A very intensive week began very intensely with the Gen-X video clip. Sound, light, colour, images, movement, speed, technology, energy, involvement. It was mind-blowing. I never did have that much energy, and I am now long past it anyway! What were we in for? It certainly was a very graphic way to introduce the new culture of the Gen-Xers. If that is where life is at, and it is for many, it is not much wonder we do not have many of them in church. Church is just so boring and irrelevant to their lives. My pre-boomer world is light years away. How can I begin to appreciate where they are coming from? But I must try.
Today’s media-driven culture is present tense and draws us into it to live intensively. For many of us in the church, especially my generation that was brought up ‘to save for a rainy day’ and always looked to the future, this is a scary difference.
A sharp contrast to the life of the video clip was the interview with the Gen-X young woman. What a heartfelt cry for help and understanding! What pathos and emptiness! But who would guess it under all that energy? Perhaps the energy is a cover-up for the emptiness and lostness. O for ears and eyes to hear and see the real truth which underlies so much of life, for it is not only Gen-Xers who are lost and hurting, but also many of an earlier generation who are more likely to come across my path.
I have long known and advocated the deliberate combining of Bible and contemporary cultures. However, the use of the concept of the DJ and the deliberate use of community sources of authority for feed-back took this further than before. The fact that it is a learned skill, and that the spin must be an honest representation, added a new dimension, as did the deliberate use of juxtaposition, subversion and amplification. Finding gospel examples of these in Jesus’ teaching was inspirational, and the putting of names to vague ideas I already had has been helpful.
Living for many years in a premodern culture added a new dimension to Bible life and stories that I have been using in ministry. I have learnt to tell stories as an effective means of communication, but the new dimensions I discovered this week are exciting. Using mystery and images draws the group into the story even more than just telling it. I very much liked the almost iconic figure drawings that were used, as they are timeless and virtually cultureless so all can relate to them. In their simplest form they are not so difficult to do either! And I shall certainly be using the concepts of Godly Play, for that was so graphic and enabled us to enter into the story and than let it enter into our lives.
The texts Steve used to enlarge the Biblical text validated to me this appraoch to scripture which I have been trying to use for many years. The Biblical basis is still central but it is enlarged to enable less cognitive thinkers participate more freely in the life of the Bible and in the community life of the church. Thak you Steve for the encouragement that I have been on the right track.
The sheer beauty of the Book of Kells and of the work being done at St. John’s was breathtaking. What commitment to perfection! What time, skill, patience, and care are involved! And what a result! What polish! What reverential awe it inspires. One reads with new eyes and understanding when looking at such a manuscript. This is something I must rediscover in my life of plainness and practicality. It also says something about the beauty of our places of worship, especially for those who find such beauty helpful to lead into the worship of the God of beauty and commitment. This is something I must also explore further. I was also intrigued by some of the images Steve had on the screen during these sessions, and noted how casual and unmentioned, but I am sure intentional, they were, and how quiet beauty and colour can be helpful in setting a scene. I made a note that I must get to know the Internet and explore the potential of images which are there. I also noted that I must learn to use images to bring stories to life in addition to using carefully chosen words and body language..
That story of finding Piglet was soooooo telling! O to be able to see such parables in life around me as well as in the Bible. Mind you, the way it is used must be well thought out if it is to be readily applied by hearers.
I discovered anew the role of the environment for those who live life experientially rather than only cognitively. And then there are the take-aways to enable the experience to be remembered, or to enable those not present to participate in activities. Just one way to enlarge the environment in both space and time.
The preparing and presentation of the projects proved to be an interesting exercise. With its ‘give and take’ it probably took longer than it would have if an individual had done it. But there were insights contributed by each member of the team so the result was so much richer, and hopefully it appealed to a larger cross-section of the community for which it was intended. I was excited by the possibility our café service opened in my mind.
Stories are relational, and stories never end. The ability this opens for enriching the lives of our highly individualised society that is longing for community is endless. And there is so much more …
How will it impact on my ministry? I am no longer responsible for organising programmes as I have been However, new inisghts I have gained will be shared with our leadership team as I have opportunity, and my preaching and teaching appointments will be the richer for our experience in class. And I hope that it will also enrich both my individual mentoring opportunities and my relationships with friends over cups of coffee.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
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