Easter is almost here! This year, as I’ve been thinking about Easter, I’ve also been thinking about discontinuous change. I’ve written and spoken about discontinuous change in the past, but what the heck does it have to do with Easter?! What is Discontinuous Change? First, a quick definition. Discontinuous change—as opposed to continuous change,…
Discussion Questions: 1. How does the concept of the first half and second half of life, as introduced by Richard Rohr, resonate with your own spiritual journey or that of leaders you know? 2. In what ways do you see the transition from doing to being present, and how has this shift impacted your…
Discussion Questions: 1. How could your church begin to discern its specific parish boundaries and understand the unique needs within it? 2. Why does Tim Soerens emphasize the concept of a “minimum viable presence,” and how can this approach benefit the efforts of local churches in community engagement? 3. In what ways can churches…
Discussion Questions: 1. How do you personally relate to the concept of integrating faith and work, and how might Barry Rowan’s insights impact your perspective on your own career or business endeavors? 2. Consider Barry Rowan’s model of the “spiritual art of business cycle” (surrender, transformation, becoming new creations, going out), and reflect on…
Discussion Questions: 1. How does Michael Rhodes redefine discipleship to incorporate justice and mission, in contrast to E.K. Strawser’s perspective (Ep. 185: From Sunday Services to Real Transformation)? 2. What role does Rhodes believe justice plays in the biblical narrative and in the practice of discipleship? How does this challenge traditional views of discipleship?…
Discussion Questions: 1. In the episode, Todd Hunter discusses the concept of “bad religion” and its impact on individuals and communities. What are some examples of bad religion that you have encountered, and how do you think they can be addressed within the church? 2. Todd Hunter emphasizes the importance of listening and engaging…
Discussion Questions: 1. Jay Kim mentioned the challenge of syncretism in the church. In what ways do you see syncretism present in our modern church culture? 2. How does the context of the Colossian Christians parallel with our cultural moment today? Are there any specific challenges or ideologies that you can identify? 3. What…
Discussion Questions: 1. How does E.K. Strawser’s perspective on discipleship align with your own understanding? 2. How do you define discipleship in your own context? How does it align or differ from Strawser’s definition? 3. What role do you believe mission plays in discipleship? How can discipleship without mission be limited or incomplete? 4.…
Discussion Questions: 1. How does commodifying individuals in society and in the church go against the principles of valuing people beyond their societal roles and consumption patterns? 2. In what ways do you see the dangers of reducing people to their purposes and activities in today’s culture? 3. How do you think fame intersects…
TIMESTAMPS: [00:04:46] Navigating cultural allegiances as Christians and leaders. [00:07:25] Defining culture: soil or force field? [00:11:52] Culture’s magnetism shapes human perspectives and questions. JH Bavink identified “magnetic points” that religious thought always engages with. These points are meaning, power, ethics, religion, and aesthetics. They represent questions about connectedness, choices, goodness, facing anxiety, and…