WARM reflections

Last week I was in Phoenix for the annual Western Area Regional Ministerium, a gathering of Church of God ministers from across the western United States and Canada. This is the last surviving geography-based ministers' fellowship - at one time there were a number. Attendance at WARM was down this year, indicative of the economy and that this is an "off" year, away from the typical locus of Portland.

While I enjoyed the fellowship and the events (particularly the presentations of Milfred Minatrea), this was another occasion for me to reflect on the nature of gatherings in the Church of God. As many have pointed out, we are a movement that has historically found its identity and vitality in the relational connectedness found in gatherings. The reality, however, is that our social dynamic has changed, and to the dismay of those who cut their teeth on them, the role and popularity of events such as campmeetings and ministers' fellowships is diminishing quickly. The long decline of the North American Convention is a perfect example of this phenomenon.

There is much to affirm about our relational ethos, and we should be concerned about the growing disconnectedness that is emerging. But, it may be time for us to acknowledge the need for new wineskins to draw together the diverse cultures of our movement, let alone the even larger Body of Christ. This should also be an occasion for us to consider what really does unite us in Christ - is it our common social bonds, or should it be around the common mission to which we are called?

These are issues we must address as we define ourselves in these shifting times.

Geographic diversity

A recent Gallup Poll caught my attention as it correlates well with what I've been noticing in the Church of God: There are considerable differences across various regions of the United States. This is not only true in a general, religious sense, as with this poll, but the result is also reflected in how churches respond to their culture within those regions. Where religion is central to life the church tends to operate with ideological and theological security. Where religion is at the periphery the church cannot assume its place in society and must engage the culture in order to thrive, let alone survive.

As someone who has always lived on the geographic fringes of the continent and the Church of God I can easily see this phenomenon, and frequently see the glazed eyes of those in other parts of the country who cannot imagine anything other than the relative success that the church enjoys there and the methods that are employed.

(CLICK HERE TO SEE LARGER IMAGE)

While not perfect (i.e. factor out the Dakotas and Utah, for example) this map also somewhat reflects prevailing strength and attitudes in certain regions among Church of God people and congregations.

The reality is that despite our common heritage there is considerable diversity across our movement. And, that's not bad. If anything it reflects the magnitude and scope of the Kingdom of God and that despite our differences we are united in Christ.

What does concern me is that we are not always willing to recognize these differences, or create structures or programs to take them into account.

What do you think?

Church of God goes YouTube

One of the many things that caught my attention during my recent blogging drought was the announcement that Christians Broadcasting Hope (CBH), our mass media arm, has begun producing videos on YouTube, the web's leading repository of videos. It can be accessed through their user page at: www.youtube.com/user/CBH4hope.

My first reaction to this news was one of skepticism. How can the Church of God expect to gain a voice in the clutter and wasteland of YouTube?

While the initial offering of videos online is hardly impressive, what does impress me is the fact that we are at least exploring new media to get out out message. CBH has, for years, been one of the most innovative divisions of Church of God Ministries, and this further confirms their willingness to harness communication technologies for the sake of the Kingdom.