Comments on: A Broken Spirit http://edbahler.com/2009/04/22/a-broken-spirit/ Understanding the intersection of...Evolving Culture...Relevant Ministry....Empowering Leadership....and Intentional Facilities Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:49:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Ed Bahler http://edbahler.com/2009/04/22/a-broken-spirit/#comment-1528 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:10:07 +0000 http://edbahler.com/?p=5493#comment-1528 Matt R,

Thanks for your interest in my church. Every church has a DNA that’s been formed by the founder and other influences. That DNA has strengths and weaknesses. My church has a remarkable sense of community, virtue in its youth, and a focus on a broken spirit and contrite heart.

I’m grateful for those fruits and what I’m finding fascinating the past two days is there is a strong emphasis on all three of them here. They are all critical for a sustainable movement! How interesting huh?

There is also a challenge throughout the messages here to get out of your safe zone, your comfort zone, and take risks for the cause of Christ. As mentioned above, creating new movements is unsafe, unpredictable, and messy. It is really hard work.

Many denominations, in fact most today in the US, have become too inward and cloistered. It is typical group behavior. We long for safety for ourselves and our kids. When we reach too far for safety we insulate ourselves from the pressure which propels us to recreate a future. As a result many older denominations are dying.

My hope is our leadership is prayerfully discerning God’s fresh and compelling vision for our future. And of course, while ensuring we maintain the Biblical fruit we value as well. But, I have little influence over such things.

And yes, we must utilize the technology of the Digital Age to reach a Digital generation. Obama understood the power of a simple, compelling message of HOPE communicated through the power of one on one relationships via the web. It was a remarkable strategy we must learn from.

]]> By: Ed Bahler http://edbahler.com/2009/04/22/a-broken-spirit/#comment-1527 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:52:16 +0000 http://edbahler.com/?p=5493#comment-1527 Jenny,

I’m in Orlando but fly home tomorrow and back down to JAX next Wed.

Most likely we’ll be with you in Gainesville Saturday and Sunday night.

Love,

Dad

]]> By: Matt R http://edbahler.com/2009/04/22/a-broken-spirit/#comment-1524 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:33:17 +0000 http://edbahler.com/?p=5493#comment-1524 Ed, you definitely keep me on my toes with all the info you relate on this blog. What I was wondering was I am aware of the church you are currently a part of and it’s beliefs seem to be different from many of the ideas presented on the blog (ie: evolving culture, movements, reaching out to the lost, etc). Is your denomination going to continue to step on the hose like you said in a previous post or start to implement some of these transformational new ideas? It is truly unbelievable the response these mega churches are getting to the Purpose Driven Life ideas.

As much as I don’t agree with Barack Obama’s decisions, do you think we could utilize his strategies to start a movement such as the one he started? I am having a hard time imaging churches as big as the one Mark Choi spoke about. I didn’t even realize they existed. Any comments would be appreciated as I am rambling on. These were just some thoughts that came to mind while reading your latest entry. Look forward to hearing more from the Exponential09 conference (that is if there is a day #3)

]]> By: Jenny Gutwein http://edbahler.com/2009/04/22/a-broken-spirit/#comment-1523 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:26:19 +0000 http://edbahler.com/?p=5493#comment-1523 Dad… are you already in ORL as in coming here between ORL & JAX?

We could meet you Fri. afternoon if you are not busy.. Luke has off. Love, J

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