community transformation provides the uniqueness of this story. Lupton uses examples of servant leadership, biblical tithing, obstructed vision and serving being complimentary with leading, as some of the topics through which we draw parallels between historical references and today’s urban ministry challenges affording choices in how we view and work within neighborhoods.
Transferable principles that can be applied to my context:
Circling quote after quote within the book, Lupton’s experience will be my guidepost from which to reflect when going into the neighborhoods. Lupton suggests, the task of redeeming our cities will be accomplished on the ground, one block at a time, by courageous people who take the daily risks that bring life to their corner of the world (223). Nehemiah’s understands that if his calling gives him conviction, the vision becomes his compass then the vision is God inspired for sure. Lupton discusses divine calling and indicates that measurable productivity may not be the definition of success at all; rather it is quality interactions and relationships. Lupton poses the question I am still thinking about, “What if a calling is not primarily about affecting change but rather about being changed ourselves?”
Robert D. Lupton
InterVarsity Press (2005)
Thesis and Argument of the Author:
Lupton provides an opportunity to revisit the book of Nehemiah using biblical and historical accuracy while bringing in the current day situations of folks concerned for their community and passionate about the neighborhood and the people in it. He argues we can use the decisions and leadership of Nehemiah, who very effectively rebuild the ancient city, which are completely applicable in urban ministry today. He takes us through a parallel journey of restoration of community both past and present and compares them through a biblical and historical and personal lens.
How the chapters present the argument of the Author:
Lupton presents the information in a unique story format artfully bringing together the biblical narrative of Nehemiah and the teaching method of midrash, illuminating and animating the scriptures, while providing textural references to bring it to life. Using his story and life experiences, Lupton offers the third leg of the story telling stool. Part one contains thirteen chapters which recounts Nehemiah’s story, a man employed within the government who requests a leave of absence, secures a government grant, organizes the largest volunteer mission project in biblical history, transforms a dangerous ghetto into a secure city, and then repopulates it by enticing suburbanites to move in (p). This is an amazing story for anyone in urban ministry.
Part two holds eleven chapters taking several issues from the Nehemiah story and interleaves them with biblical and historic references and also with contemporary experiences and stories from Lupton. A leader defined by the contrasting gifts and abilities between Ezra and Nehemiah illustrates how important these differences often can be when working together using a common vision for God’s purposes. Gentrification with justice (without displacing the poor) identifies the importance of building community and communication paths which include the poor in their own community decisions being careful not to inadvertently cause harm. Allowing the poor to participate in and benefit from the community transformation provides the uniqueness of this story. Lupton uses examples of servant leadership, biblical tithing, obstructed vision and serving being complimentary with leading, as some of the topics through which we draw parallels between historical references and today’s urban ministry challenges affording choices in how we view and work within neighborhoods.
Transferable principles that can be applied to my context:
Circling quote after quote within the book, Lupton’s experience will be my guidepost from which to reflect when going into the neighborhoods. Lupton suggests, the task of redeeming our cities will be accomplished on the ground, one block at a time, by courageous people who take the daily risks that bring life to their corner of the world (223). Nehemiah’s understands that if his calling gives him conviction, the vision becomes his compass then the vision is God inspired for sure. Lupton discusses divine calling and indicates that measurable productivity may not be the definition of success at all; rather it is quality interactions and relationships. Lupton poses the question I am still thinking about, “What if a calling is not primarily about affecting change but rather about being changed ourselves?”
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Theology as Big as a City bookreport
Theology as Big as a City
Ray Bakke
InterVarsity (1997)
Thesis and Argument of the Author:
Given all the challenges facing cities, Bakke argues that the greatest challenge is one of a theology. He suggests that the bible shows a God that is interested in not only the people, but also the structures that encompass our cities creating a wider view of Urban Ministry. As Bakke states (37) “The tension will always be there between the need to spiritually transform persons and the need to socially transform places.”
How the chapters present the argument of the Author:
Autobiographical sections of the book serve as a means of understanding the transformational changes that took place throughout Bakke’s life. He indicates how God used the book Charles Simeon to redirect his life with an urban view. His life experiences were used to formulate new questions relative to working in an urban setting. His theology was challenged causing him to ask questions and look for biblical answers. Bakke suggests that one way of doing bible study is to bring theological reflection to the text in light of our own unique traditions and social context (29). Each chapter of the book is rich with thoughts and concepts and new ways of approaching urban ministry through his reflective methodology. He walks through the bible and stops at various points to reflect and then teaches important lessons on how the scriptures shape his views of urban ministry.
In chapter five we see the story of Ruth played out as a four act drama that reveals history but also carries a divine purpose and goal. In chapter eight there are lessons from Isaiah continually reverting back to references on the whole city, not only local but global. Chapter ten presents the view from Ezekiel 16 of family and city as connected through the suburbs and surrounding towns. Church history is seen in chapter twenty five and Bakke shows us a model used to help of contextualizing his urban theology in chapter twenty six the final chapter. Based around a model adapted from Wesley, Bakke took the four poles; Bible, tradition, reason and experience and woven them into and through the fabric of his personal life experience which as the book sums up, must include his context, the city.
Transferable principles that can be applied to my context: This became very clear to me as I progressed through the book that a statement in chapter one clung in my mind and grew as the story unfolded. Understanding church history as it relates to where we care going created the setting and is foundational to where we are leading. Bakke states “the further one goes into the avant-garde frontier of creative ministry, the more important it becomes that we be deeply rooted in the biblical, theological and historical tradition. We need deep roots to survive in urban ministry.” This I will use and remember in all I do. Adding to this, Bakke’s adapted Wesley model using the four poles integrated through the context and his supporting comment “God has purposely put me in a community situation that cannot be ignored (202)” and I agree.
Ray Bakke
InterVarsity (1997)
Thesis and Argument of the Author:
Given all the challenges facing cities, Bakke argues that the greatest challenge is one of a theology. He suggests that the bible shows a God that is interested in not only the people, but also the structures that encompass our cities creating a wider view of Urban Ministry. As Bakke states (37) “The tension will always be there between the need to spiritually transform persons and the need to socially transform places.”
How the chapters present the argument of the Author:
Autobiographical sections of the book serve as a means of understanding the transformational changes that took place throughout Bakke’s life. He indicates how God used the book Charles Simeon to redirect his life with an urban view. His life experiences were used to formulate new questions relative to working in an urban setting. His theology was challenged causing him to ask questions and look for biblical answers. Bakke suggests that one way of doing bible study is to bring theological reflection to the text in light of our own unique traditions and social context (29). Each chapter of the book is rich with thoughts and concepts and new ways of approaching urban ministry through his reflective methodology. He walks through the bible and stops at various points to reflect and then teaches important lessons on how the scriptures shape his views of urban ministry.
In chapter five we see the story of Ruth played out as a four act drama that reveals history but also carries a divine purpose and goal. In chapter eight there are lessons from Isaiah continually reverting back to references on the whole city, not only local but global. Chapter ten presents the view from Ezekiel 16 of family and city as connected through the suburbs and surrounding towns. Church history is seen in chapter twenty five and Bakke shows us a model used to help of contextualizing his urban theology in chapter twenty six the final chapter. Based around a model adapted from Wesley, Bakke took the four poles; Bible, tradition, reason and experience and woven them into and through the fabric of his personal life experience which as the book sums up, must include his context, the city.
Transferable principles that can be applied to my context: This became very clear to me as I progressed through the book that a statement in chapter one clung in my mind and grew as the story unfolded. Understanding church history as it relates to where we care going created the setting and is foundational to where we are leading. Bakke states “the further one goes into the avant-garde frontier of creative ministry, the more important it becomes that we be deeply rooted in the biblical, theological and historical tradition. We need deep roots to survive in urban ministry.” This I will use and remember in all I do. Adding to this, Bakke’s adapted Wesley model using the four poles integrated through the context and his supporting comment “God has purposely put me in a community situation that cannot be ignored (202)” and I agree.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Transforming Power book report
Transforming Power: Biblical Strategies for Making a Difference in Your Community
by Robert Linthicum
Intervarsity Press (2003)
Thesis and Argument of the Author:
Linthicum presents a framework from which an understanding of biblical power can be formed. Then transferring that understanding and using it as a means to effectively increase the kingdom of God creating Shalom in the city. He asserts that power from evil people is greater than the sins of its individuals, thus based on an evil world, the theology must be different. Systems and structures can not transform lives, thus the necessity for a biblical theology based on relational power leading to transformation of our communities.
How the chapters Present the argument of the Author:
Starting from the definition of power as the willingness and/or the ability to act, he shows that power surrounds us in all that we do. It is present as a means of organization for our units of society; political, economic and religious (values based) systems. Linthicum divides the book into two distinct parts; the Biblical theology of power and a discussion on implementing the strategies of relational power. Setting the stage, he uses Deuteronomy as the reference for God’s original design for human society surrounding it with the theme of a Shalom community. In contrast he refers to Ezekiel as the biblical analysis of human society that is moving towards oppression, exploitation, and domination of its people. Based on the gospels, he shows the commitment towards a Shalom community through the ministry and theology of Jesus and his teachings. He follows this with a vision of leadership using relational power and the story of Nehemiah confronting the systems that do not support Shalom for the City.
Linthicum uses part two as the practicum on the implementation of relational power. The focus turns to individuals, developing listening skills, understanding passions and the significant influence that can come from bringing people together to address concerns they collectively hold. Using the Iron Rule of Organizing, (never doing for others what they can do for themselves) (151) becomes a method to bring about significant change not by building a program but by building power (151).
Transferable principles that can be applied to My Context:
In the neighborhoods and settings where I work, relational power could be used as a significant tool for neighborhood transformation and community development. Systems and structures have been oppressors of the people for many years. Using a biblical theology of power, implementing strategies for relational power while working for the Shalom of the city will be used to bring together those who have been oppressed by the systems and structures previously in place. Empowerment of the people and a holistic approach towards ministry remembering the Iron Rule of Organizing is something I will draw upon. Working towards God’s kingdom on earth by creating Shalom communities using relational power is all of our responsibilities. Whether fighting for justice within the community, watching for political systems that fuel oppression, or building strong personal relationships with Jesus Christ, the task is to use the tools available to bring about a community reflective of God’s own plan of Shalom throughout our cities.
by Robert Linthicum
Intervarsity Press (2003)
Thesis and Argument of the Author:
Linthicum presents a framework from which an understanding of biblical power can be formed. Then transferring that understanding and using it as a means to effectively increase the kingdom of God creating Shalom in the city. He asserts that power from evil people is greater than the sins of its individuals, thus based on an evil world, the theology must be different. Systems and structures can not transform lives, thus the necessity for a biblical theology based on relational power leading to transformation of our communities.
How the chapters Present the argument of the Author:
Starting from the definition of power as the willingness and/or the ability to act, he shows that power surrounds us in all that we do. It is present as a means of organization for our units of society; political, economic and religious (values based) systems. Linthicum divides the book into two distinct parts; the Biblical theology of power and a discussion on implementing the strategies of relational power. Setting the stage, he uses Deuteronomy as the reference for God’s original design for human society surrounding it with the theme of a Shalom community. In contrast he refers to Ezekiel as the biblical analysis of human society that is moving towards oppression, exploitation, and domination of its people. Based on the gospels, he shows the commitment towards a Shalom community through the ministry and theology of Jesus and his teachings. He follows this with a vision of leadership using relational power and the story of Nehemiah confronting the systems that do not support Shalom for the City.
Linthicum uses part two as the practicum on the implementation of relational power. The focus turns to individuals, developing listening skills, understanding passions and the significant influence that can come from bringing people together to address concerns they collectively hold. Using the Iron Rule of Organizing, (never doing for others what they can do for themselves) (151) becomes a method to bring about significant change not by building a program but by building power (151).
Transferable principles that can be applied to My Context:
In the neighborhoods and settings where I work, relational power could be used as a significant tool for neighborhood transformation and community development. Systems and structures have been oppressors of the people for many years. Using a biblical theology of power, implementing strategies for relational power while working for the Shalom of the city will be used to bring together those who have been oppressed by the systems and structures previously in place. Empowerment of the people and a holistic approach towards ministry remembering the Iron Rule of Organizing is something I will draw upon. Working towards God’s kingdom on earth by creating Shalom communities using relational power is all of our responsibilities. Whether fighting for justice within the community, watching for political systems that fuel oppression, or building strong personal relationships with Jesus Christ, the task is to use the tools available to bring about a community reflective of God’s own plan of Shalom throughout our cities.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Getting started
I have set up this blog spot for my Personal Learning Community to be able to access my work, review it and make comments. As a student of Bakke graduate University, the input and accountability of the PLC is very important. I am preparing the posts now and will beging to load them up as I finish each one. Please make comment and give me feedback, I will appreciate your thoughts.
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