For a film that hasn’t yet been released, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ has created more popular interest in Jesus, the Church and Christian theology than anything I can remember. Some Christians are calling this movie “perhaps the greatest opportunity” for evangelism in 2000 years. Others are calling it anti-Semitic and gory. What are we to think – and do?
One thing’s for sure: whether you decide the see the movie or not -- and whatever you think of it if and when you do -- people are going to be talking about it, and asking their Christian friends questions. Here are some thoughts for you to consider when they do:
1. Meet people where they are. If someone sees the movie, and says: “I was really moved; is that the way it really happened?” don’t launch into a detailed analysis of the synoptic gospels and the johannine community. Listen to them, and what they’re asking. They probably aren’t looking for a detailed theological answer; they’re probably looking for a conversation about what they’ve experienced.
2. If they are curious about what you think, don’t just do a movie review; tell them your own faith story, and why you love Jesus.
3. If they are troubled by what they see as Anti-Semitism, tell them what all faithful Christians from every tradition believe: Anti-Semitism is a sin, and that there is a positive Christian obligation to fight this sin. Be frank and confessional: Anti-Semitism is often “justified” by the Gospels, and by the Church’s complicity with an interpretation of the Gospels that created hatred for Jewish people. It was a sin then; it is a sin now. The Good News of Jesus is not a condemnation of anyone, and certainly not of his own people: it’s an invitation to new life for us all.
4. If they want to learn more, talk more, or read more, walk with them on that journey. (Maybe they do want to know a detailed analysis of the synoptic gospels and the johannine community!) And if they don't go to church, invite them to yours, where they can experience the living faith of the followers of Jesus the Christ.
There are many resources on the web and in print. Here are a few, especially related to the movie:
"The Passion" Study Guide by the “National Catholic Reporter”’s well-respected Vatican reporter John L Allen. It includes questions for discussion on a varietyof topics and a bibliography:
From “Beliefnet”, a variety of information and links:
Mars Hill Church, Seattle (one of the country’s largest mainly-GenX and Gen Y congregations) has several articles and sermons:
From the sponsors of Start Up!Start Over!, the next level of training is announced.
UPWARD BOUND
Leading Congregations Through Change, Decisions, and Conflict
Advanced Training for Congregational Development
May 24-28, 2004
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Transformational leadership begins with a transformed leader.
Upward Bound addresses the personal work leaders need to do in order to lead in challenging times of growth and change.
Upward Bound is for the congregational development leader who is ready to address the following situations:
· your primary goals are sabotaged by competing agendas
· emotional responses are disproportionate to the situation
· there is a negative force that drains time and emotional energy
· there is more going on than appears at the surface
· meetings end, but not everyone agrees what was decided
The work is personal, intensive, and transforming. During the five day training you will:
►Learn how to examine both a conflicted situation and your place in it.
►Explore your individual awareness of how you receive approval and support.
►Understand the different levels of needs and their implications for congregational behavior.
►Develop skills to stop participating in destructive games and negative cycles.
Upward Bound Advanced Congregational Development Training is designed for the primary congregational leader who has attended either a Start Up!Start Over! Congregational Development Seminar, another equivalent training, or has tangible experience in this work. The goal is to heighten your awareness and skills required to lead congregations in times of change and transition. The training is highly interactive, includes teaching, role-play, conversation, and personal reflection. You will be invited to carefully explore your individual awareness and competence, examine the congregational setting in which you lead, and apply new models of interpretation to effect change.
Space is limited to the first 35 registrants. Registration deadline April 21, 2004.
Upward Bound is sponsored by the Office of Congregational Development and coordinated in partnership with the Episcopal Church Building Fund. To learn more call 800-334-7626, ext. 6003 or download registration materials at: www.episcopalchurch.org/congdev/
Note: Upward Bound does not provide therapy or a private consultation. If you are currently involved in a seriously conflicted personal or professional situation an individual consultation may better serve your needs.
Here's an update on the conference scheduled for March 26-7 at St. Paul's Walnut Creek concerning evangelism and young adults...
Is Confirmation a graduation ceremony from your church?
Is the average age of your church leadership over 60?
Is your church reaching out to the “spiritual but not religious” in your community?
If you ever see people under the age of 30, do they stay in your church?
Is a high percentage of your church budget funded by Social Security?
Does your Episcopal Church minister to all 5 generations?
If your answer is YES to any or all of these questions, then you and your parish leadership need to participate in the upcoming conference…
ChurchNext:
Transforming Your Parish
Friday evening and all day Saturday, March 26th and 27th
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek
(925.934.2324)
Leading the conference will be the Rev. Dr. Eddie Gibbs, Professor of Church Growth at the Fuller Theological Seminary. A renowned author, Dr. Gibbs has presented numerous seminars on Church Growth for Episcopal churches and other groups across the U.S., Asia and Europe. An Anglican priest, Dr. Gibbs most recently served as Associate Rector for Discipleship at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills.
Look for more information in an upcoming announcement.
This just in about the Episcopal Church in 2002:
Parishes and Missions 7,305
Active Baptized Members 2,320,221
Net Change in Active Membership (2001-02) -8,201
Five Year % Change in Active Members (1997-02) -1%
Ten Year % Change in Active Members (1992-02) -4%
% of Churches Growing 10%+ in Membership (1997-02) 34%
% of Churches Declining 10%+ in Membership (1997-02) 35%
EPISCOPAL FAST FACTS: 2002
Parishes and Missions 7,305
Active Baptized Members 2,320,221
Net Change in Active Membership (2001-02) -8,201
Five Year % Change in Active Members (1997-02) -1%
Ten Year % Change in Active Members (1992-02) -4%
% of Churches Growing 10%+ in Membership (1997-02) 34%
% of Churches Declining 10%+ in Membership (1997-02) 35%
Total Average Sunday Worship Attendance (ASA) 846,640
Net Change in ASA (2001-02) -11,926
Five Year % Change in ASA (1997-02) +1%
Ten Year % Change in ASA (1992-02) +1%
% of Churches Growing 10%+ in ASA (1997-02) 31%
% of Churches Declining 10%+ in ASA (1997-02) 39%
Largest Membership--St. Michael & All Angels, Dallas 7,166
Number of Congregations with 10 Members or Less 82
Percent of Congregations with 200 Members or Less 53%
Percent of Congregations with 500 Members or More 18%
Median Active Baptized Members 185
Largest Average Sunday Attendance (ASA)--Christ, Plano 1,933
Number of Congregations with 10 or less ASA 234
Percent of Congregations with ASA of 100 or less 60%
Percent of Congregations with ASA of 300 or more 7%
Median Average Sunday Worship Attendance 79
Percent of Parish Clergy Female 27%
Percent of Senior/Solo Parish Clergy Female 21%
Percent of Parish Clergy Under Age 40 9%
Percent of Parish Clergy Age 50-60 49%
Median Age of Parish Clergy 53
Median Age of Female Parish Clergy 53
Average Pledge 1998 $1,430
Average Pledge 2002 $1,725
Total Plate & Pledge Income $1,201,827,228
Total Income $1,994,893,155
Total Expenses $2,090,536,512
Total Investments of Congregations $3,189,795,446
Percent of Members Female (Survey Based Data) 58%
Percent of Members Age 60+ (Survey Based Data) 38%