I’ve been writing around in circles about the 4Ds for a while now. Let me try to make it plain. Let me just try to describe what a church that engages with the world as it is--a world that is decentralized, diverse, disestablished, and disenchanted-- would look like for you. Here is some kindling for your imagination, dear reader.
A Decentralized Church
Imagine a
church with a nuanced and thoughtful web presence. They selected the online
platforms that were manageable for their needs and did them well. The
congregation’s web presence is up to date and supports its ministry, connecting
the hospitalized and homebound to the congregation, encouraging acts of discipleship,
and making sure outsiders feel welcome to join in the congregation’s
ministries.
Imagine a
church that meets out in the community and is known there. A church that serves
and fellowships outside its walls, so that there are porous boundaries that can
invite others in and make connections with partners. Perhaps there is a Bible
and Bagels study or a monthly Dinner Church service at a local restaurant.
Imagine a
church where experimentation is part of their identity. Where programs or
events are analyzed after the fact, and improved. Where the disposition of
leadership is “sure, let’s give it a try” and also, “lets glean as much data
from the event as possible” and “what was the most faithful part of what we just
did?”
A Diverse Church
Imagine a
church that is truly intergenerational, where wisdom is shared across age
cohorts. Where young people can look around a sanctuary or soup supper and say,
“Oh, I might look like that kind Christian when I’m 45 and will be doing stuff
like that when I’m 85.” Where mentorships sprout and the young have a voice.
Imagine a church where every generation’s gifts are welcomed, and everyone’s
stories are told.
Speaking from
personal experience, I have felt the most Lutheran in contexts where
Lutheranism is an act of cultural translation—How is the cowboy Chuckwagon an
analogy for Koinonia and Holy Communion? How did we not see it before, the
musical rests in LBW are the place where everyone does the black woman double
clap? Why wouldn’t the prayers of the people involve everyone holding hands and
last at least 20 minutes—talk about the Work of the People! How can I think of
Theology of the Cross without the analogy to lynching? How does
Galatians speak to the caste system as it is experienced today?
Imagine a church where
multiculturalism is more than a buzz word. Where we are, to quote a NJ Synod program,
“love struck.” Where the ideals of being color blind—deference to none and equality
for all—are joined with appreciation of difference, it is met with curiosity
and respect. Imagine the “multicolored wisdom of God” to quote the apostle
Paul, on full displace in sanctuaries and service events, and integral to the
leadership of every congregation!
Imagine a church that is
comfortable enough with difference that they have God conversations with
neighbors, and eventually look like the neighborhood they are in! Where
listening leads to conversation and conversation leads to accompaniment. Folk
of a variety of backgrounds walking alongside one another, making sure everyone
makes it home alright!
A Partnering Church
There is
an Ascension Day tradition of beating the bounds, that is, congregations go out
and walk the boundaries of the neighborhood (parish) they serve. It is a
concrete way to let the community know that the congregation is there for them,
and also reminds the congregation of that same fact—these are our neighbors! Imagine
a church that knows thier bounds, and their bounds know them!
Imagine a
church integral and integrated with the community it resides in. Where the
church building is a community center, where the do-gooders of the area
congregate and collaborate. Where the building is shared with the community—the
congregation is a good steward of their possessions—and the congregation is out
in the community—evangelism and service are central!
Imagine a
church with a clear mission statement, one that is memorable and acted upon,
one that is regularly renewed and reviewed as the mission field changes. One
known not only by members, but also by those they meet, not necessarily because
the congregation repeats it ad nauseum, but because they live it out.
An Enchanted Church
Alas, all
the above is for not, save that Christ is present. Without God’s love centered among
us, every mission statement rings hollow, every culturally relevant move is moot,
every experiment is an abomination. But imagine a church where the Spirit dwells!
Imagine a
church where prayers are not perfunctory, but from the heart and by heart! Where
we are equipped to trust that God is our loving parent, who wants to
hear from us, everything from babble to blessing. Imagine a place and a people
where God sightings are plentiful and celebrated! Where we keep on the lookout,
wearing cross shaped glasses, so that we will see what God is up to among us.
Where we, like the church of acts, see the Spirit at work ahead of us, and are
keen to catch up!
Imagine a
church where wisdom is won. Where our experiences, the stories of our life and
our life together, are plumbed for wisdom and decency. Where we cultivate:
humble success, uplift in crisis, and the ability to end things well by holding
everything gently. Imagine a wise church!
Imagine a
church where scripture speaks! Where the pathos and evocative drama of the
bible is alive! Where we can go deep, and hear the Word speak to the past and
echo in the present. Where we can hear afresh the Gospel for us, for you!
Imagine dear reader, a decentralized,
diverse, partnering, and enchanted Church.
