Abilene Trip
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Last week I was at my alma mater, Abilene Christian University, 
for their yearly conference. I went for the relationships more than the information. In fact, I only attended a couple sessions besides the one I participated in. My “sessions” were of the informal type rather than those listed in the program.
for their yearly conference. I went for the relationships more than the information. In fact, I only attended a couple sessions besides the one I participated in. My “sessions” were of the informal type rather than those listed in the program.Hanging out with Tyler and Helen was great. Got to meet some of their friends, and have morning prayers with them.
I also had the opportunity to see missionaries we had known in Africa, teachers and mentors, and students I knew in school. That was the best part.
Surprising to me was the level of anxiety and concern that was evidenced about the future of the denomination. The last few years have evidently made it impossible to believe that “doing church” in the standard ways is how to move forward.
From what I heard, decline is occurring dramatically and in worrisome ways. Only the most stubborn would still insist that it is because no one cares for the truth anymore. Most seem to be acknowledging that what the church has become is woefully deficient in offering people good news. They know the church needs a new identity through rediscovering the mission of God and the gospel. Many seem willing to rethink everything, which is good.
I am thoroughly surprised by how much there is now a generally shared understanding of the problem. I would not have guessed that such clarity was possible, or likely, back in 2003 when Disciples’ Fellowship was formed. It is ironic that what might have seemed like leaving to some, they are starting to realize was leading. The appeal of the “better churches through better management” strategy has decreased noticeably.
Who would’ve guessed? Certainly not I.
