There is no doubt we are experiencing a revolution in our culture, enabled by the social media and technological tools available to us all. We are all producers and co-producers of almost anything we can imagine. Production and imagination has become blurred to a point of confusion. What is real? What is surreal? What is truth?
I was reading David Housholder's Journal article The Open-Source Church, found on his blog. Find it (with comments) here - David Housholder's Blog
What does this have to do with the church?
I have heard of a media-driven culture, but what about a media-driven church. Is the church being driven into the social media cultures on the web? If so, is this God’s will. I mean look at the missional arena that is out there. What better way to join in the conversation than to join in the dialogue where the culture is at. Ultimately, how can we engage the culture, but not be of the culture? Is this even possible?
Points number six and eight in Housholder’s article must be taken within the context that Housholder is writing in. Just like there is not one blanket Christian Education curriculum that works across the globe and across time; social media tools will not work in every environment and every community. We need to listen, look, and ask ourselves - what is God doing here? Where is God calling and leading his Church here, in this place?
These are some serious questions that arise when we look at the social media phenomena that our culture is drowning in. I don’t believe in a media-driven church, I believe in a God-driven church (enter also Jesus-driven and Holy Spirit-driven church where applicable in your context). Note Here: God is driving the Church – not media, not culture, not technology – the Church was built by God, enabled by God and being carried by God into every culture in every context for his Glory.
I agree with your premise Nate with one caveat. I think a lot of people will say, "how can a media driven church be god centered" and use it as a scapegoat for not engaging technology. I like to turn the tables and say, "how can we limit God by saying that he's not working through these technologies" in response.
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly an intriguing piece that you have presented Nate. You say we must take Householder's comments (6 and 8) in context. In what context is he? One where a pastor must "have the chops" to attract sheep using social media? His comments do not strike me as comments meant to build God-driven, God-centered community in cyberspace or anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do agree we that technology is a tool the church needs to use, Householder's rhetoric in my opinion is not helpful.