Church Next - Modern and PostModern

Here are some differences between Modern and PostModern

Modern - PostModern
Centralized Hierarchies - Decentralized Hierarchies
Predictable world - Unpredictable world
Confidence regarding human ability - Uncertainty in dealing with the present
Change initiated at the centre - Change initiated at the periphery

Gibbs and Coffey write (about postmoderns), 'We must unconditionally accept those who are content to live with ambiguity, and be humble enough to communicate in open dialogue with those who hold a pluralistic worldview' (p. 34)
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'He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, The firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.' (Colossions 1:17-18).
The resurrection of Jesus was the completion of creation. 'It was an anticipation and inauguration of God's new world order in which the tyranny of sin and death has been broken.' (The Message of Mission, p. 24).
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21 Irrefutable laws of leadership, No. 2 - The Law of Influence. 'The true measure of leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less'
Some might argue with the last comment, though it is true that leadership relates strongly to influence. Maybe God has given you a vision. Will people follow it? Whether people follow it, will probably be strongly linked to whether you have influence within the realms of where you are sharing your vision. Nehemiah had a vision to rebuild the walls. He rallied the troops together, through his leadership, and they rebuilt the walls. King David had influence and favour among many. What about Paul? He worked hard to build influence with the Apostles, because he had to convince them he was truly one of these new followers of Jesus.
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Lord, help us to have the influence in places you have called us, for your glory; not for our self-gratification. We want the Kingdom of God, that you created, to grow and expand around us. Help us understand the different people we minister to, with all their worldviews, passions and desires. We want each of them to engage with Jesus, and live full lives that honour you. Amen. Share