Rethinking Church

Here are some condensed thoughts from what I shared on Sunday night. This is the boiled down version of some stuff I've been thinking about in terms of an ecclesiology for where we live.


Conceptually Deep
The church is understood as larger than one localized organizational expression. It takes no pride in one particular expression, and remains open to taking on or letting go of forms as necessary for the particular calling of that particular group in a particular time. Thus all forms of church are understood as functional for mission, and not elements or tools for social distinction.

Functionally Cooperative
Action undertaken in cooperation with other disciples of Jesus with intention for mission is more important than ‘success’ of a particular brand. Wherever people work together under the direction of the Spirit, the church is doing its work. Cooperative Partnership is on a relational level (not necessarily on an institutional level). Loyalty is to the kingdom rather than a particular organizational brand.

Structurally Open
Invitation without coercion. Opportunity and invitation to deeper commitments to spiritual development and missional activity, but with safeguards against social bullying, arrogance about one’s own development, and social hierarchy.

Structurally Complex
Being a part of multiple communities among people who identify with other particular “congregations” or no congregation at all. The church for such people is multi-locational, multi-relational, and determined by intentionality and cooperative activity in multiple societal contexts.