It takes a lot of courage to step away from something that appears to be working well to everyone on the outside because you believe it can actually be better. Glad you made the jump, and we are all benefitting from it!
Full disclosure, I am not up on the larger discussion of technology and Christianity specifically around things like the internet or AI. So take this with a grain of salt. It seems that there is a significant amount of discussion as the internet and AI are seen as things that distract or lead towards personal faith or community interactions. However, I don't see the discussion of the how the larger system interacts with technology. Specifically, the church has dealt with a similar (in terms of scope) disruption in the Reformation and the entire Protestant tradition is a result. Id say that similarly, the communication used by the church prior to the East-West schism was disrupted in part by the introduction of a new language and communication system (Latin). In these cases, most of us in this conversation would say that the disruption was a good thing as we are now in the new stream post adoption. What do you think?
I have had a similar disillusionment and began an online church. I affirm location churches and their vital impact on their local communities. I just have sought and developed an online experience of church. The focus of the church is incarnation of the Word in homes and families. The church is the online gathering of people from anywhere. I love it. We use Zoom to create community. I have been leading this church for 6 years. Check us out. Towardthedawn.org. Love to have you part of this “new wine skin “.
I’ve experienced a similar journey. I was a pastor for 10 years but the institutional anxiety of United Methodism pushed me out. Now I find church at open mics and ecstatic dances where many people are eager to talk about their spiritual journeys and Jesus.
It takes a lot of courage to step away from something that appears to be working well to everyone on the outside because you believe it can actually be better. Glad you made the jump, and we are all benefitting from it!
Full disclosure, I am not up on the larger discussion of technology and Christianity specifically around things like the internet or AI. So take this with a grain of salt. It seems that there is a significant amount of discussion as the internet and AI are seen as things that distract or lead towards personal faith or community interactions. However, I don't see the discussion of the how the larger system interacts with technology. Specifically, the church has dealt with a similar (in terms of scope) disruption in the Reformation and the entire Protestant tradition is a result. Id say that similarly, the communication used by the church prior to the East-West schism was disrupted in part by the introduction of a new language and communication system (Latin). In these cases, most of us in this conversation would say that the disruption was a good thing as we are now in the new stream post adoption. What do you think?
I have had a similar disillusionment and began an online church. I affirm location churches and their vital impact on their local communities. I just have sought and developed an online experience of church. The focus of the church is incarnation of the Word in homes and families. The church is the online gathering of people from anywhere. I love it. We use Zoom to create community. I have been leading this church for 6 years. Check us out. Towardthedawn.org. Love to have you part of this “new wine skin “.
Appreciate your voice and presence so much, Pastor Eugene! I still feel your absence in our church
Appreciate your transparency here!
There is something deeply holy and powerful about the ability to discern when enough is enough. Thank you for sharing this story, Eugene
I’ve experienced a similar journey. I was a pastor for 10 years but the institutional anxiety of United Methodism pushed me out. Now I find church at open mics and ecstatic dances where many people are eager to talk about their spiritual journeys and Jesus.
I would love to know more. I’m all about the transformation of what church can and should be for our time. RevDAlexander.substack.com
Thank you for the reminder!