Art of Movements

Today was day one of Exponential09, an energizing gathering of church planters from all around the U.S. This year's theme is the Art of Movements. Here are just a few quick take aways from today's presenters.

"How difficult it is to find a place to belong." Erwin McManus cited the difficulty that many in the church and our culture have with the difference between proximity and intimacy. He said that we have learned "how to sit next to a stranger and make sure that they stay a stranger." He used lots of illustrations from riding in airplanes, something I can relate to!! There is a need in our world for real intimacy. McManus ended his remarks by challenging us to "stop trying to get popular in the Christian world and start doing something that matters."

Dave Ferguson outlined five keys to movements. Apostolic leadership. Shared dream. Gospel of Jesus (Good News). Genuine community. Rapid reproduction.

Communitas was the focus of a teaching by Alan Hirsch. He reminded us of the significance of liminal spaces for learning new things and gaining new perspectives, what he described as "learning in context, out of our comfort zone." Hirsch provided a harsh critique of the established church, declaring that "it doesn't like risk, and it avoids taking risks in the name of the safety of our children." This self-preservation actually produces the opposite of the desired results according to Hirsch. He urged leadership to understand part of its role as to introduce disequilibrium, to regulate stress, and to consider the skills that Ron Heifetz describes as adaptive leadership. He reminded us that one of the disciplines of leadership is to cast vision.

There is lots to think about at the end of this day, and another day and a half to go. One of the best parts of this year's event is that ten other Brethren are here, and we're having good sidebar conversations with one another, and building trust through relationships, another key to movements that we heard described.