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Who gets to define Organic and Missional and Yak and...
I love words! The origin and development of words is a fascinating science. Within the Body of Christ it is even more interesting, to see the battle for the definitions of words. The word "missional" has been a word in flux for a while and while it has generated some fruitful and some not so fruitful conversations. There is a conference coming up soon to develop a "Missional Manifesto" and there have been countless other "Manifestos" attempting to, in some cases steer, and in other cases take over the meaning of a word. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am manifestoed out. What qualifies a person or a group to take over defining a word?
There is another buzz word or as someone suggested "clay" word which many are battling for now. That word is "Organic." When it comes to food, and entire agency had to be created called the NOP. This agency, under the umbrella of the USDA, not only determines what "Organic" means, when it come to food, but it also gets to determine who can apply the label to a food item.
There are multiple books, articles, entire web sites, and even organizations that bare the name "Organic." I understand the value of a brand and the value of an idea caught up in a word. Unlike "Missional," there seems to be a lot more fuss about things "Organic." Unlike "Missional," which can be applied across multiple movements (after all, who wouldn't be interested in the Mission of God,) "Organic," seems to be more restrictive in scope. I am not knocking Organic principles, but I remain leery of any definitions that come out of inorganic systems.
Recently in Neil Cole's Church 3.0, He said, "To us, organic church is not a model; it is a way of understanding the church. Organic church is really a set of kingdom principles that work in any model." Many in the "Organic" Movement would disagree with that notion. I suppose that "Organic" will like "Missional," be in flux for some time and I will sit back and see who wins the battle for its definition.
For now, I will muddy the waters a bit by coining a new word, "Missiorganic." While "Missional" and "Organic" evolve and become more clearly defined, I will seek to consider areas where they intersect and take the best of both arenas for the advancement of God's Kingdom.
There is another buzz word or as someone suggested "clay" word which many are battling for now. That word is "Organic." When it comes to food, and entire agency had to be created called the NOP. This agency, under the umbrella of the USDA, not only determines what "Organic" means, when it come to food, but it also gets to determine who can apply the label to a food item.
There are multiple books, articles, entire web sites, and even organizations that bare the name "Organic." I understand the value of a brand and the value of an idea caught up in a word. Unlike "Missional," there seems to be a lot more fuss about things "Organic." Unlike "Missional," which can be applied across multiple movements (after all, who wouldn't be interested in the Mission of God,) "Organic," seems to be more restrictive in scope. I am not knocking Organic principles, but I remain leery of any definitions that come out of inorganic systems.
Recently in Neil Cole's Church 3.0, He said, "To us, organic church is not a model; it is a way of understanding the church. Organic church is really a set of kingdom principles that work in any model." Many in the "Organic" Movement would disagree with that notion. I suppose that "Organic" will like "Missional," be in flux for some time and I will sit back and see who wins the battle for its definition.
For now, I will muddy the waters a bit by coining a new word, "Missiorganic." While "Missional" and "Organic" evolve and become more clearly defined, I will seek to consider areas where they intersect and take the best of both arenas for the advancement of God's Kingdom.
Follow My Blog here: http://missiorganic.blogspot.com/
Blessings,
Miguel
Blessings,
Miguel
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Keith Jerome Fredlund commented on Mike Donahoe's photo
I don't know if you got my message my name Keith and I live in Lynchburg ,va..Iike this saying I make tshirts when I can afford can I use this? I am not try to get rich I want to get the truth out.
Passover Seder at The Log Cabin (Home of Pastor and Mrs. D. Noonan
April 13, 2012 from 6:30pm to 9pm
On Friday , April 13 , the last evening of Passover we will be having our annual Seder Meal and ceremony at 6:30 PM. Reservation must be made in advance as we have limited space.See More
Event posted by Don Noonan
Darrell Meeks replied to Michael Hartson's discussion 'Why Can't Christian's Hang Out?'
Michael, my experiences with such groups for more than 20 years now is pretty much the same. Some of them broke up over childish things, such as fleshly disputes, others because they wanted that "religious fix" like spiritual junkies…
Darrell Meeks replied to Darrell Meeks's discussion 'Tithe-Whipped'
Glad to have been of service to ya. Blessings to you and yours.
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Jim London commented on Malcolm Harris's blog post 'FUNDEMENTALS OF OUR FAITH – PART 5'
Malcolm, I agree with Elaine that this succinct presentation is very helpful. Thank you. The one matter of baptism(s) has been an issue that has occasioned the setting of God's children against one another for almost 2000 years, with such…
Elaine van Zon commented on Malcolm Harris's blog post 'FUNDEMENTALS OF OUR FAITH – PART 5'
this is wonderful Malcolm. It is confirming to me what God's purpose has been in my life. I need to' inwardly digest' it now :)
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Elaine van Zon liked Michael Hartson's discussion 'Why Can't Christian's Hang Out?'
The Unseen War by David Kortje
A few weeks back I shared a book review with all of you as I felt it was worthy of your reading. This week I find myself doing the same thing again. You are probably wondering if I have suddenly become a “book reviewer” which of course is not the case at all. In fact quite the contrary. The thing is that for the first time in a very long time I have picked up two books that have really impressed something new in my heart. Not necessarily because the topic was new but more so because of the way…See More
Blog post by Pablo Giacopelli
Jim London commented on Jim London's video
It's on Vimeo, Michael! It's probably the one vid that's not on YouTube! Ha!
Michael David commented on Jim London's video
Trying to find this video on youtube. Can't seem to locate it on youtube?
Jim London replied to Michael Hartson's discussion 'Why Can't Christian's Hang Out?'
Great story, Michael -- and a good analogy. Two options: contriving a sense of safety/ control or trusting the God who reveals. One is an illusion; the other is life.
Michael Hartson replied to Michael Hartson's discussion 'Why Can't Christian's Hang Out?'
I know I'm responding to myself, but I had idea. I like stories; sometimes they teach us about ourselves. A couple of weeks ago I needed some engine work done on an old Chevy. Tired of paying a mechanic…
Darrell Meeks replied to Darrell Meeks's discussion 'Tithe-Whipped'
I like reading both sides of the issue, and then reading for myself what is written in the Bible. Some thieves have PhD's, and some don't.
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