Getting into SHAPE

Life in my new work in the Pacific Northwest is sure keeping me busy, including an incredible amount of travel in the past few weeks.

One of the highlights of my recent activity has been attending the SHAPE National Regional Directors' Meeting in Arizona. While I have briefly referenced SHAPE before, it is still a fairly obscure concept in the Church of God because of its current regional implementation. Now that I am leader in one of the regions I am quickly being submersed in this ministry.

In short, SHAPE (Sustaining Health and Pastoral Excellence) is a ministry initiative between Church of God Ministries and six regions in the U.S. designed to strengthen and support pastors. (More information, including an informative video, can be viewed at their website: http://shape.chog.org). In some ways SHAPE is still under development, as we try to find the most effective way to accomplish the critical objectives. Major funding to make this possible is provided by the Lilly Endowment.

What impresses me most about SHAPE is that this is not just another "program" conceived in Anderson and promoted across the church. Past endeavors of this nature have often had limited success and have often left a somewhat skeptical view in the church toward "Anderson". SHAPE is completely different. First, it is a true partnership with regions, and therefore is much more responsive and in-touch with the needs of pastors and congregations. Second, the leadership is deeply committed and passionate about the need for strengthening our ministers, who are increasingly facing many pressures and challenges. And, third, SHAPE is designed around life-change and community-building, and therefore is an ongoing, dynamic system that cannot be reduced to simple formulas or events.

One of the themes that was expressed over and over again at our retreat is the common vision to see SHAPE "transform the culture" of the Church of God from one of independence to true interdependence. We admitted that in a few years, as it evolves, we may no longer even call it "SHAPE" and that it might look different on the surface than it does now. But, there is a strong resolve to see SHAPE have a profound, almost subversive, effect on how we function. From this we hope to see increased leadership development, congregational life, and Kingdom expansion.

Spending time with these SHAPE-pumped people was very inspiring, and the vision is truly contagious. If you are able to join a SHAPE cluster in your region, take advantage of the opportunity. It can literally change your ministry and your life.

Review - Preaching the Story

With all that has happened in recent months it occured to me that I never did post my review of Jeffrey Frymire's new book, Preaching the Story: How to Communicate God's Word Through Narrative Sermons (Warner Press, 2006). This is one of several noteworthy books published this year by Warner. I have previously reviewed Are You Sure You're Right? and What's Right with the Church of God.

First, I must disclose that I know Jeff personally. He was a pastoral colleague in central California, and I had the opportunity to work closely with him on the Executive Comittee of our regional association. He truly is an exceptional communicator and story-teller, and is well-qualified to write this book. Since leaving his church in Fresno this summer he has begun Ph.D. studies in practical theology (with an emphasis in homiletics) at Fuller Theological Seminary. You many interested in keeping up with him at his blog.

One of the unique aspects of this book, compared to the others published by Warner Press this year, is that it is not Church of God specific. In fact, they deliberately chose to market this book beyond our own circles to the larger Christian community. The book is relevant to the growing number of preachers who are increasingly discovering the importance of story-telling in their communications.

Frymire begins his book by asserting that "We are the last generation to experience preaching in its current form" (p. 1). In the past preaching dealt primarily with propositional truth, but we now "live in a culture that is more affected by story than be technology" (p. 7).

But this book is more than an abstract discussion of story-telling in a post-modern world. Preaching the Story is a "how-to" book, outlining a number of helpful steps for preachers to go through as they adapt to this approach. Preaching in series might be a good, basic starting point for some.

What impressed me most about this book is that it is NOT a book about telling stories in general; but instead emphasizes the teaching of Scripture through its own narratives. This is not just telling cute stories and illustrations - the purpose is to better communicate the biblical narrative itself. Frymire provides a basic outline of how to better grasp and communicate the biblical context. For example, there is a chapter on focusing on characters. The book is full of ideas, tips, and gives its own illustrations.

Most preachers will be able to discover one or more practical considerations that can be used to enhance their own preaching. I especially found the final chapter, "Barriers in Preaching" interesting. While less instructional, he provides an interesting discussion on our traditions and church architecture that often prevent us from effectively engaging our congregations.

The only real shortcoming to Preaching the Story is the lack of detail and length. Unfortunately, Frymire was limited by the book size imposed by Warner Press. Hopefully after his doctoral studies he will be able to build on this and share more to enhance our preaching.

This is a good buy for preachers and teachers.

In the Pacific Northwest

As previously mentioned I haven't been very active in the blogosphere in recent weeks. On November 1st (literally the next day following my last day as pastor in Hanford, California) I boarded a plane for Seattle and began my new adventure. And, it has been very busy, with considerable travel already and more upcoming in the next two weeks. I will offer more reflections on this phase of my transition in coming weeks.

Nevertheless, now that I am here (and I have consistent Internet access) I plan on getting back to blogging. There is much to be said.