Andrew Jones, Barna, and Emerging Trends
If what Andrew Jones says concerning Barna's book is true, it sounds like a good read (or recommendation to your local pastors):

George Barna's book “Revolution” arrived a few days ago - advance copy - thanks David Robinson - and I have read it a few times. Its not a large book at all - light, short, to the point, and unfortunately lacking in references to other books or researchers. More cul-de-sac than connection-hub. But what he says could indeed be considered revolutionary, it certainly is a change of strategy for him, and it will be for many ministers and leaders who read the book. Especially the part about followers of Jesus who progress spiritually WITHOUT going to a local congregation - a group of people that will grow from 30% to around 70% in the next 20 years, making the FRINGE Christians the MAJORITY, and giving churches a good reason to rethink the next building program, and Seminaries to rethink their aggressive recruiting strategies.
Well, actually, those repercussions are mine, not Barna's. But his book informed them. And Barna does a good job in softening the blow to the traditional church with gentleness and honor, while at the same time giving a case for the necessity of other forms (housechurch/simplechurch, cyberchurch, family-faith, emergent, postmodern, mini-movements, etc).

Of course, the kicker is that Barna's book will no doubt seem "ground-breaking" even though so many have seen and felt these trends for years. I can't wait for all the "home church" programs to begin to be franchised in Church™...so much easier to copy someone's model than figure out your own context, community, and call (how do you like those 3 c's?).
posted by Jimmy at 4:50 PM | |