How do we start mapping our ministry model against the technological and cultural changes that are impacting our world? Do we need a new ministry model in today’s world and if so, what does that mean? In our first episode, we’re talking about technology, ministry, and what it means to pursue Christ in today’s world so that we can be faithful to what we’re being called to in our day. We discuss what it means to relate to the Church and how we can meet people where they’re at right now. Joining us is Michael Gormley of Catching Foxes Podcast. The Important Things (1:00) We are moving into a new ministry model that is not actually anything new but returning to an old way of ministry. (3:30) The Church was a mustard seed in the early Church. It broke the cultural norms of Rome and disrupted things. And then for 1000 years, you could not live in Europe without being integrated with the liturgy. Everything was moulded by the Gospel. In today’s world, we’re becoming the mustard seed again. (8:00) Littleness is the way of the Kingdom and spiritual growth. (10:00) Parish structure was meant to orientate our faith life to the world based on geographical location—small groups in community. People used to consist of a life that was no more than 5 miles from where they lived. We can have deep relationships now outside of our geographical circles. But we aren’t orienting our ministry model around that reality enough. (13:24) We have to map ministry around the world that is, not the world that was. (1745) Pope Francis said we need to evangelize the technology continent. The truth of that is that people are gathering online. It is where the discussion of the day is happening and we need to meet people there (18:40) It’s also how we frame evangelization like belong, believe, behave. The Church has to be family for people. It’s a philosophy to return to. (29:00) We’ve jumped forward into the future and now the world is going to expect it. Our default is now Zoom calls and online, etc. It is the new normal. (38:00) People need experiences. We don’t need programs, we need journeys where through the fullness of myself, experience God. (44:45) Faith is going to start spreading in homes and small groups and it’s going to be impossible to slow down or put out. Lists & Resources In the last year, we’ve lost 20% of those affiliated to the Church - https://www.barna.com/research/changing-state-of-the-church/ Prophecy in Daniel - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+2%3A34-35&version=NRSVCE Parishes shaped by location - https://www.britannica.com/topic/parish-religion White horse on the side of a hill in Britain- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/3000-year-old-uffington-horse-looms-over-english-countryside-180963968/ Pope Benedict said, “we need to evangelize the tech continent.” - https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/messages/communications/documents/hfben-xvimes2010012444th-world-communications-day.html Apple stores the most money per square footage than anywhere else. Make more money on iphone sales than microsoft in a year. Apple head of retail wanted the the stores to become the new town square. This was a huge flop (this was not the information I found… https://www.indigo9digital.com/blog/the-secret-to-apple-stores-success) Pope Francis said we need to develop an ecology of the heart, mind, and hands - https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2020/september/documents/papa-francesco20200912comunita-laudatosi.html Parasynthetic system and sympathetic system - https://www.diffen.com/difference/ParasympatheticnervoussystemvsSympatheticnervoussystem#:~:text=The%20parasympathetic%20nervous%20system%20(PNS,%22fight%20or%20flight%22%20response. iPhones are becoming an extension of our being - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/19/iphone-apple-privacy-smartphones-extension-of-ourselves Pope Francis letter - office of Catechesis - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-05/pope-establishes-ministry-of-catechist.html *SHOW NOTES * In this episode, we discuss the world we live in and how to map our ministry model against the world that is now instead of the world that was. A new ministry model is not actually anything new but a right ordering of relationship to God and others. We have to map our ministry model against the world that is and not the world that was. We want to have a conversation around philosophies that have always defined the work of Jesus: littleness, creating belonging first, offering faith journeys and not just programs, etc. QUOTES “We’re seeing this new ministry model emerge and ministry being the right ordering of relationship according to the kingdom of God.” - Jason Jensen, CEO of Glass Canvas “We have to start orienting our efforts around the world that is, instead of the world that has been.” - Jason Jensen, CEO of Glass Canvas “Too often we are dismissive of technology to communicate the gospel… Maybe...
