"The Church in its own bubble has become, at best the guardian of the value system of the nation’s grandparents, and at worst a den of religious anoraks defined by defensiveness, esoteric logic and discrimination."
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"the Church of the future may be less a civil service or conventional business, and more a movement like Alcoholics Anonymous, the ultimate locally delivered life-changing non profit. The job of the hierarchy will be to enable this, not to represent it or control it.
To represent the grace and truth of Christ to this generation and be good news to those within its care, the Church needs, not a re-brand or a bailout, but a reboot.
Where does Christianity connect with Life as it is lived?
What lines of code would come up on the screen during such a reboot?"
To represent the grace and truth of Christ to this generation and be good news to those within its care, the Church needs, not a re-brand or a bailout, but a reboot.Where does Christianity connect with Life as it is lived?
What lines of code would come up on the screen during such a reboot?"
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Coo!
Unfortunately I don't think the hierarchy can enable this change, because this would mean dismantling the hierarchy.
I doubt if the AA traditions could work within the Church structures. The AA model can never be another 'Fresh Expression' of the established church.
I think people who want a church modelled on the traditions of AA will just have to get together amongst themselves and get on with it and leave the Church to get on with their stuff.
Interesting!
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ReplyDeleteThis blog offering is almost 3 years old but here I am commenting.
I think DaisyAnon is correct in "comment", above: A12-Step program cannot morph an existing hierarchical organization/Church ...because of the hierarchy/controllers typically wanting/needing to keep their jobs/positions/control.
I would like to find like-minded people to join with ...or with whom to start a unique movement. But something named a bit catchier than "AA 12 Steps & Traditions For Everyone", which it what I have so far for a name. (lol)
--I think the Bishop's heart is in the right place but implementation of his desire is not possible under present "Church" understanding. BUT, there is a great need along these lines. And, think I have found a way to adapt Steps/Traditions to a general and very healthy fellowship and way of life.
I note here that "Church Doesn't Work" in the ways that Jesus had in mind for Christian fellowships...for his Bride. This is because, unlike the AA fellowships, Churches are not run by the humbling 12-Traditions (or something very akin to them)...personalities abound, hired help (most Christian leaders) becomes slightly dishonest and are more interested in keeping their jobs than in adhering to the necessary steps and principles that work ...adhering to what actually works!
I am an an old retired guy (a former AA & Alanon hanger-on) (and a Born-Again who is a radical Christian ) who has thought these things through for over 30 years. So, recently I have been adapting the steps and traditions to undergird a fellowship that Jesus WOULD fully sanction.
--Anyone want to chat about that? DaisyAnon?