I mean really, come on, how many congregations are open to new and creative ways of being and doing church? What happens when a passion is stirring in a leader that doesn’t match up with what’s available? What are the options and what’s a person to do? Is a pastoral leader (ordained or othewise mind you) to do a “fix-it-up” job and re-modernize the failing and fledgling modern church? Do we need to just buck up as leaders and deal with congregational communities as they are? Or is there another way?
I got the following message today from a Jesus comrade who shares some similar sentiments I’ve been hearing here at ELN and even feeling myself. I’m posting with his permission in hopes of further and richer conversation from everyone. Thanks for your input.
“Hi- I hope all is well! I think a contextual change is on the horizon. I have not filled out mobility papers because I am not much interested in another conventional congregation. With an ever expanding heart for missionally emergent ministry, I keep wondering if that be default means some type of new mission ministry in or outside the ELCA. Have you had any thoughts/struggles in terms of contextual options for emergent thinking Lutherans? Maybe it is just a regional thing peculiar to the SE? Standard forms and process do not seem very helpful. Thanks in advance for reflecting with me.“
What do the people of God have to say?
_________________________