By Eddie Hammett
Download Hammett, Reframing Spiritual Formation
We have now entered the second decade of a new century. Congregations, leaders, and organizations of all types, shapes and sizes are faced daily, if not hourly, with change. These may be cultural, economic, relational, or demographic, as evidenced by clients and membership shifts. Many church leaders and churches are deeply impacted and challenged with the increasingly secularization of our culture. Over 70 percent of the population in North America is now considered unchurched.
What are the implications of this reality? How is this reality influencing the way we do church in the 21st century world? As a Christian educator for over 30 years, I believe we are faced with reframing spiritual formation; not to change the message, but the reframing methods are the challenge and responsibility of today’s church. Let’s explore together.
Reframing Spiritual Formation – What it Means to Me?
Spiritual formation involves learning and embracing spiritual disciplines. For the church culture this usually means prayer, silence, fasting, Bible study, practicing the presence of Christ through service and being actively involved in a local community of faith. These are disciplines taught in most major religions and have been faithfully practiced by many throughout history and will continue to be central for many.
My concern is for those who have no church background in their families and relational circles, and yet who have spiritual thirsts they are seeking to quench. What is the church’s response? What does scripture teach about such a reality? What skill sets, practices and structures are needed to foster the spiritual thirsts of a secular population? I want to simply toss out some ideas for you to consider, experiment with and react to through email and webinar dialogue.
I invite you to join me and others for a free webinar on 13 Emerging Trends in Christian Education That Will Impact Your Church being held on March 2nd at 1:00 p.m. EST. To register for this webinar, click HERE or go to this link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/882424352. Bring your ideas and reactions to this session.
Consider these trends and challenges…
1. Reframe and create curricula and experiences for pre and post-conversion discipleship.
2. Reframe and balance our budgets, time, resources, energy and calendars around the realities of a 30 percent churched and a 70 percent unchurched culture.
3. Rethink programming on our turf (congregations) and co-create programming that attracts, assimilates, disciples and deploys the unchurched on their turf.
4. Reframe focus from us to them in ways that life and ministry becomes “we oriented”.
5. Rethink spiritual alignment and how to connect head and heart around life questions
6. Reframe language for the spiritual formation that will preserve the biblical integrity while connecting with a new demographic
7. Rethink and reframe how, where, and with whom do we create a sacred place, experience and time.
8. Reframe the power and experience of the incarnational side of discipleship and spiritual formation. Build on the power of life-on-life and practicing the presence of Christ; even in a secular world.
9. Learn to look for Christ in our culture and celebrate it where we experience it.
10. Rediscover the power and experience of spiritual formation through media, technology and relationships
11. Create relevant opportunities for telling stories of faith, family, and how God moves in our lives
12. Discover anew and create listening experiences that teach skills, celebrate connections and empower forward movement through maximizing divine moments and teachable moments in life.
13. Reframing so as to streamline, simplify by integrating programming and curricula.
14. What else?
My book Reframing Spiritual Formation: Discipleship in an Unchurched Culture overviews many of the professional shifts that churches have faced and made over the last decade. Now new additional shifts are on our doorstep. This is often overwhelming to many educators and church leaders due to the steep learning curves. Having climbed many of these steep learning curves, I assure you that God continues to work in our world and longs for a powerful relationship with everyone. God is always creating and making all things new. Don’t miss the newness in the plan by staying in your comfort zone.
Let’s explore together. Send me your thoughts and join me for the free webinar on Reframing Spiritual Formation: Discipleship in an Unchurched Culture on February 23rd at 1: 00 p.m. EST. To register for this webinar, click HERE or go to this link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/205573432.
Important Things to Know
Eddie Hammett is a Ministry Partner with The Columbia Partnership. He is a certified coach with the International Coach Federation. Recent books of which he is the author or co-author are Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60, Spiritual Leadership in a Secular Age, and Making Shifts Without Making Waves. He is available for speaking and coaching with leaders, congregations, denominations, and parachurch organizations.
The Columbia Partnership is a non-profit Christian ministry organization focused on transforming the capacity of the North American Church to pursue and sustain Christ-centered ministry. Travel Free Learning is a leadership development emphasis of The Columbia Partnership. For more information about products and services check out the web site at www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org, send an e-mail to Client.Care@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, or call 803.622.0923.
