Comment from Ryan Connor
Below is a comment from Ryan Connor that I cut and pasted from an early blog entry. I think his comments may provide for some exciting discussion, and so I've re-entered them.
Terry
I agree that those methods that proved effective for the early church (first century and forward) should not be dismissed.
Since the question is about effectiveness, it may be that we need to avoid reinventing the wheel is unnecessary and less effective than using tested and tried methods of the past, even the ancient past. But, it may also mean that what worked so effectively in the past does not work as effectively today. For example, the house church system of the New Testament era is gaining a bit of a resurgence (i.e., George Barna). And, maybe, it is time for such a resurgence? But, the last 200 years of American Religious History have shown that house churches typically disband after a few years, or they grow into a church that buys property for a meeting place. What seems to be effective in today's world is a combination of large group meetings in facilities adequate for large grous (100s, 1000s) and a well-organized network of small-groups or cell-groups.
Our discussions about gospel meetings illustrate how a method may prove effective at one point in time, but ineffective later.
As long as we are focused on effectiveness, we will make a real and meaningful application of the teachings of the Bible. When we just mimic Bible precedents, we often find ourselves doing exactly the opposite of what the Bible calls us to do. For example, our concern to only collect and use money in ways that we can find New Testament precendent have put a strangle-hold on the church, so much so that the parable of the Good Samaritan cannot be fulfilled by the church in any corporate way!?! Whenever church practices make impede the church from following the most basic teachings of Christ, something has gone terribly wrong.
Terry
I agree that those methods that proved effective for the early church (first century and forward) should not be dismissed.
Since the question is about effectiveness, it may be that we need to avoid reinventing the wheel is unnecessary and less effective than using tested and tried methods of the past, even the ancient past. But, it may also mean that what worked so effectively in the past does not work as effectively today. For example, the house church system of the New Testament era is gaining a bit of a resurgence (i.e., George Barna). And, maybe, it is time for such a resurgence? But, the last 200 years of American Religious History have shown that house churches typically disband after a few years, or they grow into a church that buys property for a meeting place. What seems to be effective in today's world is a combination of large group meetings in facilities adequate for large grous (100s, 1000s) and a well-organized network of small-groups or cell-groups.
Our discussions about gospel meetings illustrate how a method may prove effective at one point in time, but ineffective later.
As long as we are focused on effectiveness, we will make a real and meaningful application of the teachings of the Bible. When we just mimic Bible precedents, we often find ourselves doing exactly the opposite of what the Bible calls us to do. For example, our concern to only collect and use money in ways that we can find New Testament precendent have put a strangle-hold on the church, so much so that the parable of the Good Samaritan cannot be fulfilled by the church in any corporate way!?! Whenever church practices make impede the church from following the most basic teachings of Christ, something has gone terribly wrong.
I agree, Ryan. I think this concept may also be an application of the parable of the talents, where at least one principle that is taught is that the Master values gain/growth/effectiveness. I'm sure the one-talent man thought his caution was praiseworthy, but the Master expected gain.
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