So I’m in the process of writing a short piece exploring Christian spiritual/identity formation in a post-Christendom context. I’m desperately looking for any recommended websites, readings or other resources that might help me get a better sense of the shift from Christendom to post-Christendom while also expanding my understanding of how formation might be different [...]

Every summer trimester at MHGS I get to guide a group of emerging leaders through a selected readings course . . . for us “selected readings” means that faculty members are given some space to develop a course around an area of passion. In preparation for this summer’s learning journey, I’ve been working on this [...]

I am thrilled that to announce that I just received my first bound copy of my book and it is available at a store near you… This book was born in the context of an eleven-year life altering experiment in ecclesial life, fleshed out in learning communities with thoughtful women and men who never ceased [...]

A couple of weeks ago I was able to spend a few hours with Christian Churches Together, which is a relatively new ecumenical network in the USA.  I have to say that I find these ecumenical gatherings quite encouraging.  For instance as an Anabaptist (it may be more precise to say that I am an [...]

This morning The New York Times printed a short piece by R. M. Schneiderman titled, “Flock is Now a Fight Team in Some Ministries.” Here’s how the article began: “MEMPHIS — In the back room of a theater on Beale Street, John Renken, 42, a pastor, recently led a group of young men in prayer. [...]

Keep you eyes out for an upcoming theology/technology/culture conversation at Claremont.  Follow this link for more information. Philip Clayton and Tripp Fuller are putting together what is looking to be a fascinating conversation. Peace, dwight Here’s a link to the talks.

Quest Church is hosting Lauren Winner of Duke University on “Faith & Gender” October 10-11.  Lauren has authored numerous books, including: Girl Meets God, Mudhouse Sabbath and Real Sex. Register here.
peace, dwight

I find myself looking for conversation partners.  I’m looking for new paradigm churches (emerging, neo-monastic, simple, avant-churches, etc.), who are intentionally partnering with more established congregations in mission and mutual transformation.  And the reverse as well, for established congregations who have pursued partnership with new paradigm churches. 

I find myself wondering about how both groups are formed and transformed through their ongoing engagement.  I wonder about those things that both have been invited into from the other: new expressions of life, greater sense of rooted-ness into larger ecclesial narrative, and of course the invitation to surrender in the context of relationship. 

Churches are more missiologically informed today than almost anytime in the last 1,500 years of church history, and I’m wondering what impact the growing quest for contextual resonance may be having on the kinds of partnerships that establishes churches missionally form. 

So if you, or someone you know of, is intentionally pursuing a relationship that invites an established and new paradigm church to dance together, please email me or simply reply to this post; I’d sure appreciate it. 

Peace, dwight

This is a helpful link for anyone looking to learn more about the emerging conversation and how it is shaping and re-shaping church and faith practices. peace, dwight

Neighborhood Mission Learning Day:

Reimagining Congregational Mission in Today’s Culture with Brian McLaren, Karen Ward, Eugene Cho, and Randy Rowland.

For more info or to register follow this link.

peace, dwight