If sharing Christ is a matter of communicating information, then Christians are in a lot of trouble.
It still boggles my mind that pastors can spend 30+ hours preparing for to articulate a half hour message each week.
I’m positive that no one wants to die simply knowing a lot of stuff, yet so many of us (Christians in particular) seem to often live as if we do. * Note the amount of money and time we spend on conferences, books, and other information acquiring vehicles.
Chris Anderson argues in his latest book “Free” that the future of business is free with the costs of a vast array of products rapidly declining to zero. In particular he cites how “information wants to be free”. You can get the book free here.
And information is free today. At least any insight that involves connecting to the Living God. The gospel ‘message’ is a google search away from just about anyone in the west. Whether they care to know is a whole different story.
I think what people desire today is formation, not information. Information is the easier option to deliver and receive. It can also easily deceive us into thinking we’re accumulating building-blocks to a stronger faith and life, when we’re not.
Information is a piece of the puzzle, but we’re doing ourselves, and others, a disservice when we’re fire-hosing data.
I often read the Scriptures scriptures and wonder if the people in ancient times had some other type of DNA allowing them to simply hear and believe, or discover and act. Or, maybe those we could respond the same today as well, if we weren’t so inundated with information.
What would your faith gathering look like if it didn’t center around the transmission of information?
* And speaking of free congratulations to Ryan on the thesis theme giveaway!
by Lon on November 11, 2008
This Saturday, I’ll be at the Cultivate Gathering – for those who are interested in church planting or creating mission-shaped churches. Let me know if you’re interested.
But if I was still a student, I’d be at this.
It’s modeled very much after the TED conferneces and it’s right in the heart of Toronto. They’ve made it free if you’re a student or a teacher, and limited capacity of $500 for everybody else.
If you qualify, you must go to this.
by Lon on September 26, 2008
Lots of great connections this past week, I don’t know how I’ve managed with my daughter tagging along full time the last while!
Excellent video skype chat with Jay Lee, church planter of Catalyst GTA of Every Nation ministry. If you’re in the UT area, check’em out.
Had a great call from Marty Schmidt the coolest person I know in all of Iowa. If you’re every in Iowa (flyover land I believe they call it, so I don’t know why you’d be there), check out his church plant – the bridge.
My fellow leader at Mosaic just opened up Kneadings Bread & Cafe this week. If for some reason, you’re in newmarket you need to drop in (that means you JD).
Attended the starfish network gathering of ontario house churches. If you’re interested you need to connect with Rad Zdero of housechurch.ca
Just got a note from friend Alex McManus to join the imn immersion (it’s been on my things to do for a few years now) but sadly won’t be able to participate this round. If you’re able to make it to florida in february you need to be a part of fight4humanity.com
Attended Vision360 for Toronto Canada yesterday. If you’re interested in city-engaging church planting in the GTA you need to get connected with these guys asap. Let me know too, because I’m still looking for a team of people myself as well. It was hilarious hearing leaders talk about advancing the kingdom and changing the world while Stellar scurried around with her stuffed monkey.
that’s all for now, tune in for more name dropping next week…
Yesterday we had live painting during our gathering. I love what my friend Phil created on the spot.
