The air is crispy this morning and the landscape is exploding with color, putting a spring in my step as I roll into work. In short order, I fire up the computer, check my cell phone, and stroll up to the counter to order my toasted sesame seed bagel and medium coffee in a mug.Though I have toiled on these premises often the last few years, I don’t know anyone here well. That’s because I often work out of Panera Bread, a vibrant “Third Place” near Purdue University’s campus of 35,000 students. This “office” caters to students and a growing army of 21 million office-less employees.
Working from a place like this is far more stimulating than working from my home office, and my spirit far more encouraged than when alone. In addition, with $4 gas, the 30-minute commute to my office just doesn’t make sense anymore. Such is the case for many of us 21 million-15% of the US work force and growing. In addition to this isolating work trend, the loss of the nuclear family, the disappearance of the town square/local cafe/barber shop, and even the loss of the local church as it moved to the burbs have left many of us feeling quite alone and disjointed.
This creeping social isolation carries with it serious costs. Sociologists have long recognized isolation deteriorates our ability to handle stress and maintain our most critical relationships. The US leads the Western world in divorce, deterioration of the family, and teen pregnancy with 4 in 10 becoming pregnant before age 20.
A recent post here, titled Third Place: Not Only An Opportunity, But a Responsibility, explored the church’s role in addressing this isolation epidemic. As was mentioned, Ray Oldenburg, the sociologist who discovered the isolation phenomena and coined the term “Third Place” clearly feels the church needs to take an active role in reconnecting our communities. And more importantly, in connecting people to each other, we create opportunities to connect them back to God.
In Romans, Paul emphasized he didn’t run aimlessly, nor should we. The “Digital Age” requires fresh ministry approaches. Three “Relevant Ministry Responses” are emerging as vital for intentional and sustainable ministry. They are:
1) Christ Centered Growth – posted about last week.
2) Creating a Covenant Community ( Here in Part 1 – #2 & 3 to follow)
3) Missional/Incarnational Ministry – to come
The next several days in parts #2 & 3, we’ll drill into “Creating Covenant Community” and explore this remarkable ministry opportunity further.
[...] jiggyfly wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe “Digital Age” requires fresh ministry approaches. Three “Relevant Ministry Responses” are emerging as vital for intentional and sustainable ministry. They are:. 1) Christ Centered Growth – post about last week. … [...]
Sounds good, Ed. I’m looking forward to this series! I’m at my oldest daughter’s graduation weekend in Orlando (the homeschool grads from all over Florida graduate at the end of the homeschool convention), so my posts will be sketchy. I’ll check back in!
Don’t tell me your a home schooler! Yep…I should have known. We home schooled our 6 kids through 6th or 7th grade then they attended public school. Something said there was a kindred spirit from your first comment.
God was amazingly good to us through home schooling as they developed a love for each other, for learning, for discovery, and for the Lord. Four are married (oldest is 28 ) and we still all vacation together. They demand it 8). It’s good stuff and we are thankful.
Keep up the good work Marla!
Ed
There are many moments I don’t really want to admit to being a homeschooler. So much attached to that phrase!
We’ve really enjoyed the lifestyle for many reasons. Perhaps mostly because we enjoy traveling and not worrying about school schedules. And we’re night owls. All of that in addition to the more obvious merits of homeschooling.
The conference is bittersweet this year, with Kylie graduating and Jillian essentially using tutors and self-directed work. I’m enjoying time to browse and help some of the newbies, but my days of intense seminars are over! I actually looked for seminars that might translate to Coffee Shop Journal, but not so much. I did find a nice coffee shop, though!
Yes, that home school label has baggage it seems much like the “Christian” label has accumulated.
Maybe we’ll just need to say we’re retired “home school followers”.
Ed
Hey Dad,
Looks like you are starting to rock and roll on here
. Love, J
Maybe I’m just slow at catching this, but when I slow the word Community down, it sounds like Common Unity – I’m sure some greek scholar will read this and say ‘duh’ – but let’s just image I had the revelation first shall we.
In order to have true Community, we must find things we have in common. I think that means we need to go beyond the obvious thread of God – and that’s not intended to be downplayed. Of course God is the common unity denominator – but what are other things that bring us together.
I love how the church renames stuff all the time. Remember those things we used to call ‘clicks’ – - now we call them ‘small groups’. Are you kidding me – clicks were and are just groups of people experiencing Common Unity. Sure, the difference and negative side to that would be not welcoming in those from the outside that may be new.
Hey Michael,
Interesting thoughts. I like the Common Unity idea. Not sure I’ve heard that before.
Maybe my post at 4 am this morning offers some insight into your question regarding things that bring us together. I’m reminded of the verse that suggests we should weep with those that weep and rejoice with those that rejoice. The biggest common denominator is doing life together…rejoicing and weeping. You know the real stuff. That is what I’m learning makes for a wonderful life.
Ed