basel thoughts, finally
So, a couple of thoughts after the Basel consultation (finally);
firstly, it was noticeable that things in Germany and Switzerland seem to be at a very similar stage to the UK. Namely that there are a variety of things happening at various different stages. A few are several years down the road and already have recognisable networks, albeit small, underway. Others are just one or two households struggling to find their way forward.

Most interesting I felt was to see two different emphases represented by those present:
firstly there were those who were very 'organic' in what they were doing, rather than being highly strategic and intentional. Their ethos was much more relational, undriven and laissez-faire. The danger (which was voiced) was that 'organic' becomes synonymous with - 'just kick back and let God sort things out as and when'....

The second group was marked by a strong apostolic, strategic emphasis. Often new churches were pioneered by intentional evangelism rather than relational or incarnational ministry. Not that this side was completely absent.

Two observations on this:
Firstly those planting more strategically/apostolically had planted far more churches, and some of these were beginning to reproduce. Often these comprised totally unchurched people rather than disgruntled church transferees.

Secondly those at both ends of this spectrum voiced a strong desire to move closer to the other in the way they functioned! The organic, just-let-it-happen people were desperate for some strategic input and the strategic guys were longing for a more organic, relational ethos! So maybe we need to work to find a balance between the two?

On this same theme Wolfgang Simson, who was also with us, pointed out that without some clear apostolic/prophetic input at the outset few churches would grow healthily and eventualy reproduce.

'Can you introduce that apostolic/prophetic after a church has started?' was my next question! Yes, was the answer but it can be time consuming and very dificult, but not impossible.

From the conversation which followed around this subject there seemed common agreement that this strategic/apostolic input is critical at the foundational stage; without the right DNA from the outset there will be little hope of growth and multiplication.

Paul Kaak who works with Neil Cole in
Church Multiplication Associates did a great job facilitating our time and shared his perspective of this organic - apostolic continuum; he defined it as the difference between a Household orientation and a Harvest orientation. All are called to the former but not all to retain the latter as a priority. Not wholly sure about that, but found the distinction helpful.

posted by alexander @ 4:03 PM    3 comments

3 Comments:

Thank you for this post. I've been thinking through the need for something strategic and intentional while staying organic and relational.

By  Leighton Tebay, at 1:50 AM  

Thanks for those "final" thoughts. For me one key question came more alive than ever: how is the necessary apostolic prophetic strategic harvesting driven... connecting with the very organic and simple way of impacting the oikos and seeding the Gospel. Where and who are the transitional people and how does that look like? How can the apostolic prophetic frameset support an everyone-can-do-it church? I think we have a lot of work to do that the puzzle fits together.

By  _dave_, at 8:04 PM  

Great point Dave; I suppose the only way to find out is to get on and do it, looking to God to direct us as we go. maybe it will look differnt in each situation? if i learn anything along the way on this I'll keep you posted! and vice-versa.

By  alexander, at 10:33 AM  

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