Rev. Mark Brown always provides fresh insights for Christian leaders and his blog is read worldwide. Mark is currently, among other things, the CEO of The Bible Society in New Zealand. Prior to that he was the National Director of Scripture Union in New Zealand. He is an Anglican Priest.
A current entry from Brown Blog includes the table above & describes the effects of cultural shifts (ie, postmodernization, globalization, technological innovation, etc.) on organizations particularly the Church…..
As society changes so to do church orgs. need to shift so as to remain relevant and effective. And culture shift is key. It isn’t just about changing a few programmes or getting rid of ties, but quite often it involves fundamentally addressing the personality of the organization: the culture. Culture is the orgs. DNA, the unspoken rules and expectations of how to behave.
Mark will continue to explore the dynamic tension between churches & postmodern culture over the coming weeks so add his blog to your reader.
What would you say, does culture change the Church or does the Church change culture?
The hope would be both. In some cases, the church should change/influence culture by behaving counter to the culture and its norm. When it comes to family life and health, we should lead. Should we not “create” culture as well? In a way we have more influence than we think, I believe. One idea: what does it say when half of the top American Idol contestants were groomed in their local churches?
Now, I love the chart. Its one thing to lead. Some of us cannot even take a breath long enough to catch up so leading culture is certainly not in the near future.
I believe that the church, as an organization, should adapt with the culture. I agree not just with programs, but in structure, execution, and organizational DNA. I do not think we can compromise biblical integrity, though, to adapt with culture. I am a pastor on staff at a conservative theological church. I understand I have brothers and sisters in liberal churches whom I disagree with on certain topics. But I also feel that there are several “emerging” churches (emerging as new ones popping up, not necessarily the emerging movement) who I believe are compromising theology to fit the culture. Rewriting certain passages regarding social issues as to not offend people, etc. Just my thoughts. God bless everyone!