NAC - Bold proposals

Now that the North American Convention is over I am reflecting on my experiences and the nature of the whole event itself.

For a long time I have firmly believed that the current format is not appropriate for the times and that a major overhaul is needed. I remain convinced of that. Having always lived at the geographic fringes of our movement I know what it is like to feel that the trek to Anderson is very difficult, if even not worth the effort at times.

I am encouraged to see some of the shifts that are occurring among us. There is a new sense of direction and we are finding ways to relate to each other in healthier ways. I also notice a much greater willingness to explore new methods and options.

Except for "Anderson Campmeeting".

This event has long been a defining moment in our history and corporate experience, so I am not surprised to see a reluctance to tamper with it. But, I believe that it is time to have some honest dialogue, and for our leadership to courageously examine new options that will best serve the church. Unfortunately, I believe there are many people living in denial as to what is really happening at the NAC.

Certainly the NAC is a positive, uplifting, and empowering event. But, the truth is that its role in the life of our movement is greatly diminished. At one time it was, along with the Gospel Trumpet and its reincarnations, a primary symbol of our common purpose and fellowship. For current generations this is much less the case. Attendance seems to be shrinking each year.

I fear that in the next decade we will be forced to confront these realities, and that the NAC may follow the same course as ONEvoice!, with no choice but to cancel it. Unless, of course, we take specific actions today to disrupt that trend.

After considerable thought I want to outline my proposals as to how we could convert the NAC into new, more response events that will touch a larger number of people:

1. Disband the North American Convention as an annual event that meets in Anderson. But, please keep reading.

2. Every second year (i.e. on even years) hold a North American Leadership Conference in Anderson that brings together pastors and other leaders for inspiration, training, and fellowship. The focused nature of this 3-4 day event would provide programs and resource persons of such a high calibre that it would be a significant draw for church leaders. Registration for this event would be based on distance from Anderson to help level the playing field on transportation costs. Those closest to mile zero would pay the most. Those furthest away would be charged no registration fee (or perhaps even receive a grant).

3. Every other year (i.e. on odd years) hold a Church of God convention in a major city in the U.S. The location would change every two years with the intent of moving it about the continent to give everyone a greater opportunity to participate at least once each decade. This would be a 3-4 day event and could be marketed as a part of a vacation opportunity for families.

4. Both of the above events would continue to provide webstreaming of major services to maximize exposure to those who cannot attend.

5. But what about the General Assembly? With the new governance polity the role of the General Assembly has been transformed even further so that now the need for an annual business meeting is not really necessary. The General Assembly could be convened at the Leadership Conference every two years. Let's be real honest here. As a means to conduct business the GA doesn't really work. An extremely small percentage of the total delegated membership ever shows up. In fact, if even 25% of the total possible membership ever showed up, Reardon Auditorium couldn't handle it. And the decisions are made predominantly by those living closest to Anderson. Having lay delegates is an honorable intention, but completely unrealistic. And, if the GA is really nothing more than a public relations event (which it is increasingly becoming) than there are probably other ways that these objectives could be accomplished. Perhaps a new, comprehensive communication strategy?

I think it is time for us to stop ignoring the realities of our current time, and to start taking bold, even radical, steps for the future. I believe that my proposal addresses the issues. If someone else has some better ideas I would love to hear them, but to this point I haven't heard anything being suggested that tackles these challenges.

What do you think?

NAC - Wednesday, June 27

It's hard to believe my week in Anderson is over. At least for me and the responsibilities I have, there is too much going on here, leaving me a little tired and certainly read to return home.

The General Assembly wrapped up Wednesday, and did so in less than one and one-half hours. The Strategic Visioning report was given, as I announced earlier, the new mission statement was presented: "Transforming Culture by being the Body of Christ." The statement is invigorating, but I am not convinced the strategic objectives developed are. A resolution on Non-Discrimination in Ministry was passed (almost unanimously), essentially calling us to minister to all people regardless of their immigration status.

The Wednesday evening service is typically the grand finale of the NAC, and includes an emphasis on foreign missions. For me, this year's version was somewhat anti-climactic. It's hard to replicate experiences and expected feelings year after year.

Overall, this year's North American Convention was a good experience for me. Upon reflection, the major highlights were some of the connections I made behind the scenes as opposed to the more formal events. That's not a bad thing, but reflects the need for fellowship and interaction that we need, both personally and within our movement.

NAC - Tuesday, June 26

Today began the General Assembly, our annual gathering to do the business of the larger church. I was asked to be a teller, so I arrived bright and early to assist in distributing packets, etc.

A fairly typical GA so far, with the usual agenda items punctuated with various advertisements and public relation gestures. Two things in particular stood out to me:

1. Attendance continues to decline. I've noticed this at the evening services but wasn't sure if the bad weather was having an impact. But, when I saw Reardon auditorium less than half full I knew that something more was going on here. I remember not that long ago when the main floor was almost packed for GA. Are more people staying home because they can watch the NAC on the Internet, or is there frustration with the business side of the church? Or, is it just plain apathy? Last year, roughly only 1/4 of our churches were represented at GA. I doubt this year was even that good. All of this suggests that we must revisit the role of our annual gathering and how it is delivered, and whether or not having an event-driven movement is still appropriate in this day and age. I hope to come back to this topic at a later date.

2. Ron Duncan gave a very straightforward and direct talk about giving to the World Ministry Advance budget. The trend is definitely downward and it is already having an impact on what can be done, and this will become even more pronounced in the future if things continue in this direction. We were told that roughly 1 out of 2 churches actually contribute financially, and that it is a small number (1/5) that actually keep it afloat, contributing 60% of the total budget. I am certain with these financial challenges there is a link with #1 above. Again, another topic for another day.

NAC - Monday, June 25

One of my personal highlights of the NAC is the day an outside resource person addresses our body. I believe that this is of tremendous benefit to us as a movement to have people from outside speak to us and perhaps say things to us that we wouldn't say from within. Over the past few years some significant speakers have been brought in and usually they have been very good.



This year's guest was Jim Wallis, head of Sojourners / Call to Renewal, a prominent evangelical social action organization. Wallis is a strong voice for social justice, both in action and through his writings and communication in the media and with world leaders. His book, God's Politics: Why the Right Gets it Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It, is an invaluable Christian contribution to the state of politics in the U.S.



In the afternoon the School of Theology featured a panel discussion with Wallis concerning his new book: The Call to Conversion. Four Church of God leaders (Fred Shively, Jim Christoff, Cheryl Sanders and Arlo Newell) interacted with him on the book. I was especially impressed with Newell's comments, which were also distributed in writing to everyone in attendance.



After that experience I was looking forward even more to this evening's service. Wallis' voice is one we need to be reminded of within the Church of God. Speaking on the topic of "Equipped Relationally to Connect in Unity" Wallis spoke of unity (John 17) and clarity (Luke 4), and that we must fully live as Jesus did. He struck a chord with many of us tonight, and there were a number of affirmations through "Amens" and applause. Definitely watch this sermon from the video archives.



One final note on tonight's service. Curt Ferrell, one of our exceptional Church of God musicians, sang a powerful song entitled, "One Body, One Spirit, One Lord". I had never heard it before, and I am assuming that he wrote it (but am not sure). Nevertheless, this song clearly addresses the issues of unity that we face as a movement. I need to track this song down.

NAC - Sunday, June 24

While the evening services get the most attention during the North American Convention, there is much more going on that one can take advantage of.



I am not going to tediously record here everything I do each day, but some highlights are worth noting. Today I was able to participate in two gatherings of significance. First, I attended a "meet and greet" reception put on by Church Multiplication Association that featured many of their church planters. This is an exciting group to be around, and gives me much enthusiasm for the future of the church to see these young, dynamic and creative leaders. I also was in an informal get-together of a small group of participants in ChoGtalk, the largest online listserve within the Church of God. It is always good to meet in person with people you only really know through online conversations.



Today's services were centered around the theme of "Equipped Spiritually to Grow in Maturity". Bob Moss, Indiana State Pastor, spoke in the morning. Tonight, Ken Love, church planter in Florida, delivered a provocative, interactive message that emphasized the need to give up the stories that control our lives, and enter into the story of God's grace. This is a sermon worth watching on the video archives.



The NAC is also a tremendous opportunity to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances. Today provided many such opportunities for me, and contributes to an even richer experience for the week!

NAC - Saturday, June 23

Cool and wet. These two words are not the ones I typically associate with Anderson at this time of year. Yet, this is the case so far.

But, there's more to the North American Convention than weather.

Tonight, during Ron Duncan's opening remarks he stated that we are to "Transform Culture by being the Body of Christ". I suspect that this phrase probably didn't stand out to most people, but be prepared to hear and see it stated many times more in the future. Apparently, this is the new "motto" that Ron has crafted to signify the results of recent vision and strategy efforts. Watch for an official announcement next week at General Assembly. I really like the statement and believe that it could very likely be a strong call for our movement as we strive to live out a renewed purpose.

This evening's sermon was delivered by Cliff Sanders of Mid-America Christian University. His topic was "Equipped Biblically to Live in Holiness" and utilized three clear and memorable handles: head, heart, and hands. It is interesting to see how we have changed over the years, as this is probably the first Church of God sermon on holiness I have heard that was illustrated using the metaphor of dancing!

On to Sunday...

NAC - Friday, June 22

I've been in Anderson for a couple of days already, but you could tell things were getting in motion today as more and more people were beginning to show up around the University and camp grounds. And, tonight's service marked the real kickoff for this year's North American Convention.



Walking to the Kardatzke Wellness Center this evening I encountered a very large circle of dirt in the midst of green grass and otherwise well-manicured grounds. Warner Auditorium is missing. Even though it has been three years since the "dome" was last used, its absence certainly leaves a gaping hole in the experience of those who have regularly made the trek to Anderson. There is no longer any faint hope that the nostalgia of that building, with its uncomfortable seats and lack of air conditioning, will be the center again for our gatherings. The transition north one block is now permanent it seems, at least for now.



Friday night services at NAC are sponsored by Anderson University, and are usually inspirational gatherings abounding with music. Tonight was no exception. This year's version was especially momentous as it was centered around a fitting tribute to former president Robert Reardon who died this past February. The evening featured a rousing variety of Church of God classic songs, and included the involvement and music of Bill and Gloria Gaither.



For me the NAC is packed daily with meetings and events. Tomorrow is no exception, so I will sign off, get some sleep, and prepare for a new day.

Blogging the NAC

Yesterday I arrived in Anderson for my pilgrimage to the North American Convention of the Church of God. The convention itself doesn't really kick into full gear until Friday evening, but I came early to participate in a church planting/restart conference.



Over the next week I will blog daily on the NAC, offering my own observations and reflections on what is going on at our annual big event. If you are unable to be here yourself, don't forget that the services and General Assembly will be available as streaming video online.

Superchurch

A buzz of controversy is running across the Church of God concerning the upcoming move this Sunday of North Anderson Church of God to a new location and name, Madison Park Church of God. I have been amazed at the discussions I have heard in different settings concerning this move. I suppose that if this were to happen anywhere else there would be little said, but since this is happening in MeccaAnderson it is almost as if something sacred is being tampered with.



What's the controversy? There are several issues here, with the location and name change only part of the picture. From what I'm hearing the concerns being raised surround the fact that the land is 211 acres and the development costs have exceeded $17 million. The property will also be used (i.e. leased) for other purposes including a health-care facility and potentially a seniors residence, fitness center, and even restaurants, etc.



This raises questions across the church, as people express their concerns that this "Superchurch" will lose its focus on ministry. Even within Anderson itself there is considerable discussion (Read the article in the Herald Bulletin newspaper, and be sure to note the varied comments that readers have left).



I do not have any first-hand knowledge of all that is going on here, but I'm sure to pick some up when visiting Anderson next week. Nevertheless, I have some questions which I believe are legitimate to ask:



- How is the Church of God culture changing now that we have more megachurches?

- Is this "Superchurch" model that Madison Park is adopting appropriate for ministry?

- Are we being driven to accepting views and models of the church that more in keeping with business than the Kingdom of God?



What do you think?

Completing the move

Those of you following this blog for awhile know that this past November I began work as the Area Administrator of the Pacific Northwest Association of the Church of God. This has been a long journey, transitioning from a pastor and living apart from my family who remained in California.



My transition saga is now over. As of this past Friday my wife joined me in Washington as we moved to our new home in Yakima, the new location of our district office. Our three sons are staying in California, which will make us instant empty-nesters.



Those of you interested in my work for the PNA can check out my new blog: PNA on Mission. There I will be sharing on my specific ministry involvements, plus highlight ideas and resources that can be beneficial to churches and leaders. CHOG Blog will continue, but will remain focused specifically on larger Church of God issues.



You may also visit our district website at: www.pnacog.org