Shift from Denominations to Networks

14 July, 2010

Mick Christianity , , , , , , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

If you were to ask me about denominations, I’d have to tell you that I think they are a dying breed.  Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty of denominationalism among the Church, but as time progresses the divide is lessening (or so it seems).

The new generation of leaders are no longer concerned with your background.  I come into contact with people who claim to be Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, etc, and we can see eye-to-eye on so many levels.  I first started to realize this while listening to Catholic radio in Cincinnati.  Even though we are not even close on some practices and beliefs, our overall mission is identical.

With the state of our society’s faith, I think Christ-followers are realizing that separation is damaging not only to the Church, but the perception of the Church.  This realization is helping Christians to re-unite.

Our community needs Jesus.  Our country needs Jesus.  Our world needs Jesus.  And if we really want to make a global impact, then we can no longer be divided because one person wants to sprinkle and another wants to immerse.  This is a valid argument, but not one that should cause denominational division.

So which direction is the Church moving?  I think we have seen a huge increase in church-planting over the last decade, so much that networks are being developed (Acts 2:42, NewThing, and The Acts 29 to name a few).  These networks are trying to work together to start new churches around the world because we are discovering that new churches are the best way to spread the Gospel.

The future will see less and less concern about denominations and doctrines, but focus on which network you are a part of and what is being done to tell people about Jesus.  After all, this is more important.

Interesting Experience

5 May, 2009

Mick Christianity, Community , , , , , , 3 Comments

As many of you know, I used to work for Starbucks back in Cincinnati (Northern Kentucky to be exact).  My store had many regular visitors, so we got to know about 30% of the people on a first name basis.  The community was great.

One of the frequenters was named Joe.  He was a very timid guy who always just got a cup of coffee.  After several visits and conversations, I discovered the reason he only drank coffee was because he didn’t know what everything else was.  And like myself, he did not want to spend $4 on something he may not enjoy.

So one night I gave him an americano for free just to see if he liked it.  Being such a big coffee drinker, the americano suited him just right, and this became his drink of choice from then on.

Because of these events we actually talked more.  One night he came up to me and thanked me for my kindness and wanted to return the favor sometime.  He said that he offers entertainment for parties, and if I ever needed anything to just call the number on his card.  As he slid his business card to me, the first thing I saw was, “Girls!  Girls!  Girls!”  That’s right.  He owned a stripper business.

I found the situation to be quite hilarious.  There I was, a recent Bible College graduate getting handed a business card from a manager of a stripping company.  Looking back, however, I wish I had more of these encounters.  As awkward as the situation was, that is exactly what Jesus would have done.

  • “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”   -Luke 15:2

I want to meet more people like Joe.  We all should.  But how will you go about building a relationship with such people?  I’ve been wrestling with the idea of playing music at local bars.  Maybe that will be my avenue.

Dancing for the Reds

13 May, 2008

Mick Miscellaneous , , , Leave a comment

Yesterday a group of us went to a Cincinnati Reds game.  Around the eight inning they had a goofy dance time and I let it all out for about 3 minutes.  Here is a picture to commemorate my embarrassment.  You can see others dancing on the jumbo-tron behind me.

Mick Dancing for the Reds

Stages of Life

10 May, 2008

Mick Miscellaneous, My Thoughts , , , Leave a comment

While visiting some friends from college the past couple of days, and making a trip to Cincinnati, I have to come to realize something… we are growing up.  My wife and I have built up Cincinnati as a legendary place to live, and part of that is due to so many fond memories.

What we are realizing is that the people we made good relationships with are finding jobs in other parts of the world (like us) and will be leaving soon if not all ready.  The places we enjoyed are still there, but they are places.  Places just do not hold the same substance as relationships.

I am committed to my current location, no doubt about that.  But coming back has even more solidified our decision to move.  We are growing up.

Cincinnati Skyline

2 May, 2008

Mick Miscellaneous , , , , , , 1 Comment

Next week, my wife and I are making yet another road trip, only this time to the beloved Cincinnati.  We are attending her graduation ceremony.  This also gives us an excuse to see some friends that we do not get to be with any longer.  My hope is that we can both feel relaxed and not rushed through all of the ceremonial happenings (then again, when do graduations ever feel rushed?).

Skyline

Another thing in which I am greatly looking forward to is eating at Skyline Chili.  Ah… Cincinnati Chili.  If you have never experienced this wonderful dish, you have no idea what you are missing.  Not everyone can appreciate such a wonderful meal, and that is their problem.  <mouth starts watering>

Yet again, Reality Tuesday and Rohs Street Cafe are a must on my stops.  Both of these coffee shops have something different to offer, and both are dearly missed.  Unfortunately the closest thing to either of these place is a Panera Bread… even then, there is more of a Starbucks feel than anything.  Not that it is a bad thing, just different.

Cincinnati.  Great city.