Saturday, October 31, 2009

How to Deconstruct Your Church


Don't worry about what 'deconstruction' means - what do you think of the following 10 ideas (from David Hayward) for doing church:

  1. Determine in your heart that you will do all things out of love, compassion and patience.
  2. Make sure this is what you want no matter what the cost (because often the cost is high).
  3. Are there any leaders or elders who are in agreement with you and will endure with you for the long haul?
  4. Start speaking honestly about what you are feeling and thinking. Begin with your closest group and move out to the whole community.
  5. Allow people to see you at your weakest. Then allow them to reveal themselves at their weakest.
  6. Let things die that require coercion, manipulation, begging or controlling others in order to live and continue on.
  7. Welcome diversity in belief, thought and lifestyle (they are already diverse, you are just welcoming its open expression).
  8. Change the teaching/ preaching time to a shorter teaching time with discussion following. This is scary at first, but you’ll get used to it and eventually prefer it. This levels the playing field really fast.
  9. Challenge only those who are judging, abusing, and controlling others.
  10. If people decide this is not for them, bless them as they go (because they will eventually go).

Which do you agree or disagree with? Why or why not?

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