Some thoughts on church,
and postmodernism,
and how it is that we find integrity and wholeness
in our varied forms of worship
and understandings of God.

An Entry Point

I've organized this blog chronologically from its inception, which is backwards from how most blogs are organized. Basically that means that the dates you see for each post to the right are imaginary. Don't worry about it. They show up in the right order...think of the "older posts" link as a "next" button.



And a BIG THANKS! to those who were willing to be interviewed, and who offered suggestions. You're really good sports, and I'm glad to know you (even though I've only ever really met Jay Voorhees, and I'm not sure that we did more than show up at the same seminar once).

8.23.2008

Revolution Church:

Revolution Church has a website with great graphics and slick packaging; if they don't have a marketing firm involved, then they have some very talented people in house. This is not a bad thing; it's much more attractive and inviting than a one page site with free hosting and minimal information or one with clunky or hard to understand links. That said, this is a brick and mortar church with significant web presence, but that presence is aimed at evangelizing people into the brick and mortar locations. One thing that's different about Revolution Church is that is has no permanent sanctuary. They worship in 2 locations, with a 3rd set to launch in September 2008, and have small group meetings (a good variety, from small Life Groups that meet for weekly discussion of the message to the University of Revolutionary Living, "a semester-based system offering classes covering everything from basic theology to practical tools for living as a Christ follower." In addition, there are Ministry Teams which invite participation in a variety of ways, from maintaining the worship space and children's ministry to local and global missions and helping set up and run the patio conversation area (which must be dismantled each week). A variety of special interest groups, from motorcycling to scrapbooking, are also offered. Judging from the website, this is a church that provides a number of points of entry for interested persons, and there seems to be a high degree of comfort in at least public, social and personal space. It's a bit harder to tell about intimate space, but this website does not have the discussion groups and online interaction offered by some others. Insstead, there is an emphasis on engaging, invitational language and lots of photographs to help encourage web visitors to connect with the congregation, facilitated by the multiple services and locations; this is clearly a church that is intentional about helping people make connections with one another and with God.

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About Me

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I am a United Methodist (UM) pastor, married to a UM pastor, which makes life entertaining from time to time. I am a newly minted D. Min--yes, that's Rev. Dr. Anne, to you. I am a learner and teller of stories, looking at how we share faith and relationships. Any views I express here are not necessarily United Methodist views: they are mine.