What I'm about to say is ONLY my view. But it comes mixed with forty years of pastoring and attempting to lead people into the New Wine of the Spirit which calls for New Wine-skins of methods and watching as others have done the same.
I'm convinced for change to NOT BE for the sake of change that what I'm writing here has validity. The suggested strategy I'm offering has been shared with pastors for years in seminars that I've taught.
Let me begin with this statement. Most [not all] of the people I've been associated with through the years are NOT AFRAID of change WHEN it is seen by them as being of the Spirit and is seen as an evolution into something new that He [The Spirit] is bringing about for the edification of the whole of the fellowship. Without this confidence, change can be seen by them as merely a substitution of one old wine-skin for another old wine-skin instead of an evolution into what is needed for the new wine of the Spirit.
What I'm about to share is a strategy for moving into change whether we're talking about a local fellowship or a family. It involves change that confidently come from the Spirit's control rather than from manipulation or someone's personal agenda. I've seen it and watched it and I applaud it.
A strategy for implementing change in the life of a local fellowship [or family] would involve seeing what is needed and asking/answering the following questions...
Seeing a need for having a way of testing to see if the Spirit's truly giving new wine or not.
[How is the new direction of GOING_ different AT THE CORE_ from the old?]
Seeing a need for having a way of evaluating new methods as new wine-skins.
[How is the new direction of GOING_ helped by this new method of DOING?]
Seeing a need for having a way of asking the FELLOWSHIP about how they see the change.
[How do we ask for and receive the thinking of the congregation about it all!]
Seeing a need for having a way of keeping the FELLOWSHIP informed on the changes coming.
[How do we design critical path chart to inform the people along the journey.]
This is quite simple as you can see. But I've lived long enough to know that it would be wise to never mistake simple for easy.
Paul B.
Paul B.
9 comments:
Paul,
Thank you for another great article!
It reminds me of the Apostle's words to the Roman believers in Romans 12:1-2, where he was urging them to be "not conformed" to the Old Covenant Judaism (old wineskins), but to "be transformed into New Covenant life ( new wineskins))by the renewal of your mind".
In understanding what Christ has inaugurated by His life, death and resurrection, and what His Gifts of grace by His Spirit has achieved in drawing us to follow Him, change, if it's needed will happen, as the Spirit functions in every part of the body of believers,"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:"
When church leaders have the idea that they are the main conduit through which the Holy Spirit works they are binding people to the Old Covenant frame of heart and mind, hence to try to institute change by changing formats, etc., is simply moving the deck chairs on a sinking ship.
As you say in your article, " Let me begin with this statement. Most [not all] of the people I've been associated with through the years are NOT AFRAID of change WHEN it is seen by them as being of the Spirit and is seen as an evolution into something new that He [The Spirit] is bringing about for the edification of the whole of the fellowship. Without this confidence, change can be seen by them as merely a substitution of one old wine-skin for another old wine-skin instead of an evolution into what is needed for the new wine of the Spirit."
Amen to that!
Aussie J,
As always, THANKS!
This is on target..."When church leaders have the idea that they are the main conduit through which the Holy Spirit works they are binding people to the Old Covenant frame of heart and mind, hence to try to institute change by changing formats, etc., is simply moving the deck chairs on a sinking ship."
Paul,
Your post is very interesting.
The words “new wine” appear five times and “old wine” twice. It goes without saying that you promote “new wine” as a direction for the church to follow.
The definition of “new wine” is freshly squeezed grapes, and “old wine” is new wine that produces a gas as it ferments which would burst an old wine-skin as it cannot expand.
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is…for in the end it bites like a poisonous snake…” (Proverbs 23:31-32 NLT)
“What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine and boast about all the alcohol they can hold.” (Isaiah 5:22 NLT)
“Woe to him who gives his neighbors drink…making them drunk…” (Habakkuk 2:15 Holman)
[Off the subject: I believe Jesus made new wine.]
You ask an important question: “How do we ask for and receive the thinking of the congregation…”
I believe a long time ago you explained how your church did that which I thought was very good. (It was by some kind of a vote if I remember right.)
I’ll say upfront that I’d like to see our church hold a service at our local State Park anytime except Sunday.
It may be your son’s great post “The Church” – Do You Think People of Steeple?” may have caused the announcement that next week our Sunday preaching (no SS) will be at the State Park and all who would like can camp out Saturday night. In case of rain, preaching (no SS) will be at our church.
I believe the Lord may intervene as rain is in the forecast.
Rex,
A couple of things.
One__I don't believe the word for wine [Oinos] which is used 32 times in the New Testament can be said to ONLY refer to unfermented, not that you are saying that, so I'm thinking some who argue about such things are splitting hairs that don't exist in scripture. I think your words about old wine skins is right on.
Two__Your church next Sunday in the park sounds like something I'd do as a pastor and, were I close, I'd join that group gladly. I'll have to ask Him one day when I see Him, but I'm thinking Jesus would as well.
Paul,
One
You’re right about the word “wine” is used as fermented and unfermented because there was no word in the Bible that expressed “grape juice” other than “wine”.
The wine that I quoted from Proverbs, Isaiah, and Habakkuk was defiantly fermented wine that was to be avoided.
Two
I’m sure Jesus will be in the service at the park because “Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20 NLT)
“People or Steeple” makes a good point, but a town without a Steeple is as barren as Communism because a Steeple represents a place where God’s work is done.
Our example should be “…as his [Jesus] custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up for to read. (Luke 4:16 KJ)
Some of the best teachings of Jesus was on hillsides, but was it ever on Sunday?
“As Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people.”
If a church did not have SS, where would we learn the song “Jesus Loves Me”? I personally learn more in SS by sharing thoughts and ideas of others than I do from one man behind a pulpit. I believe if having service at a park cuts SS, that’s two strikes to start.
I will say again, a church service at a park would be great other than the Lord’s Day.
Rex,
I'm smiling. This reminds me of that statement someone made that said this, "Arguing with someone is like wrestling with a pig in the mud, it's never pleasant, but one of the participants really likes it."
I'm guessing that since neither one of us is a "pig," neither one of us wants to argue, so we'll just have to agree to disagree with each other on this "Sunday service in the park" thing. Since it wasn't part of what I posted anyway, I'm thinking that might be wise. ;) [That's my smiley face.]
Paul,
You made me laugh!
[The opposite of making me angry. Sorry…the devil made me do it. :) ]
If I was wrestling in mud, I’d want to be on top. :)
Rex,
Now THAT'S funny!! LOL
Paul,
Update on our Sunday church service in the park:
It was good there was a person pointing the way to a reserved location that was isolated by trees. It had tables and a roof. We were late but met the pastor in the parking space. He told us how to drive closer as I walk with a cane.
The band was already singing and could be heard from a distance. The group (smaller than usual) was asked to share anything on their heart. There was appreciation expressed for prayers and visits from those who had been sick. Most words cause laughter.
My youngest sister, Raynell, brought a lot of laughter how great grandchildren were. (I thought it wise she did not mention the one that committed suicide.)
I said our SS lesson was about how God dealt with the sister of Moses for criticizing her brother. There was laughter when I said Raynell did much the same when she was four years old. Her older sister was getting bawl out by our father who said, “You’re acting like a smart elect!” Raynell said, “Daddy, I’m not smart.”
The next day a card came in the mail explaining our service would be in the park.
We heard a good sermon. Next day we received a card in the mail explaining our Sunday service would be in the park.
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