POMO Ministry and Mission 'Rites of Passage' etc

After the modernist decades we have a brilliantly 'shaped' church community or institution for it's time BUT the world and society have undergone seismic shifts and we are yet to adjust except in rare cases, emerging initiatives and where the creativity and experimentation of gifted people is encouraged. Don't be fooled... the great shifts in the response of the church and it's shape have always followed societal change and finding ways to 'share the gospel' in the 21st C is no different.

Random Ideas>

• People won't simply walk through an open church door
• Schools are the last great gathering place and we need to see and engage in that mission field
• In the confusion over when a child becomes an adult we can play a role through cross generational interactions/mentoring/'Belonging' or other exploration of faith and belonging etc
• The HSC is a huge opportunity to build pre> during> and post> encouragement, resources, support and time out
• Year 6 to 7 is well targeted by resources like 'Priority One'
• Young people need encouragement towards 'portable faith' or faith practices and spiritual disciplines which aren't reliant on a local faith community connection yet encourage that from time to time
• Sports programs for boys could connect local male coaches and boys in pratical and effective mentoring
• Bible Study and discipleship material could name and open up the issue of the blurred 'rites of passage'

Alongside this our 'preaching and teaching' need to access many mediums and rediscover narrative and the connection of stories and Scripture, plus....

• Ask open questions
• Explore resources like NOOMA DVDs
• Encourage 'experiences' not just learning
• Invite participation of young people in creative planning and leadership
• Use all the vivid imagery at your disposal
• Build connections and community
• Hearing God's word isn't just about 'speaking'
• Start with story and move to Scripture
• 'own' and 'ground' your statements e.g. your views are your views and beliefs or theology are often 'the view of the early church' or 'many Christians' or scholars... say so...
• encourage play, intimacy, immediacy
• Retell the ancient message for a new age [reframe]
• Use acceptance of juxtaposition to advantange

More next time...