The World Will End in 22 Days
Ok, not the world, but the blog. I would recommend more focus on transition.
posted by Brian at 1:22 PM
CGGC in an Emerging World
The world is changing rapidly. Postmodern thinking is increasing in the west and the East is becoming part of the Global community. Many in the Churches of God General Conference are interested in what church will look like as fresh expressions in the 21st century. This blog has been encouraged by the CGGC but in no way reflects the official thinking of the denomination. It is a place for free flow of thought and conversation.
Monday, January 09, 2012
26 Comments:
I see three options:
1) Do nothing. Let any hope of using the remaining momentum of this blog die.
2) Be intentional about creating a network of existing blogs that are focused on kingdom-minded issues.
3) Create a lasting alternative to this blog that incorporates some of Dan's earlier thoughts/cautions about a moderated forum.
I think Brent's 3 options are right on.
I suppose a forth would be another similar simple blog with multiple authors. However, I think that in the spirit of Brian's choosing to close this one down, something different should be done to further the conversation.
Brent's #3 appeals to me most, but I'm not willing to personally spearhead it. If someone else is, please speak up!
I see #2 as being the most realistic option. I have a blog. I post on things more widely than just the type of conversations that we have here.
My suggestion is that as many of us as are willing have our own blogs. We can perhaps call our network something and have a sidebar on each blog that links to the others that discuss such things.
We could make a particular tag to a post when it is particularly relavent to the ongoing conversation.
That is one idea that I believe is practical and would perhaps be beneficial at widening the audience and participation and would be practically fruitful to bring more of these issues to the local bodies that we are a part of.
Starting a blog is almost as simple as signing up for an email account and posting is of course as simple as we've all been doing.
I'm not saying "no" to coordinating a moderated blog, but I'm not ready to say yes.
If we go the route of connecting like-minded blogs, I think we need to be very clear about the expectations of the authors. As you may have noticed with the earlier comments about anonymity, I have some strong opinions about some of these issues; one such opinion is there needs to be a clear division between public/private concerns on the blog. I don't read personal blogs - I read blogs that are concerned with issues of public concern. That's also how I try to write our adoption blog. When I do reference our family it's specifically related to adoption, never just for the sake of sharing what's "on our minds."
Not everyone may agree. But, regardless of what the criteria would be we need to be clear. That is why I pushed some years back to clarify the issues about posting. The fact that there is clarity is, in some ways, more important than what is contained in the criteria.
i think having a centralized location is the best hope of continuing together. references to each other's blogs can be good, but ultimately the conversation could very well fracture, and it would be very easy for people to miss pieces of the puzzle. also, while the effort to create would diminish, the effort to follow along would greatly increase, as one may have to hop around quite a bit in order to keep up.
i'd be up for a forum, as i think it would work better for what we do hear than the blog format, and i'd be willing to lend a hand in the creation/maintenance of it, but i can't do it alone. i'll do a little looking around at alternatives. if you're interested in helping, please reply here.
A few random thoughts related to transitions:
1) When Brian first started this blog there were a few factors working in his favor including the relative new-ness of blogging and the fact that he was fairly well-connected within the CGGC. Any new online endeavor (especially some blog format) needs to be viewed as something entirely different than this blog. Simply trying to recreate what happened here won't work.
2) While I agree with Dan that starting a blog is a simple process, the delivery of that blog will have to be a step above the standard blog post. What I mean is that in order to gain (and maintain) credibility within and outside the CGGC the main editor needs to avoid some of the short-hand that has crept into online postings. I may be making myself sound like an old academic when I write this, but I think there still is a standard to the written word that can't be dismissed when trying to appeal across generations.
3) So far, every alternative offered (mine included) has been through some form of technology. But maybe we should take a step back and ask what is the main strength of this blog? The follow-up question is then how can that strength be built upon for another five years or so? It may not be through another blog or online format. Of course, it may be. But, I think we're skipping a step if we jump to the conclusion that this blog is closing so we need to find another blog-like way to keep the same type of conversation going.
4) Building upon Brian's earlier comments, there are really only around five people who are here with any regularity. In light of this, whatever comes next will have to reach outside of this group to begin a fresh work. Whatever happens can't be seen as a continuation of this blog. This blog needs to die with dignity but something entirely new needs to be created.
5) Finally, perhaps we're facing the reality that no one is feeling called to carry-on this type of conversation. Or, there may be someone who feels called but isn't acting on that prompting. But, if no one is being led to do this maybe this format needs to pass until someone is prompted by the Spirit to begin anew. That's always the way it seems to work within the life of the Church - when a spiritual gift is absent it is sometimes God's way of indicating that particular ministry area may need a season of silence.
Not that anyone was asking, but I am now saying "no" to any formal leadership of the next generation of this conversation.
It's clear to me that God is working through our adoption story (and blog) to draw attention to Him and I can see that potentially developing into more of a time commitment over the next six to eight months. I have written an article for the upcoming Church Advocate exploring ways that the CGGC can take a more active role in orphan care. I'm hopeful this will be the start of a long and productive conversation.
I'll put one more shameless plug in for our adoption blog - http://adoptingfromhaiti.blogspot.com/. My post tonight was about the biblical foundations of adoption.
While I am talking about shameless plugs, I've been working on a book project for several years. If you're curious you can go to Amazon.com and type "Sleasman + Camus" into the search to see more.
You're book's a bit pricey Brent. :-)
Dan,
I know. If I didn't get a copy for writing the text I probably wouldn't have bought one myself!
Actually, it's an academic publisher that focuses on selling the texts to libraries. So, the price doesn't make much sense for the average reader. If all goes as planned, there will be various e-versions available starting in March.
Can/Will Brian transfer the administration of this blog to someone else in the same way someone might sell a magazine or newspaper to another 'editor?'
That might be a temporary solution.
Has someone already asked this? What did Brian say?
No, I won't. I made some good comments on the need for transition in another comment.
Brian has mentioned his apostolic leanings. Bill has mentioned his prophetic leanings. Now, I'll frame these comments along the lines of my teaching leanings:
Brian has given the assignment (to come up with an alternative plan or forum) and he has provided a timeline/due date.
No late assignments will be accepted. If there's any hope to build upon the momentum of this blog something needs to be done now. Waiting until February 1 is the same as doing nothing.
If that is okay with everyone, that's fine. But, based upon several comments made by Bill and others I think there needs to be more time talking about the future and less debate about a topic that has been unresolved for 2000 years, and with all due respect to those posting here, will remain unresolved after the end of January.
Bill,
I'm going to use your argument against you to try to get you to engage the future conversation.
If APEST indicates that we work best together, then perhaps your prophetic words need to be down-sized in respect to Brian's apostolic and my teaching suggestions.
One of your major points has been that shepherds have taken over the CGGC. If you claim that you are simply doing what a prophet does without working with the apostles and teachers, doesn't that simply create a new "prophet mafia" on this blog?
Maybe I missed them, but I don't really recall seeing any "good comments on the need for transition." All I remember is that Brian doesn't want to be connected to this blog anymore.
Why exactly would it matter if Brian just removed himself from this blog and turned it over to someone else, as opposed to someone else starting another one just like it? Just asking.
Perhaps I went too far in calling my own comments "good." :)
Anyway, here is the comment I was referring to good reasons to transition.
Dan, (Originally responding to Dan M who asked about my right to end the blog)
Interesting question about my rights. Not offended. Over the life of the blog when decisions have had to be made, I made them -- such as no anonymous posters or changing the name of the blog.
The other really interesting thing for me was a comment that Bill made about how the blog is one place where we operate on an APEST model.
Most of the comments today are Prophetic and do not engage the other areas. Shepherds have never engaged here. Apostolic posts have almost ceased and were never very well responded to.
It can't be a healthy transformational community without full APEST, which it does not currently have.
As one with apostolic giftings, I started this blog, and it is my belief that it is time to transition.
The transition could go one of two ways.
1. Fizzle
2. Spark -- we could find answers for a lot of what was not happening on this blog and see re-engagement.
Brian,
Sorry, I didn't mean to dismiss your comments as "not good." I guess it was more that I didn't understand (or maybe 'agree with') your reasoning.
I would agree with the comments that if this is going to be a place for everyone, then we need to welcome those "other" voices (we shouldn't be using demeaning terms like "shepherd-mafia"). But I took it that there wasn't any chance this blog was going to continue. It seemed more like you were tired of it, so it was done.
When you speak of a "spark"... that seems to sound like you would possibly consider keeping the blog, as long as some changes were made. Is that correct, or am I reading something into it that is not there?
I'm not trying to be critical, it just seemed like this was a bomb sort of dropped out of nowhere. Even as someone who doesn't contribute much anymore, I still enjoy getting the posts via email. But I do know this is your baby, and you are free to do with it as you see fit.
Dan,
I should address some of your concerns. Thanks for asking.
People need a place to connect within an organization. It seems like our organization isn't very good at this. I feel mostly disconnected in our tribe.
When I started this blog, there was "talk" of doing "something," but "nothing" was happening and in my boldness, I started "something" and received permission afterward.
"Something" isn't good enough. If I can have permission to quote you, you said something like, "This is the only connection I have to the organization." That is exactly my point. This isn't good enough.
Sometimes pressure needs to be applied for change to occur. I'm applying some pressure.
Am I tired of the blog? Yes. And you could rightly suggest that I just ignore it. But if I'm tired of the blog, my guess is that so are the majority. And I didn't create the blog so that people would just have a place to express their ideas and concerns. I started it to move our denomination ahead. Now, we need another idea.
To be clear, I am not open to changes creating a new spark on this blog. It is hard to close things. People get attached. But there is a time, and the time is now. Time for something new.
Brent said to me:
If APEST indicates that we work best together, then perhaps your prophetic words need to be down-sized in respect to Brian's apostolic and my teaching suggestions.
One of your major points has been that shepherds have taken over the CGGC. If you claim that you are simply doing what a prophet does without working with the apostles and teachers, doesn't that simply create a new "prophet mafia" on this blog?
This is something I have struggled with profoundly for a long time and I hear what you are saying.
Here's why I can't do it:
I operate in a different paradigm than the rest of you who participate here, as far as I can tell.
I believe in APEST and I behave as if APEST is reality. The only other person I know of who does that intentionally is Justin Meier, who believes he is an apostle and lives as an apostle.
I know that quite a few of you believe that you have APEST callings but none of you, based on the fruit I see, function as Justin functions as an apostle or as I do as one who believes he is a prophet. From my vantage point, all of the rest of you accept the Christendom, Parish Priest model of leadership and some of you attempt to blend your APEST calling into that paradigm. To me, that is wrong minded.
I, personally, can not believe in the Day in which I will stand before the Lord and be judged based on how well I used my 'talents,' or to what degree I buried mine, and do what it seems to me the rest of you are doing. My conscience doesn't allow it.
I know that I behave differently than anyone else here. I do that with the greatest degree of intentionality. I do not function as if I am a pastor with prophetic gifts. I function as a prophet in the mold of Elijah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist and I think that the pastoral office is an abomination before the Lord.
One characteristic of the Christendom, Parish Priest, pastor-dominated leadership culture is that it leaders are moderate and measured. There is nothing in my calling that allows me to be true to my Lord that permits any degree of moderation.
I am the guy who ends up forced to hide in the wilderness to be fed by ravens or who ends up with his head on a platter.
I could not call myself a follower of Jesus and allow my faithfulness to my calling to be downsized. To do so would be to acknowledge eternal separation from the Lord as a wicked and lazy servant. Please don't ask me to do that again! I can't. I won't.
So, no.
APEST is a way of leading in which every leader is as indefatigable and focused as Paul was and as John the Baptist was. I can not downsize. I beg you to upsize to meet me at my level of extremism because APEST is not about moderation. In the APEST paradigm, moderation is sin. APEST is about taking your cross like He took His and carrying your cross until you are nailed to it. You need to choose that, not ask for my downsized moderation.
Let's not compromise. Let's not take on the Shepherd Mafia's values of moderation and measure. Let's live on the edge as our Lord and our first brothers and sisters in Him did.
It is difficult for me to be extreme in my calling because the nature of my gifting has not gotten much clearer to me. How can one be extreme with such lack of clarity?
M,
Good observation.
I think that the callings that, when they are lived out in the extreme, draw attention as being extreme are the APE callings.
The ST callings do need to be lived with abandon but they will create less of a stir. A whacked out shepherd might be the kind of person who'd be a no-brainer for our 'Towel and Basin Award.' Brent has gone a distance in being a whacked out teacher in the way he's pushing his vision for adoption in the energetic and comprehensive way that he is.
All of that conversation being said, what are we going to do next?
As usual, I get re-engaged when things are changing.
Casting that aside ... and trying to incorporate responses to as much as I can ...
Brent's #3 option is my favorite as well ... if I get a vote after a long absence ... keeping in mind, though, that there's little female engagement on the blog so maybe I should have a vote .. :)
An earlier post mentioned featured articles on each of the aspects of APEST. This could work. I volunteer for a Bible translation company. Through the course of the work, I've had to read "mommy blogs". Not my normal cup of tea, but they do have successful group blogs. A newly launched site is a great example of what this could be ... http://mustlovegod.net/
Yes, we would need a couple of people who are willing to do the everyday administrative stuff, but each author could post individually as they do now.
Note the free forum link on the sidebar. I'm guessing that conversations that begin to get lengthy and difficult to follow in the comment sections can be moved to a forum.
Some thoughts on creating a fresh work ... new design, new title. Posts/topics that engage lay people as well as pastors/leaders. There have been times over the course of the blog in which there was a balance between posts with a "general audiences" feel and those that were more "inside baseball."
Hopefully some of these thoughts help move the conversation closer to action.
The biggest question, though, is who will pick up the ball and run with it once the community decides?
Tammie -
You absolutely get a vote. If you were a real feminist, you would demand 500 votes to make up for all the times female votes have been repressed over the span of history. ;-)
I think whoever 'runs with it,' is going to have much of the say in how it gets done.
Anybody have any fresh thoughts or insights this week?
My guess is that someone(s) will need to feel a sense of calling about what happens next.
Brian,
As a follower of Jesus, is there a chance that you might claim the Beatititude, "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy" and grant the blog a Stay of Execution?
Such as act is not deserved. But, if it was deserved, the act would not be mercy.
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