Re-form

[Rob Swanson]

Re-form

By Rob Swanson

 

“Our church is uniquely poised … ", stated the pastor leaving his script on the first Sunday in June - my first Sunday back. 

I do not remember the end of the sentence but I thought about it later.

“uniquely poised”  … for what?  

For new found vitality since the separation began in March? 

For well attended times of worship? 

For a year where the church meets its goals?

For an influx of penitent, revived believers?

 

The church is slowly bouncing back. But bouncing back to what? 

Not to “a return,” in any sense.  History just does not work this way. 

There is no going back.  Same = repetition and repetition is slow regression.  

 

The quarantine slogans have included: “We’ll come back better than ever.”  “We’ll get through this.” “We took it all for granted.”  “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

 

Many Christians found lots to like about their time away.  

A new back door emerged. For every “eager returner” there is another having discovered a new and more fulfilling routine. 

 

The world throws problems and challenges at us like an octopus hurling oranges. More than we can handle, if not for the grace of God.  To this we now add recovering from Covid-19.

 

At a 2020 Discipleship Forum, gifted pastors voiced their frustration with a lack of effectiveness. The best of the best were wondering, “What are we doing wrong? … Why can we not correlate discipleship intentionality with growth? … Is there something amiss with our understanding of the gospel? …”

Most of the churches participating in a supporting study were claiming to lead 1 person per 100 members to faith each month.  10% of those churches led 2. 

Both groups average no numerical growth.

50+% of churches where ½ to ¾ of the members are involved in discipleship still are not growing. 

 

One asked, “What should we do going forward?" 

Work harder? Plod along and trust God? Preach better? Pray up a revival?  

Find a success story and buy their material? Scour the internet?

“Lord Jesus, come quickly.”

 

The church is "uniquely poised" …

and “going forward.”

I would like to add, “…by re-forming the church.”

We cannot expect to get by, much less advance, with antiquated readings of the Bible or an archaic understanding of the church and her mission.

 

Acquiescently retaining the 20th century, highly cultural understanding of the church is the leadership of the lazy man or woman.  That was then.  Thank God for our heritage but we are moving on and hoping to keep Ichabod way.  The culture that so well supported a post World War II "institution" is not shared by our children.  

 

The key for the future does not rest on improving the quality of the believer but improving the functioning of their church.

The church needs to re-form toward a demonstrable expression of the Body of Christ.

 

Our church gatherings consist primarily of music and teaching ministries coming in the form of songs and sermons, directed from a platform to people seated in rows. Nice, but cultural, temporary and passive. The church's greater need is for interaction among body members.  Relationships need time and a place to develop.  

The old dogs must learn some new tricks … new ways.

 

Of all the relational images for church, “the body of Christ” is number one.  

Where is the risen Christ to be found?  In his body. 

Properly led, we can be the expression of the risen Christ!  

Or, the church can remain the organization that it is with people happy to be serving, receiving nurture, enjoying friends … and declining. 

 

We want to invest time in the things that matter.  

What matters more than witnessing the presence of Christ, who is alive today!?  Expect Holy Spirit led participation, gift expression, and mutual up-building of all the body members  - members who hear from God.  

 

They teach, exhort and encourage in accordance with their gifting and opportunity.  They pray.  They love.  

They need to be equipped for ministry. Pastors already know this (Ephesians 4.12). Prompting the body of Christ to function as the body of Christ should be our first priority.  

 

This priority we have not inherited from the 20th century!  

The pulpit, pew, order of worship, leadership expectations, role of music, and altar calls are historical developments becoming dated. 

 

The steeple evidently has its origin with the Roman obelisk fascination. A better symbol for church is the table.  May the 21st 

century major on discussion and the table is where we discuss, learn, pray for, receive prayer, become known, share ideas, and share life. Table dynamics require planning and leadership.  Poorly led gatherings are one and done. The Holy Spirit’s primary aim is for the fullness of Christ to be experienced and seen and with evangelistic consequences (John 17.23,24)! 

 

The primacy of relationships is the most basic attribute of the Trinity. 

And we are now filled with that divine nature (2 Peter 1.4.)  Whoa!

 

God has equipped his church to bring forth the fullness of Christ through body life. Ingredients include: fellowship, gift identity, gift expression, variety, equipping, loving, worship, witness, encouraging and celebrating  ministry initiatives, learning, accountability, order, Scripture, musical genres, visual arts, drama, communion, correction, prayer, celebration of grace … 

 

Good leadership results in Holy Spirit guided ministry toward an assembly uniquely “united in the same mind” (1 Corinthians 1.10). This is ongoing, not to become the set pattern for a future generation.

 

Where in the world today can be found regular gatherings of genuine people in relationship?  The church should have this market cornered. Again, it will take time and work.  And it is easy for one mistaken and misled individual to torpedo the whole enterprise, hence the need for preparation, training and leadership.

 

Children do not get adopted without a fine home awaiting them.  The believer’s fine home is not our typical Sunday morning offering. We can do better. Perhaps our long sought re-vival / re-newal awaits table ministry (figuratively and literally). 

 

As a visitor last summer I sensed the sermon, with its banner and graphics, had internet origin. So I searched for the title, “One Step at a Time” and on sermon central and found 220 links.  The point:  The role of the sermon is not what it use to be when throngs would seek out the masters.  Today good preaching is everywhere, 24/7, videos, podcasts, FB, books, Amazon’s “Try a Sample”…  The sermon should no longer be our centerpiece, nor is it our need.  Learning is.  And learning happens best when it is interactive (i.e. at the table). The pastor is free to train the congregation to be pastoral leaders. 

 

Re-form comes in a couple of months, or a couple of years as body life practices seep into Sunday morning gatherings. All children of Adam are prone to get it wrong at first, not to mention most congregations have few “early adopters.”  Established convictions are not modified easily. There are kinks to work out. So the pressure is off in getting started. People learn how to shift from personal prayer habits to the principles of praying together; how to listen – to one another and the Holy Spirit; how to bless. 

 

Uniquely poised and moving forward …  

toward a re-newal … re-vival! 

First we Re-form.

 

Rob Swanson, Centerville, MA – former missionary and pastor, author of The Bible Reader's Companion. 

 

[Michael Smith]

Nicely written, Rob. I hope this is part one of a multi chapter series; I have a feeling you have more to say in this regard. It is very evident that things are not the same, but Christ is preeminent in wherever we are headed, and the Trinity is indeed our model for relationships.

Dr. Michael Francis Smith

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On Jul 8, 2020, at 4:06 PM, Rob Swanson <centerv...@live.com> wrote:



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[Arthur Hapenny]

 Dear Rob, very spot on and challenging ,moves one to think and ask questions and hopefully listen to His Holy Spirit whilst reading the Word ! Blessings, Hap

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On Jul 8, 2020, at 4:06 PM, Rob Swanson <centerv...@live.com> wrote:



Re-form

[Stephen Russell]

I do perceive a “prophetic” Rob-who-is-not-aware-of-such-prophetic in such truth as has been expressed here. Awesome Rob and an encouragement to us as we transition from a building-centric model to a ministry-community model. Blessings…

[Chip Schleich]

Love it!

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[Earl Roberts]

New wineskins, for new wine!

Earl Roberts.

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[Edmund de la Cour]

Thank you, Rob, for this timely word!  

One day several of us were discussing the what happens next question.  I am impressed when I hear brothers I love and trust confess we have no idea what is "next."  Whatever God is doing, and I believe you have a handle on it, is well beyond our fascination with technology and glamor.  Learning how to "be" the church is paramount, not only for pastors and leaders, but for everyone who previously inhabited the pews.

Truly, this is a kairos moment when it behooves us all to pay attention and listen to God's Word.

Thank you again.

Ed de la Cour

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[Glenn Stone]

Hi Rob,

Thank you for challenging us to think along different lines.  You are right that we need to move from platform ministry to table ministry.  I like the table as the symbol for following Christ as his body.  Looking forward to your next chapter.

Blessings,

Glenn

On Wed, Jul 8, 2020 at 4:06 PM Rob Swanson <centerv...@live.com> wrote:

[Chris Bauer]

Outstanding!  Thanks for this encouragement!  

Blessings!

Chris Bauer

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[boomerboy259]

Thank you so much.

Sue & Matt Flynn

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

[mari williams]

In the words of our Lord Jesus Christ:  "My House shall be called a House of Prayer."

And in the words of Leonard Ravenhill:

“No man is greater than his prayer life.

 The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. 

We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.”

Leonard Ravenhill

I researched many churches on Cape Cod last year and found only one that held a mid-week prayer service.   I also searched for a Sunday Evening service without success, but Sunday evening services are so important for people who work shifts and cannot regularly attend a Sunday morning service.  Our Police Officers and First Responders as well as medical staff are so in need of ministry, but without a Sunday Evening service they cannot attend church regularly.

Many years ago I attended a church that held a Prayer Meeting every Wednesday evening in hail, rain or snow, and that church thrived--It was wonderful to belong to a group of seasoned saints;  wonderful God-fearing, Spirit filled praying people who taught me so much.  Prayer Meetings are a perfect place for people to learn to pray the scriptures.

Prayer, not preaching, is the principal responsibility of Pastors.  

There is nothing like hearing a fresh Word straight from GOD  heavy with HIS anointing --it comes only by much prayer.

In Christ,

~mari

[chris detraglia]

You voiced what has been in my heart for almost 15 years now. Back when i was in highschool, I was so conflicted with my church attendance, and very frustrated by the present-day church model that i went back and forth on leaving the church, not my faith, just my Sunday church attendance. I am 30 now, and i still feel the same way. I have seen the great benefit of our current model, in that we have seen positive things take place in our community and in the lives of some individuals, but i still cannot unsee the fact that so much time and energy is put into the church leadership for the purpose of simply upholding the current model, not to mention money. The last few months i have felt as though we spend so much of ourselves serving a model rather than the most dire needs. I do however understand that the traditional model when done well acts as a springboard for those very needed outreaches and individual discipling meetings, but in our culture today where time and money are precious commodities, and where family relationships are lacking, what we need is something less formal, more intimate, and more right to the need and heart of the matters of life. People want to feel like they are in community, and young people my age and under are just not willing to spend their one day off sitting erect in a pew. They would however sit on a couch, break bread, open a bible, and be willing to pray and listen to the Truth. They want intimacy, real attention paid to them, and to know that they are more than an attendee. I hope this doesn’t sound too harsh. I am forever greatful for the church model we have had, but there must be something better. The early church thrived for 300 years before coming to a model like we have today. God help us all, this church thing is messy, and we’ll find our way to flourish by the power of the Holy Spirit. The best days of the church are yet to come.

[homeport1989]

Could it be that The Lord is allowing this time so that believers can turn more to Him , personally. What The Church needs is believers to first have a PERSONAL revival! Each individual first restoring their relationship with The Father. 

By this first, The body of believers  can become The Church that God is longing for.

The model should be the First Century Church. 

Yes, they centered their relationships around " the table" intimate,  close, reliant on a small group of fellow believers.  

And this was , and again should be the "engine" that is "re-igniting" God's Church. 

We should be primarily seeking God's  direction/leading. Yes churches are needed , but not to be the "open-source" that people have made them to be . 

"Back to the beginning" , I believe that is were God is wooing us. 

All that is going on , could this be a " pause" a " selah"

God calling us back to be His heart ? 

I believe  this is what He wants us to know. 

" come to me all those who are heavy ladened and I will give you rest"

I pray abundant blessings on you all.

Marty Conceicao

Sent from Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

[boomerboy259]

My husband and my hearts have been stirring about this for a couple of years now.  We pray the church will rise to His calling and that we be led by the Holy Spirit to do His will.  Thank you all for sharing your hearts🕇.  It is our hearts as well.  Praying...

With love in Christ,

Sue and Matt Flynn

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

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[Mark Porter]

Hey Marti, you couldn’t be more right on my brother! 

Love you Man of God!,

Mark Porter

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On Jul 9, 2020, at 8:27 AM, homeport1989 <homepo...@comcast.net> wrote:



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[raciii]

Well said Chris. And I also believe the model is changing. Since the beginning of this Covid ordeal, we have had weekly Zoom meetings and daily communion for almost 3 months. The commitment of individuals for that time together has been incredible. Now we are entering a phase of physically coming back together and I am so excited and encouraged with what is to come. Stay blessed, and be the blessing😊❤🎶🙌🙏

Rib Cummings 

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[Rob Swanson]

Hi Chris,

I have discovered since yesterday afternoon that here are many voices - people who have been grappling with the current situation more than me. Like you.  THANK YOU  for persevering with the old form and for helping us transition to the new.  You are on to something. Work it.  Refine it. Tell us what you are learning.  May God bless you richly.  Your brother, Rob

---

From: thegloryofg...@googlegroups.com <thegloryofg...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of chris detraglia <tof...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2020 10:39 PM

To: The Glory of God on Cape Cod <thegloryofg...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re-form

You voiced what has been in my heart for almost 15 years now. Back when i was in highschool, I was so conflicted with my church attendance, and very frustrated by the present-day church model that i went back and forth on leaving the church, not my faith, just my Sunday church attendance. I am 30 now, and i still feel the same way. I have seen the great benefit of our current model, in that we have seen positive things take place in our community and in the lives of some individuals, but i still cannot unsee the fact that so much time and energy is put into the church leadership for the purpose of simply upholding the current model, not to mention money. The last few months i have felt as though we spend so much of ourselves serving a model rather than the most dire needs. I do however understand that the traditional model when done well acts as a springboard for those very needed outreaches and individual discipling meetings, but in our culture today where time and money are precious commodities, and where family relationships are lacking, what we need is something less formal, more intimate, and more right to the need and heart of the matters of life. People want to feel like they are in community, and young people my age and under are just not willing to spend their one day off sitting erect in a pew. They would however sit on a couch, break bread, open a bible, and be willing to pray and listen to the Truth. They want intimacy, real attention paid to them, and to know that they are more than an attendee. I hope this doesn’t sound too harsh. I am forever greatful for the church model we have had, but there must be something better. The early church thrived for 300 years before coming to a model like we have today. God help us all, this church thing is messy, and we’ll find our way to flourish by the power of the Holy Spirit. The best days of the church are yet to come.

[marlene]

These thoughts have been weighing on my mind too. Part of my ministry responsibilities during the outbreak of COVID -19 is to put together a webinar series focusing on topics that would be helpful for our denomination's churches and pastors. The nudges of the Holy Spirit that Rob wrote about has been on my mind for a while. Like members of this group I have been sharing these thoughts in conversation with American Baptist colleagues and church leaders. I have not experienced any disagreement but at the same time I have not had anyone talk about what they are doing to move in this direction. Most of the preparation for in-person worship has been focused on the following of recommended best practices for safe worship gatherings. I do not want to minimize both the difficulty and importance of this, however the focus is usually on particular worshiping community being together again. It is an inward focus. I have been wondering for weeks what it would look like for a church to plan for regathering as a new church plant or re-start would prepare for a launch of its ministry. I have been wondering that perhaps God has given us all a chance to re-start our ministries. I am hoping that some of the things we know from planting new churches and revitalizing established ministries could be identified and tried. It seems like the perfect time to experiment before the ways of the past become reestablished. Later this month our webinar series will begin looking at this. In conversation I found that these thought resonated with a professor from Gordon Conwell that teaches revitalization and the director of the Boston Black Ministerial Alliance. As a follow-up there is a course in revitalization scheduled for the fall, and a new partnership with a group called Fresh Expressions whose focus is also church revitalization. The missing piece is that I have not yet been able to connect with a pastors whose ministries are thriving and yet still would like to experiment with the actual re-forming expressed by Rob. If the Holy Spirit has been nudging you to experiment even though the work is thriving, I would love to talk with you using Zoom or Skype. Marlene   

[Chris Bauer]

As I read these I can’t help but think just how important a thriving small group ministry is.  And even that model needs to change.  Rather than be a programmed Bible study, they should be fellowship or discipleship groups where relationships can be forged and grass roots Christian ministry can take place.  Of course that takes gifted and equipped leaders that can come alongside those in their groups.  We once attended a church that had a remarkable 95% small group participation rate...and the church grew exponentially.  It was amazing to see.

Chris Bauer

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On Jul 9, 2020, at 10:32 AM, Rob Swanson <centerv...@live.com> wrote:



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[Bob Doe]

My name is Dr Bob Doe. I am included on this stream because of relationship with Dr Riad and fact I live in Centerville. However 9 months of year with YWAM Kona and Urgent Care in Big Island. Have been teachingzoom school of supernatural recently with teachers from various locations. Would be interested in meeting you and discussing your “angst” with you. Bob

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On Jul 9, 2020, at 10:25 AM, Rob Swanson <centerv...@live.com> wrote:



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[Ari Deljohn]

Thank you Brother for this encouragement.
May the Holy Spirit descent upon all of us and show us how to proceed for His Glory.
Ari

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