We develop and use metaphors to define us, drive us and paint a complex picture in a simpler light so we can be better connected and unified in mind. It’s not a new practice. For instance, workplaces are often described as organisms, machines, brains, even prisons. The metaphor that’s used is typically the result of the prevailing norms and opinions of those who work there.
Messy Church by Ross Parsley
I originally wrote this post back in 2013. I’m reposting it today because you can get Messy Church by Ross Parsley free (for a limited time), courtesy of David C. Cook.
To look at it in another perspective, Disney is well-known to have defined their workplace culture as theatre – where everyone is a performer at Disney (they hire cast, not employees).
Having studied this practice in great detail (I have a masters degree in communication, with emphasis on organizational communication), Parsley’s Messy Church instantly resonated with me.
In the book, Parsley posits that churches that seek to function under the vision and understanding that the body is a “family” will establish a paradigm for ministry that creates a community and connection our culture desires (and perhaps needs).
Having compared and contrasted that concept with some of the prevailing alternatives (such as the seeker friendly model), he highlights the strengths in his argument and offers many examples that provide a scriptural foundation in favor of the family model.
The beauty of Parsley’s vision is that it requires no money, no resources and no pre-work. It’s a mere presence of mind to guide our ministries, actions and outreach. The curse of Parsley’s vision is that it requires a unified presence of mind among your congregation.
I know. The blessing is the curse and the curse is the blessing. Interestingly, any family unit (whether actual or metaphorical) experiences the exact same dialectic nature. It’s the manner in which individual members within that body behave that determines the prevalence of the spirit and vision.
For a couple generations now, an overwhelming theme or desire has been “belonging” or finding a semblance of belonging. But this – like the fact that a church is a family – is not a new happening.
We people seek groups, or tribes, of like-minded individuals where we belong – where we are accepted by our chosen peers. Today’s churches, by and large, do more to alienate individuals than they do to nurture, support and love unconditionally. It’s time for a change in mindset, to evolve our families/churches from the pre-1960’s nuclear perceptions to more modern mindsets.
In doing so, we can connect generations, reach more new believers and, ultimately, enjoy a more well-rounded worship that glorifies God by bringing more of His children together in a loving and caring spirit.
As Parsley says,
The American church should always embrace the process of reinventing itself culturally, even while the message remains the same.
Tweetable Thoughts:
Psalm 68:6-God sets the lonely in families. Tweet This!
The family of God is about enjoying the bounty of His table, fellowship with one another and Holy Spirit. Tweet This!
Sunday’s are a time to demonstrate we belong to something bigger than ourselves. Tweet This!
The Christian life is not about the transfer of info; it is about a relationship with Jesus. Tweet This!
Worship is not defined by musical style, but by the people worshiping together. Tweet This!
Continually move people from the shallow end to the deep end, where they learn to swim on their own. Tweet This!